Chapter 4
When I wake, for a moment, I actually feel like myself again. It’s been three days since I last showed up at work-it seems ages have passed. Constantly drifting in and out of sleep, I’ve been haunted by odd dreams, making each moment heavy.
Something is definitely off with my illness, and a part of me wishes I had stayed to ask the pack doctor more about what happened. I force myself to let go of that regret.
I get ready for my shift in no time, and before I realize it, I’m already at the coffee shop. My mind circles back to recent events, leaving me barely aware of what’s going on around me.
“You look a lot more alive today,” Sophia remarks, her face bright with a grin.
Her voice pulls me back to the present, and I look up, reminded I’m not alone. I chuckle at her teasing. “Yeah, I’m feeling much better.”
“You sure look it. I’m just happy you’re back. This place doesn’t run nearly as well when you’re gone.” Sophia heads for the door, but stops and glances over her shoulder. “Before you finish today, stop by my office so we can talk about that promotion.”
A grin spreads across my face. Missing three days in a row isn’t exactly ideal, and I worried it might make Sophia reconsider. Thankfully, my solid work record must have worked in my favor.
The possibility of a promotion fills me with excitement, and I start getting the shop ready for opening more quickly than usual, even though I’m not quite back to full strength.
The rest of the team arrives just like they always do before the morning rush, and soon the shop is buzzing with customers eager for their coffee before work. The busy pace is a relief, keeping my mind off whatever may lie ahead.
Midway through my shift, I pause to take a break. The cafe has finally quieted down enough that not all the baristas are needed at the counter. I choose this moment to check if Sophia is free for a chat in her office. My anticipation grows, and I’m not keen on waiting until my shift ends.
As soon as I step inside, Sophia glances up and greets me with a smile. “Hey there!”
I return her greeting as I walk deeper into the room. “Do you have a minute? I’m on my break now and thought we could pick up our conversation from the other day.”
Sophia laughs, teasing, “Someone’s eager today.” She rises, pulls a folder from her shelf, and motions for me to take a seat. “Now’s actually perfect.”
She begins explaining the pay, which turns out to be much better than before. The hours closely match my current schedule, since I usually take on as many shifts as I can.
Most of the duties are things I already handle. I can’t find any downsides to this promotion, and considering all my recent worries about the new wolf pack in town, I’m deeply thankful for something going well.
Once we settle everything, I make my way back up front and resume my work. As I slip behind the counter, I immediately sense Elsa watching me. When I meet her gaze, she’s scowling.
Elsa has never seemed to be my biggest fan, but I can’t recall doing anything to warrant such a harsh look. Maybe word of my promotion has spread, and she resents the idea of me being the official
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Helen’s voice calls out, distracting me
before the next customers arrive?”
Helen’s assertiveness catches me off guard-it’s not typical of her to give orders. Still, I don’t mind. I’m eager to escape Elsa’s icy stare. “No problem,” I reply.
I pick up a damp rag and start cleaning the tables.
Across the room, Helen’s muttered complaint reaches my ears. “She’s so irritating.”
Elsa quickly agrees, “Yeah, how can someone call in sick for days, then come back and get promoted?”
So, the promotion is definitely what’s bothering them. I can only hope it doesn’t stir up too much drama at work. I’m already the one giving instructions; the only real change is that now they risk consequences if they ignore me.
Shaking my head, I focus on wiping down the tables, deciding to deal with any fallout once my new role is official.
Suddenly, the chime above the front door rings, signaling a customer’s arrival. Instantly, I recognize who it is, even before I turn around-a strong wolf scent fills the air as soon as the door opens. Looking over my shoulder, I lock eyes with Elijah’s intense blue gaze.
My heart leaps. I hadn’t expected him to come by my workplace today, especially not on my first day back. But of course, this is the only way he knows to get in touch with me.
To my astonishment, he doesn’t approach me right away. Instead, he heads over to the counter and places an order for a drink. I keep an eye on him while I continue wiping down the tables.
As he waits for his coffee, he avoids looking in my direction again. I completely expect him to come over and demand an explanation for why I ran off after promising to stay, but after our first glance, he
behaves as if I’m not even there.
“Elijah,” Elsa calls out, setting his coffee on the pickup table.
“Thank you,” he replies, giving a nod before taking his coffee. Without delay, he turns and walks
toward the entrance.
Perhaps I’ve misjudged him. Maybe he no longer cares about persuading me to join his pack. He’s probably already decided I’m not worth the trouble.
I can’t help but watch as he leaves. Oddly, I feel a bit let down that he doesn’t even attempt to speak to me. I should feel relieved, but I don’t. I return to my cleaning, my mind replaying everything that just happened.
Why would he come all the way here only to ignore me? This cafe isn’t close to the pack house, and he surely knows I’d be working today.
As I start wiping down the last table, I spot a slip of paper lying there. I pick it up, glancing at it before tossing it toward the trash. Turning it over, I notice neat handwriting on the back.
I have something important to discuss with you. I realize you don’t trust me, but I’m asking for just five minutes of your time. If you agree and then want me to leave, I’ll respect that and won’t approach you
again. My number is with you if you decide to meet.
-Elijah
I read the message again and again. Even though I was watching him the entire time, I never saw him leave the note. He’s more cunning than I thought. For a brief moment, I feel glad that he actually does want to speak with me.
Clearly, he hasn’t dismissed me so quickly after all. I’m also grateful that he didn’t try to corner me at work or force a conversation. If I choose to, I can simply ignore him and carry on with my life. He’s only asking for five minutes, though. How much harm could that do?
