Runaway Wolf Girl

Chapter Five

"See you later, little waitress! Tell your boss the service was great- we give it two thumbs up!"

The man who'd handed her the tray waved as he ran after his companion- the one who had saved her, the tall man who towered over everyone else in the diner- his boss? Hadn't he called the tall man "boss"? Minna shook her head. She couldn't be sure. Everything had happened so quickly. It was practically a blur.

"Oh my GAWD!" Angela crowed, rushing to Minna's side. "That was so freaking HOT," she announced. "When you slipped and then he just whooshed right out of his seat, and swooped you up in his arms- I seriously thought I would die. I could have just melted, right there." She was practically swooning as she relayed the scene. Minna's cheeks were pink and she adjusted the tray uncomfortably, trying to cut in, but Angela kept right on, steam-rolling over her. "Talk about romantic, you're catching all the guys and you've only been here a month!" She sighed. "Some chicks have all the luck."

"If, by luck, you mean slipping in beer and nearly dying in the process, then sure," Minna said drily. "I must be the luckiest girl alive."

"I'll say," Angela pouted. "You were saved by that super sexy hunk of a man." She leaned forward eagerly. "How did it feel?"

Minna threw her an unbelieving look and made her way to the table of shocked patrons, all of whom said they were glad she was not hurt. She thanked them, plastering on her biggest smile as she handed them their food. Angela had come up behind her with the second tray and helped hand out drinks, eyeing her the entire time.

Once she delivered the last drink, she scampered after Minna and continued her harping. "Don't try to play dense, I know you're smarter than that. I know you know what I mean- how did it feel when he caught you? His arms must have been so muscular and manly... all those muscles..." Her voice trailed off and she gazed absently into the distance. The Goddess above only knew what she was imagining. Minna looked up toward the heavens and shook her head, taking the empty tray from her friend's grasp and holding back a giggle as Angela's hands fell limply to her side.

"Hey! Earth to Angela," Minna said, snapping her fingers.

"Yes!" Angela said automatically. "I'm back, all good." She blinked. "Sorry, I was not myself for a minute there."

"Yeah, I think you were very much yourself, and you need to wipe your mouth. You got a little drool going on-" Minna reached over to dab at her face, and Angela rolled her eyes, swatting her hand away. Minna grinned.

"Joke all you want, but that man was a ten if I ever saw one," she told her, hands on her hips. "Tell me you got his number."

Minna grimaced and avoided looking Angela in the eye. "Well..."

"What!" she shrieked. "You didn't even get his number?"

"I was kind of in the middle of trying not to slip and die," Minna reminded her. "It wasn't exactly an opportune moment to exchange digits."

Angela stared at her. "I'm so disappointed in you."

"What? Disappointed in me? That's so harsh, Angela. I think I'm gonna cry." Minna sniffled dramatically and wiped away invisible tears. Angela continued to stare at her, unimpressed. "Fine," Minna ceased the fake crying and heaved a sigh. Acting had never been her thing, anyway. "You know, it's not like I'm looking to get involved in anything right now," Minna shrugged. "I just moved here, everything is still new and- and I'm just trying to make rent and feed my dog. A man would be way too much of a bother." She brushed the idea away like an annoying fly buzzing around her head.

"Uh-huh, sure. That's exactly the kind of crap cowards and chickens say," Angela stated, matter-of-fact.

Minna's jaw dropped. Did she just call her a chicken? Angela went on, paying Minna no mind.

"Men are never too much of a bother... unless they're cheating," she amended. "And then you just kick them to the curb and find one that isn't going to cheat."

"That's easier said than done," Minna pointed out. "And I'm not a chicken."

"Typical thing to say for a chicken. Chickens never admit they're chickens," Angela countered, clucking at her and laughing.

"What are you in fourth grade?" Minna grumbled.

"I'm not the one who's too scared to talk to a boy."

"I'm not scared to talk to boys," Minna mumbled, more to herself than anyone. Angela was already walking away, making the rounds, checking her tables, refilling drinks.

Minna sighed and rubbed the back of her neck.

She wasn't afraid to talk to a man. She'd talked to him, thanked him even. It was just an awkward moment, trying to do anything more than simply breathe while being held by a pair of strong arms was asking a lot of a girl. She'd felt so safe... She couldn't recall the last time she'd felt like that.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. She could still smell his scent, deep and rich, salty like the ocean wind. Her wolf perked her ears as Minna recalled his eyes, his face, his mouth- and panted at her, trying to get her attention.

What is it? Minna asked.

Her wolf spun excitedly, whining and pawing. You don't know? she asked Minna.

Know what...?

Him! She was practically dancing, the excitement overflowing.

What about him? Minna persisted, annoyed that her wolf was not getting to the point.

He is like us, she told Minna. He is wolf!

Her heart stopped, and Minna shook her head in disbelief. No way, she said firmly. I would have known if he was a werewolf. I would have sensed it, felt it, smelled it on him- and he was completely normal. Well, he was really tall, she allowed. Like, freakishly tall, but extreme height doesn't make him like us.

He is a werewolf, she stated again, staring so hard she could have drilled holes in the back of Minna's skull.

Then why didn't I know it? Minna asked.

You didn't pay attention- you were much too distracted, she accused in a superior tone. But I paid attention, I noticed for the both of us. While you were busy feeling good and happy for his big body-

Oh my gawd, Minna covered her eyes and thanked the goddess her wolf was trapped inside her head so no one could hear the words coming out of her mouth. Angela would have a field day if she could ever talk to her wolf. This was one of those times it really stunk having to share a body with a primordial being- there were absolutely no secrets. Everything was on the table at all times... even the times when she was physically aroused by strange men.

Why do you feel such shame? Minna's wolf was confused. There is no need for shame. He is big and strong. He could be alpha- he is a good choice for a mate.

MATE? Minna squeaked.

Yes, that's what I said- mate, her wolf continued, annoyed at being interrupted. So, while you were busy wanting to feel good with future mate, I paid attention and I felt his wolf. That one is very strong- he can protect us, she said. He is a good choice for a mate. Come, she commanded. We must go find him and claim him.

Protect us? Minna blinked. He doesn't even know us. And I don't want to go find him OR claim him. Minna shuddered. Remember what happened?

I remember, she said solemnly. This is not like that.

Minna shook her head. She couldn't know for sure. Her wolf was always so sure about things, but Minna couldn't be sure. Nothing was ever sure.

Whatever, Minna said. He doesn't even know us. He's not going to protect us.

He likes us. She smiled big, showing her sharp teeth, and panted. He will keep us safe. And, she added, his wolf yearns for a mate, too.

I'm not yearning for a mate, Minna snorted. But, his wolf wants a mate...? How can you tell?

I can tell, she grinned. He wants a mate BAD.

Oh my gawd, Minna covered her eyes. Why did she have to have such a horny, blunt wolf? She was almost as crude and unfiltered as Angela.

Her wolf chuckled and licked her lips. We want a mate bad, too, yes?

Minna chose to ignore her, and busied herself checking her tables. She absolutely refused to answer that question. She could feel her wolf smile, even as she tried to mentally block her.

Gawd, being a werewolf was so frustrating.