I wake up to someone gently shaking me. I open my eyes to see Emmy smiling at me. I look around the room for Calder, but he’s nowhere to be seen. He was pretty thrown off guard when we talked. I don’t know if he is happy that I’m his soulmate or not. I know it was out of nowhere that he found out about me, but I can’t pretend it doesn’t hurt that he didn’t embrace me as his soulmate right away.
“Wake up sleepy head. The girls and I are taking you shopping today. We gathered some spare clothes for you, so you should be able to find something to wear till we can get you your own stuff. Meet us in the dining hall when you are ready.”
Emmy leaves the room, and I get up to ruffle through the pile of clothes she has left me at the foot of the bed. I don’t want to get out of Calder’s hoodie because it smells like him, but I know I can’t walk around the manor in just Calder’s hoodie. I pick a black pair of leggings that I pair with a teal tunic top, I slip on a simple pair of black flats, and head downstairs.
Brie, Emmy, Alice, and Avery are sitting down eating eggs, bacon, and toast. They offer me a plate, and I happily take it. I’m starving. After we are done eating, we all pile into Alice’s car, and head to the nearest mall. I don’t know much about shopping since I’ve spent most of my life in my phoenix form, but the girls assure me they will help me.
I can’t believe I’m nervous about shopping for clothes, and spending time with the girls. They are being very kind to me and are including me in their conversation. I don’t know if they know I’m Calder’s soulmate or not, I don’t know what he has told them.
We get to the mall, and the girls drag me to several stores. I end up with bras, panties, jeans, leggings, shirts, tank tops, nightgowns, shorts, a jacket, shoes, and even some jewelry. I’m fairly tired when we are done shopping. Emmy got some new clothes for herself, she isn’t really showing yet, but she insists some of her clothes feel tight. We quickly realize there is no arguing with the pregnant lady.
After shopping we stop at a Mexican restaurant for food. I have to admit I’m really having fun with the girls. The nervousness I was feeling earlier isn’t there anymore. I’m glad that I feel welcomed into their group, but I still can’t fully get my mind off of Calder. I’m worried he will reject me. What if Calder doesn’t want me?
“So Kyndle it’s nice to have another girl in our group,” Brie comments. “Plus, now I’m not the only redhead,” Brie jokes.
“Yeah, it’s cool to have someone else in our group, but why did you wait so long to tell us you were a shifter? I mean we’ve been treating you like a damn animal.” Alice is blunt.
“There was never a right time. I tried to tell Calder a few times, but something always got in the way. It was never my intention to keep it from him, or any of you. It just happened. Um, did Calder tell you guys anything about me?” I ask with shyness in my voice.
“He told us that you’re his soulmate,” Emmy answers. “So that means you and I are sisters.” Emmy smiles sweetly at me.
“Yeah, I guess we are. Well, providing Calder doesn’t reject me.”
“Well, he’s fucking stupid if he does. You’re hot,” Alice compliments me.
“Thanks.”
“Calder just needs time to process things. He’s got a lot on his plate right now, but I can tell he cares about you. I don’t think he will reject you; he just needs time to process everything. He risked his life to come rescue you, and you saved his life, if it wasn’t for you my brother would be dead, so thanks for that,” Emmy smiles at me, she has been all smiles lately ever since she found out she is pregnant.
“I just did what any of us would have done for our soulmate.” I offer a smile so that they don’t see my worry.
We eat so much food for lunch, but it’s all so good that we can’t help but stuff our faces. After eating we head back home to the manor. I go to my room to put my things away and return the pile of clothes back to the girls. I decide I want a warm bath. I take Calder’s hoodie with me in the bathroom, I’ve decided I want to sleep in it. I grab a pair of panties to wear once I’m done with my bath.
The big soaking tub fills with warm water. I add some bath salts to the tub, the bathroom is stocked with all kinds of things. I make sure I grab a washcloth, soap, and stuff to wash my hair with, I set everything on the side of the tub so I can grab it once I’m in. As soon as the tub was filled with water, I let my body sink into the lavender smelling water. I close my eyes to relax. This is what I need, a nice warm bath to calm my nerves.