8. Alpha Gold
1638 Words
Mike shows up in the morning and I'm so excited, I can't sit still.
"Did you eat breakfast?"
"No."
"How were you doing it before?"
"I go to my aunts at 8. They're gone for work. I eat and take a shower. Wash my laundry. Then I pack something for dinner and come home. I work at 5 everyday except on Sundays."
"How much money do you have?"
"$42."
"That's all?"
"Clothes are expensive."
"How do you eat on Sunday?"
"Crusaunts are $1 at that restaurant over there. And there's a deli 3 blocks that way. I get a sandwich for dinner. I always make enough for that stuff. The only day I haven't eaten was after I got out of the hospital. I was too sore to walk anywhere. It wasn't because I didn't have money."
"That's not bad. You know where stuff is and you're eating. Let's go shopping."
"I get my clothes this way." I grab his arm.
He laughs and puts it around me. Then he walks me to a car and opens the door.
I sit in the car and smile. It's not that far, but I guess we can take the car.
4 hours later, I am damn near hanging out the window. I can see skyscrapers. It is breathtaking. They are everywhere. I'm too shocked to even speak. I can only stare at everything.
Then he pulls me out of the car. I trip on the curb. He laughs and holds on tighter.
"Everything is so different here." People are walking everywhere. Hundreds of them. A kid on a skateboard goes by. "Look." I point at a man with a guitar playing on the corner.
"I can tell this is a first for you."
He pulls me along, smiling at everything I point at.
"We have to stop." I plant my feet.
"Why?"
"Conner told me packlands are heavily scented and we are close to one. I don't want to get in trouble."
"You're right. And we are approaching the Gold Moon Pack territory. But they are a little different. They have a bunch of these big buildings. The first level of every building is a store. If they want money, they have to let people in. Never try to go up a level in a building though. Gold Moon Pack owns every single building and shop here. Always remember you're a visitor here. You can shop and be respectful."
"But that's..." I point "Safiri." I've only heard of them. That's a really top end designer store. Most people can't even afford to stand outside it.
He cracks up laughing and pulls me up to the door.
A door man puts an eyebrow up. "Woodland?"
"Yes, sir."
His eyes gloss over and he opens the door for us.
I ignore him completely and nearly fall over. I'm in Safiri.
"Good morning. Is there anything I can help you find today?"
I stare at the lady with my mouth open.
"We're here to look around and spend some money."
"Let me know if you need any assistance."
"Thank you." He pulls me along and tries to stop laughing.
Then I see some jeans. I try a pair on. Nothing has a price tag on it.
"If you like them, get them. I have your uncles credit card."
"I would like some jeans. They have 2 styles. They fit well." I spin in a circle.
"Yea, they really do." He stares at me.
Then I pick out a t-shirt. It says Safiri on it. I want it. Then I get a zip sweater.
By then, they realize we are here to spend money. The sales lady starts pulling me everywhere. She helps me pick out a couple of light dresses. They're flowy. Not formal or anything.
Mike smiles. "That'll be perfect for dinner tonight. Why don't you get some shoes to go with it."
"That's a perfect idea." The lady pulls me away. "LAUREN, HE NEEDS A SUIT FOR DINNER."
He cracks up laughing and goes with Lauren. "I guess it wouldn't hurt."
All they have is high heels in this store. I've never had any. They're nice though.
"Try these. They would be perfect with that dress."
I slide them on and it's like they were made for my feet. It's more than that though. It's like I was born to wear them. I stand up and spin in a circle. I swear I float when I walk. I was made for high heels. The lady notices too. "You took to them well."
"I'll take them." I glance around. "And them.. And those."
"Of course. I'll get them packaged and have them at the counter for you. You have excellent tastes."
"Thank you." I roam around a little and find the makeup. I remember momma wearing it. I remember using her lipstick when I wanted to be pretty too. My eyes fill up with tears as I touch it.