“What are you looking at?” Helen suddenly appears at my side, attempting to peek at the paper. I hadn’t noticed her coming over.
“It’s nothing.” I quickly slip the note into my pocket and move away from her, still uncertain about what I should do regarding Elijah. Besides, what did he mean about me already having his phone number?
The remainder of my shift passes in a haze. I alternate between wanting to disregard Elijah completely and feeling tempted to meet him, changing my mind at least twenty times before my shift ends.
Both choices seem reasonable, leaving me utterly conflicted. As I gather my things to leave, I think about how Elijah requested the meeting. In the past, other alphas would try to force my decision, convinced they knew best. Elijah isn’t pushing me at all.
I let out a sigh as I slip on my jacket and head toward the alley. I’m aware that I’m about to see him, but what puzzles me is how I ended up with his phone number.
Back at home, I go through the clothes I had on at his pack house, wondering if, just like he left a note at the coffee shop, he might have slipped something into my pockets. Was he anticipating that I’d try to escape?
I pull my old clothes from the laundry basket and search through them thoroughly. There’s nothing attached to any of them. How else could I have his number? Suddenly, my phone vibrates, and
realization dawns on me.
He must have had my phone at some point-maybe he saved his number himself. I scroll through my contacts, and sure enough, his name appears. I tap on his name and hesitate, just staring at it for several minutes. I’m uneasy about reaching out, certain that whatever he says won’t be what I want to hear. Good outcomes are rare for me.
After another deep breath, I press the call icon. As the phone rings, I find myself holding my breath.
“Hello?” His voice, low and resonant, fills my ear, causing my heart to race.
“Elijah?”
“Charlotte?”
The sound of him saying my name sends a chill through me. “Yes.”
He waits in silence, clearly expecting me to speak first. “I’m glad you decided to call,” he says after a
moment.
Anxiety rises inside me, and I fight the urge to hang up. “So, what did you want to talk about?”
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“Could we meet face to face? I’m willing to go anywhere you’d like.” He doesn’t come across as forceful; instead, I detect a hint of urgency behind his calm tone.
“Moonbrook Green works for you? I can get there in fifteen minutes.” I want to act before I can second- guess myself.
“I’ll meet you there.” He falls silent, and the pause between us feels heavy. “Thank you for giving me this chance.”
He’s thanking me? There’s something about him that stands apart from the other werewolves I’ve known. “You’re welcome.”
I end the call, unsure how to process everything. Not wanting to talk myself out of it, I quickly change out of my work clothes and leave my apartment. The sky remains overcast, though the rain hasn’t started. As the wind picks up, I draw my jacket closer and keep walking. The cool air brushing through my hair is oddly soothing.
When I reach the park, I spot a tall silhouette near the sign, shifting his weight from foot to foot. Even from a distance, I know it’s Elijah. As I approach, he straightens, and I catch his smile, which makes my heart leap. He really is striking. I stop a few steps away from him.
“I appreciate you meeting me,” he says. His smile fades as nerves seem to take over. I can’t quite figure out what has him so unsettled.
“So, you mentioned there was something important you wanted to discuss?” I decide to get straight to the point. “If you’re planning to ask me to join your pack, I should tell you now that it’s pointless.”
Elijah narrows his eyes in concentration. “That’s not the reason.” He gestures for us to begin moving.
“It isn’t?” That always seems to be how this discussion ends up.
“No, it’s not. I’ve considered that idea before, but we still don’t truly know each other. There’s another reason.” His pace is brisk, his steps barely making a sound.
I find myself needing to hurry just to match him. This is far from a casual stroll. “I’m confused. So what is it you want to discuss with me?”
Elijah reaches up to scratch his neck. “Actually, there are a few things. First, I wanted to check if you’re alright. You weren’t in good shape when you left, and you disappeared so abruptly. I was genuinely afraid you might have collapsed somewhere or ended up in trouble, especially since you didn’t turn up at work.”
“How did you find out I missed work?”
He pauses before responding. “I’ve been going in every day, hoping to run into you. I realize that might sound strange, but it was honestly the only way I could think of to reach you.”
Instead of feeling unsettled by this, I find myself grateful. He didn’t have to be concerned about me or put in the effort to look after me. Even though I’m practically a stranger, he still cared for me while I was unwell.
Since I stay silent, he carries on. “I also owe you an apology for bringing you to my pack house. That wasn’t my initial plan, but you weren’t able to tell me your address, and knowing what you are, I realized a regular hospital wasn’t a safe choice for you. I can only imagine how frightened and vulnerable you felt waking up there. I regret leaving you on your own in that situation.”
His apology catches me off guard. Most alphas always assume they know what’s best and have never said sorry for anything they’ve done. Elijah is clearly unlike any of the other werewolves I’ve ever met.
When I glance at him, I notice he’s visibly tense, almost trembling. Without thinking, I place my hand on his arm. A wave of tingling spreads through my fingers, and Elijah halts at my touch.
“It’s alright,” I assure him. “You were just trying to help. It was simply overwhelming for me. Besides, most werewolves don’t usually prioritize my safety.”
Elijah gives a small nod, as if he understands exactly what I mean. He must have encountered plenty of different packs before. “Actually, there’s something else about your health.”
His mouth tightens into a worried line. “Dr. Isabella ran your bloodwork and identified the cause of your illness. There was wolfsbane in your bloodstream-a significant amount. Honestly, you had so much in your system that, by all rights, you shouldn’t have survived.”
