Chapter 11

eleven

KITANIA

Marco followed me into the boutique, crashing into me when I froze a few feet inside as my gaze widened. Everywhere I looked, expensive outfits draped stylish mannequins, each price tag dangling with more zeros than I’d ever seen.

A pair of jeans on a nearby rack probably cost more than my entire wardrobe back at the OMA.

The two shop girls exchanged harsh whispers, their eyes darting between me and the men surrounding me. My cheeks burned, wondering if it was me they were talking about.

Before I could shrink further into myself, the click of heels against hardwood drew my attention. A stunning woman in her mid-twenties approached, all long legs and glossy red hair. Her name tag read ‘Jennica.’

“Mr. Cristenello. Welcome to Maison Couture. It’s an honor,” she purred. Her gaze quickly assessed and dismissed me before sliding back to Dimitri and his brothers. “I’m Jennica and I’ll be at your service today. How can I assist you, gentlemen?”

I tugged at the hem of my borrowed shirt, suddenly hyper-aware of how I must look standing beside this polished beauty. Jennica radiated confidence from her perfectly coiffed hair to the tips of her four-inch stilettos. Meanwhile, I felt like an awkward, gangly colt next to a sleek racehorse.

Dimitri’s deep, authoritative tone brooked no argument, as though he only planned to issue orders once. “We’re here to purchase a new wardrobe for our Omega .”

The way he stressed those last two words had butterflies fluttering in my stomach, and I gazed up at him, my lips parting. I never expected him to outright claim me in public, especially when I looked like I belonged on the back of a milk carton.

Jennica’s sultry smile didn’t waver, but her eyes flicked to me for the briefest moment. In a single heartbeat, she sized me up. I caught a flash of something cold in her gaze before she returned her attention to the guys.

“Of course,” she said smoothly. “I’d be happy to help you select some lovely pieces for the... young lady.”

An irrational flare of jealousy surged through me as she leaned in closer to Dimitri, her hand brushing his arm.

What was wrong with me? I had no real claim on these men. We’d just started courting. We weren’t bonded. I didn’t bear their marks. And yet…

I bit my lip, trying to quell the unfamiliar emotions roiling in my chest. “I-I don’t need much,” I stammered, already wishing this shopping trip was over, now for more reasons than not wanting to spend their money. The faster we got away from this harlot, the better. “Just some basics would be fine.”

Gio’s warm hand settled on my shoulder. “Nonsense, Dolcezza . We want you to have everything you need.”

Tommas nodded in agreement. “And then some. I’ve been waiting my entire life for the moment I could spoil my Omega. We might as well just buy the whole goddamn store.” He looked around like that was actually a possibility.

My eyes stung at their kindness, despite nearly choking on my spit. There was no way I was going to let them purchase the entire store . Were they out of their minds? I didn’t need even a quarter of this stuff. My attention drifted to an elegant evening gown that, while beautiful, was completely unrealistic.

Where on earth would I wear half these things?

Jennica clapped her hands together, dollar signs already in her eyes. “Wonderful! Why don’t we start with some casual options?” She studied me again, less dismissively than before. “I have some lovely blouses that would suit your... frame.”

As she led us deeper into the store, I couldn’t help but notice how her hips swayed, how confidently she carried herself. She was sexy and womanly. Everything I wasn’t.

Why are they wasting their time on me? I wondered, fingering a silky pink top as we passed. Women obviously throw themselves at them. Surely there are other Omegas who smell good to them with less… baggage. I’ll never measure up to someone like her .

But then Dimitri’s large hand settled on the small of my back, warm and reassuring. “See anything that interests you, Kitten?” he murmured.

I looked up at him, searching his face. His dark brown eyes were focused solely on me, ignoring Jennica’s attempts to capture his attention.

The way he looked at me… It felt as though the entire world could burn and he wouldn’t care as long as we were together.

Like I was enough, just as I was.

Taking a deep breath, I pointed to a soft sweater in a pale blue. “That one’s pretty,” I said softly.

Dimitri’s answering smile resembled the sun breaking through clouds. “Then it’s yours.”

For the first time in a long time, my lips curved genuinely. “We don’t even know if it’ll fit properly or look good on me.”

“Oh, Kitten. It’ll look good. You’ll look amazing in anything you put on that beautiful body.”

Another blush, and I dipped my head, hiding behind the curtain of my hair. Dimitri wove through the racks, grabbing the sweater I wanted. “What size?”

“I, um…” I floundered, not really sure.

“Here, let me,” Jennica slithered through the aisles like a graceful serpent and flicked through the sweaters until she found one she thought would fit. Smiling up at Dimitri, she cooed, “You have excellent taste. This is brand new, from Maison’s latest line.”

