Her smile cracks for a moment, her eyes turning a bit watery, but she nods anyway.
She moves to the side, studying my pastries in a way that makes me feel like she’s eyeing up a private part of me.
There’s something almost critical in her gaze, but I focus on getting all the percolators set up for today.
“Could I get a pain au chocolat as well? I was told they’re best fresh.” The simple French rolls off her tongue with ease. Maybe she’s from France. Why would she come all the way out to Hallow’s Cove for a vacation, though?
“Sure.” I pull out the black tongs and place the pastry onto a plate. “I’ll bring the coffee over to you when it’s ready.”
She smiles again before heading for the oversized armchair by the front door. I set up everything I need for the drip coffee and quickly rush back into the kitchen, so I can breathe neutral air and think of what to do.
Should I tell Mitch? It sounds like the woman who I believe is our Omega interacted with him yesterday. Did he notice it? Her scent clings to my senses until I’ve not got a single rational thought in my head.
Or did this human not affect him?
My mate hates early mornings, but I’m almost tempted to go upstairs and drag him down here now.
I should just ask if she’s staying for a while. That would be good. Plus, if she says that she’s leaving this morning, then I won’t have to break Mitch’s heart by introducing him to our Omega. He won’t ever need to know I’ve met her, either.
I couldn’t handle watching my mate get his heart broken if fate isn’t on our side.
I grab Ted’s tray and head back out to the kitchen. Ted is leaning on the counter now, a conspiratorial look on his face. He hands me his travel mug, but it’s only when I hand it back, full of coffee, that he leans in closer to me.
“I heard Louise say that human is bonafide royalty. A marsh or something, I don’t know, but the mayor spent all day yesterday giving her a tour and introducing her as Lady Rowena.
Lerana said she’s staying down at the motel, though.
And a bike? Only brings one kinda person to mind, if you know what I mean.
” He raises those big furry eyebrows at me with implication and then clicks his tongue.
“Have a good one, Clay. Tell that lazy sack of bones I said hi.”
I swear to gods, Ted and Lerana are just as bad as each other with how they gossip. The universe clearly hasn’t paired them together because it would cause a cataclysm. Nobody would be able to survive that gossip mill.
To imply the new person in town is somehow suspicious just because she’s staying down at Connie’s motel is ridiculous.
Still, it piques my interest even more. I look over at Rowena and see she’s staring at us, clearly having overheard Ted. She turns away quickly, shoving her hand into her pocket as he leaves the café.
Is our Omega a grifter? What the fuck would she want with a town like Hallow’s Cove? Some of us have money, but even then, we’re just a bunch of regular monsters trying to make a living.
My ears droop as I think about that. No. She can’t be here just to scam us. I’ve generally always wanted to believe people have their hearts in the right place. Even if my general enthusiasm for most everything that happens in town is low, I know the people here are good.
Just like our Omega must be.
I pour her coffee into the large cup I usually hide away for myself, and I bring it over to her.
“You need any cream, sugar?”
“Thank you,” she murmurs, taking the cup and missing that term of endearment.
“S’not a problem. You in town for a while?” I ask, trying to casually lean against the other arm chair to hide my body and my slip-up.
“Until the new year, but maybe longer.” She smiles a little, and I wonder if she’s trying to be polite or flirty.
She takes a sip from my mug, pulling my attention to her mouth.
Her lips press into the ceramic, and I wonder what it would feel like to have them press against me.
“I accepted the artist residency at the Cove Arts Centre.”
Even mentioning the building across the street makes me want to roll my eyes hard enough my corneas detach.
That town hall meeting was a damned mess.
I was sure someone was going to actually get their throat ripped out this time.
While Barnaby has made sure the building’s exterior is maintained, nobody has ever bothered to actually put art in there.
As far as I can remember, it’s never been opened, and nobody can agree on what we should do with the space.
Guess Louise decided for us.
“Aw, well then I guess we’re neighbors for a bit,” I smirk.
Maybe more than neighbours, if I can get this conversation going in the right direction.
I’ve never really had to flirt a day in my life.
All our previous attempts at going out to find an Omega were led by Mitch.
He thrives on interaction, and being a bit flirty and naughty in public has always gotten him off.
I’m much better at listening, being a soft place to land after a long day at work.
Where Mitch is always keen to follow his impulses in the moment, I prefer to execute a plan that will end in happy endings for everyone. Clearly, this conversation is proving our dynamic works better when we’re together and can play off each other’s strengths.
She nods. “Yeah, I’m trying to get my bearings and meet people in town.”
“Well Cool Beans is the place for any baked goods ya may need, or coffee. When Mitch is awake, he usually makes the fancy drinks.”
“And the WiFi,” she chuckles. “It’s been an adjustment not being as connected as I’m used to. But I’m hoping it brings me some inspiration.”
“Where are you from?” I ask, even though I hate beating around the bush like this. I just want to know what her deal is, so we can move past the smalltalk and my poor attempt at chatting her up. “I really like your accent.”
“London,” she answers. “Are you from town or on a permanent vacation?”
“My mate Mitch and I are from down south, moved here at eighteen and never looked back.”
Her face turns red with embarrassment when I refer to Mitch as my mate, and it’s only then I remember that it might look like I’m a mated man trying to shoot my shot with a stranger.
Even more telling than the small change in her features is the way her scent turns sour like vinegar.
Rowena takes another sip of her drink, and I want to kick myself.
Fuck’s sake. This is why Mitch leads with the flirting and I follow with reassurance.
“I’ll let you get back to work, then.” She looks down at her pastry.
“If you need anything, just let me know.” I try to force a smile, anything to get her to smell a bit sweet for me again. I open my mouth before I even know what I want to say, but no words come out.
Rowena stands abruptly as I straighten up, her fingers trembling around the cup of hot coffee I just handed her.
I’m taken by surprise, but neither of us speak as we stare at each other.
My ears tuck back against my head as I get a fresh smell of her sour pheromones. A determined look settles on her face.
“Clay,” she says, back straight and her demeanour completely opposite from the person I was just speaking with. “I prefer Roan. You’ve got the internet. Use it.”
She leaves with my favourite coffee mug in hand.