The Customer is Never Right

Elijah gave the mage in front of him his best customer service smile. "Anything else I can help you with?"

"How about you give me your number so I can contact you in case I want something you don't offer in your shop?"

This guy just would not quit, would he? Every single time he came in—and he bought 'supplies' far more often than any mage should need to—it went this way. 

Elijah didn't roll his eyes, but it was a close thing. You'd think after the complete lack of interest he'd shown over the last few months, the guy would get the hint. But nope. Here he was again.

He leaned on the counter, smudging the glass with his fingerprints. "Why not close the shop early today? I think it's about time for you to get off."

It was clear he wasn't talking about when Elijah was planning to finish his shift. 

Elijah's eye twitched, but before he could say anything or kick the guy out, Lady jumped onto the counter and paraded herself between them. She sat down, her tail thumping against the glass, her glare trained on the customer as a low growl built in her throat. 

The mage eyed her warily as he stepped back, then sneezed. 

Elijah gave him another professionally pleasant smile, stroking a hand down Lady's back like she wasn't seconds away from launching herself at the mage. "Anything else I can help you with?" he repeated.

"Ah, no. I'm good. Thanks!" He didn't run out of the shop, not exactly, but his steps were markedly quicker than the cocky saunter he'd used while walking up to the counter.

Elijah snorted. Served the asshole right. Hopefully he'd finally gotten the memo that Elijah wasn't interested.

Victor appeared from the office, where he'd no doubt been listening to the entire exchange. His expression was smug and amused. He propped himself against the counter next to Elijah and reached over to scratch Lady under her chin. For as much as she tried to look offended, she still leaned into his touch. 

"Some overprotective mate you are," Elijah said, poking him in the side.

Victor grinned at him. "I don't need to be overly protective when the best cat in the world is around to guard your virtue. Besides, we both know you're more than capable of protecting yourself. But if he comes in again…" 

He flashed teeth sharper than any human's, then looped his arms around Elijah's waist to tug him closer. One of his hands came up to push aside Elijah's collar. 

"Any chance you'd be willing to wear something that shows this off a little more?" His fingers trailed over the mark, causing Elijah to shiver. 

Elijah huffed. "I'm not tossing out all my dress shirts just so people have visual proof I'm yours," he said against Victor's lips. "But if you feel you must, go ahead and leave a few marks higher up." 

The thought of marking up Elijah's pale throat for everyone to see shot through Victor like wildfire and ricocheted through their bond. 

Elijah tilted his head to the side, and Victor didn't need any more encouragement. He swooped in to graze his teeth along Elijah's neck. 

Lady gave a disgruntled trill and hopped off the counter, leaving them to their own devices. Elijah could barter for her forgiveness later, but at the moment, he had other, more pressing issues to take care of. 

Maybe he should close the shop early after all. It really was time for him to get off.

* * *