Chapter 2

The morning dawned way to quickly for my taste. I had barely slept all night, all I could think of was kissing Riley, and shopping, sometimes both at the same time. I threw the covers back with a groan and got up out of bed.

I grabbed another set of clothes and headed to the shower. I must admit taking a shower every day was real nice. Before, I was lucky if I got one once a month, weekly was unlikely, and daily was a definite no-no.

After Devie had gotten my consent to go shopping, she had turned the music back on, and we had attacked the bedroom and bathroom. I should have been exhausted after doing all of the scrubbing, but I still had not been able to go to sleep.

I took a hot shower but turned it to cold so that maybe it would help me wake up. All it did was cause me to yelp and shiver.

I stepped out with another shiver and quickly wrapped a towel around myself and my hair. I looked at myself in the mirror for the second day in a row. I saw that my face and body were impossibly thinner than yesterday. I was now slim, something that was a nice change.

My breasts were perkier, not any smaller, just a lot perkier. The wounds looked like months old scars. I tried to look at my butt again but still couldn't make out if it was any perkier either. My tummy was nice and almost flat, something I had never seen.

I grabbed the panties and slipped them on. They were baggy on me today. I guess it was a good thing I was getting new clothes today. I sighed and slipped on the rest of the clothes, which were all baggy on me now. I frowned as I tried to think of something to use as a belt to keep the shorts on.

I went into the bedroom to try to find a belt, a string, anything that would work.

I jumped when a knock sounded on the bedroom door, then relaxed when I saw Devie poke her head in.

"Hey hon, how are you this morning?" She asked. I shrugged my shoulders and motioned to my shorts. "I'd be OK, I think, despite the lack of sleep, if it wasn't for these shorts being too big for me now. Do you have any thread or something to fix these?" I looked up at her.

She looked thoughtful for a moment, and then it looked like a light bulb went off, and she darted off to only return a moment later. She came towards me with what looked like a twist tie from a loaf of bread. "I got an idea," was all she said. She proceeded to grab at two of the belt loops on my shorts, pulled them together, and then tied it with the tie.

It looked like a hack job, but it worked. I was no longer in fear of my shorts falling off. I smiled.

"Cool, now that that is settled, we can go to breakfast. I am starving," Devie announced. I looked at her quizzically. "Go to breakfast? We're not eating here like yesterday?"

She grinned, "Nope. Today we are going out into the wide unknown and eating." She actually cackled.

My eyes widened in shock and sudden fear. I don't know how to be in public. I couldn't remember a time I ever was in public, if I even ever had been. My world consisted of 4 walls for the last sixteen years. Even though I had gone out into the wide world when I ran away, I was so focused on getting away I didn't pay attention to anything else.

I was terrified. The only thing I could cling to was Devie, and I hope she didn't let me down.

She led me outside, and for the first time, I was out in the open air, feeling the sun beaming down onto my cooled from the inside flesh. It was bright, very bright and very hot. I was instantly sweating.

She quickly ushered me to a little white sporty car. It hinted at fast and dangerous things. Despite my misgivings, I immediately liked it.

She opened the passenger door for me, and I slid in. The seats were doe soft leather and hugged me. The dash looked like something out of an airplane, all gadgety and stuff. She slid in beside me and showed me to buckle up. Once we were both buckled up, she put the car in gear, and off we went.

If memory served from past TV shows, there should be speed limits, but Devie drove as if no such thing existed. I didn't mind, it was exhilarating. Though, her shouting and cussing at the drivers who got in her way was a bit scary. The scenery past by so quickly that I couldn't take everything in.

Far too soon, we arrived at our destination. A place called Denny's. If the smells coming from the building were any indication, it was going to be delicious.

We got out of the car and headed inside. A woman greeted us with menu's in her hand and a cheerfully fake smile.

"Just the two of you today?" She asked with a chirp.

Devie shook her head no and held up three fingers. The woman nodded and grabbed another menu. Then led us to a booth near the front of the restaurant, but Devie quickly told the girl we'd like something in the back. The girl turned and led us to the back. I wondered who the third person was. Part of me hoped it was Riley, but the other part didn't want to face him yet. I hadn't seen the other person who was to guard me, so maybe it was him.

