Alphas Ruby

Feed Store Encounter

Aiden Hale pushed open the heavy wooden door of Grisham's Feed & Supply, the familiar creak echoing through the small shop. The scent of hay, leather, and feed filled the air, mixing with the low hum of conversation among locals. Sunlight streamed through large windows, casting a warm glow over rows of farm tools, stacked sacks of grain, and shelves filled with various supplies. Aiden ran a hand through his dark hair and strolled to the counter, where Dale Grisham, the owner, was engaged in a lively conversation with a woman he hadn't seen before. She was petite, no taller than 5'2", with rich brown hair cascading in loose waves down her back. Clad in jeans, a button-up flannel shirt, and well-worn boots, she stood with an air of confidence, yet her expression suggested she was still finding her footing in this world.

As Aiden approached, he overheard Dale mid-sentence, his voice booming with humor. "Now don't you worry, Miss Ruby. You'll get the hang of ranching soon enough. Heck, I remember when I first started—couldn't tell a heifer from a bull! Almost lost a week's pay betting on it," Dale chuckled, his laughter deep and infectious. "But here I am, thirty years later, still pretendin' I know what I'm doin'!" Ruby laughed, a genuine sound that lit up her face. "Well, I'll try not to make that mistake, but I'm sure I'll be making plenty of others."

Aiden smiled to himself as he reached the counter. Dale Grisham had a talent for putting people at ease, no matter how out of place they felt. He cleared his throat softly, catching Dale's attention. "Well, if it ain't Aiden Hale," Dale greeted him, eyes twinkling with their usual mischief. "Here to pick up your order, son?" "Yeah, Dale, just grabbing the usual supplies," Aiden replied with a nod, his gaze flickering briefly to Ruby, intrigued by her presence. She looked up, her brown eyes meeting his for the first time. A hint of recognition sparked between them, though he masked it with a casual smile. "You must be new in town," Aiden said, keeping his tone light.

"Yeah, I just moved here a few weeks ago," Ruby responded, her voice steady, but a hint of uncertainty lingered. "Ruby Harper. Taking over the family farm." "Ain't that somethin'? Ruby Harper, huh?" Aiden repeated, the name rolling off his tongue smoothly. "I'm Aiden. Aiden Hale. Good to meet you. If you need anything—advice, help with equipment, or anything—don't hesitate to ask." Ruby smiled, though her uncertainty was evident. "Thanks, I appreciate that. I'm still figuring everything out." Dale clapped a hand on the counter, leaning in. "Aiden's bein' modest, Ruby. He's about as handy as they come, runs his own place just up the road. Don't be shy about takin' him up on that offer!" Aiden chuckled. "Well, Dale's exaggerating as usual, but I'll do what I can."

"I don't exaggerate, son! I just tell the truth with a little extra flavor!" Dale winked at Ruby, who laughed softly at his infectious energy. With that, Aiden turned back to the counter. "You have my order ready, Dale?" "Sure do," Dale replied, grabbing a clipboard from under the counter and handing it over. "Got your feed, grain, and that new equipment you ordered. It's all out back—truck's already loaded." "Great, thanks," Aiden said, scribbling his signature on the clipboard before glancing back at Ruby. "Good luck with the farm. Timber Ridge can be a tough place to get used to, but it grows on you." "I'm sure it will," Ruby replied, her smile a little wider this time, and something in her eyes told Aiden she wasn't as uncertain as she had seemed at first.

Aiden nodded politely and headed out of the shop. The cool breeze hit him as he stepped outside into the bright afternoon sun, walking toward his truck, a weathered but sturdy pickup parked next to the building. The back was already loaded with sacks of grain and other supplies, just as Dale had said. He paused for a moment, looking back through the large front windows. Ruby was still at the counter, laughing at something Dale had said, her shoulders relaxing a little more.

Aiden's expression softened for a second, but then he shook his head, refocusing. He hopped into the driver's seat of the truck and fired up the engine. The familiar rumble under his feet made him feel at home, and with a glance at the rearview mirror, he pulled out of the parking lot. As the feed store disappeared behind him, the open road ahead led toward the pack house. The miles of timber and rocky ridges flanked him on either side, their imposing shadows stretching as far as the eye could see. The Darkwood Pack had been here for generations, deeply embedded in the mountains and the life that surrounded Timber Ridge. It was Aiden's job to help keep it that way.

His mind wandered back to the new girl in town—Ruby Harper. She was strong-willed, that much was clear. But Timber Ridge wasn't an easy place for outsiders. She'd have to prove herself if she wanted to make it here. For some reason, Aiden found himself hoping she would. As he made his way back toward the pack house, the towering pines and the scent of earth filled his senses. His focus shifted back to the duties awaiting him, but Ruby's face lingered at the edge of his thoughts.