The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 13

Suddenly, I feel a presence behind me. Ryker lets out a heavy sigh and sits down next to me, dangling his legs over the ledge. 

"Ryker, I'm sorry I ran off. I panicked and didn't know what to do." I explain. 

"Do you want to talk about it? Mia mentioned what she said," he says.

"How am I supposed to come to terms with shifting into a wolf, shifting into something I've always feared since I was seven years old? I don't want to meet my wolf, Ryker. I don't want to shift," I cry. Ryker places his arm around me and pulls me close. His nose nuzzles my neck and sends tingles through my body. 

"Astrid, I want to help you conquer your fears. On your first shift, I will be by your side. I will help you transition through it. I won't lie, the first time is the worst, but it gets easier. I promise to help you through it," he says, tucking my hair behind my ear.

I nod and rest my head on his shoulder, silently taking in the view of Shadow Crest. 

"If you're ready, we can go to the shopping strip. I'd like you to meet some people." 

"Okay, let's go," I smile. 

"Let's try Medley's clothing store," Ryker says. He opens the door and a bell chimes. 

"Welcome to Medleys. How can I help you? Oh. Alpha Ryker," the sales assistant says, bowing her head. 

"What an honour to have you in my store. It's been a while," she gives him a platonic, friendly wink.

"And who do we have here?" She smiles while looking me up and down. 

"Astrid, I'd like you to meet Medley. She is the owner here and will help you pick out some clothes," he says smiling, "and Medley, this is your Luna, Astrid," he tells Medley.

Medley's jaw drops on Luna, and she bows her head. 

"I'm sorry. I did not know Alpha had found his mate. How did Alice and Vanessa react to the news?" She asks. Ryker looks at me, then back at Medley. 

"Alice found out this morning, so she will probably inform Vanessa that the agreement is no longer happening today." 

"Right. Well then, Luna, if you'd like to come this way, with me, into the change rooms, and we'll try on some clothes," she says.

Following Medley, I ask Ryker, "who is Vanessa'? 

"She is just a friend who has always had a crush on me, but I wouldn't worry yourself over it too much," he says. 

"These are the clothes I've chosen. You can take them to the counter with the undergarments you're holding," I say.

Following Medley to the cash register, she scans the items and places them into shopping bags. 

"Is there anything else you need, Astrid?" Ryker asks as he pulls his gold card out to pay. 

"Maybe a nightie to sleep in, but I don't know if there are any in this store."

"There are a few other clothing stores we can go to," he says. I nod, and we leave the store. Ryker insists he carries the bags. 

We pass the next couple of shops and go into a nightwear store full of pyjamas and nighties. 

"Alpha, it's a pleasure to have you here. What do I owe the pleasure?" The sales assistant says before looking at me. 

"Daisy, this is Astrid, my mate. Astrid, this is Daisy," he says.

"Oh! We finally have a Luna! The elders must be so thrilled! And you, of course, Alpha!"She walks over to me and hugs me. I flinch as she squeezes me. Then, I cry out in pain.