Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 109 - Talking Supplies With A Hormonal Spirit

Chapter 109: Chapter 109 - Talking Supplies With A Hormonal Spirit

Moving through the aisles toward the clothing area, I lingered at a display of climbing equipment. One entry in the journal had mentioned a particular cache [suspended twenty feet up to keep it from the curious and the wild].

It didn’t say what it was ’up’... it could be a tree or a rock face. But either way, it is unlikely that I can climb and lower it down safely without risking its contents. For that, I asked Mike a handful of vague questions.

Then he helped me select several lengths of ’high strength rated’ climbing rope, a handful of strong ’carabiners’, and gloves to protect Helene’s hands from rope burns. I thought about claiming I already had a set... but it felt less suspicious to just go along with it.

> The way I’m dressed and the questions I’ve already asked make it seem like an amatuer. Not that I think he could immediately jump to the real reason I’d refrain. You being able to heal any wounds like that... or that I’ll probably be in our hybrid form in the first place! <

Vrika isn’t in the best mood for some reason, merely huffing at me. Was it the scorpions earlier? Is it holding a grudge about that? Petty.

My gaze wandered to the camping section as we passed by. So many tents in varying sizes were displayed and surrounded by sleeping bags, portable stoves, and other wilderness essentials.

"Looks like a very clean, indoor campsite."

"Haha, yeah, that’s the goal. Give customers enough look at the products to make it seem shiny while letting them better picture themselves using it. Without the insects, dirt, pollen, and wild bears."

Helene’s memories also provided some context - the Duskpaw did use tents when going to be away from their cabin housing. Simply because such equipment was preferable to laying out in the rain or morning mists.

A compacttwo-person tent caught my eye-

> Because I didn’t think the singles would fit a single stretched out wolf, not because I was thinking of two people sharing it! <

The suddenly raised mood made me realize the silly creature was just bored and missing... ugh, anyway. The canvas was designed with a pattern that would blend with forest environments, utilized lightweight aluminum poles for structure, and had a waterproof floor.

"That’s our Moontrail Duo. Packs down almost as small as a bedroll. Popular with through-hiking couples."

When it came to the price tag... that made me wince. Nothing as much as I am about to spend on the container, but it is still the price of quite a number of meals. And that’s starting to make me wonder just how much I’ve spent on food, in total, since I arrived.

> Better not to question that until it comes time to pay down. Her bank is sure to have records. <

I couldn’t deny its practical value. If I needed to leave Vossden quickly, having a shelter that didn’t rely on either bringing out the storage container from the Stash, to perhaps sleep in, or on finding a spot away from prying eyes to curl up... could be useful.

"It looks interesting. Perhaps another time."

"Come back for it anytime if you change your mind. We keep a good stock of them through this time of year."

He finally guided me all the way toward the clothing section, where racks of apparel stretched along the back wall. Nothing like the clothes at the spa boutique or even the department store - which I willfully ignored looking at to focus on the purses.

These were all designed for function rather than fashion. For the most part.

"Were you looking for any specific items?"

"Something practical for hiking. Whole outfit. I’ll be traveling to some wilderness areas soon and need to... look appropriate."

"Gotcha. First time on the trails around here?"

I nodded, giving him the easiest partial lie of an answer. After all, I’m pretty sure I didn’t travel a standard hiker’s trail when I was coming to the city. He seemed to take that as his cue to become even more ’helpful’.

> I’m going to be upsold, I can feel it. <

"The terrain varies quite a bit depending on which direction you’re headed. Rocky and exposed to the far west trails. Weather can change colder quickly this time of year too."

"I’ll be heading through the mostly wooded and hilly areas closer to the city."

Mike led me to a rack of women’s hiking pants, explaining the features as he went.

"These are our bestsellers for women. Lightweight, quick-drying fabric with reinforced knees and plenty of pockets. The material breathes and provides basic protection from branch and underbrush scratches."

I quickly selected a pair in a neutral tan color, not really caring too much about it. I’d only be wearing them to and from populated areas in the first place, before making use of my shifting.

"You’ll want layering options for your upper body. Temperatures can drop significantly at night, even during this season."

"I have a decent jacket given to me already that should serve. But I’ll also take one of these."

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts designed to wick moisture away from the skin. I chose one because I had a feeling it would help better complete the ’look’. Though it also had a nice deep blue color to it, almost black.

Vrika seemed to agree, giving a soft mental bark of approval now that its mood was restored. I added it to my growing basket while sighing about how... just thinking, even denying something about that Alpha is enough to make this spirit perk up.

"What about footwear? Those are lovely for the city. But you’ll want something with better traction for the trails."

Mike gestured at my current flats.

"I have a set already, thank you. An old gift that I never used."

Feeling like I needed to stop myself before I bought too much more, I shut him down with more lies. It was true I had another set of footwear than the ones I wore to match with this dress - and a set of paws that was as good for traction as most anything.

Still, I added two pairs of new hiking socks to my pile to sell the lie.

"Is there anything else you might need? First aid supplies? Navigation tools?"

> I have a wolf to heal me and a literal map in my vision, so no thank you - I wonder what sort of face he would make if I said this? <

Vrika whined, not liking that I was also turning toward a different mood. One that sought just a little danger. Though it did send approval of telling someone about these things.

My companion thought it was a very good idea to mention the system to her... and of course tell Kyrie Voss everything about my wolf. Preferably after I let her mark me. It’s thoughts.

> ...You’re relentless. <