Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)-Chapter 16 - The Wolf That Keeps On Giving

Chapter 16: Chapter 16 - The Wolf That Keeps On Giving
When I took the card from her, my fingers brushed hers again. That same
complicated
electric sensation passed between us... with the same moment of being on tenterhooks over what was
going to happen
to me.
> Will you stop being so excited? It's making me judge my own feelings. <
Her brown eyes grow
orange
when she's about to shift... and flicker like a candle when she's holding it back. I shouldn't be letting myself find that so
intriguing
.
But I was never very good at
listening
to people telling me
not to do something
just because it was a little dangerous. Including myself.
"I want to clarify that taking this does not mean I am agreeing to anything else. Is this acceptable to you?"
The closed lip smile she gave me was controlled and professional... calm
on the surface
. To
hide
either her disappointment or excitement over what I said, I cannot tell.
Even wanting to know which of the two it is must surely be the
pull
of this unperformed
mate mark
nonsense. After all, I shouldn't care more... than whether I will be safe to escape soon or not.
"If you're happy with that, then it is acceptable."
Something in her brown eyes suggested she understood precisely what was being
negotiated
between us by my question.
Not just use of her funds she offered without strings. But the careful preservation of my
autonomy
.
As well as the balance of trust I am letting her bank... that she hopes to continue storing away in me. I look down and pay some of that back
upfront
, in a quiet voice.
"...Thank you."
Perhaps more than anything else in these few minutes - a few minutes that has burned through my energy and drained my willpower more than
all these days
in this world - is that perception and willingness of hers to notice and wait... that has made me wonder who exactly
Kyrie Voss
really is.
> Why is a female Alpha of a werewolf pack in this world so willing to even engage in the merest idea of her fated mate being another she-wolf. You are genderless, but we are not. <
My wolf of course has
no answer
. But, that does not seem normal to me... even coming from a vixen used to sneaking into the
boudoir
of rich daughters.
Another word that is strange to know...
More and more, I'm surprised at the ability of a
human mind
to remember things they've only heard a couple times. Though it is a
little frightening
that my spirit is starting to pick them out of her memories so quickly.
How much will being here
in this world
, having access to Helene's memories, affect me if I ever return? Or if
someone
marks me... or the contract I've already made.
While my overwhelmed mind wanders in worry about this, she backs away behind the curtain quickly and returns with a small
something
. She twists it in her fingers before sighing and looking at me as if she is uncomfortable.
> Will you stop suggesting I go nuzzle her to make her feel better?! <
This wolf is so
shameless
!
"Since you are taking that from me..."
Kyrie begins to say something as she holds up the
small device
. My stomach tightens instantly.
There's always a condition, always a hook
hidden beneath
the generosity in people. I brace myself for whatever demand is incoming. Or whatever
threat
.
"...will you please allow me to schedule an appointment for you? At the spa I mentioned before."
She pauses while examining my face, which has in all likelihood shifted from guarded to confused in a pretty
comical
fashion. Which I do
not
find that funny. Her hand quickly raises up in a calming motion.
"I promise it will be the last thing I try... for today."
The tension in me slowly eases as she looks at me with
hope
, though I'm still wary. About taking more. About being led to a
specific location
of her choosing.
"A spa..."
I repeat the term slowly, letting the idea settle. Helene only knows the general idea and has
never
been to one. But her knowledge is enough to picture being
clean
.
Being
pampered
.
There are times that I hated the attention of our
royal servants
, but never have I been so long without...
anyone
to rely on for anything.
"Yes. It's the best in the city. Frankly, the best in this part of the country. They're well known for their discretion... and privacy."
She shows off the small device again and I realize this time what it is. A
white
colored 'wireless earpiece'.
"One call, and you'll have priority treatment. No waiting. Taking as long or as little time there as you want or need."
I can't help but feel a
flash of irritation
at how easily she wields such luxuries as gifts. But for that brief jealous moment, I can't tell if it was because I once wielded similar privilege... or because she seems so
practiced
at giving out the things a woman would want.
> No, I am not going to nip at her so she knows not to pay attention to others. What is wrong with you? <
With a bit of a
sneer
that is more to assert
my independence
than because I'm genuinely considering refusing, I ask her something.
"And if I decline this offer?"
Yet despite my
arrogance
, this Alpha
calmly
gives a slight shrug.
"Then you decline. The card is yours to use regardless."
I look for deception, but find
none
. Just that same
restrained
intensity. Like a snowstorm barely contained behind the glass outside of a forest cabin.
Me, the
petulant
child looking out at the weather. Refusing to think of the
fun
I could have when things calm down - and only considering how they are stuck inside right now.
> Why am I being so
difficult
? Is it because I'm
hungry
? <
"Fine, make your call."
The decision is partially driven by
practicality
. This body needs proper care, especially now that it carries a child. And I need to look
presentable
if I'm to navigate this world effectively.
A hot shower will get me clean enough for that, but the rest?
My hair
... I'm not accustomed to taking care of it myself. She mentioned they have
clothes
that I need.
I could at least shop for that myself. With this card. Spend the day visiting multiple places.
But...
> I'd rather just go eat and then I can decide whether to actually follow her plan or not. <
Seeing that I've agreed again to her '
too good not to take'
offer... Kyrie nods once. Then the
CEO
becomes all 'efficiency'.
A
slip
of the earpiece over her ear. The slightest turn away from facing me.
She gives the impression of creating a small
professional
boundary. Or merely to minimize confusion over who she is
talking
to?
"Claire? I need a full service appointment."
My breath hitches and fingers clutch tight to the still
slightly warm
piece of plastic I'd taken from her. The body heat trapped in her suit was cooling slowly from it and being
replaced
with mine.
Her voice... changed. I only
thought
she was being domineering before, but my legs shake again. Every syllable held an even more
authoritative bite
that I hadn't heard from her speaking to me.
"Yes. Crystalline Spa. Within an hour. Priority."
> If she'd used that tone on me, I wouldn't have had any chance. <
My wolf wags its tail... and I just know it would '
rat me out'
if it could only connect directly with hers. The
rodent shifters
would not be happy to learn their kind is seen as untrustworthy here.
For a
long few seconds
, she appears to be listening to the other person talk. But those
brown eyes
drift back to look at me. Like she can sense the change in my mood.
"Yes. Everything is fine. Single booking. Under my name."
The sheer
effectiveness
of that gaze as she speaks that way causes me to tilt my head and meet it head on. It's not important whether I feel like
swooning
or not - the key is that I don't!
"It's done. They'll be expecting you."
The tone changes again as she finishes the
simple sounding
interaction with... what I assume must be a
private secretary
. I take a steadying breath.
"And how exactly am I supposed to find this place? I'm good with directions. I just need the general location."
Nervously tapping the bank card against my other palm, I check on the status of the various
system glyphs
. Goddesses, almost every single one is pulsing...
"Seventh Avenue, just past the intersection with Lunar Drive. You won't be able to miss it."
When I let the map
take over
the center of my vision, almost immediately, a red marker appears. I thought it might only note this
intersection
she detailed, but it seems to be a little ways off from a crossroads.
Convenient
. It knows where other people are talking about leading me. Is it stealing that information
from their heads
or somewhere else?
"I know what I said, but would you like me to arrange transportation? It's about twenty five blocks from here."
The pack leader of the Rimecoat offers - and I shake my head. There was such a thing as too much. I probably have already long
crossed
that, but I will not add more weight to my sins!
Nor should I let her think that continuing to push and push will
make
me agree.
"I've been walking for days on end. What's another hour at this point?"
Apparently, a line like that was the way to make her
stop
being so calm.