The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 45

Cory's

POV:

Let's go on a date, he said. I liked the idea, but I could feel that something was wrong. What happened a while ago doesn't sit well with me. Even though I completely trust Lucas, there's still a nagging feeling inside me that something might be off. Stop worrying about that woman, dear. She's nothing but trouble.

But I can't help it.

We would know if something happened. Trust the bond, Cory. And trust Lucas. Hotah reassured me.

I sat quietly when we left the palace. He is acting a bit strange and...nervous. I didn't feel well and could feel butterflies in my stomach.

"Where do you want to go?" Lucas asked.

"Why the sudden date?" I'm not entirely sure what I was thinking when I asked this question.

"I just thought we hadn't gone out on a date since the first time, and I remembered that your last trip to town was ruined. It's perfect timing since we both have nothing planned this evening."

"Hmm. Alright."

"So, where do you want to go?" He let go of the steering wheel, took my hand, and kissed my palm.

"I don't know where to start."

"How about the clothing shop you wanted to visit last time? You weren't able to go there, right?"

"Sure! We can go there first." He was still holding my hand, and I was worried we might get into an accident.

"Lucas, you can let go of my hand. Drive with both hands."

"Don't worry, love. I can handle it."

We soon arrived in the town proper, and Lucas parked on the side street near the retail shop. The shop sign says La Femme. The clothes in the window shop look absolutely elegant. As we stepped into the store, the scent of luxury wafted through the air, filling our senses with the promise of luxury and refinement.

"Good afternoon! What a pleasant surprise, Your Majesty!"

So, does he frequent this shop? The lady is familiar with him, and obviously, she knows about our kind.

"Good to see you, Miranda."

"It is unusual for you to be here. The last time you asked for clothes, your Butler came."

"Ah yes, I asked Alfred to take care of it so my mate will have something to wear when she gets here. Today, she will look around herself."

"Oh! Is she...? A pleasure to meet you, Her Majesty." Miranda did a curtsy to show respect.

"Nice to meet you, Miranda. I am Cory, and can I say I love all the clothes here!"

"Thank you, Her Majesty. Please feel free to look around. Let me know if you replace something."

I looked around the shop and saw a couple of dresses that caught my eye. It was a short black dress similar to the one Laura was wearing. Ugh! I thought going around town would take my mind off her!

"Do you like that dress? You can try it on if you want, Your Majesty."

"Sure, I would love to. And the other one, Miranda."

"Good choice! This is actually one of the new arrivals."

Miranda directed me to the fitting room and instructed me to wait while she retrieved the dresses from the rack. After a short while, she returned with not just the dresses but also a few more pieces of clothing. "Oh, Miranda, I only want to try on the two dresses."

"Well, His Majesty told me to have you try the others. He thinks it will look good on you."

She hung everything on a separate rack. I tried first the black dress. I love how it hugs my body, but I just feel it's too tight and too short! I tried the other dress that I had spotted. It was a light blue dress with a white floral pattern, off-shoulder and ankle-length. It looked elegant and refreshing.

"Lucas, are you there?"

"Yup! I'm outside."

"What do you think of this one?" I stepped out of the room and showed him the dress. I could see the surprise in his eyes, and they seemed to darken from brown to black. I know what he is thinking. "Uhmm, Lucas?"

"Ah, yes! You are absolutely stunning in that dress! You should get that!"

"Alright. I'll try the rest."

I finished trying all the clothes and loved most of them. But I have plenty of other clothes. So, I told Lucas just to get me two dresses and a blouse. "Please pack all of them," Lucas said to Miranda as he handed his black card.

"Lucas, I only want these. No need to buy everything else." I whispered so Miranda wouldn't hear.

"But you look good in all of them. And it's OK. Let me spoil you with this kind of thing." He turned to Miranda and said, "Charge everything here."

I wasn't able to protest when Miranda swiped the card. Now, I have a whole new wardrobe. I haven't even used half of my other clothes. We said our thanks to Miranda and left the shop.

