Page 22 of Delivered to My Fury

“I didn’t see anything else in the back seat,” Shay said. “What did we miss?”

“It’s in the trunk, but it can wait until we get home. It’s nothing big, just something I picked up along the road that I hoped you’d like.”

I heard the others suck in a breath at how she said the word home. She probably didn’t mean anything by it, but try to tell my wolf that.

Chapter Nineteen

Opal

Their operation was nice. Super clean, which was important when brewing or fermenting. Anytime you transformed something, you didn’t want to let in other elements that could spoil it. And a brewery like this one would be subject to various authorities who would be looking for dirt in a corner, insect infestation, or spills of any kind.

They were very busy in both the production area and the tasting room, so I tried to stay out of their way and observe. Just like breakfast this morning, they worked together in synchrony. In and out of the various areas, answering questions from tavern staff who were arriving to start their shifts.

For a couple of hours, I sat on the stool in their “lab,” but when they all disappeared into other parts of the building, I drifted out and found myself in the tasting room.

Mabel, who I’d met the day before, was handling a sale of a keg while Shay sat at a small table with two ladies who were giggling and flirting and doing everything but strip naked and throw themselves over his lap. Heat rose up in my face, and my hands flexed fingers curling into fists. How dare they?

I was starting to shake when I felt a gentle hand on my arm. “Go over there,” Mabel said, “before you explode.”

“Does this happen often?” All three of them were handsome, even if one was not traditionally so. I happened to find Zyon hot in a different way. Did women throw themselves at him and Eero as well?

“Just about every day. The thing is, they don’t usually even seem to notice.”

“Yeah, well I noticed.” Sucking in a breath, I ground my teeth. “And I’m not having it.”

“Then go.” She gave me a little push. “I hate women who behave like that without the least encouragement.”

“Bitches,” I growled low and marched over to the table. But halfway there, I slowed my steps and my breathing. This was their business, and if I punched their customers every time they got flirty or otherwise bugged me, I was not helping. Instead, I forced my lips to stretch into a bright smile and continued on with a light step. Arriving at Shay’s table, I leaned down and kissed the top of his head. “Hello, dear. I’ll take over here. You’re wanted in production.”

I had less than a clue of what to do, but Shay shot me a grateful look and stood, planting a soft kiss on my lips as he did. “Thanks, honey. The ladies were about to order a case of the spring brew. Mabel will write it up when they are ready.”

His sweet peck stole my breath, but I sucked in enough to say, “Very good. I’ll just hang out while they finish enjoying their samples.”

Shay fled into the back room, but I saw him wink at Mabel who gave him a thumbs-up as he passed her.

“So, where are you from?” I asked the pair. “Is this your first visit to us?”

“He’s your husband?”

I shrugged. “Oh, you know how it is with men. So eager.” I giggled. “But we’ll be married in June. He just wouldn’t take no for an answer. We are still working out some of the details of the honeymoon.” I tucked my left hand under the table to avoid questions about engagement rings.

“Now, the spring brew is your final choice? I see you have the berry there, too. Very popular this time of year.”

I changed the subject and soon had them talking about themselves, the trip they were on, and they left with three cases of beer, two free T-shirts, and bright smiles on their faces. I returned to the counter where Mabel still stood, having run their cards and had one of the tavern people bring out the order to their car instead of one of the fury.

“Those two will just latch on to anyone,” she muttered, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Do you think it’s okay that I gave them the shirts?” I asked. “I probably should have asked permission.”

“You’re fine. It made them happy and you upsold them from one case to three. I thought you were a scientist who spent all her time in a laboratory shut away from the public.”

“I am. I never even sold Girl Scout cookies. I was too shy.”

“Well, looks like when it matters, you’re not as shy as you think.”

“Yeah…but am I going to have to chase them off every day?”

She shook her head. “Let’s hope not.”

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