“Shit, sorry,” I mutter, realizing I’ve probably fucked up his plans for the entire night with that one stupid fucking lie. If he goes back in there, and Kai sees him talking to someone else? Fuck… “Thanks. For playing along.” I shake my head. “I knew I’d have to deal with him eventually, but I feel like he ambushed me. I panicked, obviously.”
“I don’t mind, Plum,” Benson replies, stepping into me again, but this time, I retreat. My head is a chaotic storm of bullshit. His scent and the gentle way he’s looking at me are only making everything worse. More confusing.
So, I do something very out of character for me, and for the second time tonight, I make a run for it.
“Ugh!”Normally at a time like this I would call Sable, but I already know she’s knees-deep in dick right now. Last night was eventful for her, so I doubt she’s going to be answering the phone for a little while, and Stella is marrying Kai’s best friend. I can’t exactly call to bitch about him and then ask her not to tell Val. Plus, Benson is her brother. How would she feel about me using him as an alpha-shaped human shield against my ex?
That doesn’t seem fair to her.
Still, I can’t sit here with nothing but my thoughts for another second, so I leave the shop after shutting everything off and head to Sable’s antique store a few hours early. It could use a good dusting anyway, and I’ve got nothing but time.
Chapter Two
As much as I wanted to get that batch of star ornaments made today, I knew I wouldn’t be able to focus. At least checking on Sable’s antique shop early has given me plenty of time to clean up. When she went into heat recently, Bee and I covered for her. With her newly bonded, I told her I’d check on the place again today to give her some more alone time with her guys.
I’ve been here for several hours now, doing as much cleaning as physically possible. The glass shelving takes the longest to dust, but it’s a good mind-numbing distraction from my earlier thoughts. I’m about to restock her homemade candles when the metal bell over the door jingles.
I grin to myself as I hustle to the front to greet my new victim—I mean, potential customer. One of my favorite pastimes is upselling to the townspeople that wander in here while I’m covering. Sable tends to leave people be, but I could sell a red feather to a blue jay.
She thinks everyone in this town hates her, that they still think of her as a rebellious teen, but that's only true for a handful of the judgier bitches. Most of the town are too busy worrying about themselves. A lot of it is just her own self-doubt, but thankfully she seems like she’s doing better now.
“Hey there! Welcome to Gravewood Harvest and Hollow Antiques! Sable’s out sick, but I’m more than happy to—” I falter mid-step when I see who’s just walked in.
Mother. Fucking. Kai.
I glare at the beta before me, crossing my arms over my chest. Why, and I cannot emphasize this enough,the fuckis he here—in my best friend’s shop? He knows damn well Sable runs this place now. His mother’s best friend was Sable’s Grams for seventy years; there’s no damn way he doesn’t know it’s hers now. Which means he came by looking for me, because Sable would chase him off if she were here.
He had to know I’d be here covering for Sable. He was at the Halloween party last night, where Sable’s alphas asked her and her omega partner to bond with them. He couldn’t have missed it.
This isn’t good. Last night, I had an easy out. Right now, I’m trapped. Alone. No exit route, and no innocent alpha bystanders to hide behind. I consider grabbing objects from the freshly-dusted shelves to start throwing at his head, but I don’t think Sable would appreciate that very much.
“Sweet Plum, what are you doing here? I was expecting Sable,” Kai says with a grin that only confirms every fucking word is a lie.
His mother is the only other person with keys to this place, and if Kai asked, I know damn well Bee would tell him I’m here. Not even because she’s trying to help him with whatever evil plan he’s cooking up, but just because it’s the truth. If Bee isn’t covering for Sable, it’s because I’m here.
She might not conspire with her son to help him win me back, but I doubt she’d try to hinder him either. She’s lucky that I love her so damn much.
“Get your lying ass out of this store before I hex you,” I hiss, hating how handsome he is.
He looks strong. Clearly, he’s been working out since he left five years ago; his biceps look like they’re trying to break free of his stupid long-sleeve white button-up shirt. I bet he wore a size too small just to get that effect. Showoff.
Suddenly, I’m very glad I wore this white, low-cut sundress. It hits mid-thigh and makes my boobs look fucking fantastic. It’s starting to get cold out, so I wanted to wear it one last time this year. I know I look good in it, and it’s only fair he should have to suffer seeing what he can’t have—whathefucking walked away from.
His dark navy blue slacks are tight around his thighs, and I have to force myself to hold eye contact with him. If he realizes I still find him sexy as hell, I’ll never get a moment's peace again. When he crosses his arms over his wide chest, I refuse to glance down.
He’s a heartbreaker. A liar.Notan ungodly sexy beta.
“You know I love it when you’re mean. What’s that saying? ‘Don’t bully me, I’ll cum.’ That’s me.” He smirks, flashing those unfair dimples he knows were once my weakness. “I like it when you threaten me, or did you forget?” Kai steps toward me, and I step back. I need to keep distance between us, or I’ll catch a lungful of his unbelievable scent. Balsam and cedarwood heaven, it’s like cuddling up by the fireplace in front of a Christmas tree.
“It’s been five years, Kai. Why would I remember anything about you or what you like?” I grumble, hoping my words sting as badly as the wound he’s trying to rip open inside me does. I turn away from him when he doesn’t even blink.
I can’t look at him for another second.
“Fair. I deserved that.” His voice is much closer than it should be, raising the hair at the back of my neck. The wood creaks under his feet as he takes another step closer, and with my next breath, his scent hits me.
It physically hurts, and I whimper pathetically as I press a hand to my chest, trying to fight back the pain.Fuck, he smells so good.Familiar in a way that brings back memories of acceptance and love. Things he ripped away from me the day he left.
“Please, leave,” I manage to whisper through the lump in my throat as I squeeze my eyes shut in an attempt to hold back tears.
