Chapter Twelve
Wilder
I flipped the closed sign and turned around, intending to go upstairs, have a long bubble bath, and listen to soothing music while not thinking about Lewis.
A tall order.
I hadn’t gotten as much accomplished as much as desired, but I would catch up during the week. Everyone hoped for good business when they opened a store, but I had no idea Oliver Creek would bring in as many customers as it did. Especially other shifters. They wanted natural medicine.
The healer, Quinn, had even stopped by and wanted to have lunch and talk about things that he could sell in his clinic.
My remedies. In a clinic.
I never imagined this kind of growth.
I’d walked to the back of the store and turned to shut the lights off when I saw Lewis approaching from across the street, the alpha from before not even four feet away from him. The one who asked me if I was single.
Confusion swirled in my mind. What in the world was happening?
They couldn’t be headed this way.
Lewis didn’t really seem like the flowers and chocolate kind, even though his sunset picnic was one of the most romantic dates I’d ever been on.
The other alpha was an over-the-top flirt.
But both of them coming this way with bouquets of flowers?
No way.
I watched from behind the counter until I was sure they were coming to the front door. In a stupor, I strolled over and opened it.
If Lewis was serious and grumpy before, that was nothing compared to the focus in his eyes now. “Wilder,” he called, arriving only seconds before the other alpha.
“That’s your name? Wilder? Damn, that’s sexy, omega.”
I scoffed. “You don’t know my name because you don’t know me. You flirted, or tried to and I didn’t respond.”
Lewis looked between me and the man. His ears turned red. “He was flirting with you?”
The alpha practically shoved the flowers in my face. “I certainly was. A beautiful omega like Wilder? And no, baby, I don’t know you, but I so want to.”
“This is ridiculous. You”—I pointed to the alpha I didn’t know—“don’t know me and don’t get to call me baby. And you”—I turned to Lewis—“have been ignoring me for days. I’m leaving.”
I went to close the door, but Lewis stopped the motion with his hand gripping the door. “Wilder, I’m sorry. This is new for me and it’s hard. You deserve more than…”
The alpha stepped in between me and Lewis. Pushy man. A lion, if I wasn’t mistaken. “You do deserve more. That’s why I’m here.”
“That’s enough!” I took a few breaths to try and calm myself. Lewis’ eyes widened, but the other alpha wasn’t fazed at all. Maybe he was used to omegas crashing out at his aggressive advances. “I don’t even know your name.”
The lion puffed out his chest. “I’m Deacon.” He winked. That might be endearing from the right man, and I was sure there was an omega out there for him, but it wasn’t me.
“Deacon, I’m not interested. At all.”
He shrugged and eyed Lewis. “Your loss.” The poor flowers got tossed onto the ground, and he walked away. Easier than I thought.
“What about me?” Lewis asked. I never thought I’d see this strong, formidable man vulnerable, but that was exactly what he was. Vulnerable. Waiting for me to choose him. I would. Every single time.
I glanced over Lewis’ shoulder and noticed a crowd had gathered. Small town. The gossip train ran day and night with no breaks at the station.
Might as well give them something to yap about.
“Lewis, you’re my mate. I know it. You know it.
There is no competition with that male or anyone else.
You’re mine.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him like my life depended on his lips.
He grabbed me up and kissed me back, making my toes curl, and I wished we were in private where I could take this further.
When we broke apart, we were both breathless.
The crowd cheered behind us. I grabbed my alpha by the hand and hauled him into the store, managing to grab those poor flowers from the ground as well. They were too beautiful to waste, even if they were too showy for my taste.
Once the door was locked, I pulled Lewis into the back, away from prying eyes.
“You kissed me,” he said, tracing his lips with his fingers.
I lost myself in the tingling aftermath of that kiss. Plus, his blue eyes danced with mischief. He wanted more. He wasn’t the only one.
“I did. You kissed me back.”
He chuckled, and I did as well. My chest still heaved from passion when he wrapped me up in his arms and held me tightly to his chest. “I’m sorry for not calling you.”
“Was it something I did?” Being this close to his skin made me sound hazy. His scent was so potent. It would be easy to completely lose myself in this alpha.
“No, darlin’. Not at all. It was me. This is all on me.”
I nodded and cuddled closer. “What do we do now?”
“I was thinking we could have another date. This time, one where I don’t act so hot and cold. I want you in my life, Wilder.”
“I want that too.”