"Where to next?"

"I'm quite thirsty, so let's go to a cafe."

"Sure. Let me just put these in the trunk, and we'll walk there."

We started walking around the street while holding hands. Some of the passersby were greeting Lucas and showing respect to him. As we caught sight of a cozy café, the irresistible scent of freshly brewed coffee beckoned us inside. We eagerly stepped in without hesitation to indulge in the warm and inviting atmosphere. The queue was short, so we were in front of the cashier in less than five minutes.

"Good day! Welcome to the Howl Coffee & Tea! I am Jeremiah. What can we get for you today?" the staff greeted us.

"I would like a medium-sized ChocoBerry Smoothie."

"Alright. And for you, sir?"

"An Americano. No sugar, no cream."

"Got it! You may wait at the side for your orders. Thank you, and enjoy your stay!"

The service was fast! Our drinks arrived in no time, taking less than ten minutes to be served. Lucas and I found a booth and decided to sit for a while.

"Hmm! The smoothie is good!"

"Glad you liked it! Where are we going after this?"

"Maybe we can hit the bookstore. I want to check a few reference books that our professor recommended."

"Sure! Let's go there."

After that, we didn't talk. Our booth became silent, and there was a heavy atmosphere here. As I shifted my gaze, I caught a glimpse of Lucas, and it felt as if his eyes were studying me. "What is it?"

"Hmm. Just about a while ago..."

I cut him off. "You don't have to say anything about it."

"But, Cory. I could feel you worrying about it. I know ideas are running in your mind."

"I just couldn't help it, Lucas! She gave you these 'he was with me, you know' look."

"That was just her."

"So what happened? I know you were in the arena. Was she really there?"

"Yes, she was there..."

I dragged myself up and quickly made my way towards the exit. Lucas was calling my name and running after me. I just continued walking out the street, not even knowing where I was going.

You have to hear him. Hotah is truly the embodiment of logic and sound judgement.

I don't want to hear whatever it is.

Dear, walking away would not be good. At least try to know why she was there. You're better than this. Talk to him.

Ugggh! Fine!

I stopped in my tracks. As I was lost in my thoughts while walking, I realized I had wandered far from the cozy cafe and ended up in the middle of the park. I knew Lucas was just right behind me, so I sat on the nearest bench. "Thank goddess, you've stopped."

"OK, let's talk. Start from the beginning."

Lucas told me what happened and what Laura was doing in the arena. She went there to get his attention and try to make Lucas sleep with him. It's really frustrating that despite Lucas informing her about having a partner, she's still trying to take him away from me. "And I swear that's all that happened."

"Is that why you came to see me?"

"Yes. Kali and I were restless and wanted to be near you."

"Thank you for telling me. But, ugh!! She's starting to annoy me!!"

"Heh! If she were not Renee's friend, I would have put her in the dungeon."

"Yeah, you even promised to claw her eyes out if she ever looked at you again."

"Then, first thing tomorrow, I will do just that."

We sat there for a while and cooled down. My emotions were running high with anger and jealousy, and it was as if I was about to burst with frustration. As I continued to suppress my feelings, the weight of my heart grew heavier. After a little while, Lucas broke the silence.

"So, are we OK now? You're no longer mad?"

"Yes. And I wasn't even mad. I was just jealous and overthinking."

"I'm sorry. I will rip her eyes out by tomorrow."

"You don't have to do that! I may have been a bit too dramatic when I mentioned that."

"I thought you were serious there, Your Majesty. Because your wish is my command."

Our bodies relaxed as we shared a laugh. Lucas and I went for a walk in the park, then went to the bookstore to browse for new books. I picked up a handy reference book and some gripping fictional books. After shopping, we got back in the car and headed home. "I had a great time on our date! Let's do this again next time, Lucas."

"I'll definitely take you on another date and thousands more!"

I couldn't help but let out a light laugh as the refreshing gust of wind gently caressed our skin. I can't wait for our next date.