Page 4 of Alpha’s Fake Marriage

A face that represented hope.

Irina... The mere thought of her sent a surge of warmth coursing through my veins, igniting a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions within my chest. I wasn’t sure what it was about her, but she brought a newenergyinto my head shop when she first stepped in, something that instantly captivated me. It was as if she brought color into my life, and I didn’t even know it was black and white before her.

Her beauty was undeniable, a delicate blend of elegance and strength that left me breathless in her presence. But it was more than just her physical allure that drew me to her—it was the essence of her being, the fierce determination and resilience that shone in her eyes. I needed to know more about her, I craved everything. That was distraction enough from the nightmares that truly did haunt me.

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as I eventually stirred from my complicated, but eventually peaceful, slumber. With a heavy sigh, I blinked away the remnants of sleep, my mind slowly awakening to the new day ahead.

As I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, a surge of nervous energy coursed through my veins, my heart fluttering with anticipation. Today was the day—my first day working alongside Irina, the enigmatic woman who had captured my thoughts in a whirlwind of desire and uncertainty.

With trembling hands, I reached for my clothes, each movement filled with a sense of purpose and determination. I dressed quickly, the fabric clinging to my skin as if seeking to anchor me in reality amidst the tumult of my emotions.

As I fastened the buttons of my shirt and adjusted my collar, I couldn’t shake the feeling of anticipation that hung heavy in the air. Would Irina be as captivating in person as she was in my dreams? As I thought she was when I very first met her? Would our interactions be filled with awkward silence or easy conversation? I guess it was finally time to find out.

THREE

IRINA

Anticipation surged through my veins as I stood before the mirror, adjusting the collar of my blouse with trembling fingers. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, a fresh start filled with both anticipation and apprehension. Just because I had met Octavio already didn’t mean I wasn’t anxious to be around him again.

Truth be told, I was nervous to be near any shifters, especially after what I’d been through.

But I wasn’t going to think about the past today. It was all about the future.

As I smoothed down the fabric of my skirt, my gaze drifted to the figure of my mother, still asleep in her small bed, which was nothing like what she’d left behind, but she didn’t seem to mind saying goodbye to the opulence if she could have safety. The lines of worry etched into her face served as a stark reminder of the sacrifices we had made, the hardships we had endured to escape the clutches of our past. But it was all going to be worth it. Today was the start of that.Iwould support us and I was going to do a much better job than those who were supposed to care.

I was doing all of this for her—for us—and nothing would stand in my way.

With a resolute nod, I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges that lay ahead. Today was the first step towards a brighter future, and I was determined to seize it with both hands.

With a newfound sense of confidence and a determination to make this work, I stepped out into the world, ready to embrace the journey that lay ahead.

As I finally stepped into the familiar warmth of Octavio’s head shop, a rush of nerves threatened to overwhelm me. Today was my first day to really prove myself, and the weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air. I’d lied to get here, and right now, that was a hard pill to swallow.

How on earth was I going to make this work?

“Good to see you, Irina,” Octavio declared with a welcoming smile. “I’ve compiled a list of jobs I want you to work on. Do it in any order you want, and please feel free to ask me anything. I know you’ve worked in head shops before, but everyone is different.”

That made me feel a little better.

At least he was giving me a chance to succeed.

I was still incredibly nervous, though.

But as I settled into my tasks, something unexpected happened—I found myself slipping into the rhythm of the work with surprising ease. The shelves were neatly stocked, the inventory meticulously organized, and I moved through the space with a newfound confidence.

Maybe this wasn’t going to be as hard as I thought!

Octavio’s presence was a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of activity. His easy smile and encouraging words buoyed my spirits, filling me with a sense of reassurance I hadn’t known I needed.

And as I caught glimpses of his approving nods and the genuine warmth in his gaze, a small spark of pride ignited within me. Perhaps I was better at this than I had initially thought.

With each passing hour, I found myself settling into my role with growing certainty. The tasks became familiar, the challenges more manageable, and I felt myself growing more confident with each passing moment.

But it wasn’t just the work itself that made this day special—it was just being around Octavio. I felt close to him already, like I had known him my whole life, and we shared an intense connection. He wasn’t just incredibly handsome, he was kind-hearted as well! His smile was like a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty, guiding me forward with unwavering support. I was glad that he was the person advertising for someone to work with him when we first got here.

And as the day drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over me. Despite my initial apprehension, I might just find my place here—among the shelves of the head shop, alongside Octavio and his warm smile. And for that, I was truly grateful.

As the dayspassed and I settled into my role at Octavio’s head shop, I found myself falling into a comfortable rhythm alongside him. The initial nerves that had plagued me faded into the background, replaced by a growing sense of ease and familiarity. This was surprisingly perfect for me.

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