💖 Don't forget to vote/comment! 💖

***Leah's POV***

"I don't know what you want. I have nothing to give in return." I talk to Christian's back as he fills his arms with articles of clothing.

"I would like you to help me pick out your wardrobe for one. Come on. It can't be that difficult. You must have more of an idea of your own style." Christian turns to me with expectant eyes. He draws my attention to the rack of clothing, darting his eyes between me and the selection.

"That's not what I meant. It is my complete experience that nothing is free. I cannot pay for these beautiful things. You are well aware. Therefore, you will purchase them. Then, I will be left with an open ended debt that I can only imagine will need an even bigger buyout." I pull a sweater off of the hanger before holding it up to myself. One glimpse in the mirror tells me I absolutely cannot leave this store without this top.

"Leah, my beloved, it is not my intention to leave you indebted to me. I simply wish for you to wear clothes more suited to your particular style. Honestly, I rather enjoy my clothes draped over your beautiful body. If you prefer to see me as the disgusting characters you have grown to know, we can leave. I was not trying to back you into a contract of servitude. I apologize." Christian begins putting back the clothing. I feel worse having assumed him to be in the parties that have made me loathe my own kind.

Gently, I stop Christian from returning everything to the rack. I grab his hand, pulling him closer to me so I may wrap my arms around him. The gentle sigh that leaves his lips comforts me.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't assume anything about my mate. I was rude." I bring my hand to his face while laying my head upon his shoulder. Christian tightens his arms around my waist, engulfing me in a secure hug.

"I would never harm you, sweet Leah." Christian's words are almost as soft as the look in his ice blue eyes. I nod my understanding. Pulling away from his hold, I begin to finally pick out my own clothes.

After finding an ample supply to take into the dressing room, I give Christian a small smile before locking myself behind the door of the changing room. After five or so outfits, I have a good idea of the brands. I give up on modeling everything individually. I'm sure they will all fit. Lord knows the first five made me look far more attractive than I thought possible.

A few shops later, we sit down at a corner coffee shop. I drink my latte with slow pulls from the cup. Christian drinks from a mug. We silently watch each other in between taking glances at the other shoppers.

I follow my mate's eyes as he stares intently at a tall brunette. The lady has a large smile on her face. She peers to the left before looking down. Lifting up the tissue paper that covers her purchase, her grin becomes a blush. A small giggle leaves her lips. She shakes her head before neatly pressing the paper back into the bag that announces she has been shopping at Victoria's Secret. There isn't much of a secret there.

"Her husband is out of town. She's buying an outfit for her first night, in a long while, as a single lady. She isn't single though. Mr. Right Now won't find that out until he is ready to call her his girlfriend. The news of her affair will spread faster than a pandemic. Lives will be destroyed. She will have to move because she will not be able to look her loved ones in the faces knowing that she gave everything away for a fling." Christian speaks in a matter of fact manner. I catch on quickly. He is spinning a story to get me interested.

"Her husband is on a work trip. He is pining away for his wife, missing her more with the knowledge that they have never spent a night apart since their wedding. He feels guilty about the trip. He begged his boss to allow him to either take her with him or bail all together. He's worried that she will be lonely. He is questioning if she remembered the pepper spray he placed in her purse. He's mentally going over the checklist for her safety." I smile broadly at Christian while he quirks his brow at me. Impressed, he nods his head for me to notice. I feel a small flicker of satisfaction.

A small older lady sits alone on the bench that surrounds the fountain in the middle of the square. She clutches her purse closely. The look of being lost crosses her eyes. I feel sadness watching her as she scans every person that passes beside her.

"She is a widow. Six months have passed. This is the first time she has ventured away from the home that she shared with her high school sweetheart. They were married fifty years. The kids are grown, living out of state. She often reminisces of all the days when they were young lovers. She would do anything to touch him one last time. She yearns to be reunited with the love of her life." I start the scenario with a bit of disdain for my somber description. I suppose it could be true.

"She is wondering if this is all worth it. Love? Life? Suddenly, the scent of her husband's cologne wafts by, dragging her to the time he dressed up just to dance with her in the living room. A small smile touches her lips as she remembers the way he held her tightly, whispering sweet nothings in her ear. The night was magical, leading to the conception of their oldest child." Christian smiles at me. I return it. He saved me from walking around with a heart of sadness for the remainder of the day.

