Mr. Valentine's Heart

Tonight's the Night

Natasha walks to the table, refreshing items. She walks to my side and discreetly looks into my cup. She’s always been on my side and has tried to help me when she can. I won’t let her do much because I don’t want her to get into any trouble. “Let me get you more coffee, Miss. It seems like you were thirsty. How about I bring you some juice, too, hmm?” I dare not look at Natasha, but I nod in response. She knows that my cup is still full, but she’s going to get rid of it. She must have seen them put the drug in my cup.

It doesn’t take long for Natasha to bring my coffee back, but I notice it’s a different cup. Same color and style, but not the cup I originally had. She places it in front of me, along with a glass of orange juice. It was so subtle that if I wasn’t looking, I would have missed it. Natasha slightly shakes her head when she puts the orange juice down. Something else in front of me is tainted, so it looks like I can only trust the coffee.

I expertly push the food around on my plate, making it look like I’m eating. I take slow sips of my coffee, needing it to keep me full enough so my stomach doesn’t give me away. I block out the conversation between Alexi and Dr. Reynolds, only chiming in when my name is called. I swear breakfast felt like it lasted forever, but I guess it was a normal amount of time.

His lips touch me, and I swallow down the bile. “I have to work, my love. I will check in on you later. Have a good day.” Dr. Reynolds is up as well, and her eyes are on me.

“I will take a look at some things and get back to you. Please rest Mrs. Moras.” She waits for Alexi to round the table and walks with him to the door. I guess I’m supposed to miss how closely they walk together, their bodies touching. I roll my eyes and sit back in my chair.

Once the door closes, Natasha shoos everyone out of the kitchen and comes to the table. She quickly grabs the dishes in front of me and hurries back to the kitchen with them. When she comes back, she has a wrapped breakfast sandwich in her hands. It’s a breakfast sandwich with eggs and bacon. My mouth waters, and my stomach grumbles. She hands me the sandwich and watches as I take a bite. “You need to leave, and I will help you. You are getting out tonight.”

My breath hitches as I stare into her face. She can’t be serious right now; this can’t be real. I look around, expecting Alexi to pop out and hem me up. There’s no one around, just me and Natasha. “Aaaare you serious?” Natasha looks around before leaning closer to me.

“I can’t stand to see you suffer like you are. Things here aren’t what they seem. You aren’t who they say you are. You have to get away so you can find out the truth.” I gulp, not really wanting to believe that this is happening. It isn’t that I don’t want this to happen, I’m just scared that this is all a game.

“I don’t want you to get in trouble for me.” Natasha pats my shoulder and shakes her head.

“You don’t worry about that. All you need to do is be ready tonight and I will get you out. Just trust me.” Natasha hurries away, and I’m left with my thoughts. This could all be an elaborate plan to catch me in a bad position, but what can I do? I need to take a chance, or I’ll be stuck here forever, and I can’t have that. I guess it’s time to put some things together and get ready for tonight.

~Caleb~

“Son, are you okay? You look a little pale.” I walk into the dining room of the packhouse, looking for a snack. My mom, Joy, is walking out of the kitchen with a plate in her hands. She sits with me at the ranked table and slides me the plate. I smile my appreciation and take a bit out of the sandwich.

“I’m good, Mom. How’s your day going?” She watches me as I eat the sandwich, her face filled with concern.

“You’re keeping something from me, I can tell. I’m here for you, whatever you need. Talk to me, son.” I wipe my mouth with a napkin and sit back in my chair. I let my eyes settle over my mother, taking in her features.

If you didn’t know any better, you’d think my mom was in her early twenties. We don’t age like humans, but those in my pack do even better than other wolves. It’s the magic that my pack holds that keeps us going and looking even younger than others. I’d say it’s a blessing and curse. Sometimes, other packs have trouble taking us seriously because we are so young-looking.

My mom is a beauty now, just as I’m sure she was when she was younger. She’s 5’7 and athletically built. Mom has always been a warrior, fighting alongside Dad when needed. He would rather her stay safe but always respected her choice to help defend her pack. She keeps her hair long, flowing past her shoulders. I take after her with her umber skin tone. It always glows, and I love that. Mom likes a relaxed look, jeans and Converse. She only dresses up when she has an even,t and she isn’t one for designer brands. Mom is really down to earth, and it’s what everyone loves about her.

I push my plate aside and stand up. I walk over to her and lean down. “I’m fine, Mom. I promise that if things are too much for me, You’ll be the first person I come to. Can we agree on that?” She looks at me as if she’s trying to commit my features to memory.

“I better be the absolute first person you come to.” I nod and kiss her on her temple, leaving her as I make my way to my office.

I know I need to talk about my troubles, but I also know that the minute I do, everything will change. They will have to have someone take over for me, and I don’t want that. I know I’m a grouchy man who complains about my position, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want it.

I sit at my desk and take out my cell. There’s someone I can call who will be able to help me. I know she’ll keep it quiet, and that’s what I need right now. I dial the number and wait for the call to connect. “Hello, baby. It’s good to hear your voice.”

“Hey, Justine. I was hoping you could help me.” She moans on the line, and I tap my pencil on the desk in anticipation.

“What can I do for you, darling?”

“Let's have lunch tomorrow. I don’t want to talk over the phone.”

“Alright. I’ll meet you at the usual spot at 12.” I disconnect the call and lean back in my chair. I hate going to her because I know what she’ll want in return, but I don’t think I have a choice. I have to figure things out before they go too far.