I looked down and raised my brows. Most men wanted to see the chokers, but none had ever asked to see my most cherished piece—a squash blossom necklace with a downturned crescent at the bottom. I had chosen only the most beautiful turquoise stones to pair with the silver, and though I knew the necklace would be too conspicuous for most Shifters, it spoke to my heart. That piece was the only item I’d made by hand that was still in the glass display from day one, and I guessed it would remain there for many years to come. It was flashy, big, and priced high.
“You don’t want to see this piece,” I said. “That choker looks more your style.”
His thick eyebrows gathered in a frown when he looked at the bone choker adorned with silver and black beads. “I don’t want to see that one. I want to seethisone.”
“This is for serious buyers only.”
Tak opened his wallet, and when I glimpsed a few twenty-dollar bills, I decided to save him the embarrassment.
I touched his hand. “It’s fifteen thousand.”
Tak stilled, staring at his insufficient funds. He retracted his arm and tucked his wallet back in his pocket. “For that kind of profit, I hope you’re paying my father well for his stones.”
“Rest assured we have a fair contract. I don’t base prices on the blue book value; it’s about the time put into crafting each one and choosing the right stones that fit together. There’s love in every piece I make, but some are more valuable than others.”
“I can buy a car for that much.”
Insulted, I went back to the register. “Then perhaps you should. My father says only laborers drive white trucks.”
A chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. “Does your father not labor?”
“My father is one of the most respected Packmasters in the territory, so tread carefully when deciding whom you choose to insult in this town. If one of his packmates had overheard that remark, they would have drawn blood.”
He tilted his head to one side, his dark eyes lit with interest. “How long have you been living apart from a pack? What do they call it? Rogue?”
“Independent.” I moved a jar of mints aside. “Tell me, how is it you know my brother and yet you didn’t know about me?”
Tak rubbed the tattooed side of his face and looked away. “If Lakota hasn’t mentioned me, then I’m not sure I want to answer that.”
The clock on the wall reminded me of how many tasks I needed to complete before closing up the store. “Weren’t you supposed to be leaving town?”
“I couldn’t leave without swinging by the store.” He rested his hands on the counter, arms straight and shoulders broad. “My father will want a full report.”
Sweat touched my brow.
Tak smiled invitingly, his voice sweet like honey. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman quite like you.”
When his eyes settled on the scar on my forehead, I looked away and moved our wolf totem to a new spot. “I’ll be sure to let Lakota know you stopped by.”
“Does your brother usually leave you unguarded for days at a time? Do you have a mate, or is it just you in that apartment?”
Butterflies flitted in my stomach. At five eight, I’d never felt small around anyone until now. I wished Lakota hadn’t told this guy they were going on a trip. He probably hadn’t thought it mattered since Tak was leaving town.
But Tak was still here.
Standing in my shop.
Tak snatched a peppermint from the bowl by the register and grinned as he twisted open the clear wrapper. Chomping on the candy, he swaggered toward the door, and even walking away, he looked fierce. I’d never seen such a dominant alpha, one who didn’t need to summon his wolf to win a fight.
When he opened the door, a burst of sunshine enveloped him. “See you around, Duckie.”
Chapter 7
After locking up the display cases, I scanned the room one last time and went down my mental checklist of everything that needed to be done before leaving. I’d already locked the register drawer in the safe along with our most expensive jewelry. The books and inventory were up to date, the floor was swept, and the counters had been cleaned. I’d also mopped up a spill I’d made in the break room earlier that day.
Lakota had no idea how long it took for one person to wrap things up, especially when customers were still standing in line past closing. He’d hung around the shop before, but Mel and I had a system when working together that made it easy to finish quickly and get out of there. Without her, it had taken me until after dark.
Just as I flipped off the lights, I realized I’d forgotten to empty the wastebaskets.Dang it!We had one behind the counter, one in the break room, two in the bathroom, and one near the register.
