"Oh no, don't you 'Lina' me," Lina laughed, grabbing her wrist. "You live with a fine man who ghosts you because of latex? You should be a prepared adult."
"I don't even—"
Lina dragged her down the street toward the corner bodega, the bell over the door jingling as they burst inside.
A bored cashier glanced up, unimpressed, as Lina marched them straight to the family planning aisle.
Sera hovered a step behind, mortified. "People can see us."
"And?" Lina grabbed a box and waved it cheerfully. "Let them." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Imagine the look on his face if you just casually pull one out of your bag."
Sera swallowed hard.
"Fine," she muttered. "But don't announce it to the store."
Lina smirked.
*****
"Alpha!" Cyril bowed immediately, surprise flickering across his face as he found Eric at his door. "You should have called for me."
"I needed to speak with you about last night."
Cyril straightened. "Alpha, it's okay. I understand. Sera is your ward."
