Page 16 of An Anomaly of Sunlight

But we shouldn’t. He shouldn’t.

I would be fine if I lost this job. Maybe I’d take a couple of months to wallow in self-pity. Then I could focus on starting my photography business. Skyler, on the other hand… what would he do? He’s dedicated to this job, that’s clear to anyone with eyes.

Regardless of the other’s slack, he always keeps the displays clean and set on time. Despite working countless hours, he still has compassion for the customers — even the rude ones.

This is his career. What other aspects of his life would I be jeopardizing? He’s told me about his house by the lake, and I see his beautiful car almost every day. I couldn’t live with myself if I were the cause of him losing his livelihood.

But nothing’s wrong with a little flirting.

I hold his gaze, hoping he can see the need burning beneath my skin. “Whatever your heart desires,” my words are barely above a whisper. His eyes darken as he inches closer. Too close for any wandering eyes that may be searching for their next morsel of gossip.

But I give in to the gravity in my chest. Press myself against him. Let his arms wrap around me and forget why it would matter if someone were to see. He cups my face in his palm, brushing his thumb across my cheek.

“Amethyst, I —”

A playful feminine voice calls from behind us. “Skyler!” I nearly jump out of my skin. For a moment, he doesn’t move an inch. A strong arm still resting in the crook of my back. Finally, with a pained expression, he turns to the newcomer.

“Sage, have I ever told you that your timing is diabolical?” He nearly growls at the woman. I step to the side to peer around the cigarette case. She’s an officer. She fits into that stereotype perfectly. She has a shorter build, but she boasts otherworldly muscles. She has short blond hair, cut at an angle on one side, and buzzed on the other.

Sage hasn’t said a word to me, but I like her already.

Cockily, she replies, “Actually, this would be the first time you’ve ever said that to me. Usually, you’re all thank the Goddess, Sage is here!” Her deep blue eyes shift my direction, and she offers me a wink. “Don’t worry, buddy. I’d be pissed if my time with a beautiful woman was interrupted, too.”

Skyler rubs a hand along the back of his neck, quickly turning away from us both. My cheeks burn hot. I can only imagine the shade of red they’ve turned. “Say, what is your name, lovely? I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting.” Sage boldly steps up to the counter, holding her hand out to me.

“Amethyst,” I dip my head to her. I place my hand in hers, expecting a handshake. To my surprise and Skyler’s vexation, she raises it to her lips, pressing a soft kiss against my skin.

In the blink of an eye, Skyler is at my back again. Did he just… growl?

“Down boy,” Sage gently drops my hand with a shrug. “Just testing a theory. Spoiler alert; you played right into my hand,” She snickers playfully, her voice menacing. “Play with your packmates next time, Rivera.”

Sage is a wolf as well, then. Still knowing nothing about wolf etiquette, I’m lost in this scenario. I offer Skyler a smile as I glance at him over my shoulder. “Seems like —” I hear Sage’s voice, but as I turn back to her, her lips aren’t moving. I guess my mind is playing tricks on me again.

But Skyler snaps at her, “Don’t.” Then, did I hear her talking after all? Sage quirks a brow, confused as she opens her mouth this time to respond. The radio on her hip begins speaking instead.

She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Goddess damn it.” Turning toward the door, she waves, “Nice to meet you, Amethyst. While I’d much rather hang out with you two, unfortunately, idiocy calls!”

Whatever came over Skyler before is gone now. “See you later, troublemaker,” he calls after her. She turns quickly, blowing him a kiss. I don’t miss the stern look he offers in return.

Customers have been sparce tonight. One, maybe two an hour. Conversation on the other hand has been plentiful. We’ve covered all the basics. Favorite color. His is black. Favorite food. He loves red velvet cupcakes. Any sisters or brothers? He has an older sister.

Maybe during our next shift together, we can get into deeper territory. Tonight, I’ve been careful with my words. Omitting details of Angel’s Rest entirely. The more our connection grows though…

The more I want to let him in.

I know I can heal myself. I can learn to live with what happened to me. I have always persevered through hardships before, and I can do it again. I know that, and yet, this time I want him to be on the journey by my side. I bite the inside of my cheek.

I don’t want to be alone. I never have. But it’s glaringly clear in my heart that I don’t want just anyone’s company, I only want his.

There’s an hour left before we close the store. I grab a green bottle of cleaning spray and start wiping down the counter. Sliding the cloth back and forth, I watch Skyler. He’s across from me, standing at the second register. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up, the top button undone. As he counts the money in the drawer, my heart beats faster.

My eyes home in on his hands. The way his veins flex as he grabs the stacks of money and his thumb brushes across the bills. I imagine those fingers intimately exploring my skin, sending chill bumps along my arms.

I clear my throat. Blurting out a question to distract myself from thoughts of his hands on my body. “You’re a wolf. What is that like?” His eyes dart to mine; one brow raised inquisitively. His look makes me feel like I should already know the answer.

Nonetheless, he humors me. “Freeing in a way,” he begins, grabbing the register till and stepping behind my counter. “Suffocating in another. Feeling trapped by pack life and its expectations but being shunned for leaving. It feels impossible to escape the judgement of others.”

A slight smile spreads across his face, and a fondness shines in his eyes. “But when your paws dance across the forest floor. When you howl to the moon and she answers while painting the world in azure light, all off the noise fades away. I’ve yet to find a feeling that can rival the serenity of a midnight run.”