Instead, Avery moved her fingers across the selection tablet with a cold, rebellious precision. She chose items that called to her own spirit—pieces that reflected her preference for understated elegance over Scarlett's gaudy tastes. Surprisingly, the decisiveness came easy. In less than five minutes, she finished the task and slid the tablet back to Hudson.

The Alpha scanned the list. He didn't snarl or demand she choose again. He simply motioned to a Montgomery Enforcer to take the digital tally to the checkout.

They moved through the bazaar like a high-ranking hunting party, stopping at a shoemaker’s stall and a boutique of fine silks. Avery continued her quiet defiance, picking...