"You are a blank canvas. Sit. Sit. Sit." A lady pushes me into a seat. "I've always wanted to try a blank canvas."
"What's that?"
"Someone who doesn't wear makeup." She pulls my hair back and starts putting makeup on me. Creams and powders. Some black stuff. I don't know. "What are you out doing today?"
"Clothes shopping."
We chit chat for a bit then she shows me my reflection. My mouth falls open. "I look amazing."
She smiles and jumps up and down. "I'm glad you like it."
"Damn." Mike is standing there in a new suit.
"Damn." I stare right back at him. He is sexy as hell.
The girl cracks up laughing.
He snaps out of it. "She'll take all of that."
"Of course, sir. I'll get that ready for you."
I twist the button on his suit jacket. "You look amazing in this suit."
"You look amazing in anything."
I stare at the floor and feel my cheeks get warm.
"They have it for you at the desk, sir."
"Thank you." He puts his arm around me and we go to the check out.
"I like this suit on you."
"I got it in every color."
I laugh as we put the bags in the car. Then we go to the next shop. It's a brand I've never heard of. But they have another pair of jeans. They also have some tennis shoes. I get 2 pair. Then I get a couple pairs of heels. I love them. A few dresses later, I get my hair done while he gets fitted for another suit.
He gets about 12 shirts and ties. Then he gets some shoes.
The next store doesn't ask who we are. They just open the door like we're royalty.
"YOU."
"Me?" I stare at the lady pointing at me.
"Yes. You. You are perfect for a new line. Come here. I need people like you to wear it. Where are you from?"
"I live in the market district."
"That's perfect."
14 outfits later, I barely get away. She gave me clothes. I have to wear them in public is all she wanted.
I get my hair done at the next shop. An alpha walks in.
"Ah. The future alpha of the woodland pack." He shakes Mike's hand. "I'm Alpha Gold. Welcome."
"Thank you. She needed some clothes."
A lady comes in, smiles at me, and puts her phone away.
Alpha Gold nods. "It's quite alright. We're happy you're here. I was shocked when they said the alpha of woodland was here. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why the alpha of woodland was shopping here."
Mike laughs. "Yea, my dad wouldn't be caught dead spending more than $20 for a pair of shoes."
They laugh and the man puts his arm around the woman. "This is my Luna. What did you need, sweetie?"
"I was wondering who the blonde was with the alpha of woodland. I have the luna's number in my phone somewhere. I was fixing to call her and ask."
Mike cracks up laughing so hard. "My mom would kill him. I would be the alpha now."
Alpha Gold nods. "Don't do that. Ask them first. We don't need rumors starting."
The lady takes some curlers out of my hair. "Your hair curls perfectly." She sprays it with something.
I hear the luna. "Am I looking at the future luna of the woodland pack?"
Mike says, "Quite young for that."
"She is, but you're not. I can recognize that look in your eye anywhere."
The lady hands me a piece of chocolate and I shove the whole thing in my mouth. "It's good." She keeps going with my hair.
I smile at Mike and the 2 of them.
The queen nearly drops her phone. "Those eyes."
The alpha looks at me and his mouth falls open. Then he collects himself. "You have beautiful eyes, young lady."
"Thank you."
The luna comes over to me and tilts my head up. "I've only seen eyes like that once or twice. They are truly rare. Where are you from?"
"I was born in woodland."
"Where are your parents from?"
"I didn't know my dad. I don't know where my mom was from either."
Mike nods. "Her mom came to us when she was already pregnant."
She points at my arm. "The moonlit mark?"
"My aunt and uncle. They're the only family I have."
She smiles. "Well, I must get back. But you two enjoy your time shopping."
"We won't hold you up anymore." The alpha chuckles. "Alpha of woodland pack shopping here."
"I'll make sure people know you're the future alpha. We don't want rumors like that spreading."
"Thank you, ma'am." Mike laughs as they leave.
We get some sunglasses at the next store. Then we head back for dinner. I feel so fancy.
- Writer
