“You’re not an elf,” I said.
He stared at my face, no doubt seeing blond hair and pointed ears. “You’re not a reindeer shifter.”
I went behind my desk and stared at his application again. “It says here you’re from the elven community.”
Fallon nodded. “I was adopted.”
I immediately scented he was an omega. I’d worked long enough with shifters to know that for a fact. Being raised by elves myself, and knowing their work ethics, I decided this was to Fallon’s advantage. Plus, he would instantly be welcomed by other shifter team members. We had an entire interview to go through, but I had to admit this was a good surprise.
“Were you young when you were adopted?” It wasn’t my business, but I spoke as if it was part of the interview.
“An infant. A foundling. My mom wanted me the moment she rescued me. The adoption was quickly approved.”
Close family ties meant loyalty. That was good. But why would he want to leave his adopted community? I reminded myself of his test scores. He obviously wanted to work within his aptitude.
“It says you currently work at Santa’s Workshop.”
He nodded.
“Which unit?”
“Dollmaking.” He swallowed hard. “I’m decent at it, but not great.” He made a face. “Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. I am a good, hard worker.”
Something about him. Slightly naïve. Green. Introverted. Delightful?
He sat before me, hands tightly clasped, hesitating before he spoke.
“Have you ever been on a job interview before?”
He shook his head. “I was expected to go to work at the workshop when I turned eighteen. Um, my mom manages South Wing.”
“Full time?”
“Yes.”
“How have you managed college classes and studies?”
“Nights and weekends. That’s why I haven’t completed my major yet.”
“Which is?”
“Math.”
“That explains some of your test scores. But you chose to take the physics tests as well.”
“That’s my other focus. I might do a double major.”
“And your plans after?”
“Masters. If I can scrape up the money. PhD.”
“You want to go as far as you can, then.”
“Yeah.”
“That’s a lot of work in addition to your job.”
“It’s not work. I mean, the math part. It’s fun for me. If I get this job, I’ll give it all my attention.”
