My thoughts are cut off by my phone ringing giving me a bit of a fright. It always rings and vibrates unnecessarily loud and violently when it is on a hard surface and I hate that.
I groan and pick it up from the table to see who is calling me. When the name flashes across my screen it only serves to irritate me further.
What does he want? I am not due to work for another six hours. Something must have happened.
"Hey, John," I answer, hiding my annoyance.
"Grace, just the person I needed to talk to," He chuckles nervously.
I sigh and roll up my eyes.
"Well, you got her."
After a brief moment of silence he begins to speak."Someone bail on you again?" I ask, keeping my friendly tone. After all, he is still my boss and I need this job until after college to help keep me up.
I hear a heavy sigh on the other end of the line before he replies. "Athena quit this morning."
"Not another one," I groan.
Lately, waitresses have been quitting left and right, and now one of the senior employees has just quit as well. I suppose it doesn't help that most of them are finding their mates.
I'm sure the male wolves don't want their mates working in places like these. If they did there was sure to be a fight every night with one of the many inappropriate customers.
What am I supposed to do now? The same Athena I was going to ask to cover my shift tonight has left. Annette will be working the lunch rush with me so that leaves no one for tonight.
At that think I know why he is calling me.
"You want me to pull a double shift today don't you?" I ask hesitantly.
Seeing how bad I need the money I would have normally accepted his offer, but sadly I have to be at the pack meeting tonight. Too bad he isn't a werewolf, so I can't explain the situation to him.
“Was there no one else who could take my place?"
"You know I hate to ask, but Ida is still on vacation and Annette is still new, so I have no one else." He explains.
I sigh. I know he is right but I don't know how to help him.
"Please?" he begs.
I have never heard him sound so desperate before.
"I'll give you an extra two dollars on the hour for coming in on such short notice." he quickly adds.
Now he is singing my tune. How can I resist an offer like that? Do you know what an extra two dollars an hour could do to my bank account?
"Fine," I say. "I'll do it."
"Oh thank you, Grace," He says in relief. "You really saved me here. I owe you."
"Yeah, about that. I kind of need a favor as well," I say, "Well two actually."
"Anything," he says.
"First, I'd like to take on all the extra shifts this summer so I'd like to ask that you don't hire anyone else."
"Done," he agrees.
"And....I need off work for a couple of hours tonight for something important," I add.
I cringe slightly, waiting for his reply while the silence grows. I almost fear that would be a deal breaker, but I silently hope it isn't. I can't miss the pack meeting tonight. That would land me in hot water with the Alpha.
"Okay, but just two hours and I expect you back here immediately," he says, trying to sound like a firm boss again
Oh thank goodness. I feel such relief at his cooperation.
"Thank you John. I'll be there as soon as I can."
I smile as I pull the phone away from my ear and hung it up. Isn't it weird of me to be happy about this? I mean I will be getting extra hours, more money, and still be able to attend the pack meeting tonight. That's something to be happy about, right?
I just might get that apartment after all. And with only thirty dollars in my account right now I could definitely use the extra money.
I trudge through the bustling cafe tothe counter to pick up the two dinner orders for table twelve. They are growing increasingly impatient and have already asked me about their order three times. It's as if they didn't notice we were incredibly busy tonight.
It has been going full swing since lunch today and it hasn't let up since. This was the hell you go through when working on a Saturday and with only one waitress. Well until ten minutes ago when Annette finally shows up. I guess she is here to temporarily relieve me.
I look up at the clock on the wall counting down the minutes until I have to leave. I can not be late.
After I put the plates down at the table that ordered them, I walk back to pick up my second order while letting out a yawn. It has only been five hours since I started the shift and I am already feeling mentally and physically exhausted.
I think I might need a five hour energy shot just to get through the rest of the day. They seem to work well for me but I hate to rely on them. The effects aren't as good once your body gets used to them.
"Grace, break time," John yells across the noisy diner and points to his watch. "Two hours starts now."
