Shopping

‘Talking to their cat'

~Mind link~

Mikey's P.O.V.

Waking up early in the morning I curl up into my covers hiding within them. Burying my face in them I am slightly disappointed when I can’t smell Theo’s scent in them anymore. Sighing I lay there for a little while longer before I got up. Though it is only because I really have to use the bathroom. After relieving myself I head to my drawers pulling a spare change of clothes that Katie had placed in my room for today. Taking them, I head to the bathroom to take a shower. Though as I place the clothes on the bathroom counter I pause when I see myself in the mirror. As I hadn’t actually looked at my reflection when I first came into the bathroom. My eyes widen in shock when I look at myself in the mirror more closely. My hair looked soft and fluffy again as it is now back to its chocolate auburn color. While I still looked on the skinny and pale side. I could see hints of color returning to my face. Even the dark circles under my eyes were starting to fade. Then there were my eyes. They looked so different. They are no longer a lifeless dark brown. Though they aren’t the same color they used to be either. My eyes are now a reddish russet brown color. There is also something in them that I just can’t place. ‘It is your spark Mikey.’

‘My spark?’

‘Yes. Think of it like your life or will. Your fighting spirit is another way to think of it.’

Humming I study myself for a moment longer as even my bruises are almost completely gone now too. Even the ones that were very fresh and new. “How?”

‘The mate bond you dummy. It may be new and incomplete, but he is a King with a powerful werecat. Us being bonded and near him speeds up our healing process.’

‘So, he is healing us?’

‘In a way of speaking I suppose.’

Letting out another hum I tear my gaze away from the mirror and head over to the shower. Turning it on I strip off the remainder of my clothes and toss them into my bin. Making a mental note to ask Katie where the laundry room is so that I can wash my clothes. Checking the water, I get in when I find that the water is the right temperature. A pleased purr leaves me as the warm water runs sprays over my body. Carefully I wash my body and hair taking my time washing myself. Once I am satisfied with my cleanliness, I shut off the water. Running my hands through my hair I try to get all of the excess water out of my hair. Once I am sure all the excess water is out of my hair, I grab one of the big fluffy towels. Wrapping it around my shoulders it covers me completely as I step out. Snuggling into the towel a bit I start to dry myself off before throwing my clothes on. Drying my hair, I grin when I see how fluffy my hair is. “I look so different now.”

‘You look somewhat healthy at least.’

‘Somewhat?’

‘Well, we are still healing. It will take a bit more time, but we will be healed soon enough.’

I hum softly looking at myself for a bit longer before leaving the bathroom. As I do my stomach growls loudly making me blush despite being alone. Opening my bedroom door, I peak out into the hallway out of habit. Not seeing anyone in the hallways I left my room and slowly made my way to the kitchen. Finding that it is also empty I decide to explore the kitchen. Figuring out where everything is located and what is all there, I decide to make breakfast. Though I am not making it just for myself. I am making it for Theo, Katie, and Axel as well. As I wanted to show how thankful I am for everything they have done. Humming softly, I start to get to work making sure to make sure that everything is perfect. At least this time I am not feeling the fear and pressure like when I was cooking for King Raphael. As I cook, I become lost in my work as I did actually enjoy cooking when I wasn’t being threatened with bodily harm. Though when I am half-way done, I jump when I hear a voice. “What are you cooking? It smells delicious.”

Letting out a yelp I spin around and to see Theo enter the kitchen. Hearing me yelp his curious graze changes to a worried one. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Taking a deep breath, I settle my racing heart rate as I rest a hand on my chest. As I settle down, I glance at him. I can't help, but to look him over. Theo is wearing a black button up shirt along with a pair of semi-fitted jeans. It causes my heart to skip a beat again as my face burns red in embarrassment. As Chase can’t help, but purr at the sight of our mate. ‘Chase stop that is inappropriate.’

Chase snorts at me as he rolls his eyes. ‘No, it’s no he is our mate.’

