The sun was setting on the horizon. People in the market were preparing to leave to go home. Eleanor was also ready to leave. She double-checked the shop before going out. Someone pushed her just as she was about to lock the door.
The door swung open, knocking her to the ground. Eleanor dropped to her fours inside the shop, her knees and palms hurt. She winced and turned to look back, only to see Ruby and her friends looming over her.
"Ah…"
Ruby yanked on her hair, causing her head to tilt backward. "A filthy bitch like you will never stop being a whore," she fumed, gritting her teeth. "If you are itching down there, fuck with any male in the pack. But don't even think about looking at Zane."
Eleanor clenched her jaw and gave her a cold stare. "I have nothing to do with him," she hissed.
"Don't lie," Ruby grumbled, yanking on her hair harder.
"Mm…" Eleanor groaned in pain, her eyes getting close.
"I have smelled you all over him. You, whore. How dare you seduce him."
Smack…
Ruby slapped her, causing her head to turn aside.
"Girls, destroy everything," she growled.
Her friends began to throw everything off the shelves as soon as they got Ruby's order.
Clang-Clang…
The vials and jars broke in seconds, shards of glass and herbs scattered across the floor.
The commotion caught the attention of onlookers. They exchanged glances and murmured to one another, but no one came forward to help Eleanor. They didn't want to get into trouble by opposing the future Luna of the pack.
"Stop…" Eleanor exclaimed as she tried to get to her feet.
Smack…
Ruby yanked on her hair and slapped her once again. "I will kill you, whore." She kneed her in the stomach.
"Uh…" Eleanor bent down, her face green. She could hardly breathe. She helplessly stared at the two women vandalizing her shop.
"What is going on?"
Ruby was about to strike her once more when she heard a deep voice from behind her. She moved her gaze out of the door and saw Connor standing at the threshold. She scowled at him, wondering why he always appeared to save Eleanor.
Nia and the blonde also froze, gaping at him with fear. People gathered outside the store were also watching him with interest.
"What are you doing here?" Ruby snapped, tightening her grip on Eleanor's hair.
"Well, I came here to get some toiletries." Connor held up a carry bag in front of her face, a sneaky smile slipping across his face. "I was passing by when I heard the commotion. But I didn't expect to see you here."
He moved his gaze down to Eleanor. "I told you not to mess up with a humble maid. It doesn't suit your personality. What would Alpha Dimitri think of you if he found out you were causing a ruckus in the marketplace?" He returned his focus to Ruby.
Ruby tightened her grip on Eleanor's hair, her veins throbbing with rage. She glanced at the people outside before resting her fiery gaze on him. "Who has the nerve to complain about me?"
When Connor noticed her challenging look, his smile vanished. His eyes switched from grey to orange as if inflamed. "Do not dare challenge me. I am not Zane." His jaw clenched and unclenched.
Ruby shuddered under his ferocious gaze. She subconsciously took a step back, releasing Eleanor.
Connor glared at the two women and yelled, "Get out of here!"
Nia and the blonde hurried out, leaving Ruby alone.
Connor looked back at Ruby with a clear warning in his eyes.
Ruby also walked out, fuming in anger.
The people outside gradually dispersed. Only then did Connor turn his attention to Eleanor.
He had followed Ruby and her friends when they had left the packhouse. Although he had suspected something, he had not anticipated her causing a commotion in the market. He could have stopped her from breaking into the shop, but he never did. Instead, he had gone to buy some unnecessary toiletries only to wait for the right time to intervene.
However, he felt awful when he watched Eleanor trying to gather the messy store. He crouched down beside her, putting the carry bag down.
"Let me help you." He started picking up the broken glass pieces.
"No, no... You don't have to do that." Eleanor hurriedly stopped him. "Please don't… I can manage. It is starting to get dark. You should leave."
"Listen…"
"Please leave before anyone notices you with me. I don't want to get into any more trouble." She sprang to her feet and pointed at the door.
Connor stood up as well, looking at her in awe. He wondered why she turned him down. He glanced outside.
The market was nearly closed. Only a few shops remained open.
"The market is closing," he said. "You need help to clean up the mess. Or else, you will be left alone."
"I don't need your help," she exclaimed, her voice faltering. She fought the urge to cry.
"Why?" Connor snapped back, frowning. He had never seen such an obstinate woman before. He felt a flash of irritation, looking at her defiant attitude.
"Because you are the Alpha's nephew, and I am a lowly maid. You should not be helping me. People may misinterpret your presence with me. I am requesting you to leave."
Connor chuckled and turned aside, only to look back at her. "I am trying to help you. I have no other intentions. Besides, no one has the guts to speak out against me. And if they want to make assumptions, let them. You shouldn't worry about it."
"I have to," Eleanor retorted. "I don't want your mate or lover to come over and accuse me of flirting with you." She tried hard to keep her emotions in check, but her trembling voice betrayed her. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Connor felt uneasy in his heart. He felt a tightness across his chest as if he were trapped between two massive rocks. He wondered how she could affect him. It was not the first time he had witnessed a woman crying. Then he reasoned that his guilt for not helping her might have caused his restlessness.
"Alright. I get your point. But you don't have to worry about my girlfriend." He chuckled. "Because I haven't got any. Take it easy, and let me help you. I swear not to screw up further."
Eleanor couldn't help but smile at his attempt to crack a joke. She wiped her tears from the corners of her eyes. "Okay." She finally allowed him to help her. "Let me lit a candle." She went to the counter to find a candle.
"Be careful," Connor cautioned her. "Don't step on the broken glass pieces."
Eleanor retrieved a candle and a matchbox from the drawer and lit it up. She placed it on the counter, illuminating the shop faintly. She squatted and began collecting glass shards in a trash can. Connor also joined her.
Eleanor became emotional while cleaning the herb stains. Some were potions, while others were perfumes and essential oils. Her aunt had made all this. It reminded her of Valeria.
She couldn't hold back her tears.
Connor frowned, wondering why she was crying now. He had no idea why he felt uneasy whenever he saw her cry. "You know, tears are not your thing. Boldness suits you better."
Eleanor chuckled bitterly. "This boldness is useless. I can't even defend myself." She finally got to her feet as she finished cleaning.
The floor glowed in the dim light of the candle with no trace of dirt or shards of glasses.
"Thank you so much." She gave him a warm smile.
Connor smirked and moved in closer to her. "Ruby will not stop troubling you even if you stop working at the packhouse. You can't deal with her on your own. You need help, and I am ready to help you."
"How are you going to help me?" She asked and cocked her head.
"All I have to do is show her that you are under my protection."
"What do you want from me?"
"Silly girl." Connor genuinely smiled. He became more eager to get to know her. "I don't want anything from you. But you will find me by your side whenever Ruby tries to hurt you. Come find me if I'm not around. Alright?"
"Why are you doing this?" Eleanor regarded him with a squint, trying to understand what he intended to do.
Connor sneered in his mind at her suspicious gaze. "I do have my motive to help you. It is very personal. But don't worry. I won't harm you." He took the carry bag and walked out.
Eleanor scowled at his departing form, reflecting upon his words.