The Alpha's Treasured Luna

Chapter 5

“And this is the inventory closet. Twice a month, you’ll need to come in a bit early to sort through and provide a proper report of everything here,” Maurice said airily. His delicate fingers glided through his platinum-blonde hair as he gave Erica a quick glance. His soft, lavender eyes glinted with the glow of the overhead light.

Erica finished tying the navy blue apron around her waist, adjusting the strap as she nodded. “Got it. Thanks for this opportunity, Maurice. I really appreciate it.” She smiled, genuinely grateful to him for hiring her, despite her father's disapproval of her working at the candle shop.

Maurice fluttered his hand dramatically, pretending to dab at the corner of his eyes. “Oh, of course, dear! You’re doing us a huge favor. After Willow gave such short notice before quitting, we were lost!” His voice wavered as if he were about to burst into tears.

Erica grinned, knowing Maurice’s theatrics were part of his charm. “Well, I’m happy to help. I’ll make sure to do my best.”

Before Maurice could respond, a taller man with an athletic build rounded the corner, carrying two large boxes stacked effortlessly in his arms. “Maurice, stop being so dramatic,” he said, his voice a deep rumble. He gently placed the boxes down and, with a loving glance, kissed Maurice’s cheek.

“Hi, James. Are those the new candles for the season?” Erica asked, trying to suppress a laugh at Maurice’s exaggerated pout.

“That’s right,” James replied, popping the lid off one of the candles. “This one’s Golden Summer Sun.” He handed it to Erica, who took a whiff.

The scent hit her senses with a burst of sweet citrus, tangy lemon drop, and a hint of warmth that reminded her of summer afternoons. “It smells amazing,” she said, handing the candle back. “I can see why it’s a bestseller.”

“Jamsey always makes the best recipes,” Maurice cooed, leaning into his partner with a look of pride.

James handed Erica another candle, but before she could sample the scent, the shop bell chimed, signaling a customer.

“I’ll go greet them. You can familiarize yourself with the candles, Erica,” Maurice said, gliding toward the front of the store.

“Alpha Alex! Good afternoon! What brings you to our humble shop, sir?” Maurice’s voice sounded from the front, his surprise barely hidden.

Erica froze, her eyes widening at the mention of Alex. She hadn’t expected to run into him again so soon after the park encounter. She stayed behind, trying to remain out of sight as her curiosity piqued.

“Hey, Maurice,” Alex’s relaxed voice responded. “I’m here to pick up the candles my mom ordered. She’s putting together gift bags for the neighboring packs for my Alpha ceremony.”

Maurice blinked in shock, clearly not used to seeing the future Alpha himself running errands. “But sir, Luna Natalya usually sends an omega for these things…”

“I know, but I wanted to check out the town. I’ve been away for a while. It’s nice to get out and look around.” Alex’s smile was warm, charming, and clearly disarming Maurice, who blushed under the attention.

“O-of course, Alpha Alex. Just give me a moment to gather the last few candles,” Maurice stammered, rushing to finish the order.

While Maurice worked, Alex wandered the shop, sniffing the various candles with interest. He paused, his brow furrowing slightly. “Which one of these smells like lavender?” he asked, sniffing the air again.

Maurice looked up, puzzled. “Lavender? We don’t currently carry a lavender scent. We only stock it during the spring sale.”

Alex didn’t respond immediately but continued perusing the shelves. He knew he smelled lavender. It wasn’t strong, but it was definitely there—faint, like a memory hovering on the edge of his senses.

“All done, Alpha Alex!” Maurice called out, placing two heavy shopping bags on the counter.

“How much do I owe you?” Alex asked, pulling out his wallet.

“Oh, no, sir! It’s already been covered. There’s an account set up—”

Alex pulled out a crisp $100 bill and placed it firmly on the counter. “Could you do me a favor and try to get that lavender candle? I know it’s out of season, but I’d really like one.”

Maurice blushed deeper. “Oh, sir, this is far too much for just one candle!”

“Consider it a tip,” Alex said with a smile. “I’ll be back to pick it up next time I’m in town.”

With that, he gave Maurice a pleasant nod and exited the shop. As the bell rang to indicate his departure, Erica and James emerged from the back, having listened in on the exchange.

Maurice, still flustered, shoved the $100 bill into Erica’s hand. “Here, take this!”

“What? I didn’t do anything!” Erica protested, her face turning red with surprise. “I was just back here smelling the candles!”

James raised an eyebrow but said nothing, focusing on organizing the boxes he had carried in.

Maurice waved his hand dismissively. “Nonsense. Alpha Alex left it as a tip, and you’ve been nothing but helpful today. It’s yours.”

Erica hesitated but eventually nodded, clutching the bill in her hand. It was unexpected, but she wasn’t about to argue. However, as she tucked the money away, a thought crossed her mind. Alex had been coming up a lot recently. In all the years she’d known him, she had rarely seen him around, but now, in just a few days, she’d encountered him twice. It was… strange.

The rest of the day went by smoothly. Erica assisted a few customers and learned how to close up the shop from James. As the late afternoon sun began to dip, she locked the front door and adjusted her knapsack, ready to head home.

The air was warm and pleasant, and Erica mulled over whether she should stop by the bar for a quick drink to celebrate her first successful day at work. With a smile, she pulled out her phone and sent a text to Amanda:

*Hey, Mandy, want to meet me at the Hellfur Bar on Main Street?*

*Yea! What time?* Amanda replied almost instantly.

*Now, lol.*

*WHAT? Lol, okay, I’ll be there in 15 minutes.*

*Hurry up!! Lol.*

Erica chuckled, slipping her phone back into her pocket. It buzzed again, but this time, it wasn’t Amanda.

Her heart sank as she looked at the screen.

It was her father.

*When you’ve completed your time at the candle shop, come straight home. We need to discuss better opportunities for you to advance in your studies.*

Erica stared at the message, her mood quickly souring. She debated whether to reply or ignore it altogether. She knew she wasn’t going straight home, and she wasn’t about to let her father dictate her every move anymore. She was an adult now, capable of making her own decisions about her future.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before she typed back:

*I already have plans after work. I respect your opinion, but I want to do things my way.*

Without giving herself a chance to second-guess, she sent the message and turned off her phone, deciding to deal with the consequences later.

For now, she was going to enjoy her evening.