"So he won't have sex with you because... his brother is upset that he has a mate? I just don't get it."

I reach over Lennon where we lay next to each other on the couch watching horror movies and grab another small stack of Lemon Oreos, our favorite. Lennon holds out a glass of almond milk to me while I dunk two of them in. We cheers and clink our two cookies together- I wait until I'm done chewing to answer her question.

"He just thinks I'll be safer if I don't completely bind my life force to his until his brother is taken care of," I explain as my eyes wander back to the tv screen.

She sits up and places the glass of milk on the coffee table before pulling my face into her hands.

"So he's throwing himself into even more danger? You both realize he'd be stronger and better equipped to fight if you bound yourself together, right? I don't know, Poppy, his efforts just seem a little misguided. Not to mention you'll be going into heat soon. That's not exactly something you two can just avoid."

Shit. I hadn't even thought of that, but of course she's right. We completed the first half of the mating ritual. Our bond will be pushing us to mate, and the urge will be even stronger because we've been resisting it.

Lennon must have seen the distress on my face because hers quickly turns sympathetic.

"You're right," I say softly. "But what can I do? He's dodged every advance I've made so far."

"Oh, my sweet, innocent little witch. How can you still be so oblivious to the power you hold?"

She smirks at me mischievously, like she's in on a secret that I'm not. She hops up from the couch, pulling me up with her.

"Where are we going?" I question her.

"Shopping! The mall doesn't close for a few more hours!" She responds cheerfully.

A wave of dread washes over me as realization hits. Given the nature of our conversation and the devious intent in Lennon's eyes, I know whatever she has planned doesn't bode well for me.

The mall is nearly empty when we get there. Some of the smaller boutique shops have already closed up for the night as the few stragglers left stick to browsing through the bigger department stores. I notice most of them are bundled up against the crisp air, and even Lennon has a light sweater on, but I feel too warm despite only having on a t-shirt and jeans.

I groan and dig my heels into the tile when I see where Lennon is trying to pull me.

"Fuck no. Not this again," I cry.

"Do you want to get laid or not? I'm trying to help you."

"What's the point of buying expensive underwear if the whole goal is to get him to take it off anyways!"

I let out a small whimper of protest, but internally I'm already accepting defeat.

She leads me to a rack of two piece sets and starts rummaging through them. I occasionally nod and give a hum of approval as she holds up various "outfits"- I know the quicker I just pick something, the easier my life will be.

It's all beautifully made, but nothing really captures my interest. Even if I did put these on, I have no idea how to go about seducing Maddox. He was firm in his belief that we had to wait until his brother was gone, and no amount of sheer fabric or lace accents is going to change his mind.

I would have to channel my inner sex appeal and really lay on the charm if I planned on getting anywhere with him, but I'm far too awkward to have any real faith in my abilities.

Lennon must have flashed me at least fifty pieces and by the looks of it, even her eternal optimism was starting to waiver. She starts rifling through the very last row when she emits a gasp of surprise.

"This is the one!" She squeals. "If this doesn't have him begging you to fuck him, then that boy's dick just doesn't work. This was made for you."

"Lennon! Jesus Christ, we're still in public," I admonish as my cheeks begin to burn at her crassness.

She holds up a forest green, three piece number made entirely of soft, delicate lace. The top is a balconette bra that has me blushing just thinking about wearing it in front of Maddox, and the bottom is a simple but beautiful thong and garter belt set.

I'm stunned.

It's certainly too beautiful for me to wear, but even I can't resist it. If skimpy lingerie has any chance of helping me to get Maddox to mate with me, this would definitely get the job done.

"I knew it," Lennon smiles smugly at me before turning and walking towards the register, underwear in hand. "I knew there had to be something even you would fall for. I can't wait for Maddox to see you in this."

"It's not like you're going to be in the room with us," I mutter under my breath.

She sticks her tongue out at me as I hand my card to the cashier. I smile gratefully at him as he hands back a discreetly wrapped garment box. It's going to be hard enough sneaking this past my family, I can't imagine how horrifying it would be trying to explain bags from a late night run to Victoria's Secret to them.

Lennon and I part ways when we get back to the pack house, but only after I promise to let her know my exact plans for attack and allow her to help get me ready for the "main event," as she puts it.

I hide the box in the very back of the closet where I know Maddox won't look and head back to the greenhouse. The chilled night air feels amazing on my too warm skin, but I still feel uncomfortable. I worry briefly that I might be getting sick, which would definitely make convincing Maddox to sleep with me a pain in the ass.

When I finally step inside the greenhouse, I take a few deep breaths before pulling the rose quartz out of my back pocket and light one of the white candles on the table.

I may be awkward and I may be new to the art of seduction, but a love spell might be just the right push I need.