I give him a quick nod of my head and sit the plates down before I tear the apron off and toss it aside, then make my way to the counter. After grabbing my belongings from behind it, I quickly rush out the door in a hurry.
My car is the third one down the lot in the employee parking spaces, so it doesn't take me long to get inside. If I wasn't in such a hurry I might have taken the time to enjoy the summer air walking, but now was not the time for that. If I was even so much as five minutes late I was sure to get into heaps of trouble by the Alpha or the Elders.
As I pull up in front of the large pack house I am silently thankful that I am not the last to arrive. From the looks of things it seems that my parents are already here, as is most of the pack except for the few that are arriving just as I was.
I guess I drove a little faster than I thought I did. Oh well, whatever gets me here on time. I'm not complaining.
I walk through the mass of cars following behind a couple who are also heading towards the back of the house. In the evenings, weather providing, we always have outdoor meetings. However, on occasion, the alpha holds them in his office.
And when I say office I mean a room the size of two or three of my bedrooms put together, a hall. I suppose it has to be rather large in size though to accommodate the size of the pack.
"Grace!" a little girl screams as soon as she has caught sight of me.
"Is that my little Daisy?" I chuckle, lifting her off the ground.
Daisy was a little girl I used to baby sit when I was in high school for extra cash. Her parents were always busy with pack duties, so they hired me to take care of her in the evenings until they were finished. That was two years ago. She was barely even walking then. Now I'm standing here looking at a very tall three year old who is still as cute as ever and whom I had missed with all my heart.
"Hello Grace," Mrs. Bischoff's warm voice interrupts us.
I set Grace down on the ground and turn to greet her in return.
"Hey Mrs. Bischoff. How are you?" I ask.
"I am well, thank you, but I believe the meeting is about to start. Would you like to sit with us?" she offers.
"I'd love to," I reply before following her to the seats.
I sit next to Daisy before she loops her arm through mine and looks towards the front. Seeing as Mr. Bischoff is third in command, we have great front row seats so we aren't bothered with looking over top of people's heads to get the view. I am grateful for that seeing as I am not exactly the tallest person in the pack.
"Hello. Thank you all for coming this evening. I realize this meeting was sort of last minute but I have an important announcement to make," the sweet, melodic voice of our Alpha says.
He stands no more than ten feet in front of me looking out into the crowd of people with the most beautiful, proud, smile on his face I'd ever seen. Nothing could be more perfect. He is just so... so...wonderful. I just want to touch him.
Oh no. What's wrong with me? Why am I thinking about Alpha Logan that way? It's not right. He has a girlfriend and he is way out of my league.
"Today I'd like to announce my wedding and mating to the most beautiful girl I've ever met, Josephine Langford."
Just then I feel my wolf about to jump out of my skin. Something has really gotten her riled up.
Mate. She whispers.
No. It can't be. He can't be my mate if he's already proclaimed his love for Josephine. I mean, he's just announced getting married for goodness sakes.
So why am I feeling this way?
Maybe it's just confusion. Yeah, that's it. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast and I'm really tired. That's bound to mess with someone's head and affect their thinking.
The sound of the crowd applauding brings me from my thoughts and my eyes drift back up to them. They are smiling brightly and holding hands while gazing at all the pleased wolves.
It is like they are the President and First Lady.
Just as everyone gets up to shake their hands I immediately begin to think of ways to get out of here. I don't want to be around him if I can't even hold it together just by hearing his voice. What if he thinks I like him or something? I can't. He's Logan, an alpha, and I'm me. We don't even make sense.
"Did you hear? Josephine is going to be our Luna," Daisy grins with excitement.
I look down at her with my best fake smile without a word then quickly turn away. If I am going to go now is my best chance.
As the pack crowds around them I take my chance and disappear behind everyone slowly making my distance. Surely no one will notice me with all the excitement going on.