Devie motioned for me to take the seat that was against the wall, and she took the one that left her back to the room. She slid in and sat sideways so she had a view of the room.

I didn't understand why she had me sit facing the room, when she should have taken that spot. It wasn't until I noticed a small commotion up near the front that I understood.

It was Riley. Yay, yet damn.

I felt my jaw drop and was afraid drool would start pooling out of my mouth when I caught sight of him. He was absolutely gorgeous, and I wasn't the only one to notice neither. All the women in the restaurant were staring and even some of the men.

He was dressed in black slacks, with a black tank top and over that a red silk shirt that was left unbuttoned. It gave teasing glimpses of his tattoos, just enough to make you want to undress him and see where they all lead. His long black hair was loose and pulled back in the front. He completed the gorgeous look with a pair of wraparound sunglasses, which seemed to be looking at me.

I heard a snicker, and I shot Devie a glare as I closed my mouth and acted like I didn't notice him. Which was extremely hard to do since I could almost feel him getting closer. It was as if I had a tuning fork and it was always tuned to him. It was weird. How could I be so attuned to him?

He slid into the booth next to me. I glanced at him before glaring at Devie again and slid as far over as I could. I didn't want to touch him. I was afraid to touch him.

He took off his sunglasses and looked around before looking at Devie, then me, and then back to her again. "Morning, ladies. How are you today?"

"I'm great, looking forward to shopping, even if it isn't for myself," she grinned.

I mumbled and shrugged, and was saved by answering more clearly by the arrival of the waitress. She couldn't take her eyes off of Riley, and I couldn't blame her, because despite myself, I kept glancing at him out of the corner of my eyes. He was a sight to behold.

"What would you all like to drink?" the besotted waitress asked us, without looking away from Riley. I didn't like the way she was looking at him, as if he was a meal she was going to devour. I felt something rise inside me, something that didn't like her staring at Riley. It felt like it was right beneath my skin, stretching my flesh to come out and gouge out her eyes. I had no idea what it was, but it felt like something else lived in my skin.

I let out a small moan at the intensity of the feeling. It was most painful and intense. I don't know what it was, but it wanted out. I felt a growl leave my throat as I looked at the girl, who finally took her attention off of Riley when I growled. I lunged at her, and if it hadn't been for the steel band suddenly around my waist, I would have reached her and bit her face off.

"Oh my god, look at her eyes." The girl exclaimed in stupefied shock. Devie quickly told her what we would drink and that we needed a few more minutes to consult the menu. She seemed completely unaware of the danger she was potentially in, stupid girl.

The girl went away, looking back a couple times as she did so. I struggled at the arms holding me to Riley's side, desperate to reach the girl and teach her not to stare at something that didn't belong to her. He was mine, dammit.

I felt lips and words being said against my hair in a soothing voice. I didn't want to be soothed, I wanted to hunt, to rend, to ruin, but Riley persisted on speaking to me softly and soothingly. It slowly started to work. I didn't know what he said, but it calmed me, and whatever was in me down.

It wasn't until I had calmed down enough that I understood what he was saying. He had been whispering over and over, 'it's OK, I am yours and you are mine.'

What did he mean by that? He was mine and I was his? I didn't understand. I don't know if I wanted to understand. But for some strange reason, what he said made sense. I was completely confused and didn't like it.

I reluctantly pulled away from him, and he was just as reluctant to let me go. Once I was on my side of the booth again, he grabbed my hand and held it between us under the table. I tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let me. After a few attempts, I gave up and just let him hold it. Besides, I didn't want to admit to him or myself that I liked it.

I turned my attention to Devie, "What happened? Why did I want to attack her?" She looked at me then at Riley, who I noticed out of the corner of my eye give a slight nod. "Well, because you are a new wolf for one, and it's harder to control when you are new. Also, because you felt she was encroaching on your territory."

I shook my head, "my territory?" I didn't understand, but I had an inkling.

"Me," Riley stated. Fear realized.

I looked at him wide eyed. "You? How can that be? You're not territory and you are not mine."

He shook his head, "You're still thinking like a human. A wolf is possessive of those they consider their mates and their family."

