Page 34 of Truth or Pack

It was silly, but I really wanted them to see the hard work that went into my business. Everyone in my life, outside of the bookish community I’d found, always looked down on it.

I wanted them to be different.

No. I needed them to be different.

“You got it, baby. I’ll be here waiting.”

With a grin, I turned and sought out the romance section. It didn’t take long to find it. In fact, the store left little notes on several of the books, pointing out personal favorites and the ones that went viral.

“Okay, I hope I’m not overstepping,” a timid voice asked. I turned to find a cute, curly-haired omega shuffling her feet and looking unsure. “Did you say you do mystery boxes?”

“I do,” I admitted, unsure where this was going. I absolutely wasn’t here to encroach on her business.

“I thought you looked familiar. You were the one who does them with the cute wrappings and trope videos, right? I saw the masked man candy box and actually just got it in last week,” she gushed, lighting up and losing every bit of shyness now.

“What, really?” I asked, completely stunned. Here I thought I was this little nobody with a dream and uncertain if it would ever truly take off.

“Yes, look!” she grabbed my hand and dragged me through the store to a back room. It was pure, organized chaos, and right in the middle was a huge table that doubled as a desk. She had a computer at one side, the other held stacks of books and papers. On the edge was one of my boxes I’d shipped out right before vacation.

“Wow,” I said, shaking my head in pure astonishment. “I know I shipped some out, but this is crazy.”

She laughed. “Are you local? I’d love to stay in touch or feature some boxes if you’re open to it.”

“I’m not local… yet, at least,” I admitted. Honestly, I didn’t even know where the guys called home. Or where we’d be going from here. “But I’d be open to talking once I get the storm damage sorted.”

Her smile fell. “It’s bad out there. I understand. I’ll give you my card.”

“Thanks,” I said, putting it in my pocket. “I will definitely be in touch.”

“I’m Dani, by the way.”

“Taryn,” I said, feeling shy all of a sudden but offering a smile.

“I’ll let you get back to finding your book,” she promised, walking out with me. “I can’t wait to see what you pick for that cutie up front.”

For a second I felt a flare of jealousy, but when I saw her give me a wink, I relaxed. She didn’t mean anything by it and he was already mine.

Calm down, Taryn.

She gave me a quick goodbye and disappeared back up front while I went back to the romance shelf. I took my time, goingthrough each and reading the backs of the books to see if they were a good fit.

Then I saw one of my all time favorites. It was an amazing story of fae, magic, and romance, with the perfect amount of mystery and plot twists. I had a feeling he’d love it.

I kept it behind my back as I walked up front. Though I didn’t need to worry, he was flipping through his bag with a small smile on his face, waiting patiently.

Patience wasn’t something I thought about when considering mates, but seeing how he easily let me do my thing and simply entertained himself instead of getting sullen or mad, was a major green flag.

I was realizing a little more each moment I spent with them that they had more green than red flags. At least now. I couldn’t really speak for back then.

Dani gave me a smile at my book choice but didn’t say the title, checking me out and wrapping it up in two bags to be safe.

“Here's your receipt. I can’t wait to hear from you,” she said, handing over the slip of paper with her wide grin.

“I’m excited to work with you, too,” I promised, taking the bag and giving her a wave.

“Find me something good?” he teased as he stood, holding his hand out to me again. I liked that he was always reaching for me and touching me.

It made me feel wanted, something I needed more of in my life, as pathetic as that sounded.

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