‘You are undressing him with our eyes and thinking indecent thoughts.’

‘He is our mate of course I am thinking those thoughts. Plus look at him, he is perfect for us.’

‘We don’t know that yet.’

“Mikey?”

Blinking I am pulled from my conversation with Chase. Looking back at Theo, I see him look a bit worried as his head tilts to the side slightly. Which I have to admit does give him an almost adorable look. “Are you alright?”

“Oh um… Yes, sorry you didn’t startle me. I just got a bit lost in my own world.”

At this his worried expression is replaced with a more relaxed one that is paired with a faint smile. “I’m glad I didn’t startle you then. So, what are you making?”

“Oh um… nothing special really. Just a breakfast casserole with some fruit, cinnamon rolls, and toast.”

Theo perks up when he hears this as he takes a seat. As he is trying to stay out of my way while I finish making breakfast. “So, what is all in the casserole?”

Theo actually sounds curious instead of the suspicious and accusing tone I am use too. It makes me a bit excited as I check start putting the casserole together while the cinnamon rolls bake. “Well, it has tater tots, sausage, scrambled eggs, bacon and of course cheese.”

As soon as I finish telling him what is in it, I hear Theo’s stomach growl loudly. The back of his neck turns a bit red. “Well, it seems my stomach and I are in agreement. It sounds and smells delicious as do the cinnamon rolls. I assume you made this all from scratch.”

“Yes, I did.”

“You must be very skilled at cooking them.”

“You haven’t even tried it yet.”

Theo opens his mouth to say something when he pauses his head turning to the right. That is when Katie and Axel come into the kitchen. “Hm morning everyone something smells delicious. What are you making Mikey?”

“Oh, Katie Axle good morning I am making a breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls.”

“Oh, it sounds delicious and smells just as yummy. So, are you ready to do some shopping today?”

I smile at Katie’s complement while Theo greets Axel. “Kinda, I admit I am a bit nervous. I've never been to a mall before.”

“Don’t worry I will make sure we have a good time. I will show you all the best places.”

“I also want you to take at least two warriors with you.”

Katie pouts slightly at this. “Really Theo?”

“Yes, are my sister and my second-in-command’s mate. Also, Mikey is my mate as well. I would like to at least know that you two are safe and protected. Yes, even though I know you are perfectly capable of protecting yourself. So, no pouting Katie.”

She huffs at this while Axle chuckles slightly at this. Which makes her grumble a bit more. While I take the cinnamon rolls out of the oven to let them cool slightly. As they rest, I put the casserole in the oven, so that the cheese will melt. While doing what it needs to do I start to make the icing. As I make it, Axle grabs the plates and silverware for me. “Mikey would you like any in particular to drink? Juice, Milk, Coffee or anything else.”

“Hm oh um juice is okay.”

“Alright apple juice or orange juice?”

“Orange juice please apple juice doesn’t agree with my stomach.”

“Alright.”

Axle gets out four glasses as he filles two of them with orange juice. The other two being mugs as he puts a pod into a small machine. Which turns out to be a coffee maker once the mugs are filled, he adds creamer and sugar to them both. One having a bit more sugar than the other. As I take the casserole out of the oven, I glance over to see that the sweeter coffee is going to Theo. Noticing this I take a mental note that he might have a bit of a sweet tooth. Letting the casserole cool I plate the cinnamon rolls. Grabbing the bowl with the frosting I mix it a bit more before coating the cinnamon rolls. Though when I get to Theo’s plate, I make sure to give him a bit of extra icing. Once I am done, I set it aside and then scoop some casserole onto each dish. Axle helped me bring the plates over to them. “Thank you, Axle.”

He gives me a soft smile as we set the plates down. Axel gives Katie his second plate while I give my second plate to Theo. “Thank you Mikey.”

“You’re welcome.”

