Alpha's Twins Chapter 290

"Okay," Natalia replied softly.

As soon as he hung up, a grin spread across her face. He really was sweet—calling just to check on her.

She hadn't seen him in days since he'd had to return to his pack. His head Alpha needed to discuss something important, so he'd had no choice but to go back.

"He's back! Finally," she murmured, stepping out of the changing room.

She threw herself into work for the rest of the day.

When closing time arrived, each employee said their goodbyes as they headed out.

Natalia always handled the closing routine herself.

She locked up and stepped outside, immediately noticing how overcast it had gotten. The thick clouds had completely blotted out the sky while she'd been inside, not even a hint of moonlight breaking through.

Lightning flickered overhead, followed seconds later by a low rumble of thunder.

She pulled out her phone to check the time. Max should be here any minute.

"Should I call him?"

After a moment's hesitation, she decided to give him a quick call.

Max picked up right away, letting her know he was already on his way.

She hung up and slipped the phone back into her bag.

A single raindrop landed on her shoulder. She looked up just as a few more drops hit her face.

A smile tugged at her lips as she breathed in that fresh, earthy scent that comes right before a downpour.

As she stepped away from the storefront, the rain began in earnest.

A car pulled up beside her, and Max jumped out, fumbling with an umbrella as he rushed over to shield her.

"You're going to get sick. Come on, get under here."

But Natalia was already soaked through.

She turned to him with a bright smile and grabbed the umbrella, tossing it aside before taking hold of his wrist.

"Max, just feel this! It's amazing!"

Max stared at her for a long moment, then blinked in surprise. He caught her wrist and pulled her closer.

Natalia's breath caught. Through the rain, she found herself looking up into his face.

"Nothing's more amazing than seeing you again," Max called out over the sound of the downpour.

He leaned down to kiss her cheek, making her push playfully against his chest with a shy laugh.

Max chuckled, watching her revel in the rainfall.

Meanwhile,

Another car sat parked near the coffee shop, rain drumming steadily on its roof.

A man sat behind the wheel, cigarette between his fingers, dark eyes fixed on the couple through the rain-streaked windshield.

The rhythmic patter of raindrops was the only sound that registered with him as he watched their easy intimacy.

His gaze lingered on the woman's face—on how genuinely happy she looked without him.