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One of the things I loved most about Poppy’s shop was that it was forever changing. Sure, she had the usual stock and what she provided from her garden, but she was always bringing in new herbs, dried fruits, and flowers as well.
“This is new, too,” I said as I ran across hibiscus flower. My basket was already full and I’d been here only a few minutes. This place was dangerous for an omega like me.
“Oh yes, I forgot to call you on that one. My mind isn’t what it used to be,” she chuckled. “Any new requests?”
“Actually, someone came in asking about rose hips and lemon balm,” I said. Her eyes lit up as she plopped herself down on the stool and started making a note. Next time I came in, I could guarantee she’d have them. She thrived on these searches.
Clearly, Lockwood wasn’t the most exciting town.
The door chime dinged and we turned. I’d never run into anyone here and my heart stopped at the sight of Jacob strolling in, cocky grin in place. His dark skin was even darker as if he’d spent hours in the sun. The way he carried himself was different now, or maybe I just saw him with fresh eyes.
It wasn’t swagger, it was arrogance.
“Oh hello! A fresh face!” Poppy said, oblivious to the look on my face.
“I’m just here to browse,” he noted. Not wanting to freak out Poppy I played it cool.
“All done, Poppy,” I said quickly, dropping the scoop back in the bin and walking away from my selection without taking any. She looked surprised, catching on that something was different.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, losing every bit of her usual laid back demeanor. My sweet Poppy looked ready to kick ass. “Should I kick him out?”
“No, it’s fine, but I need to go. Can I come back for this?” I asked. She nodded and followed me to the door, putting herself between me and Jacob who looked annoyed now. There were no hints of the previous charm I’d known him for.
A red sports car was next to my truck. I had to wonder if they were watching us this whole time and followed me out here.
Fuck, I was getting paranoid.
I didn’t breathe until I was on the road again. Leaving Poppy made me nervous but I knew Jacob wouldn’t hurt her. He’d rather follow me.
Sure enough, a few minutes into the drive I noticed the red car speeding up behind me. Not wanting to lead them home I parked right in front of the diner. I barely put it in park before jumping out and rushing inside.
Ezra greeted me with a smile but it fell as he took me in. He was over the counter and pulling me into his arms in seconds. I breathed my alpha in with a desperation that had my heart pounding harder.
“They’re here?” he questioned.
“I went out to Poppy’s for a pickup. He walked in. She helped me get back in my car and leave but he followed me anyway,” I said, voice shaking and vulnerable. I fucking hated how scared I was now. How could they be so different from the men I’d met? Or had I just been that blind and desperate for love?
“Red car?” Ezra’s voice was hard and he gently moved me behind him.
“Yes,” I answered.
“Call the others.”
Instead of calling I sent a group text, telling them that Jacob was at the diner. The responses came in rapidly, but I couldn’t focus enough to read them as Jacob strutted in the front door.
“You can’t come in here, you’re stalking my omega and I won’t allow it,” Ezra said.
Jacob snorted. “You can’t deny me service. That’s illegal.”
“I can just call my sheriff if you’d rather?” Ezra said, ignoring him. “If you’re intimidating my patrons, I can certainly keep you out.”
“I’m just here to talk to Ellie,” he said easily.
“She doesn’t want to talk to you,” Ezra bit out.
“Oh, she still doesn’t speak up for herself?” he taunted, as if he knew a damn thing about me.
That had Ezra growling and me pulling him behind me this time.
