The whole way back, Kyle didn't even spare a glance at Ashlee. She was confused about what he was angry about now. Had she done something wrong? Was it because she ruined his shirt with all that crying?

'I am literally so stupid!' she cursed herself in her head. Thinking about it, she had ruined many of his clothes. She was still wearing his.

He suddenly stopped at a place they hadn't intended to go. Without a word, he got out of the car, quietly stepped around, opened Ashlee's door, grabbed her wrist, and with a gentle pace, pulled her out.

Next thing she knew, they were at a clothing store in the mall. What were they doing here?

"Why are we here?" Ashlee asked, poking Kyle's biceps, peering up at him from behind his shoulder.

"What do you think?" he raised a brow, picking up a random dress and tossing it to her. "Try it!" he said, and before she could reply, he vanished into the clothing racks, picking up more items.

"What are you waiting for?" he mouthed from afar, glancing at his watch. He was telling her they didn't have much time.

She sighed and went to the changing room. The random dress he picked up was oversized for her. She wore it anyway and came out to find him already standing outside with a pile of clothes, all her size.

"What the hell are you doing?" she whispered, gritting her teeth.

"You need clothes of your own. You can't roam around in mine all the time. Not that I would stop you, but still," he explained, his tone arrogant as always.

"I have plenty of clothes. Just drop me off at my home," she rolled her eyes, folding her arms.

"Who said you're going back to that rundown house?" he replied, searching for the next outfit she should try on.

"Who said I'm not?" she retorted, just as sternly.

"I did. You're not, and you're not wearing those worn-out clothes anymore. Go and try this." He flashed her a tight smile with serious eyes, pushing her back into the changing room.

"But..." She didn't get the chance to argue as he kept handing her clothes to try on.

"I'm exhausted. Stop it! Please!" Ashlee begged, stretching her neck.

"Can I help you with anything, sir?" A young salesgirl smiled seductively at Kyle. Ashlee felt strange knots in her belly as he smiled back.

"We'll take all of this," he said, handing over all the clothes Ashlee had tried on.

"A-All right," she stammered, taking the clothes and leaving them alone awkwardly. So he wasn't interested in the salesgirl? Ashlee was worrying over nothing.

"Wait," Ashlee stopped him as he went to pay at the counter.

"What?" he asked, sensing she needed something else.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Can we go somewhere else too?" she asked, biting her lip timidly.

"Where?" He raised a brow, wondering where she wanted to go now. It was clear he wasn't planning on leaving her alone any time soon.

"Uhh... To a regular store," she replied, avoiding his gaze as her cheeks reddened.

"And that 'regular store' is?" he asked, more confused.

Ashlee sighed, giving him an irritated look. Can't he take a hint? "I mean, if we aren't taking any of my clothes, then I need to buy others too," she mumbled, her face growing even redder.

"What are these 'other' things? Can you just be clear?" he replied, annoyed at her evasiveness.

"Lingerie store, you idiot!" Ashlee blurted out, grabbing everyone's attention in the store. She quickly lowered her head and shrugged, embarrassed.

Kyle blushed unexpectedly. Did she just say a lingerie store? How could she be so bold?

"Would you like to pay by card or cash?" the salesgirl asked Ashlee. She suddenly remembered she hadn't brought any money or her card.

"I..." She stammered, at a loss.

"By card, please," Kyle came to her rescue. How much was he planning to spend on her?

"Thank you. Have a great day," the salesgirl smiled tightly, and they left the store. The lingerie store was just next door.

Ashlee quickly rushed in, and Kyle followed, wondering if she was that excited. Seeing lingerie everywhere felt awkward for him.

"Please be quick," he muttered, and she nodded, grabbing some items to try on. Kyle spotted an empty couch by the changing rooms and sat down to relax.

"Damn it!" Ashlee hissed, catching his attention. Without thinking, he entered the changing room she was in, concerned she might be hurt.

"What the hell are..." Ashlee started, but he quickly covered her mouth, preventing her from yelling and saving them both from further embarrassment.

Slowly, his eyes traveled down her body. Her loose bra seemed to be causing her trouble. He swallowed hard. She was stunning. Why did she always hide under those shabby clothes?

While he admired her, she bit his hand covering her mouth.

"Are you crazy?" he hissed, pulling back. She quickly covered her chest, feeling insecure.

"I... I just thought you were hurt. I didn't know you were changing here," he stammered, looking away.

"What do you think this is, a wedding dress store?" she grumbled, rolling her eyes. "Why are you still here? Get out!" she yelled, mortified.

"All right, all right," he said, keeping his back to her as he left.

"Wait." She stopped him again, and he froze, still facing away. "Can you... maybe help me close this?" she asked, biting her lip. Was she trying to seduce him?

"Are you sure?" he asked, wary of his own control.

"I... I trust you," she whispered, looking at him blankly. He was the only person who had ever been there for her. Who else could she trust?

Kyle was taken aback. She trusted him? No one had ever said that to him, not even his own family.

Without a word, he hooked her bra with slightly trembling hands. His wolf surged inside him, but he knew that if he lost control now, he'd lose her forever.

Quietly, he left her alone. She exhaled loudly, relieved. "How did I get the courage to ask him that?" she wondered, surprised at herself.

Neither of them spoke about it afterward. In silence, they started the journey back. Ashlee gazed out at the night sky, sprinkled with stars and a glowing moon.

"Can we go to my house for a minute? Please?" she whispered, still staring at the moon. Kyle clicked his tongue but, without a word, took her there.

The car stopped, and she inhaled deeply, stepping out in front of the house where she'd spent her childhood. She used to play with her mother on that lawn. They'd talk for hours under that tree.

Slowly, she stepped inside. The blood stains from her and her mother were still visible. Chalk markings outlined where her mother had died. She shook her head, pushing away those painful memories. She picked up her mother's cherished memory box and a picture of her father from the living room, then headed back out.

Kyle was waiting for her by the car. He'd decided to give her privacy to say her last goodbyes to that shabby house he'd never liked. She glanced back, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"Finally. It's over." This last visit held both beautiful and painful memories. She was finally free from that daily abuse, even though she had to lose something precious there.

But is she really free? Or are the problems yet to make their way to her?