Page 81 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

Lucifer, King of Silver pine, Alpha of House Hale, was currently in my shop, patiently teaching customers how to make fragrance.

His voice was low and steady, each step clearly explained. He even cracked a joke that made everyone laugh. He must have studied this ahead of time. My wolf said. And studied seriously.

Reporters raised cameras, shutters clicking. Flashes popped against his profile. I knew tomorrow's headlines would read—"King Hale Appears at Windsor Fragrances Grand Opening."

But he seemed completely unconcerned, his profile focused on the tools in his hands, eyes intent, giving him a mature air that made them even deeper.

I swallowed.

For the next few hours, Lucifer stayed. He helped customers get materials, helped me move shelves, and when someone didn't understand, he'd walk over and guide them hands-on. The wolves he'd brought joined in too. A few bold girls sidled over for photos while making fragrance with them. The wolves remained expressionless, but their ears turned noticeably red.

I watched from behind the register, smiling, but my gaze kept returning to Lucifer's busy figure. His shirt back had a damp patch of sweat, sleeves rolled higher, exposing the taut muscle lines of his arms. When he bent to talk with customers, his hair fell forward, partially shadowing his eyes.

My heartbeat quickened.

The activity ran until three p.m. After the last satisfied customers left, the shop finally quieted.

I leaned against the counter and exhaled. Tired, but fulfilled. Opening day sales exceeded expectations, and customer feedback was excellent.

"Good work." Lucifer walked over and handed me a bottle of water.

"Thanks." I took it and drank deeply. The cold water slid down my throat, washing away some fatigue.

He grabbed one too and leaned beside me at the counter.

"Business was good today," he said.

"Yeah." I nodded. "Better than I expected."

"That's because your fragrance is good."

I turned to look at him. He was looking at me too, those gray eyes full of laughter.

"You didn't have to do all this." I set the bottle down. "I mean... you're the king. You didn't need to come help me..."

He raised an eyebrow and turned toward me. "Elena." His eyes shone, full of amusement. "I came to help someone I care about. My mate."

His gaze made my face heat. I looked away. "I'll go clean up."

"My people are handling it." Lucifer lazily called me out. Indeed, those suited wolves were sweeping, wiping tables, collecting decorations and trash, methodical and efficient. The staff sat quietly to the side like schoolchildren.

"Then I'll... organize the shelves." I turned and hurried toward the displays. Several bottles had been taken down during demonstrations and needed to be replaced. I stood on tiptoe, reaching for the top shelf.

My fingertips just touched the bottle when it started to fall.

"Watch out—"

Lucifer's voice sounded by my ear. The next second, he wrapped around me from behind, one hand covering my head, blocking the falling bottle. It hit his hand with a dull thud.

"Are you okay?" I turned. His arm was still around me, only inches between us.

"I'm fine." He lowered his hand but didn't completely let go, still resting on my waist. "You?"

"I..."

Before I could finish, his scent surrounded me. Cedar, amber, mixed with a hint of salty sweat and the lavender from making fragrance earlier.

My wolf stood up inside me, tail wagging.