Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 24

I opt to be the first one awake, mainly because I want to get out of this city and find our way to France as fast as possible. The longer we remain here, the longer we are a target and another town doesn't need to suffer for our presence. 

Verando found his way to the restroom in the night and was taking full advantage of the cool tile floor. I spy his naked form curled up with his back against the basin and shake my head as I cautiously lay a blanket over him. "And yet you still drink," I whisper to myself as I watch him for a moment, assure myself he is breathing, and depart to go to town to shop for some clothes for our group. 

While it would be ridiculous to travel in our royal wares, we need something more than nightgowns and underlayers, considering the man shredded a lot of our worn clothes from last night anyways.

It feels good to be alone as I wander through the inners of the city, picking up light clothes for the late summer heat that still look presentable as something one might wear to travel. I'm almost concerned about our appearance once we arrive in France but I can only figure that having Anuetta will offer enough validity to assure them we were actually chased from our castle. 

It's one of the first times I haven't been recognized and while it almost frightens me, it is a bit of a relief. I think back to his words, that he would love nothing more than to run off and leave these problems to someone else. 

It didn't seem possible at the time but the attraction of the idea was growing on me, even if I knew he was joking. I feel the fabric of one of the shirts and, of course, I linger on what I'd like to dress him in. What compliments his eyes and tan skin, what best to move in, what will he value enough to not destroy and actually remove before he shifts? 

It makes me smirk as I select a burgundy waistcoat coupled with a complimentary dark gray frock. I look forward to the expressions he'll make as I pack the items away into my various bags, maybe it wasn't such a good idea to go shopping on my own as I'd forgotten how much I enjoy it. I get various things for myself and the other members of my group as I conclude my adventure with an article of clothing I'm sure my Alpha will appreciate. 

I happily set my parcels down in our bedroom and hurriedly change into my new clothes, delighted to be rid of the peasant wear that practically lost me my title. "Are you alive?" I ask as I pull on my pants. 

"Unfortunately." He sighs, making his way out of the bathroom, his hair still wet from a bath. He hesitates when he sees our overflowing bed and gives him a hard look. "Really?"

"What? It's how I handle stress. We all needed clothes and I needed to unwind." I back up a few steps to look at myself in the full-length mirror across the room, pleased with my pants choice. "Do you know how long it's been since I've been able to pick out my own clothes and actually care how they looked? This is a rare opportunity and I won't let you ruin it for me." 

I grab the cream-colored long sleeve and slip it on, rolling up the sleeves to my elbows as I pull on the matte emerald waistcoat. "What do you think? Do I look fit to travel?"

His eyes scan over my body and I almost feel self-conscious as he makes his way over, resting his hands on my hips as he bends to kiss me. "Irresistible, yes. Travel? I've seen worse." 

I roll my eyes at him and hand him one of the bags. 

"Get dressed. You're awfully smart today for someone who was asleep on the floor." He makes a face at the pants and it brings me a great amount of joy. I busy myself as I near the mirror, running a hand through my hair as I watch him through the reflection. 

"Nic. Really. Did you size Reidy to get these?" His accent rolls out in his frustration but I turn to admire my handy work.

I approach with an innocent expression, helping him do up the button. "These fit you. You're welcome. You're always wearing leggings. These are pants. For adults." I smack him on the ass as I turn him around. "Yep. Leggings are nice but I do like these. Much more professional." If he could roll his eyes any harder he'd fall over.