Chapter 2

Riley

My short drive into the main pack square only takes 10 minutes from the school. I have always loved the Silvermoon pack with its snow-capped mountain backdrop and dense green trees that keep us shielded and protected from the rest of the world. It's almost enough to give the illusion that all is right in the world—almost.

I park round the back of Flora and Fauna, ducking in through the work entrance, hoping Mr. Jones won't notice I'm a few minutes late. I shut the door so I don't make a sound, tiptoeing across the staff quarters and the back workroom where we prep most of our displays.

"Riley." I pause, my eyes closing as I hear his gruff voice. I spin to see the back of my boss clipping some rose stems rather aggressively. "Yes," I squeak, chiding myself for acting like an errant child instead of a grown-ass woman. "You're late again. That's 6 times this month. If you can't handle the hours, let me know and I'll find someone else." He peers at me now, and my stomach drops. I can't lose this job. Even if Mr. Jones has been more than forgiving and helped me out more times than I can count.

"I'm so sorry. It won't happen again. I had some car trouble," I rush to explain, but before he can say anything, the bell dings out front and he nods his head in a way that tells me to get out there before he changes his mind. I don't need to be told twice. I rush out, running in my flats before I slam into a wall I don't remember being there before.

"Just the person I was looking for." His hazel eyes crinkle with delight as I realize his arms are keeping me pressed to his body. Extracting myself as politely as I can, I put on my best customer service smile. One, because if Mr. Jones catches me being disrespectful to any customers, I will most certainly be fired, and two, because I know false pretenses piss the man in front of me off no end.

"Ivan, how can I help you today?" I keep my voice bright and professional, but I see the disappointment in his eyes. All the same, we go through our usual routine of him scanning the store for something to buy so we can exchange small talk. Or where Ivan attempts his skills at flirting.

There is nothing wrong with Ivan per se. He isn't classically handsome like others in our pack are, nor is he rugged looking like he could take you at any moment up against the wall. He is clean-cut with dark black hair, pale skin, and kind eyes. He works as one of the guards, so he is in good shape, but being around him is kind of like watching paint dry.

"Yes, there was an arrangement I was hoping you could help me with," he begins, his gaze focusing on me as he gives me a smile. His eyes flicker to my lips before glancing back at the flowers. "What are these? They look... pretty." I arch a brow but follow him over to the shop as he stands closer than necessary to me.

"The daisies are an excellent choice. What is the occasion?" I beam so hard my cheeks hurt. Ivan studies the flower and then me. He must notice the tick in my cheeks as he ponders what I've said. "Perhaps something a little more exciting... what are those?" He gestures wildly to about three different plants.

"The tulips?" I question, struggling to keep up appearances. The first day I worked here, Ivan came in. And every shift since, he has been here. He knows the store better than I do. The fact we pretend that I help him when in reality he would buy whatever flowers I tell him look good. It helps with my sales, and it's one of the reasons that Mr. Jones has given me more than my fair share of chances. After all, Ivan trying to worm his way into having a date with me is a steady income here at Flora and Fauner.

"Ivan, it would help if I knew what the flowers are for. I'm happy to put another arrangement together if you can't find what you are looking for here," I keep smiling as Ivan stares back at me.

"No, Riley, don't go to any trouble. I'm sure there is something in this store that is just perfect. It's my sister's birthday coming up, and I want to get something special for her." He tells me.

I'm 75% sure he doesn't have a sister. At least I can't remember who she is in the pack. We aren't many after all—about 1,000 of us—and now that the borders are tighter, we can't explore the other packs since the treaty has dissolved. It means forging alliances or finding mates is now near impossible unless they happen to be here in the pack. Not that I'm worried about that—those days are in the past for me. But I do worry about Olly. He needs to go out more, and I have probably sheltered him too much, but even though I know I need to let go—I equally can't seem to do that.

"These are perfect," he announces, clearly having had enough of pointing at random flowers. "Lovely choice." I ring them up before he can corner me and ask me out again. There is only so many times a girl can say no without losing her best customer who keeps her employed. Politics.

"Riley, any nice plans for the weekend? There is a great little restaurant that is opening up in town. I was hoping you and I might check it out one day?" He grins at me in a pleasant way. I bite my lip, giving my brain a few more seconds to think of an excuse as to why I can't go.

Olly's birthday was the last one, allergies was the time before. Come on, brain, think.

"Olly is studying, and I need to help him pass his finals," I start when Ivan cuts me off.

"Another time, Riley." He hands me the money, his fingers purposely brushing mine, hoping I feel some kind of spark or jolt of electricity. I keep his eye contact, knowing I should really try putting myself out there and Ivan isn't a bad guy, but kissing him would be like kissing one of these plants. I'd feel nothing.

Despite how I have avoided men like the plague after Dylan, I can't help but think that even if Ivan is the safe choice to dip my toes back in the water, I would like to feel something more.

"See you again, Ivan." I give him his change as he turns to walk out the door.

"Don't forget your flowers," I remind him as he walks back to pick them up. "Thanks, Riley. What would I do without you!" he teases as I watch him walk out the door. Buy less flowers for sure.

"Riley, go out with the poor bloke. I can't bear to watch him strike out again," Mr. Jones grumbles, placing his arrangement in the front window—a kaleidoscope of red flowers. Passionate. Dramatic. All-consuming. "Maybe I will," I tell him with a smile, but my gaze is still set on the flowers in the window. He says something else, but I don't hear it as he struts back into the workroom, putting together his next piece.

Maybe I should give Ivan a chance—as much as the excitement of being with someone who could make me feel all of those things again. I don't know if I would survive the loss. Perhaps it is best to play it safe. Olly will be eighteen soon. If he finds his mate, I'll be all alone. Next time Ivan asks me out, I'll say yes.