The Wolf Within

Chapter 17: No Man Like A Good Man

Toni's PoV:

We moved from stall to stall, stopping to take in the myriad of new sights and smells. Will was patient, letting me take as long as I wanted to look at the little trinkets and unique pastries of the market. 

An hour in, he saw me looking at a pretty silver necklace with a sunflower pendant. 

"Do you like it?"

"Of course, it's beautiful," I said wistfully.

"I'll buy it for you."

I turned to him and swatted at his arm. "No, no, it's too much. I don't need it."

Will gave me a long, hard look, before shrugging. "Okay," he said, letting it go surprisingly fast.

We moved on to the next stall, which was full of snacks and gorgeous smelling food. I stopped to take in all the wonderful smells of chocolate and little cakes, and Will seemed just as eager. The stall owner, an old man with a pot belly and a thick mustache, greeted us.

He was jolly, wearing a big red apron and a smiling happily as he talked about all the specials on offer that day. 

"So we have the apple strudel, and this wonderful mini strawberry souffle -- and I can't forget the chocolatine, which is my personal favourite."

Will grinned at me and reached into his pocket. "We'll have two chocolatines and a croissant each, thank you very much." He handed the stall owner the money and took the paper bag. 

"Those smell delicious," I said as he offered me the bag.

"I know," Will moaned as he bit into his pastry. 

We passed a spice stall, the smell of cinnamon and thyme hitting me full force, and then onto a second hand book vendor, where Will picked out a detective novel for him to read in his spare time. He asked me if I wanted anything, but I declined. 

"We need to be heading back soon," Will said as we came to the end of the road. "I have work I need to attend to."

I sighed. It had been nice to get out of the stuffy pack house for a few hours, even if it was with Will. I guessed there was worse ways to spend a day. 

"Of course."

"If you start heading back that way," Will gestured behind us. "I've got a quick errand to run. Don't worry, I'll only be a few minutes."

I laughed. "I'm not sure you'll be able to catch up, slow poke."

Will snorted and disappeared into the crowd.