"Mates? What do you mean 'mates'?" I demanded. At this point, Devie got up and left us alone. Saving her hide perhaps. I glared after her, mad she had left me alone without an answer.

Riley sighed and turned towards me in the booth. He took both of my hands and looked at me with an intent yet earnest expression.

"Mates or life mates as they are called, are those who are best suited to each other. Those whose like calls to like. The other half of your soul. Like us, we are meant to be together."

"Together? I'm sorry, I am confused. What do you mean together? Living together? Friends for life or something?" I just couldn't grasp what he meant, or I didn't want to. I didn't know, but I was terrified.

His brow furrowed, "together as a man and woman should be."

My eyes widened in shock. Did he mean as man and wife? Holy hell, I wasn't expecting that. Heck, I don't think I ever expected to end up with a man. It was a foreign concept to me. I don't know if I liked the idea or not. Though it could be nice to kiss again. I blushed at the thought.

"You mean, 'as a man and wife' type together? Isn't that a bit weird seeing as we've only known each other a few days?" I asked.

"Most mates know one another as soon as their eyes meet. I had a feeling you were mine when I found you, but I thought it was my imagination. Until last night. I wasn't sure until I kissed you. Everything seemed right, meant to be, I knew you were mine."

I tried to look away, but he wouldn't let me. He gently grabbed my chin and kept me from looking away. "Tell me you haven't felt it? Felt when I am near, felt right with me?" He demanded.

I closed my eyes but quickly opened them again when he gave my head a small shake. Looking into his face, I knew he was. I nodded and hoped I hadn't bitten off more than I could chew. After all, I was new to this outside world. I just prayed I didn't regret jumping into this so quickly, whatever this was.

He leaned closer to me, still holding my chin, and lightly brushed his lips against mine. "It will all be fine. This is meant to be. I won't rush you. We will take this a step at a time until you are ready." He promised. I nodded again, staring at his throat and hoping we didn't take it a step at a time.

Devie came back to the table at the same time as the waitress who stared at me warily. Riley looked at the waitress and told her we still needed a few minutes. She nodded. This time she didn't even look at Riley as if he were her dinner. She acted more like he was hideous, which was fine with me.

He motioned to my menu, "Go on, look and see what you would like to have. My treat." He smiled at me, and I nearly swooned. I turned my attention to the menu.

Everything looked delicious. I had no idea what to choose. "I don't know what to get, it all looks good," I complained. Devie and Riley chuckled. "Would you like me to pick something for you since I have been here before and know what is good and not so good?" Riley asked. I sighed, bit my lip, and nodded.

He smiled again and motioned to the waitress. Once she arrived, he and Devie gave the orders, and away the girl went. Riley leaned back and rested an arm around on the back of the bench seat. The tips of his fingers just grazed my shoulder. I felt him softly stroking the skin exposed by my own tank top, and it sent quivers down my spine.

Despite myself, I felt myself leaning against him. I couldn't help it. It felt like the right thing to do, not to mention safe. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me close.

"Awww, aren't you two cute?" Devie cooed. I glared at her, and Riley shot her a bird. She just laughed. She turned a little more serious, "did you bring the suburban or the jeep?" she asked Riley.

"I brought the suburban, I didn't know how much crap you'd insist she needed."

"With you paying, you'd be lucky if it wasn't the whole store." She joked.

"I won't be surprised," he said dryly.

"Wait, how do I pay you back for this? I don't have any money except for the few dollars I took from Mother." I demanded.

"You don't have to pay me back for this. This is what wolves do, they help those who need it. Besides, I am happy to do this for you." He leaned over and nuzzled my hair, causing me to shiver and sigh. "I can't let you do that, I have to pay you back somehow."

He frowned slightly, "No need. It's a done deal."

"I can't let you buy for me if I can't pay you back. It isn't right."

He let out a soft growl, and it didn't scare me at all. In fact, it affected me in the same way his touch and kisses did. "Don't you growl at me. I did nothing wrong. It is only proper to pay one back for helping them out when they need it." I scolded, surprising myself for doing so. What the heck was I doing? I knew better than to back talk. I cringed inside, waiting for a hit that never came.

