CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"I'd like to see that one," the lady politely asked, pointing to the display case. Ruby dug her gloved hands into the case and picked up the piece that the woman had asked for. It was a delicate necklace adorned with cut diamonds and suspended by a chain. Placing it on top of the case, the man who accompanied the woman picked it up and stepped beside her. Pushing her hair to the side, Ruby had a clear view of her mark. Envy clawed in her chest when the man placed the necklace on the woman's neck before softly kissing her mark. It always fascinated Ruby how mating worked. Souls entangled together, two pieces of a whole destined to love each other for as long as they lived. All her life, she had hoped for that connection. She could still remember how broken she was when things didn't go well with her mate. Her heart tugged in her chest, and Noah's face flashed before her eyes. The mere thought of him made her inside feel mushy. Ruby didn't understand how much he affected her. It had been a week since she ran away from him, but not a day passed with her yearning to see him. It didn't feel that way when she found out about Aiden. Yes, she thought about him from time to time, but each time, the urge to constantly be with him wasn't as strong. Fear dominated her whenever he crossed her mind. But with Noah, it was different. Ruby knew she would have to see him again. She still didn't understand the relationship they were meant to share, but she just wanted to see him. She couldn't run away from her fate. Ruby remembered Linda's words when she had revealed everything. "Why didn't you tell me everything," Linda asked after a short pause. Ruby could spot the hurt that crossed the older woman's eyes, which made her heart break even more. "I didn't mean to…" Ruby explained hastily. "I was ashamed and didn't want you to pity me any more than you already did." She added the last part before bowing her head. Linda sighed and grabbed her hands, which lay helplessly on her lap. "Yes, I pitied you when you told me everything. But more than that, I grieved with you for what you lost and what you had gone through. You were too young to suffer the way you did." Ruby remained silent as fresh tears pierced the back of her eyes. She had hidden the painful memories safely, but talking about it made her remember them. "Aiden is a jerk for what he did to you, and even the moon goddess sees that he doesn't deserve you," Linda added. "What do you mean?" Ruby sniffed. "Don't you see? You have a second chance at love. The goddess gave you Noah." Ruby could feel the panic rise in her throat. She didn't see it as a blessing but a repeat of the past. "He is an Alpha, Linda. I am an Omega. He will never accept me." "You are Ruby, a strong woman I watched pick herself up when she had nothing. You are stronger than you think and deserve every bit of happiness. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise," Linda said, emphasizing every word. Ruby wanted to believe her; she wanted to be happy, but for some reason, she couldn't. "It looks perfect," the man cooed as the woman caressed the jewelry, which looked flawless against her pale skin. And then she felt it, the same tingling she felt when she was in the Alpha's office. His scent hit her, and her inside buzzed with excitement. He was here. Also sensing the overshadowing aura of their Alpha, the couple turned towards the door, and a gasp escaped the woman's lips before they both bowed in respect. It was exhilarating how the mere presence of a man left a person meek and needy, or maybe it was just her, Ruby thought as pink once again stained her cheek from her racy thought. No wonder he was able to rule over the rogues, creatures known to love freedom. Noah entered the store, and the spacious jewelry store felt two sizes smaller. His suit was as crisp as a new banknote and dyed to a uniform shade of black. White collars peaked beneath the tailored suit, and above, the face that had never left Ruby's mine since she looked upon it stared back at her. Quickly, she lowered her eyes but could still feel his gaze burning the side of her head. A few minutes passed with awkward silence before Noah spoke. "Continue what you were doing. Please don't stop on my account." His voice was like velvet, caressing her ears with every word he uttered. Ruby scoffed inwardly at how comical his words were. Either he was delusional, or he didn't know how the atmosphere shifted whenever he was around. "Yes, Alpha," the couple announced unanimously before turning back to Ruby. "We'll be taking this." the man said as he removed the necklace from his mate's neck and placed it back in its place. Ruby nodded and packed their order. Her hands shook, and her heart thundered, but she managed to finish the work without messing up. Ruby smiled politely and handed them a bag containing their purchase. The couple hurried out of the store with a promise to return for another buy. And then she was alone with Noah. The air grew hotter, and Ruby didn't know what to do or say. Walking further into the store, Noah stopped right in front of her. Suddenly, Ruby was embarrassed as she remembered running away from him. "What's your name?" Ruby's eyes shot up at his question. His gaze was cold and, at the same time, intense, with scorching heat burning her insides as he waited for an answer. It was then that Ruby realized that among all the emotions that swirled inside her when he was near, fear wasn't one of them. "You should know that by now," Ruby breathed out. "I want to hear it from you," Noah retorted. His eyes held her captive, and her lips moved on their accord as she replied, "Ruby." "Ruby," the words came out of his mouth as a breathy whisper. "Ruby." He tried the name again, and Ruby inhaled sharply, unable to resist the small shiver that raked up her spine. It sounded perfect, rolling off his lips like a melody, a chant. She wanted to hear him say it over and over again. Tingles, sparks, everything electrifying ran through her when his skin touched hers, which lay on the display case. Her breathing hitched at the overload of emotions that hit her all at once. His warmth felt right, so right, it concerned her. She almost swept her hand away, but his grip held her tight as if he were expecting the move. "Come with me." His thumb ran over her knuckles as he spoke. His sentence sounded like a request and, at the same time, an order. Ruby didn't know which it was, but she did what she thought was right. She followed him. It was about an hour to closing time, so Ruby was okay with leaving a few minutes early. She followed him out of the shop and into his car. He took her hand, which lay on her lap, and held it with one of his while he drove with the other. A ghost of a smile danced on Ruby's lip at the stunt. She was pleased to know that whatever was happening between them affected him as much as it did her.