Chapter 27: Memory loss

Allan wanted to go shopping after eating at the restaurant to get Althea some clothes and food for his place. He seemed to be on the verge of something all along. Althea wished she could question him about it, but she didn't want to be that one nosy mate. They had only met today, or rather yesterday. "Hey, Allan?" she asked as he approached a shopping center.

As he undid his seatbelt, he looked at her and said, "Yes, sweetie?" in a softer tone than he had earlier.

"Never mind," she says as she turns away and exits the car. Her facial expression was flushed, and she was about to ask him if he knew where she lived because she couldn't remember, which she should be able to do under any circumstances. Althea must have gotten completely wasted.

Allan quickly caught up to her and drew her around so she faced him. "Please explain what's wrong," he says. It sounded a little forceful, but she could tell he was trying to be caring, given his history.

Althea sighed and averted her gaze. She pressed against him, feeling his warmness, and said, "I don't recall where I live," her vision hazy. She is currently feeling extremely stupid. She just wanted to cry and curl up in a ball.

"You can stay with me," Allan says soothingly as he wraps his arms around her and begins petting her hair as he tries to kiss her forehead. She nodded, gripping his shirt tightly.

"Thank you," she said barely audibly. For a brief moment, she could feel his heart race before he drew away. "Let's go shopping," she said as she and Allan walked towards the shopping area.

Allan took her hand and began holding it as he opened the entrance door for her. It was still a little tight, as it had been the previous time, but she felt sparks fly as they walked around to each store.

She couldn't concentrate while shopping because Allan kept staring at her, sometimes for several minutes at a time. Her wolf was excited and happy, and she wanted to run up and kiss their mate, but she thought it was a little too early.

She had a few bags after a couple of hours of shopping, including one from Gucci and Hermes. Allan wasn't afraid to go in with her; in fact, he chose half of her underwear and bras. What a courageous man.

Althea yawned as they walked to the car; it was getting dark outside and they still needed to go grocery shopping. As Allan drove her somewhere, she slumped in her seat.

She feels his gaze on her, "Let's go shopping another time," he suggests, not commanding her, but she knows it will be.

"No, not tonight," she muttered as she rested her head on the safety belt. She'd be lying if she didn't say she was falling asleep because she was.

Allan said mockingly, "Mhm," and Althea's eyes fluttered shut. Last but not least, she had a beautiful dream that night, a night she will never forget.

She senses herself being lowered onto a soft bed. She blinked her eyes open to see what was going on. Allan had carried her up to his room and placed her on his mattress. He soon followed her in, only wearing his boxers. She blushed as she fell asleep again, into another fantastic dream.

For the very first time in years, she awoke feeling revitalized the next morning. She smiled at Allan, who was sleeping next to her. He had a chilly expression on his face, but it suited him well.

It's not like he's been harsh to her; he's been incredible to her.

His eyes flutter open, and he grins, "Are you watching me sleep?" he jokes. Althea blushed and averted her gaze, not irking to respond. "It's cute," he says into her ear as he wraps his arm around her and pulls her closer to him. Her heart started racing as her wolf jumped around like crazy.

She raised her gaze to his strange eyes. She's always wondered how he got his white irises. She had to admit that they contributed to his cold demeanor, but she felt as if they were the light in his darkness. Althea didn't know how to explain it, so she just thought about it. He returned her gaze, his mind elsewhere.

"So," she interrupts their conversation, "what are your plans for today?" she asks. She didn't mind being lazy or going somewhere. She simply desired to be with him.

He sighs, "Sorry sweetie, I've got some work to do," he says as he gets out of bed, kissing her forehead.

"Couldn't he just stay for a while?" he asked himself, rolling his eyes.

"I'm not going far, sweetie," he stated emphatically, and she reciprocated. "I just have things to take care of right now," he said, brushing his hand against her cheeks before stepping in and stealing a kiss from her lips.

"Mhm," she said, closing her eyes and running her hand through his hair as her tongue met his.

She pouts, watching him choose some clothes to wear. "We can watch a movie when I get back," he adds, making her jump with joy.

"Okay!" He looked at her and chuckled before changing in front of her. She then pulled the blanket over her head, embarrassed. He looked hot, "But still, A peak wouldn't hurt," she whispered as she giggled. Allan then smirked as she took the blanket off when she felt he was finished, which he was.

"I will see you in a bit, stay safe," Allan says as he walks out of the apartment, slipping on his shoes.

Althea waved goodbye as he walked away. She wonders what he does for a living; it can't be much because he lives in this shithole, or he's saving. They did go shopping yesterday, so she is confident in any of those responses.

She switched on the Disney Channel and started watching random cartoons.

~

Allan returned four hours later. He entered the room dressed in a different pair of closes than he had before. She ignored the fact and jumped out of bed to hug him.

Allan stuck for a moment before returning her hug. She then inhaled his scent, but he smelled like blood. "Why do you smell like bbl-?" she inquired but was cut off by his kiss.

Her eyes widened, but she quickly shut them and kissed him back. She then pulls away to catch her breath. "I've been always want to do that for a while," Allan chuckles, smirking. Her face reddens and she turns away from him, but he wasn't having it.

Allan unexpectedly started kissing her neck, and she moaned as he nibbled at a specific spot. He grinned against her skin and bit harder, making her knees weak and causing her to moan.

"Good girl," Allan said into her ear as he wrapped his arms around her hips.

As she began to fall asleep, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist. She smiled and closed her eyes. "If only," Allan murmurs in a quaint voice. She had no idea what he meant, but it didn't bother her too much. He was odd, and he did act strangely at times, but she assumed it was just his demeanor, and there was nothing she could do about it. She does not wish to alter him.

~

A week has passed.

Althea awakens after a short nap and begins preparing dinner for her roommate. As he inquired. After a long day at work, Allan arrived home. He enters the kitchen, approaching her slowly while she is preoccupied with cooking. He caught her off guard by hugging her from behind.

"You surprised me," she admitted.

"I'm sorry for scaring you, sweetie; it smells delicious here; is it almost done?" he inquired.

"Yes, so you can shower while I set the table," she explained.

He went for a quick shower and then sat down to eat with Althea.

"How was your day?" she inquired.

"Good, sweetie, but exhausting; and yours?" he inquired.

"It was fine; may I ask what you do for a living, as you appear to be very busy?" she inquired.

"Oh, my work? It's difficult to say; maybe I'll tell you next time," Allan responds, but then he recalls the gift he bought for her.

"Almost forgot, sweetie. Wait here, I have something for you," he said as he walked away to get the gift for her.

Althea waited for him to return, and when he did, he presented her with a small red box.

"Open it up, sweetie," he insisted. When she opens the box, she finds a heart-shaped locket. She adored it; it was stunning.

"I appreciate it," she said. He straps it around her neck, but she has no idea it has GPS, so he always knows where she is. He went to change clothes after eating and talking while she washed the dishes. She refused to sleep in his room, so she has

I've passed out on the living room couch. He noticed Althea wasn't in his room after putting on his boxers.

So he goes downstairs, only to find her dozing off on the couch.

Allan couldn't help himself and kissed her on the cheek before picking her up and carrying her to his bed.

He climbs into bed with her and pulls her closer, inhaling her hair scent, before covering them both with sheets and falling asleep.