He let out a startled laugh, "OK, OK, you win. You can pay me back." He leaned close and whispered in my ear, "you can pay me back by trusting me and giving us the opportunity to let the mate relationship work."

I turned and looked at him, causing us to be a hairsbreadth from kissing. I figured this was going to be the best deal I was going to get from him. I could tell he was stubborn. I nodded.

He smiled and leaned just that little bit closer and kissed me, and this was no peck on the lips. I parted my lips at the insistence of his, and his tongue explored my mouth. I leaned closer and placed my hand on his chest. I lost myself in him, completely forgetting about Devie and the fact we were in a restaurant.

Devie cleared her throat, and we reluctantly parted, he rested his forehead against mine, and we just stared at each other and breathed each other in. We only parted completely when our food was brought to us.

We ate in silence. I didn't even know what he ordered or how it tasted. I was so deep in thought of this mate thing and trying to understand it as well as come to terms with something that was so fantastical. How do you come to terms with something like this? I had no clue, but I guess all I could do is try. It couldn't be bad, could it?

The waitress came back and took our plates as well as orders for dessert. I again let Riley order for me. I tried to break the silence, "so, ummm, what are we going to do exactly at the store?"

Riley looked to Devie to answer, and so she did with a bit more enthusiasm then I expected. "Well, you need clothes, everything from underwear to outerwear, shoes, and all sorts of girlie things." Why did 'girlie things' sound so ominous? I blinked owlishly at her.

Riley added, "plus, you could use a few things at the shack till you are comfortable enough to eventually move in with me." Move in with him? Oh holy hell, I didn't even think about that. What would I do living with a man? How do you even live with one? Are they safe or smelly mean ogres in their own home?

Our desserts were brought to us along with the check. Devie had a sundae, and Riley had gotten both of us a cheesecake. I had never had cheesecake. I hoped I liked it. I took a bite and moaned in delight. It was the best thing I had ever had. I quickly took another bite and savored it. Riley and Devie both laughed at how I was reacting. I ignored both of them and focused completely on my little slice of heaven.

I finished my cheesecake with regret. Wishing I had more, but knowing I shouldn't overdo it. I looked over at Devie, and she was just finishing her dessert as well. I felt rather than saw movement to my right, and I turned my head to look. It was Riley holding a piece of his cheesecake in front of my lips. I looked at him as I took the offered bite. I moaned softly, and the only way I knew it affected him was by the way his eyes went from black to wolf amber.

I pulled back, and we just eyed each other for a few moments before Riley turned back to his plate. He had been sweet enough to give me his last bite.

Riley cleared his throat. "So, ladies, are we ready to go? Duke will get your car Devie, so you don't need to worry about it."

"Duke better take care of my baby. Last time he dented the bumper." Devie muttered.

Devie slid out of the booth, then Riley. He turned towards me and held out his hand. I took it hesitantly, and he helped pull me up to my feet. I came to my feet and found myself full length against his body. Despite our height difference, we fit together like a glove. I looked up at him, and he leaned down and placed a kiss against my nose. I found myself smiling. He returned my smile.

He then placed several bills on the table, and we left. He led us to a huge black SUV. It looked like it could hold ten people comfortably. He opened the back passenger door for Devie, then held open the front passenger one for me. The step up seemed huge to my short stature. I looked at the huge SUV, daunted by its size. Riley placed his hands on my waist and lifted me up into the truck.

I was a lot higher up than I was in Devie's little car. I could see a lot of my surroundings. The sun was still very bright to my eyes. I hope I can adjust to it soon. It was annoying squinting at everything.

Riley hopped up next to me, smiled at me, and started the car. He set it in gear, and away we went.

I was nervous about this. I had a feeling it was going to be a lot different from the restaurant. But I had to do this, not just because I needed clothes, but I couldn't always stay inside. That would be defeating the purpose of running away. If I was never to go out, then I should have just stayed there.

I watched the scenery go by, noting all the types of businesses and people that were out and about. I never thought I would get to see something like this. It was amazing. I loved every bit of it that I saw. At one point, I found myself pressing my nose against the window, watching one of those skinny flapper guys dancing around. It amused me greatly.