“Hi, Fawksy! I think that’s a perfect plan, thank you.”
Her eyes, which are incredibly fox-like behind her glasses, despite her other half being a skunk, stare at me and I feel like she can see straight into my soul, reading my every intention. She’s always been like this, seeing through everyone’s bullshit.
Instead of letting her say anything else and exposing me completely, I turn back towards Jin.
“I have something for you. Can I put it in your bag before I forget?”
“You didn’t have to get me anything! My bag is over there,” he says, pointing to the corner of the coffee stand. “You can put whatever you want in there while I make your coffee.”
I look at the sign by the register. “I’ll take the sugar cookie latte, but can I have it iced please? I’m way too hot today.”
“Of course, Leo. Anything you’d like,” he says, giving me a little wink that sends even more heat down the back of my neck.
I quickly pay and head over to the side of the coffee stand. While Jin isn’t looking, I shove a pack of his favorite cookies into his bag. For some reason, I want to shower him in gifts. I want to give him his favorite foods. I want to snuggle with him in my nest.
That last thought makes me freeze, my hand buried in his bag.
Shit. I want him in my nest with me? I’ve never allowed anyone into my nest, not even Bren, my closest friend. Sure, I have other people’s scents in my nest, people who bring mecomfort, butneverhave I allowed anyone else to enter my nest. It’s a sacred place for me and me alone.
Until now apparently.
My fingers touch Jin’s scarf and before I know what I’m doing, I’m snatching it up and shoving it into my own bag. As I stand up, Fawksy is staring at me, raising her brow when she catches my eye.
I’ve been caught red-handed.
“Here you go,” Jin says, handing me my iced latte. “I hope you like it.”
“You made it, so I’m sure I’ll love it,” I say, meaning every word. He gives me that signature grin before walking over to Fawksy.
“Do you want your regular?”
“Yes, please,” she says, already handing Jin her money. “You know, Jin,” she says slowly, looking over at me before continuing. “You smell different these days.”
Jin quirks an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“As you know, some of us can smell things other people can’t. I can smell that you’re happier.”
“Oh,” he says softly, his cheeks turning red. “That’s umm, that’s good. I am happier.”
“Hmm,” Fawksy hums. “You also smell like someone else. That’s really interesting, don’t you think?”
Jin rubs the back of his neck, suddenly looking shy. I’ve known him for a while now and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him lookshy. Is it because he’s embarrassed? Is it because there’s someone else making him so happy and he doesn’t want me to hear?
Oh gods, I can’t do this. I can’t hear this.
Jin turns and looks at me, giving me a soft, tiny smile. Then he turns back to Fawksy. “Yeah,” he says with a grin. “Someonein my life has been making me really happy. It’s kinda weird but also nice that you noticed.”
“Itisweird, isn’t it,” she says with a smirk before moving out of the way and heading to the other end of the counter to wait for her drink.
I’m left feeling untethered as I finally walk away, wandering over towards the candy shop. My emotions are all over the place. I run my hands through my hair, making it stand up at weird angles even worse than usual. I have no idea what to do, only that IwantJin in such a fierce way. It’s terrifying, the degree with which I want him.
As I step into The Devil’s Sweet Tooth, I barely register that I’ve arrived. It’s not until strong hands grab my shoulders that I finally look up.
“Hey,” Bren says softly, cataloging my face. “Are you good?”
“I’m peachy,” I tell him, finally taking a sip of my latte. It’s sweet and tasty and my insides turn all mushy when I remember thatJin made this for me. My inner omega is squealing with delight.
Bren hums, pulling me deeper into the store until we’re walking into the employee only area. Andras follows behind, sitting on the table, swinging his feet back and forth as he watches us.