Once I am sure I am not in sight of anyone from the pack I start to pace a little quicker until I reach my car. I have never been so glad to see it in all my life.
As my hand stretches out to the grab the handle, a voice catches me off guard, sending a wave of panic through me."Where are you going?" Daisy's soft voice calls out. "Are you leaving?"
I quickly look in her direction and see the saddened look on her face staring back at me.
"Yeah. I need to get back to work," I say, a fake smile on my face. What I have told her is a lie, technically.
Her features then become saddened. "But you didn't say goodbye."
My heart clenches and I desperately want to reach out to her, but I know I have to leave. I need to put some distance between me and this place as soon as possible.
"Look Daisy, I really have to go, but I promise I'll come by and see you Thursday. Okay?"
That seems to perk her up and she runs to me for a quick hug.
"You promise?" she asks with a toothy grin.
"I cross my heart," I reply adding the X over my heart for extra effect.
"Okay," she nods before letting go of me.
"Now you better get back to your mom before she gets worried about you," I say.
She then turns from me and starts back in the direction I have just come from before calling back to me. "Bye Grace."
I smile fondly after her until I make sure she does as I have said, then immediately get into my car and leave. With the windows down and the music turned up, I do my best to drown out my thoughts and forget everything that has just happened.
I'm sure tomorrow all of this will be out of my head and I can get on with living my life again. Maybe even let my wolf out as well. It's obvious she's having side effects from being cooped up so long. I think some fresh air will do her some good.
I have decided to concentrate on my job and ignore what had transpired, but with the passing days I find myself thinking of my mate often. All hopes I had of forgetting him are now gone and, I find myself unable to distract myself from thinking about him. I don't know why it is so hard for me. Right now, he is off planning some extravagant wedding with Josephine, while I sit here saddened by the thought of my mate mating with someone else.Yes, I have finally come to terms with what has happening to me. I have found my mate and that's all there was to it. I can't change it or do anything about it. I just have to accept it, he belongs to someone else.I try to ignore the urging of my wolf to go to him, and at times it is a bit overbearing. It is exhausting having her in my mind all time with no way to switch her off. I know she wouldn't give up until we have him.The only problem is that he doesn't know we exist. I'm not exactly sure what I am going to do about that either. Some parts
Later that evening I sit in the crowded club with my best friend Doreen next to me. She is busy chatting with some stranger. I know that he is human, but I don't know him personally. That tells me that she is only looking for a good time.She is smart when it comes to her mate. She doesn't want a serious relationship to avoid any future complication when she meets her mate. So in the mean time she decides to just have a little fun until that day finally comes.She is much more confident than me. This is her weekend routine and I am always just along for the ride. It beats sitting at home on the weekend doing nothing even if I did leave alone every night. I just want to loosen up a bit. I have no intentions of meeting anyone.That doesn't stop Doreen from trying to set me up though. If a guy she is interested in comes in with a friend she's always trying to set me up with them to make it easier on her.She never gives up.Just as I take a sip of my drink I notice someone leaning on the
Some days later and I have somehow managed to brush aside the issue of my mate Alpha Logan. I am seated at home watching TV with mum, but she isn't really watching. She takes the empty plate that sits in front of me and carries it to the sink. She has been cleaning all morning, and she is not about to stop now. I have a feeling she would have taken my plate whether I was done or not.You'd think she is expecting the president over for dinner with the way she is acting. There is not a part of this house that has been untouched by her. Well apart from my room of course. That is my responsibility.She is just washing up the rest of the dishes when dad finally makes his appearance.He has been going nonstop all day running errands for the Alpha and his father. I am starting to get worried about him, when does he ever rest?He looks so worn out. He seems to have aged five years since I last saw him. He desperately needs to rest."There you are." Mom smiles walking over to greet him. "Grace
