Page 18 of Unknowingly Adopting the Alpha
“You want new carpets in every room?” It wasn’t my home, so I didn’t really have any say in it, but carpets weren’t good for my sensitive nose and I much preferred wooden flooring if he expected wolf cuddles here often.
“No carpets,” he quickly replied. “I want wooden flooring, but I don’t know the state the floors are in until the carpets are gone. After seeing them, I’ll know what next steps to take.”
Feeling pleased by that, I nodded. “Then let’s get to town.”
We made one quick stop at my place for some actual clothes and shoes, with Cass staying behind in his car. Then we drove into the center of town. I knew where everything was and Cassseemed pleased by that. Gently seeking his hand, I quickly retracted, hiding both my hands away in my pockets. I was already regretting telling him we would be friends and not more. My whole body ached to touch him; to claim him. I’d at least been able to scent mark him, something I would have to do daily to appease my wolf instincts.
Jolene from the flower shop eyed us as we passed and I gave a short nod in greeting. She was in her forties and knew of us shifters, but wasn’t one herself. She respected us, but kept her distance.
“It’s so cold!” Cass whined, shivering. “I definitely need a warmer jacket, and some gloves, too.”
“It wasn’t this cold where you lived before?” I asked, quelling the urge to warm him with my body.
“Not like this, and to think we’re only hours away is crazy! But I weirdly love the whole seasons thing. It was one of the many things I looked forward to living here.” He sounded wistful, and it made me smile. Something so normal to me was a thing to look forward to for Cass.
“Jaspar’s shop is just around the corner,” I said, steering us in that direction. “He’s the one we go to for jackets, shoes, and headwear. I think he sells gloves, too, but I haven’t used gloves since I was a child so I’m not sure about those.”
“Because you’re warm enough as an adult?”
“No, it’s just more of a hassle to strip so much off when I need to shift, and sometimes we need to do that fast,” I explained.
“Huh, that actually makes sense. What about laced boots then?”
I laughed. “I hate those things, we all do. I prefer winter shoes I can just stick my feet into, it makes it harder to walk on uneven terrain, but it’s worth it for the quick shifting.”
After buying a jacket, two pairs of gloves, and one knitted beanie, we walked toward the local diner. It was my favorite place to eat in town, and I wanted to share it with Cass.
“Warmth,” Cass breathed once we were inside.
I chuckled and walked us over to one of the booths by the window. “Here,” I said, taking his jacket. “You’ll thank yourself once we go outside again.”
I slid my own jacket off and sat opposite him.
“So,” he eyed the diner with a soft smile. “This is where you prefer to eat?”
I nodded. “It’s like eating at a family member’s place, for me at least. I’ve been coming here since I was old enough to remember.”
“I love that,” he grinned. “Any dish you think I should start with?”
“Depends on your mood, but I’ll order us a little of everything.” I winked, waving Loren over to us.
“Jeremy!” he cheered, approaching our table and then grabbing my shoulder with a squeeze. “It’s been what, a whole week since last we saw you?”
Laughing, I nodded. “To think I didn’t starve.”
“That is a mystery,” he grinned.
“This is Cass, he’s new in town,” I gestured to Cass. “Cass, this is Loren, he’s the server and is married to the cook, Loretta.”
“Nice to meet you, son, it's always good to have new faces around here.”
“I love it already,” Cass beamed, gesturing to the street outside. “I can’t wait to eat here when it’s snowing.”
“Me neither,” I smiled. “Loretta makes the best Christmas dishes! They're all different in their own way, but equally delicious.”
“That she does,” Loren nodded. “So, what can I get for you two?”
After I’d ordered everything, Loren went back inside the kitchen.