Setting down my own plate I decide to sit down next to him. As I do, I can’t help, but glance at Theo as he picks up his fork. Though I know the meal is good I can’t help but feel a bit anxious. As I really want him to enjoy the meal I made. Getting a fork full of casserole Theo brings it up to his mouth and takes a mouthful. When he does, he perks up as a groan leaves him as he takes another bit. “Mikey this is delicious. You are a very good cook.”

I blush slightly as his compliment makes me blush slightly. “T-Thank you I am glad that you like it.”

I end up getting a few more complements of my cooking from Katie and Axle as well once they start eating. Which makes me only get more flustered though we eventually settle into a peaceful meal. It is silent for the most part as we are busy eating. Though we do have some occasional chatter among each other about our shopping trip. Once we finish eating Katie and I try to help with cleaning up only to be stopped. “Nope we got this, it's time for you two to go shopping.”

Theo pauses, seeming to zone out for a second it is clear that he is mind linking someone. “Besides Adrian and Leon are waiting for you outside.”

“Alright fine we are going but aren’t you forgetting something.”

Katie is talking to Theo as I look at her confused. “Oh right.”

Theo reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet. Opening it he searches it for a few moments before he pulls out a black card. Once he does, he hands it to Katie as he reminds her. “Remember this is for him only and to not go crazy.”

Katie takes the card from him and puts it in her own wallet. “Yeah, yeah, I know. Now let’s go have some fun Mikey.”

“Okay.”

Katie loops my arm with her's as she starts to lead me out the kitchen. Though as she does, I glance at Theo and Axel tell them goodbye as we leave. As we head outside, I perk up a bit when I catch a familiar scent. When we get over to the two warriors waiting by the S.U.V. as the familiar scent comes from the woman. Confused my nose twitches as I breathe in the scent as I try to remember why it smells so familiar. That is when it clicks as she is the lioness from when I was found on the border. “It’s you, the lioness from the patrol.”

She gives me a warm smile before bowing her head slightly. “That is correct, it is a pleasure to meet you officially King Michael.”

My face turns a dark shade of red as I look at her shocked. “King Michael?! Oh no you are mistaken I am no King.”

“You are Theo’s mate; he is the King that makes you also our King.”

“But how?”

The male who I am going to guess is Leon bows his head. “We felt it in the connection we all share as a pride. A kind of shift in Theo. With your arrival being the only thing that is new it was easy for us to put two and two together.”

“Oh well um… please just call me Mikey.”

They both smile before nodding. “Of course.”

“Alright let’s get in and head to the mall.”

Katie gives me an excited grin as we all fill into the S.U.V. We both get into the back while Adrian and Leon both get in the front. Leon being the one driving and now that I am a bit closer to him, I can tell from his scent that he is some kind of tiger. With us all buckled in we start our drive to the mall. As we make our way out of the pride territory, I look out the window watching the trees as they pass. Slowly the trees start to thin out turning into a tall grassy meadow. It makes me smile as I watch the grass flow with the wind. Though eventually even the meadow gives way to the start of the city. As we officially leave the pride territory. My eyes are trying to study all the buildings that I have never seen before. The S.U.V. soon comes to a stop once we find a parking spot at the mall. “Ready?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay.”

Unbuckling we all get out of the S.U.V. and as soon as we do Katie links her arm with mine. It definitely helped settle my nervousness of being someplace new. Keeping close to Katie we head inside through the main entrance. When we do enter my eyes widen in awe as I take in just how big this place is. “Are you sure we won’t get lost here? This place is massive.”

Katie chuckles, giving my arm a soft squeeze. “Don’t worry we won’t get lost. I practically know this place like the back of my hand.”

At this I look at her with a raised eyebrow finding this hard to believe. “This many stores like the back of your hand?”

“Mhm now the hard part is figuring out what to do first. Well, let’s see why don't we head to the hair salon first. I need to get my hair trimmed a bit. We can figure out what kind of hair products you need for your hair.”

As we start to make our way towards the hair salon, I glance at her. “I need specific hair products.”

