“Is there anything I can help you with?”
She gives me a weak smile in return, which hopefully means I’m not about to get a tirade about how our stock is subpar or our scents are crappy. I’ve grown a thick skin since opening up Perfect Scent Match, because customers can bewild, but it still hurts when my products are insulted.
“Do you have any other woodsy candles?” she asks, her defeated tone making it clear she doesn’t expect me to.
I flash her an apologetic smile. “The stock we have out is all the scents we have available for pre-made candles.”
Her shoulders droop.
“But if you’re looking for a specific scent, we do customized candles,” I add brightly, hoping that’ll turn things around for her.
Her eyes light up. They’re a pretty hazel color that matches the gemstone in the bonding ring on her finger. The cause of her stress comes into focus too late for me, and I open my mouth to add that custom candles need to be ordered a week in advance, but the beta speaks first.
“Oh really? That would be amazing! I’ve been looking around for weeks trying to find the right thing, and when I stumbled on this shop, I’d hoped maybe it was meant to be.”
Her relief has guilt souring my stomach. I really shouldn’t have said anything about the custom candles. Now she’ll be upset with me, and the last thing my inner omega needs before going on a blind date is to feel like a failure. I know that this beta waiting until the last minute to get a present isn’t my fault, but tell that to my tender-hearted, people-pleasing instincts.
“Going to be in trouble if you don’t bring home the right Valentine’s Day present for your mate?” I ask, trying to assess how terrible I’ll feel if I tell her I can’t make something custom that fast. Because technically, Icanmake it. I’ll have to work through my lunch and stay open later than I planned so the candle has time to cool and set, but I could do it.
Tears well behind her eyes, and she fidgets with her bonding ring.
Shit.
Her chin wobbles. “It’s for my omega. She won’t be mad. But I need to help her. I need to dosomething.”
Looks like I’m skipping lunch.
“Help?” I ask, confused by her response.
“Our alpha passed away unexpectedly a few months ago. Beth, my omega, is doing the best she can, but it’s hard on her.”She swipes away the tears that’ve spilled down her cheeks. “It’s hard on both of us. We loved him so much, but I can handle it… I don’t have the same needs as an omega.”
My vision grows blurry. I want to tell her that her grief matters as much as her omega’s, but I understand what she means. Her body isn’t constantly sending her distress signals about her missing alpha.
“I wish I could give her the comfort that he did,” she continues. “The comfort that an alpha can give an omega. I never cared about being a beta before, but now…”
My chest constricts at the raw grief in her tone. I’m stepping out from behind the counter before I can consider the inappropriateness of offering a hug to a customer, but I can’t stand there and watch someone who is clearly in distress without trying to help.
I open my arms for her, and she hesitates for only a second before accepting the hug. Her taller frame nestles a bit awkwardly against mine, but it’s the thought that counts.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” I murmur, gently patting her back as her chest shakes. This poor woman not only has her own grief, but she’s shouldering her omega’s pain as well.
She steps back and clears her throat, wiping at her nose. Her gaze falls to the wet spot on my shoulder, and she grimaces. “Shit, sorry.”
I shake my head, waving her concerns off. “It’s fine.”
The beta nods, sucking in a steadying breath. “Anyway, I know candles don’t have alpha pheromones or anything, but I thought maybe if I could find something that smelled like him, it might help a bit. Maybe that’s stupid.”
I give her a watery smile. “Not stupid at all. I’ve made similar candles in the past, and research has shown that fragrance alone is enough to release oxytocin if it matches the scent of someone you love.”
“Really?” The beta’s expression brightens a touch, and I realize I should probably ask her name now that I’m fully invested in her and her omega’s happiness.
“Really. I’m Archer, by the way.”
That earns a soft smile. “Karissa. And my alpha’s name was Park.”
“I’m so glad you found my shop, Karissa.”
I opened Perfect Scent Match because I’ve always been fascinated by the power of scents. There’s magic in it. Scents can unlock memories, alter your mood, and even help you find your perfect partners. Here is a prime example of that. A potent reminder of why I love my work.
