Chapter 41

**Chapter 41**

“He put you to bed?” she asked, and I could hear the smile in her voice.

“In the most non-sexual way possible,” I replied. “I was still fully awake when he left.”

“Ouch,” she murmured.

“What am I going to do, Nan? I made a complete fool of myself in front of a Lycan!”

“You were drunk. You can’t blame yourself for something you did while under the influence.”

“I’m sure Gavin Landry will understand,” she said, trying to sound reassuring. But I could tell she was unsure too.

“Besides, it’s not like you’re trying to impress the Lycan,” she added.

I bit the inside of my cheek and felt frustrated. I couldn’t tell her that Gavin was my boss and that I needed to impress him to keep my job.

“I suppose,” I said quietly. She looked at me, waiting for more.

I could hear the uncertainty in my voice, and she sighed.

“We don’t have school today. Do you have tutoring?” she asked.

“No,” I replied. “Thankfully, it’s my day off.”

“Good! We need a girl’s day! Let’s go into the city and do some shopping.”

I rolled my eyes.

“I don’t have any money for shopping, Nan,” I reminded her.

“Then let’s just window shop and have some fun!” Nan suggested.

“How about some dinner?” she suggested. “I need to pick up a few things anyway, and I could use some company. Please… I miss you and I want to hang out.”

“You saw me just yesterday,” I chuckled.

“It’s just…

“I know it’s not the same,” she murmured. “I want to hang out, but not in a school setting.”

“Okay,” I agreed. “Let’s hang out today. Just give me a minute to get dressed.”

“I’ll pick you up in an hour!”

The hour went by fast. By the time I finished getting dressed for the afternoon, Nan was already pulling into the driveway. I grabbed my purse, threw it over my shoulder, and quickly ran outside.

I walked to the car to greet Nan. She was smiling at me from the driver’s seat as I slid into the passenger’s seat.

“How’s your mom doing?” she asked while pulling away from the house and driving towards the city.

“I’m worried about her,” I admitted. “She’s been the same since my father was taken away. I think she’s really depressed, and I don’t know how to help her.”

“Isn’t your father her true mate?” someone asked me.

She asked.

I nodded and bit my lip.

“Yes,” I answered. “I don’t blame her for being upset. I just wish there was something I could do to help her.”

“I’m sorry you guys have…

“Do we really have to go through that?” Nan asked with a frown.

After a moment of silence, we decided to change the subject and talk about something lighter. It didn’t take us long to reach the city. Nan already had some ideas about the stores we would visit.

She wanted to go.

**Chapter 41**
**+25 Bonus**

“So, what exactly are we shopping for?” I asked as we got out of the car and began walking through the busy streets.

“My sister’s birthday is next month, and she’s throwing a party,” she replied.

“This huge party is at a penthouse,” she said. “I need something to wear for the event. Plus, I need to find her a birthday present—something she would really like.”

Nan’s older sister, Natalia, was always there to help.

Talia was known for her love of all things luxurious. As a fashion model, it made sense for her to embrace a glamorous lifestyle. She was admired around the world, almost like an icon. Talia owned several homes, including a stunning penthouse that stood out among them.

In the heart of the city, Nan and Talia generally got along well. However, I could always sense that Nan felt a bit jealous of Talia. Talia seemed to effortlessly get whatever she wanted.

“We should find an outfit for you,” Nan suggested, trying to match Talia’s upbeat energy.

“Well, I need you to come with me to the party,” she said, linking her arm through mine as we walked toward a boutique.

I frowned.

“I told you, I don’t have any money for shopping,” I reminded her.

“This is really important to me, Judy,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

“And my father getting out of prison is important to me, Nan,” I replied firmly. “I need to focus on what matters and that includes buying a trending item.”

“Your outfit is not a priority,” she said.

Irene opened her mouth to respond, but quickly shut it when she saw who was coming out of the boutique.

“Judy, is that you?” Irene asked, as she walked toward her friend.

Once upon a time, there was a big, smiling face.

“Oh no!” someone exclaimed.

And so the story continues…