He ignored her completely, brushing past her and returning to my side. “What else do you see that you want to try on?”

I bit my lip, overwhelmed by the sea of luxurious fabrics and stylish designs surrounding us. My fingers traced over a peplum top, marveling at its softness while it still maintained its structure. Could I even pull something like that off? “I... I’m not sure. It’s all so beautiful.”

Dimitri’s warm hand settled on the small of my back, grounding me. “Take your time, Kitten. There’s no rush.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Jennica’s gaze dart between us, her lips pursing in barely concealed irritation. She turned abruptly, snatching items off nearby racks. “These would suit her particular figure,” she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness as she angled toward Giovanni and Tommas, showing them the armful of garments she’d chosen by holding them up to her own body—a body that was nothing like mine. “The colors are lovely, aren’t they?”

Gio barely spared her a glance, his hazel eyes fixed on me instead. “What do you think of this one, beautiful?” He held up a pretty sundress in various shades of blue that made my breath catch. It was feminine and wistful, something I would’ve envied when I saw it on other women who had more money and means than I did and could spend frivolously on things like fashion.

“It’s gorgeous,” I whispered, reaching out to touch the fabric.

Tommas grinned, dimples flashing. “Try it on! I bet it’ll bring out your eyes.”

I nodded, a tiny smile tugging at my lips. I had no idea where I’d wear such a dress, but I couldn’t resist his enthusiasm.

As we moved through the store, I found myself relaxing incrementally. Dimitri’s presence at my back was a constant comfort, his body heat seeping into me, chasing away the chill of anxiety.

“Oh!” I exclaimed softly, spotting a cozy-looking cardigan. “That looks so warm.”

Before I could reach for it, Dimitri had already plucked it from the rack, adding it to the growing collection draped over his arm.

I blinked in surprise. “You don’t have to carry everything,” I protested weakly.

He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “I want to. Let me take care of you, Kitten.”

Those words sent a tremor of excitement and apprehension rippling through me in equal measure. It was hard to rely on anyone else when I’d been the only one I could count on, the only one I could trust, for longer than I could remember.

I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to clutch the nearest clothing rack like a lifeline. Instead, I forced myself to keep moving, trailing my fingers over soft knits and sleek denim.

“See anything else?” Dimitri murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

I hesitated, then pointed to a pair of jeans. “Maybe those?”

He smiled, adding them to his armload without hesitation. “Good choice. What about something for sleeping?”

My cheeks flushed hot. “I… um…”

“Perhaps the young lady would prefer to browse our sleepwear and lingerie selection privately,” Jennica interjected, her smile not reaching her eyes.

I tensed, anxiety clawing at my throat. The thought of being alone with this woman made my skin crawl. But before I could spiral, Tommas appeared at my side, green gaze twinkling mischievously.

“Nah, I think we’ve got it covered,” he said, winking at me. “Come on, Butterfly. Let’s find you the comfiest pajamas in this whole damn place.”

Relief washed over me as he gently steered me away, Dimitri following close behind. As we moved deeper into the store, I spotted Marco, his brow furrowed in concentration as he examined a rack of jackets. He had a small selection of clothing draped over his arm too, pieces he’d picked specifically with me in mind.

It warmed me from the inside out.

Surprisingly, I felt a flutter of excitement to try things on. To please these Alphas, who were trying so incredibly hard to make me happy.

Tommas had made shopping for sleepwear and undergarments fun, taking the awkwardness away with his charm and easy-going personality. Armed with new underwear, bras, and more loungewear than anyone truly needed, I moved to the back wall to look for a few more pairs of pants.

Every pair of jeans I showed a slight bit of interest in, every pair of yoga pants or leggings that made me sigh from how soft they were, ended up in Dimitri’s arms. I blinked at his growing collection.

“That’s far too much,” I blurted, eyeing the mountain of clothes he had draped over his arm warily. My stomach twisted with guilt. I’d gotten too carried away. “We need to put some of this back. I can’t possibly accept all of this.”

Dimitri captured my attention, his gaze intense yet gentle. “No, Kitten. It’s just the start. Go try these on, and then we’ll reassess where to head next.”

Next?! This was more clothing than I’d ever wear.

I hesitated, chewing my lower lip. I could always weed things out as I tried them on. Only purchase my absolute favorites and make excuses for the rest. It was ridiculous to think they’d all fit perfectly or flatter me. I was plenty aware that I was too thin right now, almost sickly looking. It would take time to regain all I’d lost and get myself into a healthy place again.

