Page 80 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

"Welcome! Yes," I smiled. "We have an opening special, plus coupons."

"Really?" Her eyes lit up. "That's great! How does it work?"

"Let me show you."

Over the next hour, customers trickled in. Neighbors, passersby, people who'd come specifically. The shop gradually filled with life. I stood at the worktable guiding a customer through mixing scents. "Lavender helps with sleep. If you have trouble at night, add more."

"I'll add this then." The customer reached for the lavender oil.

"Watch the ratio." I reminded her. "Base to essential oil is ten to one."

"Okay."

I was reaching for the measuring cup when the door opened again.

A familiar scent washed in.

Cedar and amber.

My hand froze mid-air. Slowly, I turned my head.

Lucifer stood in the doorway, several wolves behind him. He wore a black shirt and slacks, sleeves rolled to his elbows, exposing the hard lines of his forearms. When he saw me, his mouth curved in a faint smile.

"Need a hand?" His voice wasn't loud, but even in the noisy shop, I heard every word clearly.

Every customer turned to look.

Someone froze.

Someone rubbed their eyes.

Then someone gasped and whispered, "Is that... His Majesty?"

"King Hale?"

"Oh my God, what's he doing here?"

Murmurs rippled through the shop. Everyone stared at him with shock and disbelief, bowing hastily. Lucifer ignored the attention. He walked straight to me, those gray eyes fixed on mine.

"I'm here to help." His tone was casual, like this was the most natural thing in the world.

I opened my mouth to say "no need," but the corner of his mouth twitched, and he'd already turned to the customers. "Everyone continue." Authority rang naturally in his voice. "Today is Windsor Flagrance' opening day. Welcome, everyone."

The atmosphere came alive. Customers whispered to each other but quickly returned to the DIY activity.

Lucifer looked at the customers gathered around the worktable. "Want to learn how to make fragrance? I'll demonstrate."

The customers immediately crowded closer.

Lucifer picked up an empty bottle and poured in base oil. "First, choose your base. Lavender is most common, works for most people." His movements were slow, making sure everyone could see clearly. "Then add other scents based on your needs. Want better sleep? Add lavender. Want to relax? Try rose or chamomile."

He talked while working. Dropping in oils, shaking, sniffing, adjusting ratios.

"The ratio is important." He looked up, gaze sweeping over everyone. "Base to oil is ten to one. Too much oil and the scent will be overwhelming, actually unpleasant."

The customers listened intently, some snapping photos on their phones, others taking notes.

I stood to the side, watching.