Chapter Two

A shaft of sunlight pierced the front shop window as I worked on the big charcuterie trays ordered for a mating ceremony later in the day. Many shifters considered mating a private act and, certainly the lovemaking part was, although I had heard of a few who did their marking in public. But many modern people adopted a modified wedding scenario where the couple or trio or however many were mating pronounced their devotion in front of family and friends then had a big party.

I liked the idea of privacy, but when the day came, when I mated my true mate, should Fate be so kind, I would do whatever my omega's heart desired. As an alpha, it would be my responsibility to protect and care for my omega and any children we might have. And if my fated desired a giant party where we exchanged vows or rings or threw rice at one another or whatever humans did, so be it.

But, for today, it was another couple's celebration I prepared for. I didn't know them well, since they were new in town, but I was grateful for the business. Most shifters were pretty meat oriented, but they'd asked me to do a tray for some vegans, or perhaps I should call their giraffe shifter guests herbivores. It wasn't my usual, but a visit to the farmer's market yesterday had yielded some really beautiful heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash…so many varieties called out to me, I'd overbought for the event. My bear had been right there with me, and I realized I'd been eating way too much protein and missing out on the fruits and vegetables of summer. Maybe if I added a bit more to my menu, I'd have them handy to snack on as I was doing with some of the leftovers from this order. After wrapping each tray in double layers of plastic, I slid them into the cooler to wait to be picked up.

Looking at what I had remaining, it was enough to do a little plate for my neighbor next door. The shopkeeper had passed on the business to his nephew in his will, and instead of selling it like most young people might have done, he'd come in and made it his own.

"Anyone here?"

I pushed aside the bead curtain between front and back and poked my head out. "Yes, ma'am. How can I help you?" The curtain was a holdback from the previous business, a hippie boutique filled with tie-dye, incense, and candles in all shapes and sizes. I'd spent weeks getting rid of the lingering scents, but the clattering beads tickled me for some reason. The customer was looking in my display case, tapping a finger on her lip.

"My mate is bringing home her boss and their mate and a few coworkers for cocktails tonight, and I need something to serve along with martinis." She shook her head. "I don't even know if anyone likes martinis, but she's been binging a streamed series that…"

"I get it." It wasn't my first event like that. "May I suggest you have the martinis but also another option or two, either beer and wine or maybe gin and tonic?"

"Would it be authentic?"

"If you are hosting a cocktail party, I would think you could decide what drinks to serve." I considered what I had in stock. "And maybe have one mocktail as well?"

"I never considered that. I assumed if someone didn't want a martini, they could have a soft drink."

"Definitely an option, but wouldn't it be more special to have a fancy drink for the non-tippler as well?" There were so many reasons a person might not choose to drink, and in my opinion, having a nice drink in a fancy glass might keep the nosy from asking questions. Or it just might make them feel more part of things. "There are some very fancy mocktail lounges springing up in the cities, you know?"

Her eyes sparkled. "That's fantastic. I do not like the taste of alcohol, myself. Maybe a daiquiri would be good? I could offer it both ways?"

"Such a great idea! Now. Maybe we can set up a board with perfect treats to go with each drink?"

She'd come in here trying to be a good sport and make the party her mate wanted without even taking her own preference not to have a hard drink into account, but together, we'd managed to come up with a plan for an even better party where everyone could have a good time. Including the omega female who was in charge of making it all happen. As an alpha, I hoped I would be more aware of what my omega would prefer and also would want to help with projects rather than making all the decisions and leaving the execution to them.

I didn't know what their relationship was like, so I probably shouldn't judge. I could only make my own decisions—in the event Fate granted my mate to me.

"Do you have some flowers for the buffet table?" I never missed the opportunity to send a little business next door.

After figuring out what would be tasty with the martini, the daiquiris, and the gin and tonic she also decided to keep on the menu, I sent my customer, Camila, on her way to buy the other things she needed with a promise to have the order ready on her return. Just giving me enough time to prepare a board for my neighbor. He never remembered to eat.