Between Witches and Wolves

Chapter 20: My New Normal

Ellie

After everyone ate last night, Emily went home to her mate, and the twins slept on the couches in the living room. They insisted that I take the king-size bed.

I woke up early the next morning and was surprised to see all of my things from the apartment in the living room. Nate apparently had woken up super early after having some nightmare. Alex says he’s been having the same nightmare for over ten years.

Alex made omelets for breakfast while Nate helped me get my few things put away. I still can’t believe I’ll be living here. It is a million times better than the apartment, and it’s close to my new job. Nate says I can use the car in the garage, but I don’t know how comfortable I am with doing that. They have already done so much for me.

Nate said he would give me a ride to the diner today, though, and walk me around the place. Emily is off today, so Tabitha will give me a tour and show me how things run. I officially start work tomorrow with Emily.

My wolf seems really happy here too. She has been wagging her tail since we woke up. Which reminds me, I do need to find scent suppression herbs soon. They will start to smell me by this evening if not.

They knew I was a witch and were okay with it. However, if they knew I was a hybrid, that may be a different story. Even though they are okay with witches now, doesn’t mean that a witch and a wolf can get together and make a baby. It was still seen as sort of forbidden. There just isn’t any way of knowing how they would react. It’s a chance I’m not willing to take.

I am really excited about all of this, though. I will be living in a much more clean, safe place, and have a way better job. I can go my whole life without seeing Tony’s f*****g face again. And now that it’s possible, I can’t be happier.

I just have to remember to be careful around the twins. My wolf really likes them. She has a really strong pull towards one over the other, and I’m not sure what that is about. They are both amazing and not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Now that I see them in proper lighting and I’m not drugged in some way or fashion, I can really see how stunning they both are.

They are tall, dark-haired, fit men. In a way, it feels like I’m living in a dream.

Let’s not talk about dreams, though, because I’m still trying to figure out what that dream I had last night was all about. I would never in a million years go after two guys at once, especially brothers. Plus, I don’t really see them that way.

Then, after that crazy dream, I got to see Alex’s wolf, Void. Speaking of naming wolves, I need to come up with a name for my wolf. I had never really thought about it before, but it does make sense.

Is there anything in particular you would like me to call you? I ask her.

She lifts her ears and gives me all her attention, but she doesn't answer.

Guess I’ll ask one of the guys how they named their wolves.

Just then, I see Alex coming back from a jog. I head outside to ask.

“Hey, um, I was curious about something. So, when I saw your wolf form last night, um, Nate said it was named Void. I didn’t know you named the wolves. How do you know what to name them? I’m just curious is all.”

I really hope I don’t sound stupid for asking. But he just smiles at me.

“Well, I named Void when I was either six or seven. I had transformed a few times, and everyone always said he was as black as a void. So my little brain said ‘perfect’ and went with that. Nate actually named his wolf shortly after me, also naming his after its appearance.”

He smiled fondly as he recalled the memory.

“Thanks. I just found it fascinating. And I would have to agree that Void does indeed look like a void.”

I smile back, and we head back towards the cabin. Nate appears from inside, holding a cell phone. He doesn’t look very happy.

“Hey, Ellie, I won’t be able to stay long after I drop you off at the diner. I have to run home for a bit and take care of some things. Are you okay with staying at the diner?” he asks me.

“I can pick her up,” Alex speaks up.

“As much as that would help, Dad wants to see us both.”

Something about Nate’s tone sounds on edge.

“I don’t mind. I would like to learn as much as possible anyway. Don’t worry about me. Just take care of whatever it is you need. I really don’t need two bodyguards, anyway.” I laugh a little to ease the tension.

They look at each other, and I swear they are reading each other’s minds again. Then they both agree.

But as we go to the car, Nate grabs my arm, softly holding me back.

“Promise me you will stay at the diner. I know you think the danger has passed, but it would make me feel better to know you aren’t out on your own.”

I can see the sincerity in his eyes.

“Promise. I will stay at the diner.”

I promise him even though I have taken care of myself all this time and there really is no need to worry. I just can’t push back when he is looking at me like I’m something that could break at the slightest touch. Those blue-gray eyes full of concern, how could I not agree?

“Thanks.”

He lets me go and goes to the car. We load up, and five minutes later, we are pulling up to the diner.

Damn, maybe I will use the car in the garage.

It was such a fast trip.

We walk into the diner, and I see a poof ball of curly hair. She has on glasses, an apron, and very short but poofy, curly, dark brown hair. Her skin is darker than most people around here, but she is absolutely gorgeous.

“Tabitha, this is Ellie, the new waitress I told you about. Show her the ropes around here, and I should be back in an hour or two before closing.”

Nate introduces us.

Tabitha reaches out for a handshake. I take her hand, and she smiles big.

“It is so nice to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you from Emily. My name is Tabitha, but you can call me Tabby! I am so excited for you to be working with us!”

She is very excited.

The guys leave, and Tabitha starts showing me around. The kitchen is kept nice and clean. The chef is a nice man but built like a truck.

The retro-looking diner is actually not that different from the club. Customers place orders, we give it to the kitchen, then take the order to the customer. Once they are done, we hand them their bill, take the money, then clean the tables once they leave.

Simple enough.

“Oh, I, um... Did Emily ever mention my pay? I just realized I don’t know what my pay is.”

I can’t believe I never asked! What if it’s worse than the club?

Tabitha smiles at me, though, and holds up ten fingers.

“Starting pay is ten an hour plus tips. Once you’ve been here a while, we will review your work and based on that and how happy the boss is with your work, you may qualify for a raise.”

What?!? That is insane!! Tony would only pay me that if I danced naked on stage.

I don’t even hide my surprised look from Tabitha, and she finds it hysterical.

“Well, take a break in the break room for a bit.”

Right as she says that, the bell at the door goes off.

Customers.

“I’m off! Come get me if you need anything!” she says as she rushes to greet the customers.

I am so excited to start this job. I still can’t believe this is my life now. That this is what is going to be my new normal. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

I walk around the diner’s break room and decide to take a peek at Tabitha in action. I barely peek out of the small window from the kitchen when I see the customer she is serving.

You have got to be f*****g kidding me.

It’s Mr. Flirtatious from that night at the club.

This time he is alone and chatting up Tabitha. He looks just as gross as before.

Then I notice he sniffed the air as Tabitha left.

A wide smile spreads across his face.

He looks around carefully and spots me.

I stare back, unable to move.

He mouths something to me, and once I register what he said, I feel my body go cold.

I back away from the window quickly and try not to panic.

I’ll be okay. Nate will be here soon to pick me up. I just have to stay right here.

But those words leave me trembling in the break room.

I see you, little witch.