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I spun around to face Theron. “Something tells me you were goading him on purpose,”
“Absolutely,” he confirmed, leading me inside. “It’s not every day I can get under Ezra’s skin. Gotta take my chance while I have the opportunity.”
***
The shop was a dream. Dad would have loved it. When we were on the road, he spent most of his free time whittling and describing the furniture he would build for our mother or projects he took on for friends and neighbors. He always said working with his hands calmed him like nothing else.
He must have passed that trait on to me.
Theron was meticulously organized. Building materials were on neat shelves to the right, and tools and binding materials hung to the left. The orders came through the office and were assigned based on specialty and interest. Besides Theron, four other guys worked in the shop. Each of them was kind and more than happy to show me their current projects.
Halfway through the day, Theron took me to the main floor to show me my assignment. I approached a large structure covered with a white cloth and raised an eyebrow.
“I remember you mentioning you whittle,” Theron said. “Is it possible that skill extends to other types of carving?”
I didn’t bother to hide my smile. “It does.”
He yanked the cover off a nearly complete crib. “Then the side panels are yours to design.”
My eyes widened. He wanted me to work on the crib for the Alpha unit’s pup.
“Are you sure that’s okay?”
“I think Isolde will love it.” Theron shrugged. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m shit at carving, so you’re helping me save face here.”
I bumped him with my shoulder, not believing him for a moment but willing to play along. “In that case, count me in.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” He set the panels on a table and walked to the metal supply shelves for pencils and an electric rotary. “We’re happy to have you here, you know.”
“Am I that obvious?”
“I think it’s a normal feeling, being wary. I can’t imagine coming into a pack after never being in one. We’re not meant to be alone. But, it’s only natural that you want to find your place.”
Theron’s presence was familiar, like being with my father again. “I do,” I admitted.
His eyes met mine, concern turning them into warm pools of chocolate. “How do you think that’s going?”
I looked around the shop, letting my budding hope bloom. “Pretty good.”
And it was.
***
Korren stood behind me as I measured the wall. Half an hour ago, the medical unit called in an order for some custom shelves for their supply storage.
I was surprised when Theron gave me the assignment because I’d only been working for him for two weeks, but I was excited to prove myself.
My mate’s delicious scent threatened to distract me as I grabbed a leveler and pencil from my pack. “Did you want the unit to be floor-to-ceiling?” I asked.
“Yes. We need at least six shelves and a few drawers for the smaller items.”
I marked the wall, careful to keep the spaces between them even.
I felt the heat of Korren’s body before his warm breath brushed my ear. “How long do I have you for?”
Anticipation hummed in my blood. The smoky lilt of his voice hit me between my legs.
Pull yourself together, he’s talking about work, I chastised myself.