“Of course, everyone's hair is different. So, they have different needs and ways to be cared for. Like someone who has thick hair is different from someone who has thin hair. Or someone with curly hair vs someone with straight hair. Don’t worry I will help you as will your stylist.”

I look at her a bit unsure but decide to trust her as she drags me along. As soon as we enter the salon my nose twitches at the new smells. As I look around, a woman with bright green hair approaches us with a big smile. “Katie it’s good to see you again. Oh? Who is your friend? He is adorable.”

I blush slightly at the comment as I give her a meek hello. Katie gives my arm a reassuring squeeze as she gives the woman a smile. “Ember it’s good to see you too. This is Mikey, he is my brother’s mate.”

“Oh, it’s a pleasure to meet you then. I am glad that you two have finally found each other. Now let’s head to my chair.”

“Okay.”

As we head back behind the register to Ember’s stylist chair, I glance at Katie confused. Since Ember knows what mates, but she doesn’t smell like any kind of were-shifter. Katie being some kind of mind reader seems to know exactly what I am thinking. “Ember is mated to a shifter in a neighboring pride.”

Ember turns around shifting her chair towards me. “I am also a witch.”

She grins as she gives me a friendly wink which does make me smile. “I’ve never met a witch before. I hope it isn’t rude to ask, but I have only heard stories about witches. Is the whole witches being a part of a coven true?”

Ember chuckles as I sit down in her chair, and she puts the cape around my shoulders. “No, you are alright sweetie. Yes, we do have covens though not all witches are in a coven some prefer to have just a partner or to be solo. I was solo till I met Johnny. It took a bit of convincing for him to end for me to join the pride. But I never regretted it once I did. Now let’s see about this hair.”

“Okay.”

Humming softly, she starts to check my hair. “Alright now would you say that your hair is more dry or oily.”

“Um… Oily I think.”

“Alright that makes sense you have type 2 hair with medium thickness. Which is just a fancy way of saying you have wavy hair that is a bit on the thicker side. Though I do notice some damage and weakness in your hair. Luckily, it’s not too bad and it is an easy fix. I know you are just here for a consultation, but I am noticing some dead ends. Do you mind if we give them a trim?”

“Yes, that is fine?”

Ember smiles as she goes and grabs her scissors before she starts working. The three of us making small talk. While Ember also explains the products that she is going to give me. As well as how to use them, how much and when. It is all a little bit confusing to be honest, but I am determined to try my best. After my hair is cut my hair is washed while Katie gets her hair trimmed. Once we are finished, we both leave with a bag in hand and another appointment scheduled for next month. “So where to next?”

“Next we are going to get you a wardrobe.”

“A wardrobe? That sounds like a lot of clothes. I don’t need that much.”

“Nonsense you deserve this much. Don’t worry about the price tags, just pick what you like and feel comfortable in.”

I hum slightly as we enter a store and start to look around. There are so many options to pick from. Katie helped me pick some outfits as well to try one. As we do I glance at the price tag of one of the outfits hanging. Though Katie said not to, I just couldn’t help myself. My eyes widen when I see just how high the price is. But before I can say anything Katie carefully takes it from my hands. “No looking at prices okay. Now why don’t you try on what we have and see what you like.”

“Okay, but just a fair warning that I have no clue what I am doing when it comes to picking clothes.”

“That’s okay that is why I am here to help.”

I give her a smile as we head to the changing rooms. While Katie takes a seat in one of the seats outside, I head into the changing room. Setting my pile of clothes down I hum softly as I try to figure out what to put on first. Noticing a blue button up I pick it up and set it aside while I pick out a pair of dark jeans. Once they are set aside, I strip off my current outfit and slip on the new one. Stepping over to the mirror I give myself a once over. The jeans are fitted in just the right areas but not too tight in others. The button up could definitely do with a t-shirt under it to make me more comfortable. Though other than that I did actually feel kind of cute in the outfit. Feeling a bit confident with this outfit I stepped out for Katie. When I step out, she perks up immediately as a large smile spreads across her face. “You look amazing. How do you feel about it?”

