I smile at him, excitement flooding me. The idea of finally going over their house would be enough. It would probably be a painful reminder of what I don’t have, but I’ll take it.
“I would love to,” I exclaim, but Stewart shakes his head, and my brows furrow.
“Luna, don’t you have to work?”
Oh, fuck.
I clear my throat and shake my head. “It’s not a big deal. It’s just stocking shelves at night,” I reply, the lie sweeping off my tongue. I should call off, go to his house, and pretend like I belong with them.
“Why are you stocking shelves? We have plenty of money,” Ian asks, looking at me with those deep brown eyes. He stresses the word ‘we’ like it has a deeper meaning to him. His presence is menacing, and I trip over my words as I reply.
“Just want to get some life experience, you know, have my own money and all of that.” He looks irritated at my response, like something he did is causing me to find a job. It annoys me, and in that moment, I decide I can’t call off. I need to prove that I’m independent.
“Oh, what is it called again?” Stewart says, snapping his fingers, and I don’t reply. He taps his chin and smacks the table. “Lavender Moon, right? What a cute name for a candle shop.”
All three sets of eyes immediately stare at me. “A. Candle. Shop?” Ian asks, enunciating each word.
“Yes, she stocks the shelves at night and helps make candles each shift. She always comes home smelling like an unfamiliar scent each night.” I’m going to kill Stewart, dig a hole in the backyard, and bury his body.
“Is that right?” Ezra says, smirking behind his glass.
“Uh, yeah. Lots of candle making,” I say and look down at the table.
“And all the scents don’t bother you?” Ezra asks, and he has to know. They all have to know what Lavender Moon really is. I really fucked up wearing the logoed shirt home that one night. I had to concoct this whole candle story to make the unfamiliar scents layered over my own make sense.
“No, I love candles.”
“Maybe next Sunday you could bring us some of your favorites,” Ezra asks.
“Sure, of course.” I look down at my phone. I’ve barely touched my meal, but I need to get the hell out of here. “I’m actually running late for my shift. I’ll see you all next week?”
“Great, now we can enjoy our meal,” my mother adds.
Ian glares at my mom before his eyes bore into mine, and a frown sits on his face while he rubs his lip. “Do you need a ride to work, Luna?”
“Thank you, but no, I’ll drive myself.”
“Stay safe,” he says, his brows furrowing over. Glancing at James before I leave, I see a worried expression on his face as he stares at his Alpha.
Chapter 8
Luna
Withtheawkwardfamilydinner behind me, I get ready backstage at Lavender Moon. The employee area is modern and clean. All the other Omegas are usually kind to me or keep to themselves. I’ve only been working here for a few weeks, usually two or three nights during the week. Gabbi and Riley are both working tonight, and I smile to myself. They are the two Omegas who have made me feel the most comfortable and always have the best advice.
“Luna, do you want me to do your hair and makeup?” Gina says, looking at me in the mirror. I’ve really come to love Gina. She was so nice offering me the position a few weeks ago. If we ever have an issue, we can go to Gina. She and her Alphas, who run security, will handle it.
“That would be amazing, thank you.”
“The owner is coming tonight, and I want to make sure all the girls look their best. And Riley, of course.” Since Riley is the only male Omega dancer right now, he has quite the following.
She gets started on my hair, her long fingers making quick work, giving me the right amount of bounce and curl. She tilts my chin up, turning my face in the light. “Let’s make these blue eyes pop, shall we?” She dips the brush into different shades of brown. Gina hums a song while she continues working on my face. When she’s done and I look in the mirror, I feel beautiful and powerful.
“Wow, Gina, thank you.”
“Of course, your costume for the night is in your locker.”
“Thanks. What’s the theme for tonight?”
