5

~Lindsey~

After breakfast, Dad and I prepared to head out to buy some essentials. I open the door and almost run into an enormous man. I gasp and take two steps back, almost falling into my dad.

“Lin, it’s ok! This is Mr. Matt. He’s here to make sure we’re safe. I’m sorry. I completely forgot to tell you.”

I take a deep breath in and try to compose myself. “It’s ok, Dad. It’s nice to meet you Mr. Matt. I’m Lindsey.” I extend a hand to greet him.

“Nice to meet you, Lindsey. Sorry if I scared you. I probably would’ve decked someone if they were standing outside my door.” Mr. Matt jokes as he installs a doorbell with a camera.

I let out a laugh. “Well I guess it’s a good thing it’s me and not you.”

“That’s true,” he replies with a smile. “I have a daughter about your age. Her name is Callyn, but we all call her Callie. She’s a senior at the high school. She’s a handful, but I hope the two of you will become friends. I’m almost finished setting up the security cameras. Should be finished by the time you get back.”

“Well then we will get out of your way. Thank you for making time for us so short notice.” Dad says.

“Thanks Mr. Matt! I hope I will meet her soon. I’m sure we will get along great!” Unless of course she turns out to be a total jerk, I think to myself.

“No problem! And I’ll tell her to keep an eye out for you Lindsey! If you guys get lost, just mindlink Beta Dave. He will make sure you get what you need.”

We thank Mr. Matt again and head out in the rental car. Dad says we need to get new clothes first, just enough to get us by for another week. Hopefully we will be able to get the rest of our things soon.

We get to the department store and split up. After grabbing a cart, I go pick out some essentials first; Dad packed about three sets of clothes for each of us, but he said we need one set for at least every day of the week. I prefer comfort over style, so I grab a few pairs of leggings, some joggers, and two pairs of jeans. I pick out a few shirts, a sweatshirt, and a hoodie since it’s still cold out. I briefly look at the dresses; I’m not a huge fan but I’ll need some for casual pack events. I grab a maroon cotton dress with long puff sleeves. I grab some underwear and socks last, and go browse shoes for a little while. Not that I need them, but shoes are my favorite.

I text Dad to tell him that I’m finished and that I’m in the shoe aisle though he knows me well enough to know that’s where I’d be. We have to go buy his scrubs after we finish up here. I hope we have another day together before he has to start work. I’m not ready to be on my own or start a new school just yet.

“Hey kiddo. Got everything you need?” He walks up holding his haul over his arm.

“Yep! Wait, why do you have dress pants? Worried you’ll have important meetings your first week?” I ask jokingly.

“Oh shoot. I forgot to tell you to pick out something nice. We have pack dinner on Friday. Our new Alpha and Luna want to introduce us to the pack and give us a big welcome. Go find a nice dress. I’m assuming you’ve found some shoes you want?” He half jokes.

“Maybe,” I reply mischievously. “I’ll be right back. I saw one that I liked on a mannequin. Let me go see if they have my size.”

“Grab two dresses just in case. I don’t know how long it will take to get our old things, and I want you to have options. Hand me what you’ve got so far, and I’ll wait for you at the checkout.”

I hurry back to the women’s clothing and find the dress I saw. It’s a silky lavender color with a sweetheart neckline, off the shoulder straps, and an A line skirt that should hit right at my knee. Ironically I like dressing more modest than most wolves. I just feel more comfortable that way. I quickly look around and spot a navy velvet dress. It’s got a tiered skirt and long sleeves, making it perfect for Friday.

I hurry back to Dad, who is waiting patiently with the pair of shoes I was eyeing in one hand and a pile of clothes on his other arm. I don’t know why he didn’t just get a cart.

“Dad I don’t need those shoes. We’ve got enough as it is. I have three pairs at the house already.”

“Eh I think you need these. I haven’t bought you new shoes in a while. Besides they’re a little nicer so they will go with your dress.”

Nicer is an understatement. They’re beige pumps from my favorite shoe brand. Even though they’re plain, they still cost a fortune.

“Did you see the price on those? They’re like $200. Totally not worth it right now. I can get some different ones that will serve the same purpose for a lot less.” I turn to go back to the shoe section, but Dad stops me.

“Lin I have plenty of money. The least I can do is buy you a nice pair of shoes. Unless you’re going back to get those sneakers you were eyeballing then don’t even think about it.”

“Just how long were you watching me?” I ask with a giggle.

“You’re in your own world when you’re around shoes. I’ve known that since you were five.” He gives me that bittersweet smile that always pops up when he talks about me as a kid.

“Yeah well I guess there are worse addictions.” I smile back.

We checkout and go load up the car. Dad tells me to go to the food court while he buys some scrubs. He meets me maybe 15 minutes later with a large bag. We sit down and eat some lo mein, orange chicken, and wontons, enjoying each other’s company.