Joseph Garcia stood there, all six-foot-something of pure Alpha male wrapped in an expensive charcoal suit that did nothing to hide his broad shoulders and powerful build. His eyes were fixed on Caroline, but as I watched, they shifted to me, and the full force of his attention made my skin tingle.
Caroline looked mortified. “Joseph! I didn’t know you were… I mean…”
“Don’t stop on my account,” he said with a grin. “You look stunning, Caroline. My newest employee deserves to shine.”
Eleanor stepped forward. “What are you doing here, Joseph? Stalking your employees on their day off?”
Joseph’s smile didn’t falter. “Happy coincidence. I’m meeting Antonio for lunch.” His eyes slid back to me. “Though I think fate might have had other plans for me today.”
My cheeks burned as I remembered my earlier comments about Alpha males. Had he heard me? The way his eyes twinkled with amusement suggested he might have.
“You two have met before?” Caroline asked, looking between us with interest.
Eleanor laughed. “Ava, meet Joseph Garcia, CEO of Puma Global and Alpha of the Nightbane Pack. Joseph, this is Ava Flynn, our new friend and shopping guru.”
Joseph extended his hand. “We’ve met a few times, though not properly introduced. It’s nice to finally make it official.”
His hand enveloped mine, warm and strong. Electricity shot up my arm at the contact, and I had to fight the urge to pull away-or worse, step closer.
“Interesting,” I said, withdrawing my hand. “I don’t recall making such an impression.”
“You wouldn’t,” he replied, his voice dropping lower. “But turning down my dinner invitation definitely stung.”
Caroline’s eyebrows shot up. “So you do know each other.”
“His nephew has been playing matchmaker,” I explained, feeling trapped under Joseph’s intense gaze. “Apparently, the great Alpha Joseph doesn’t handle refusal well.”
Instead of being offended, Joseph laughed.
“She’s got me there,” he admitted. “I’m not used to beautiful women turning me down.”
“Maybe you should get used to it,” I suggested.
Caroline cleared her throat. “I’ll, um, try the red one next?”
Joseph didn’t even look at her. “Perfect. And Ava should try something too.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”
“Well, Ava, you have great taste,” he said, his eyes moving over me. “If you were picking an evening dress from here for yourself, which one would you choose?”
“Are you buying a gift for your girlfriend?” I asked innocently.
“Sweetheart, I don’t have a girlfriend. But I’d love to give a gift to a friend.” He smiled back, that breathtaking grin of his.
I went to get a dress, one I’d been eyeing in the store for ages. It was gorgeous and expensive, of course. A gold sequined mini dress, wrap style with a deep V-neck and thin straps that crossed in the back. Incredibly sexy. I also grabbed a pair of gold sandals with Swarovski crystals. When I showed him the dress, I saw his eyes light up.
“Could you try it on? That way I can see how it would look on my friend,” he asked. I knew exactly what he was up to.
Customers sometimes ask us to try things on, usually for wives, girlfriends, or daughters. I usually agree since it’s part of the job. But I wasn’t about to let this charming Alpha get his way so easily.
“Sorry, sir, I can’t. But if she’s my size, it’ll be perfect on her. I guarantee it!” I answered as politely as possible.
“Fine, I’ll take it,” he said, surprising me. “I’m also getting dresses and shoes for both of them. Don’t blame me, I’m the boss! It’s just kindness because you’re all excellent employees, and Caroline helped me close a great deal with Thorne Enterprises.”
Despite my wariness about his motives, I had to admit his generosity was impressive. He handed me a business card, gave me that charming smile, then said to the two women, “We should find a nice place where you can wear these beautiful clothes and show them off.”
The girls handed me their things, and I went to the register. This sale was amazing for me. I’d get a solid commission. I grudgingly packed everything up, still unsure what to make of this overly generous Alpha. I liked serving Eleanor and Caroline, though. They were friendly and gorgeous.
After making the purchase, Joseph insisted on taking us all to lunch. “My new employee needs to feel welcomed, and I’m starving.”
Eleanor said to me. “Ava, would you like to join us?”
Ava’s POV
Before I could answer, Joseph jumped in. “I insist. My treat. Consider it an apology for my nephew’s meddling and my persistence.”
I should have said no. Everything my mother had taught me about werewolves warned me to keep my distance, especially from Alphas. But something about Joseph’s presence made it hard to think clearly.
“I do get a lunch break,” I gave in.
Thirty minutes later, we sat at an upscale restaurant a short distance away from the mall. Joseph had easily gotten us a private booth despite the waiting list. The perks of being an Alpha, I figured.
“So,” Joseph said once we’d ordered, “how do you all know each other?”
“Eleanor, Caroline and I met here at the mall,” I explained.
“Ava, don’t be so serious about explaining. He knows how we met. He’s just trying to flirt with you,” Eleanor rolled her eyes.
Joseph said quietly to Eleanor, “I’m still your boss. Show me some respect when we’re out.”
I couldn’t help but laugh softly.
Joseph heard it, his eyes never leaving my face. “But it really is a small world.”
“Speaking of small worlds,” Eleanor said, her tone turning sharp, “have you heard from your friend Alpha Draven lately?”
Joseph’s face darkened a bit. “He’s a mess, if you want the truth. Drinking himself stupid every night.”
“Good,” Eleanor said firmly. “Let him suffer.”
“Eleanor,” Caroline said quietly, looking uncomfortable.
“No, you deserve better than how he treated you,” Eleanor insisted. “Joseph, tell her what you told me. About how Draven feels.”
Joseph sighed. “Draven is complicated. He thinks he did what was right for his pack, but he’s miserable without you, Caroline.”
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