Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 154 - Black Licorice & Its Ribbing (Affectionate)

Chapter 154: Chapter 154 - Black Licorice & Its Ribbing (Affectionate)

Like a woman who really had planned for my return... she pulled several hangers from the racks as we walked, creating a collection of things draped over her arm that made it pretty clear I was about to be used as a ’dress up doll’.

There was an energy about her similar to the royal tailor. After the spider got ahold of me back when I was a two and a half year old fox and I’d learned to take a human form. He was rather overly delighted to make things for a shifter that took on a teenager’s body...

> A lot more than he ever was making clothes for the adults - ugh, damnit, Helene. Your world has me thinking weird things about his *preferences* now. <

"So tell me, what’s the occasion? Planning a night out and need a new outfit?"

"Actually... I am meeting someone late tonight."

"That sounds promising. Anyone special?"

Anise smiled at me. A knowing smile that suggested she was thinking more than what I meant! But all I was thinking about was what I should be wearing to meet with this BoundaryKeeper.

"...Maybe someone I know?"

Heat crept up my neck when she needled further. The sort that I can recognize in this body now as a sign that my face is probably as red as that scarf my gaze just turned away from her toward.

"No. It’s... complicated."

"The best people usually are. But we can definitely make sure you’re prepared for whatever... exciting complications arise."

After an hour of trying on various outfit combinations - including but not limited to - dark blazers with tailored pants, sporty tops and tiny lounge shorts, elegant sweaters with flowing skirts underneath, and a rather stunning dress that was pretty much meant to be all alluring and none of the ’understated’...

"You really are fun to clothe. The way you move and test things in the mirror makes me think of the models I’ve worked with."

"Well, thank you."

> She’s playing up to my vanity. It’s working. Ugh. <

Anise was wrapping up more clothes in tissue paper than I thought I would leave with. So many that I’m growing less confident... that I would have funds left over from this initial coin sale by the end of the week.

"I should get your number, if you don’t mind. So I can call ahead and make sure you’ll be in next time."

"I was hoping you’d ask! I love working with clients like you. But I hate pushing myself on them if they aren’t looking for such close associations."

I pulled out my phone and opened the contacts app, handing it over all ready to let her enter her information herself. As Anise was typing it in, the phone buzzed with an incoming message.

Hovering over hurriedly thinking BK was responding... I saw the bubble with Kyrie’s picture in the notification pop up. And the word [Image] letting me know I was sent a picture. All there at the top of the screen in clear view.

"Well, well. ’Your Waiting Mate’?"

I tried to grab the phone back, but it was already too late. The damage was done and Anise’s smile was thoroughly, a hundred and twelve percent amused. Why did I never change that stupid nickname?!

> Don’t you start gekkering at me you stupid wolf! <

"It’s not... I mean, it’s just..."

Useless system perk! What Composure... it can’t even collect all the times I lied about my connection to certain affluent women in my old world and help me out?

"Just someone who messages you with pictures? Really, don’t worry. I won’t pry."

"Just... just give me the last two digits so I can finish saving your contact."

As I typed them in, a second chime and the text message preview was visible enough for both of us to see - [Are you free for dinner tonight? I know a place...] - and Anise did not even pretend as she even went on her tiptoes to get an angle to look.

"Oh my. Dinner invitations and everything. You definitely need that red dress we picked out."

I quickly saved Anise’s contact and tried not to ’spontaneously combust’. To focus on anything other than the warmth on my face. Placing the phone on the counter, I step back while clutching and brushing through both sides of my hair.

"It’s really not what you think."

"Mmm-hmm. And what do I think? Are you telling me the rest of that message will go on to talk about how you can go there all by yourself because she can’t make it? Or that it was a group function?"

> Why is this woman so... brutal? Can I not even have a minute here? <

Six or seven seconds later, I opened the full message despite myself... as this utterly shameless woman peeked over my shoulder. I am absolutely going to demand a discount.

K: [Are you free for dinner tonight? I know a place with excellent steaks. No pressure - just thought it might be nice to catch up properly since you are back. Let me know.]

"Oh, I apologize. That definitely sounds like ’just friends’ to me. Friends are always worried about putting too much pressure on each other. Carry on."

"We are just... do you mind if we just drop it? This truly wasn’t the late evening I was talking about that I had planned."

My weak voice probably gives me away. How I’m thinking if it could be worked in or not. Part of me wanted to say yes immediately. The thought of seeing Kyrie again, of sitting across from her at dinner, of having her full attention...

It’s only a frustrated sigh later - and some laughing from the blackhearted seamstress - that I realized, though. How transparent I am.

"Busy, busy social butterfly you are - but I think you’re overthinking it. I don’t even know when the last time someone offered to take me somewhere nice was. Well, someone I was remotely interested in."

"She’s... she’s just been very kind to me. I don’t want to take advantage of that kindness or raise the expectations of anyone to points that might not be met."

All the fairly good reasons I’d been keeping my distance floated like bubbles before me in my mindscape. The power imbalance is still a little there, but has at least shrunk now that I have money.

My attraction to her has only grown sizable in its place, no longer as confused about whether that is just me... or only influenced by the close moments with the potential mate bond thrumming against the back of my skull.

> Yes, she’s hot. And strong. And far too nice to me. That’s why... <

The pregnancy secret. Not even a bubble, but just a solid boulder that can’t be moved. Poised to roll and pop someone’s bubbles... mine, hers... either way I’m scared to let it roll anywhere. A hand is placed on my shoulder that brings my focus back to reality.

"Alright, let me hold back my fun before I step a tease or three too far. Just let me say that sometimes accepting the kindness of others isn’t taking advantage. You can never know what someone else ’gets’ out of caring about you, you know."

I nodded and tucked the phone away without responding to Kyrie’s message, focusing instead on completing my purchases. The total was substantial even with the demanded discount - around a thousand dollars - but paying with my own cash this time felt incredible.

"Thank you for everything. Though if you tease me so much next time, I might-"

"Well, well. Look who’s back."

I turned to see who called out with such a provocativetone. Victoria Whitecrest stepped in with exceptionally high heels. Looking striking enough in an ice-blue designer suit. Her smile was sharp enough to cut glass.

> She still smells awful to me, though. <

"Shopping here again, I see. You certainly seem to be making yourself at home in our territory."

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