“You think so? I like it too. It fits nicely and the fabric is soft.”

Which I really did like as it didn’t itch or scratch at my skin like my old clothes. Looking at myself in the mirror again I smile as I almost look like a completely different person. “I look so different.”

As I say this I start to think about Theo and what he would think of this outfit. But then I remember that it is impossible. Which in turn makes my smile falter for a bit as I try to hide it from Katie. Of course, that doesn’t work at all as she notices immediately. “Hey what’s wrong?”

“What? Oh… um… nothing.”

Frowning she crosses her arms across her chest as she gives me a look telling me to tell the truth. Biting my lip, I try to avoid her graze with little success. Letting out a sigh I quickly end up caving under her graze. “It’s stupid and selfish but…”

Immediately realization appears on her face as she notices how I fidget. Her graze softens as she uncrosses her arms. “You wish he could see how good you look.”

My cheeks heat up a bit at her words as they are true. This mate bond makes me want him to find me attractive. It is just because of the mate bond, right? It can’t be that I am already starting to like him. “Mikey your feeling is perfectly natural. I mean our mate bond alone makes us want our mates to find us attractive and appealing. We are their mates. But just because he can’t see it doesn’t mean he can’t appreciate what you are wearing.”

Though Katie is his sister I can’t help but look at her with a bit of skepticism. “How?”

“For one when there is something new, he likes to be told about it. Especially if it's something he hadn’t seen before he lost his sight. So, describe it to him just make sure to be very descriptive the more details the better. Then of course you can’t let him feel as you describe it. Don’t forget his sense of touch is more sensitive than ours.”

I nod along as it seems like a good idea till Katie mentions letting him feel. My face becoming the darkest shade of red it has yet. “L-Let h-him f-f-e-eel? N-No I-I…”

Katie chuckles as she watches the flustered stuttering mess that I have become. “Goddess you are such a pure soul Mikey. You don’t have to be wearing them when he feels them. Pick out what you want to wear and let him feel it before you put it on. Until that is something you want maybe.”

I huffed at her slightly at the last part, but I do agree with the rest of her idea. “That’s not a bad idea.”

“Of course, it’s not.”

Katie grins playfully as I chuckle slightly. With that moment of uncertainty dealt with I head back into the changing room and try on the rest of the outfits. After figuring out what ones I do and don’t like we go and pay for everything. Afterwards Katie has me change into the first one I tried so that I am wearing something that fits me properly. This time I make sure to put a grey t-shirt underneath the button up. Shopping for a while longer Katie and I both end up getting a few bags filled with clothing. When we stop for a lunch break, I insist that Adrian and Leon sit and eat something with us. As they have been guarding us this whole time and deserve a small break for food. It took a little convincing with Leon but eventually I got him to cave.

Once we finished with our food, we went back to looking around the stores. As we are now looking for things for me to do as a hobby. Which is when I find the bookstore and for once I am the one dragging Katie into a store. Looking around I smile as I take a deep breath inhaling the smell of the books. It is a smell I have always loved. After some looking around, I picked a few books and a leather-bound journal with some pens. With this being the only store that I was really interested in, we then headed home. Katie got me excited to inform Theo of my haul as Katie explained how it would make him happy.

As soon as the vehicle comes to a stop Katie, and I get out. Adrian and Leon insist that we head inside as they will bring the bags in. The pair are rather insistent on this so we can go to Theo’s office right away. Though I at least take my bag filled with books with me as they are very precious to me. Heading to Theo’s office with Katie I can feel Chase stir within me. Though for once I pay it no mind as I am far too excited about my books. But that all changes when we get to Theo’s office and Katie opens the door. My heart stops as my blood runs cold as sitting there in Theo’s office is none other than King Raphael.