Why not tell him you need to buy some sensitive things you don''t want him around for? Selene asks.

    It isn''t that I hadn''t thought of that—but the electronics section is far from someplace that sells menstrual products.

    "What''s wrong?" Rowan asks, and I realize with a start that I''m scowling in his direction.

    Oops. "Nothing, I just—" I nibble on my thumbnail, trying my best to look a little distraught. "I need some things, but I didn''t think you''d be following me the entire time, so..."

    Rowan smiles in relief, thinking he understands. "It''s fine. You can get anything you want. Clayton can afford it. He''s obnoxiously loaded."

    I was worried my acting was too much, but I guess it''s not enough. I wrinkle my nose and shift from foot to foot. After a moment, I start rubbing one arm, as if I''m beyond uncomfortable with my request.

    I was never a very whiny teenager, but I''m trying to channel one anyway.

    "Oh, no, it''s not that it''s expensive, but—you know. Personal."

    "Personal... Oh. Oh." Rowan''s furrowed brow clears as he looks me over. "It''s fine. I have younger sisters."

    I stare at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I settle my hands on my hips.

    This guy really has no clue.

    "Well, I don''t have any brothers who follow me around when I''m buying stuff for my period," I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all have one. Somewhere. Right?

    It''s embarrassing, but I have a goal.

    Rowan clears his throat. "Oh, I see. That would be..." His words trail off, and he looks conflicted.

    I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "As ready as I''ll ever be."

    He''s waiting by the entrance, just as he said he would be, and I offer him a small wave as I approach. "All set," I announce, keeping my voice light.

    Rowan nods, falling into step beside me as we exit the store. "We should get groceries next, if you''re missing anything you like or need. Clayton wasn''t sure what to stock your fridge with."

    I think back to the copious amounts of fruits, vegetables, meat, and assorted juices. There''s bread for sandwiches, and mayo. "It''s fine. I can cook with what''s already there."

    "Are you sure? It isn''t a problem."

    "Completely fine, I promise." It''s enough to make me feel terrible for thinking of the apartment as a gilded cage Clayton''s keeping me in.

    When I really think about it... has he done anything terrible?

    I can tell he thinks of me as a mate, or mate material. After the week we shared, that''s probably reasonable. But he hasn''t pushed me too far. He hasn''t expected any followup activities. Aside from keeping me in the area—which is reasonable as an alpha—everything''s been my suspicion that keeps me guarded against him...

    Hmm, Selene says in my mind.

    What do you think? I ask quietly.

    I have mixed feelings, the same as you.

    Not super helpful.

    It is good to get the phone, though.

    Yeah, I agree. Maybe it''s overboard to think they''re tracking me, but I''m not going to risk anyone in Cedarwood because of my personal issues.