Chapter 57

Zara

We left Elliot’s office after a few more formalities. He warned us that the investigation would not be quick, but he promised weekly updates. Lucian offered to set up the retainer fee, but Elliot insisted that he would not accept any payment until his first update, so that we could see that he was genuinely working on our case.

When we returned to the parking garage and located the car, Lucian slipped into the driver’s seat.

“If we start driving now, we should reach the barrier by dark,” he said. “It will be several days before the detective has results for us, so there is no reason to linger.”

“Hey, wait,” Kieran protested. “Zara promised she’d go shopping with her and let me dress her up!”

Lucian sighed heavily and turned to look at me. “Did you seriously agree to that?”

I shrugged. “It seemed harmless.”

Lucian shook his head. “We should return to the pack, Kieran.”

“Aw, come on,” Kieran argued. “One more day won’t hurt anything. And have you seen the state of Zara’s wardrobe? She has like, blue jeans, t-shirts, and training clothes. And that’s it. Nothing stylish at all!”

“Why are you so preoccupied with fashion?” Lucian muttered, but from his tone I don’t think he expected an answer. It was kind of an odd hobby for a werewolf.

Kieran shrugged. “It’s fun. Please? We really shouldn’t let Zara be seen in such a shabby state, people will think we can’t provide for our pack members.”

“We can order her new clothes online, or order something from a wolf tailor.”

“But I want to try the human fashion places! I checked, there’s a mall nearby. They have lots of clothing stores inside, and places to eat, all together. It will be fun!” Kieran gave his brother a sad, pleading look.

Lucian looked at me. “You’re the one who’s going to be dressed up like a doll. Any objections?”

“I guess it’s okay,” I said. “And I’ve read about malls in my books. I’d kind of like to see one in real life.”

Lucian sighed. “This is a waste of time, but fine. We will visit this mall of yours.”

Kieran cheered. He gave Lucian directions, and soon we were driving into the parking lot of a large, grey concrete building surrounded on all sides by parking lots. Kieran took my hand and nearly dragged me inside. Lucian followed us like a patient storm cloud.

“Oh, that would look perfect on you,” Kieran exclaimed, pointing to a mannequin wearing something skimpy and shiny.

“Um, where would I wear that?” I asked. “It doesn’t seem very practical.”

“Who cares if it’s practical? It’s pretty, Kieran said. “Just try it on, please?”

I looked at the dress. “All right, but it’s not really my style.”

I tried on that dress, which Kieran agreed wasn’t the right color. So he found something just as tight and revealing, but in a deep, rich blue. I tried that one on, too, and then a third, this one in blood red with golden accents.

“We are buying this one,” Kieran announced.

“I’m not sure,” I said, trying to adjust the slit in the skirt so that it wouldn’t expose my entire leg.

“It’s nice,” Lucian said. “Get it.”

“It’s not to your taste, is it?” Kieran asked after the sales clerk had wrapped the dress in a garment bag.

“Not really,” I said.

“That’s fine,” Kieran said. “We’ll find something you like. It’s always good to have options. You never know when you’ll need to make a good impression.”

“She could use proper training gear,” Lucian noted, pointing over Kieran’s shoulder. “That store sells athletic gear.”

“Great!” Kieran said. “And some new jeans. Something flattering.”

“Perhaps something professional,” Lucian suggested. “She is our attendant, after all. She sits in on your meetings sometimes, yes?”

I grumbled under my breath. I’d hardly call a dog collar “professional.”

“Oh, you’re right!”

I thought “proper training gear” would be a couple pair of shorts and a pack of t-shirts. Kieran thought it meant one of every option in the store. Lucian mediated and we ended up with an assortment of shorts, leggings, sports bras and t-shirts, all made of sweat wicking fibers. I had to admit they felt nice, soft and supportive.

Picking out “professional” clothing went about the same. There was a baffling array of something called “business casual” that Kieran decided was perfect for me. Lucian, much to my annoyance, agreed. So I found myself trying on suit jackets, skirts, blouses, and dresses in a bewildering array of colors and styles. Anything I vaguely approved of, Kieran insisted on buying.

“Aren’t we spending too much money?” I asked, after Lucian approved yet another purchase.

“It’s fine,” Lucian said. “We can easily afford it and you do need new clothing.”

“Not this much,” I argued.

Lucian shrugged. “It’s not really that much. The she-wolves who came to the Mate Ball had this much clothing just for the trip. I can’t imagine what they left at home.”

“I’m not trying to catch a mate, though,” I pointed out.

“No,” Lucian agreed, “but there’s more to life than finding a fated mate. Some day, you may get your wish and live among these humans. They all seem to own a lot of clothing. They even change their fashions every season, or so I understand.”

“I guess you’re right,” I said, startled he acknowledged my dream.

“Anyway, let Kieran have his fun. It’s harmless enough, right? Seeing you in pretty things makes him happy.”

“Why, though?” I asked.

Lucian shrugged. “I’ve never understood it. I just sign the checks.”

We ate lunch, and then later dinner, at the mall. It was fun picking out meals from the various food stalls, and trying all the free samples they offered to lure customers.

“Have you had enough fun?” Lucian asked his brother.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Kieran said, nibbling something breaded and fried and rolled in spices. “Malls really are interesting, huh, Zara?”

“Yeah,” I said. “It’s a pity they seem to be dying out, or that’s what I’ve read online.”

“Hm. Too bad,” Kieran said. “They’re convenient. Oh, well, maybe we’ll start a craze for them in the wolf territories.”

“Where would you put a mall in the territories?” Lucian asked.

“I don’t know. We need more room,” Kieran said. “We’ll have to conquer another pack or three.”

“Sure,” I said, “that’s a great reason to kill three more Alphas.”

Kieran shrugged. “I mean, we’re going to keep going anyways. Might as well have a goal, right? Not just conquering for conquering’s sake.”

“We should find another hotel,” Lucian declared. “We’d have to drive all night to reach the barrier, and I’d rather not do that. We might draw unwanted attention.”

I didn’t think anyone would be paying attention, but one more night in the human territories sounded nice. To my surprise, Lucian and Kieran made good traveling companions.

“Sure,” I agreed. “I’ll search for another hotel.”

“Get another one with the continental breakfast,” Kieran said. “I liked the waffles.”

“And maybe two rooms,” I muttered, “or at least two beds in the room.”

“I mean, we don’t have to be that picky,” Kieran grinned. “I liked cuddling with you last night.”

I didn’t dignify that with a response.