Chapter 6LOGAN"Welcome Alpha. It's an honor to have you here." Jane, William's mate, greets us, welcoming us inside."Thank you." We nod, stepping in.The aroma of food hits me as soon as I enter. Although it smells delightful, that is not the reason we are here. We have business to discuss and a lot of it. The pack is at risk, and until we find the intruder on our territory, we will not rest.My beta, Andrew, my father and I are gathered around the small living room across from William waiting for his mate to take the seat next to him.It is always customary for the Alpha to stand while doing business because it shows leadership and boldness, something every Alpha needs to have."I believe someone is missing," my father states eyeing the Brooks.That's right. Didn't they have a daughter? I believe her name was Grace, if I'm not mistaken. I used to attend high school with her a few years ago. I haven't seen her much since graduation, apart from the few mandatory pack meetings we had
Things are moving very fast and I need the think quickly. It is like my mind is in a whirlwind. I am finally here in front of my mate and he knows who I am. My heart beats fast and my stomach is full of butterflies at the word mate. It feels nice to hear him admit it. Does this mean he has accepted it?His hand gently touches my face while his eyes search mine. A warm sensation fills my body and tingles are left behind by his touch. Before I know what I am doing I am leaning into it. I crave for more.The world has now stopped and we are the only ones in it. Nothing matters besides me and him. I want him. No I need him and I can only hope he feels the same about me.His silence is deafening, offering no insight to his true feeling for me. He is revealing nothing, although I know that he is so deep in thought. His smile is enough to assure me, but when it becomes suddenly serious I feel doubtful again."You ran from me." He mumbles, sounding a bit hurt and dropping his hand by his sid
Days pass and I am in complete pain. Logan has been true to his word and our Beta, Andrew or another one of our wolves has been watching over me since that night. I haven't been going out other than to work and I have been slowly going crazy. I feel like it has been much longer than a week.At this rate I am sure to lose it if he doesn't let me breath.He still hasn't given me his answer about Josephine yet which only makes me angrier at him. Every day that he puts it off the more resentful I become.Even though he has come over to visit me often, it still doesn't make up for his behavior. I only speak to him when I have to. Most of the time he just sits and stares at me, not even bothering to make a conversation. It is awkward but it gives me time to think.I often wonder if Josephine knows about me. Has he told her anything? Surely she should have suspected something different in him by now. He leaves her every morning and evening to come see me and that should have aroused suspicion
“Be my mate," Samuel suggests. His words get me off guard. I am not sure the kind of reaction my wolf shows, but I'm pretty sure it is one of sheer surprise.Me mate with Samuel? This is just insane. We don't even like each other. Well...I guess he probably likes me due to his excessive flirting at the diner last week but I have never really thought of him that way. I just lost a mate.My mood gets foul. Oh yeah, because of remembering my mate, my former mate.I have temporarily forgotten about him. The hollow feeling inside my chest has started to make its appearance again.Samuel watches me very closely, cautiously. When my eyes begin to water again, he tenses. He slowly takes a few steps toward me and places his hands on my shoulders and gently, soothingly, rubs them.Had my wolf been present she would have protested to him touching us wholeheartedly. She still wants Logan, but the sad truth is she isn't here. She's gone. She left me, when Logan did. I am utterly alone inside. "Se
“Grace, you can't just leave everything you know behind," Dad says with the bang of his fist against the table.Mom does nothing but sits quietly by him with her hands placed in her lap and head hung low. I can see that she has different ideas than my dad, but she wouldn't dare speak against her mate. She is too old fashioned."Can't you understand why I'm doing this?" My voice is a low whisper. I don't like having arguments with my father. However, sometimes it can't be prevented; like now.Since I have told him about my plans to leave the pack and mate another wolf he has been less than thrilled. He sends Samuel a few glares throughout our discussion, but Samuel isn't at all affected like I am. Here I am, supposed to be Luna of a pack and I'm sitting, scared of what my Dad thinks.It's not like he can actually stop me since I am of age to make my own decisions, but that doesn't mean he won't try. "I understand that you are hurt Grace, believe me I do. But leaving your pack and every