Page 14 of Alpha's Sunflower Smiles

Ronnie glanced at Ty, and I faced the other alpha.

He cleared his throat and said, “He had some business meetings to attend.”

“Where?”

“Look, we don’t know the details, alright? We’re just minding the shop while he’s away.”

“What about Richard?”

“He’s at lectures today.”

“Is that door locked?” I nodded at the back door.

“You ask a lot of questions.” It was the alpha who said it but he didn’t seem to be challenging me on it, which I was grateful for. Some alphas got competitive and, now my blood pressure was returning to normal, I wasn’t interested in any of that.

“I’m curious,” I said, and walked over to the door, testing the handle. I was pleased to find it locked. At least Wilfred had taken my warning seriously.

“He’s getting that door replaced,” said Ty.

“Is he?” I didn’t think these two random people needed to know that I was the one arranging that, especially as I couldn’t actually rationally explain away my need to do that. Anyone who heard me talk about it would know instantly that I had it bad for Wilfred and my alpha instincts were firing inside me to protect my man.

Yeah, I didn’t need these two to know that.

“I’ll see if I can catch him later,” I said. And, obviously, what I meant by that was I’d go back to my office and look up at the slightest movement out the window until I saw Wilfred return.

It was a long afternoon and, as I’d expected, I hadn’t been able to settle to anything because I’d been staring out the window, waiting for Wilfred. I had to wait another twenty minutes after that before I saw Ty and Ronnie leave the shop and then I figured it was safe to go over there.

This time, when I walked in, Wilfred was right there where he was meant to be, in his shop, beaming at me.

I smiled in return. “Hey, you were out earlier. Is everything okay?”

“Yes, I was just arranging some supply deliveries, that’s all. I normally do it when Richard’s here but I had to do it today. Luckily, Ty and Ronnie popped by and said they’d watch the shop for me. Didn’t you see them?”

I gave a cough. I’d seen more than I’d bargained for, actually.

“Yeah, I saw them. I just wanted to tell you that the door will be fixed tomorrow. Is that still convenient?”

He looked nervous and licked his lips, which I fixated on. “Yes, that’s fine. You know, you really don’t need to go to all this bother for us, you know.”

“I want you to be safe.”

“Thank you. Can I, um, make you a cup of tea?”

I smiled. “Yes, please.”

Chapter 7

Wilfred

Aslender omega man barged into the shop and looked around. He was several years younger than me and had sharp, clever eyes. Those eyes settled on me and he said, “I take it you’re Wilfred?”

“That’s right. Can I help you?”

“Yes, you can. I want to see your workshop.”

“Oh, okay then. It’s out here.”

I was already leading him through the shop when the door burst open again and Ty came in, looking harassed and flushed.

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