Dimitri must have sensed my unease. He snapped his fingers, beckoning Jennica over. In one fluid motion, he transferred the entire armload of clothing to her, nearly burying her beneath a sea of fabric.

“Take these to a fitting room,” he ordered. “We’re ready to try things on.”

“ All of this?” Jennica’s astonished face was so comical I almost giggled. I pressed my lips together, fighting back the urge. As much as I disliked the woman, I didn’t want to be cruel.

“Yes, all of it.” Dimitri raised a brow, waiting for her to lead the way to the dressing rooms.

Marco appeared then, carrying his own selections. He flashed me a cocksure grin. “I like to shop,” he admitted.

“Believe it or not, I knew that about you,” I told him, and when his brows rose, I explained, “The first day I met you, your style was so… you . Even though we’d never met before, I got a sense of your personality. It’s a reflection of what you like. Who you are.”

“What’s that mean for the rest of us?” Dimitri grumbled from my other side.

I panicked. “You have impeccable taste, too. It’s just different,” I tried to reason.

Dimitri chuckled, his expression morphing before my eyes. “I was just teasing you. Everyone knows Marco has the most distinct style among us. Gio is usually wearing sweats or workout gear. Tommas is a ‘jeans and t-shirt’ kind of guy. And me?”

“You wear a suit better than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

His steps faltered for a moment before he continued at my side. “You think so?”

I glanced up at him, surprised by his guilelessness. “I do,” I promised. “You’re striking,” I whispered, the words just for us.

Jennica interrupted by clearing her throat, jolting me out of the trance I’d been in as I’d stared up at the statuesque Alpha.

She addressed me this time, her tone professional, which was better than scathing. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to the room I’ve set up for you.”

The others hung back, sprawling in the seats outside the dressing area, while Marco followed me with his picks, depositing them along with all the rest. There was so much clothing, it didn’t all fit. Hangers dangled from the walls and doors, the hooks filled to the brim with choices for me to try on.

I felt instantly overwhelmed.

“You’re going to look great in everything. Just pick what you like best. No pressure, alright?”

I nodded, worrying my lower lip between my teeth. When Marco turned to leave, my panic flared. Without thinking, I reached out, my fingers brushing his arm. “Are you leaving?” I asked, hating how small my voice sounded.

Marco’s eyes softened, and he placed his hand over mine. “I’ll be right outside,” he assured me. “Thought you might be more comfortable with a woman to help you zip things than one of us.”

My chest tightened at the idea of being alone with Jennica, but I forced myself to nod. These Alphas had already done so much for me. I couldn’t keep clinging to them like a scared child during a thunderstorm.

As Marco walked away, I took a deep breath and faced Jennica with a shaky, tight-lipped smile. I reminded myself that I was safe here. That no matter what happened behind this door, four strong, protective Alphas were waiting just outside.

I could do this. For them.

Jennica pushed me further into the dressing room and closed the door, her arms loaded with the last of the guys’ picks. I pressed myself against the wall, trying to make myself as small as possible.

“Here,” she ordered, dumping an assortment of delicate fabrics onto the bench. “Lingerie, nightgowns, and silk pajamas. Most of this will fit you, but whether it’ll flatter your boyish figure is another question altogether.”

Her words hit me like a slap. I flinched, wrapping my arms around myself protectively. My eyes stung, but I blinked rapidly, refusing to cry in front of this woman.

“I… I don’t need all of this,” I whispered, my gaze fixed on the floor.

Jennica snorted. “Please. Your coy act won’t work on me. You may have those Alphas fooled, but I know you’re just a gold digging whore who secretly loves all the attention and gifts. Probably more so because you’re an Omega .” She spat my designation like it was poison. “Now strip.”

Speechless, I stood there, unsure what to do or say. Tears pressed against the back of my eyes, but I held them in by sheer force of will. I reminded myself I’d been through far worse, that her words could only hurt me so much.

Still, I hated confrontation, and my hands shook as I reached for the hem of my borrowed shirt. Jennica’s impatient sigh made me freeze.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she grumbled. “What do the Cristenello brothers even see in you? Are you always this helpless?”

I swallowed hard, shame burning through me. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Don’t apologize. Just hurry up. I don’t have all day to babysit you.”

It felt pointless to remind her that we were the only customers in the store, or that these Alphas were about to spend an insane amount of money here. It wouldn’t surprise me if this was her biggest sale all year, even if I walked out with only half of this stuff.

As I fumbled with my clothes, I couldn’t help but think that Marco had been wrong. I had a feeling I would have been more comfortable with one of the guys after all.