Is it worth it? Life? Love? In this moment I would probably say yes if I was asked. Christian may not realize it but, he is making our first memories together. I surely will never forget this game.

As my cup becomes empty, my ever attentive mate notices. He stands from our table, lifting my hand to help me from my seat. With his arm secure around my waist, we walk towards the trash bin to deposit my empty cup. Christian places his cup on the counter where we purchased the coffee.

We stroll around the shopping center for a number of hours. Our game continues. It moves on to young girls picking out prom dresses to a woman who is obviously dreaming of her future marriage. Whether it is wishful thinking or a date that has been set, her smile is undeniable. She is excited.

Eventually, we pack our spoils into Christian's car. He opens my door for me as I sit down. The air in the car is a bit stale. I roll my window down once Christian takes his seat behind the steering wheel. He makes no move to change the radio so I take it upon myself to man the stereo.

The song I choose makes no difference. Christian smiles like I am an MC. I know it's just a song, but my mate makes me believe that I excel at even such a small task.

The miles fly by as Christian navigates the icy roads with precision. If I did not have access to see the speedometer, I would not be able to tell we were well above speed limit. Our immortal status is not exactly a precaution for our safety. We tend to take risks that mortals would not.

Once in the house, I take my time to help Christian set my new belongings up in his closet. He easily makes room for my clothing. He automatically gives me the larger side of the closet. I take it gratefully I store away his latest act of kindness for future reference. The file is overflowing already. He has no short supply of selflessness, especially when it comes to me.

"What would you like to do now?" Christian turns to me. His smile is encouraging. He waits for my answer to his request.

Having no actual plan, I shrug my shoulders. I offer a genuine smile. I don't care what we do as long as the day continues as it has already began. I can see a small foundation starting between us. Ty hope it can continue to build.

A knock at the door interrupts are small conversation. Josie pops his head into the room. Behind him, his very burly beloved holds onto his Josie. Josie gives us a small wave before fully entering the room.

"We were planning on going out tonight. Is that something you two would be interested in?" Josie takes a seat on the bed. Tony follows him quickly like a living shadow. The connection between the two is tangible. It gives me hope for my own budding relationship.

"Leah?" Christian turns to me once again. He offers me a choice. I like that. It has not been something I was offered in my past. I always just did what was told to me to avoid any likely repercussions.

"Whatever it is, we are in. I would love to." The admission slips passed my lips without any hesitance. I desperately want to give this a go. Our relationship and these new friendships offer me something I have never known. I want to explore that.

"Awesome. Around eight, we are going to go eat dinner. After that, I wanted to learn how to bowl." Josie jumps from the bed. He runs to me with excitement, throwing his arms around my waist. Christian audibly sighs. I am positive he is wondering what my reaction will be.

I lift my arms above Josie's head, sliding them around his shoulders. I embrace the smaller guy who is nearly my age. His hold tightens around me while I feel a smile playing against my chest. Josie seems to enjoy affection. I don't know if I do. However, Christian and Josie's hugs make me feel warm. I don't mind them.

"Well, let's go watch that movie. That should pass the time before we must get ready. Come, sweetheart." Tony beckons his beloved to him. Josie eagerly lets me go before he runs to jump in Tony's arms. I giggle when Josie wraps his arms around his master's neck. Josie takes no time to snuggle in to the larger man's neck.

I follow Christian down to the living room. We take the couch. Josie lays in Tony's arms on the recliner. Christian slides a blanket over the two of us while I situate myself in his arms. My hand rests on his chests. I find that I rather love being close to him. He has a way of calming me with his mere presence.

We watch an animated film. By the end of it, I have laughed and cried. I believe the movie had something to do with clouds and meatballs. I had not caught the title. I only remember how the boy wanted desperately to have his father's approval.

The thought brought me back to my own family. I have never sought after any of their approval. I merely wanted to survive long enough to escape. The strange relationship with my kin caused my life an extreme amount of unnecessary difficulty.

My eyes glance over to Josie wondering what his story is. I have yet to hear anyone bring up the reason why a human lived with a house full of vampires. I tuck away my momentary curiously for another day. I have a feeling I will have plenty of time to find out.

I lift from Christian's arms after the end credits roll. We excuse ourselves as we leave the living room. Silently, I follow behind my mate as we return to our room to get ready for our first official date. Thank God it is a double. I am not ready for the pressure of a solo night.