Fall in love with wolf

Ch.1

December brings its signature chill to Manhattan. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Dawn's Edge Coffee, Elena Parker watched delicate snowflakes dance against a backdrop of glass skyscrapers. The morning light refracted through the crystalline ice crystals in tiny glimmers, reminding her of the holiday decorations already adorned Fifth Avenue.

At twenty-four, Elena has mastered making the perfect espresso. This skill has allowed her to keep her job for the past three years at one of the Financial District's most prestigious third-wave coffee shops. The La Marzocco machine hums under her fingertips, its stainless-steel surface reflecting the warm glow of the Edison bulb overhead.

“The holiday crowds are definitely going crazy today,” Sarah says as she adjusts her black apron. Her curly blonde hair is tied back in a casual bun, a few strands escaping to wrap around her face.” Do you see the line that's already forming outside?”

Elena glanced at the growing line outside. Through the window, she could see Wall Streeters in Canada Goose parkas and Burberry scarves, cell phones in hand, impatiently checking the time. That's her life now - serving $7 lattes to people who make more money in an hour than she does in a week.

“At least they tip generously during the Christmas season,” Elena replies, squeezing out a smile. Since the death of her Aunt Rose last year, she's learned to find the bright lights of life in a city that often seems too big, too fast, and too expensive.

The morning passes like a well-rehearsed Americano for the early risers, oatmeal milk lattes for the yoga crowd, and cappuccino for the creatives at the neighborhood ad agency. Elena moves with skillful efficiency, and despite the tight pace, each drink is still made with care.

Then he walks in - James Anderson is the infamous complainer at Dawn's Edge Coffee, having already made three baristas leave their jobs in tears.

He strides into the store, his expensive Italian leather shoes making an arrogant sound on the marble floor. The phone call he'd just finished had left him with a hard look on his face, and he looked around the coffee shop as if searching for a target to vent his anger on.

The man's Armani suit probably cost more than a month's rent for her, and his Patek Philippe watch glinted as he raised his hand to adjust his titanium-framed glasses. Everything about him proclaimed old wealth and self-righteousness.

“Large cappuccino, skim milk.” He said stiffly, not even looking at Elena as if she was just part of the coffee machine.

Elena began to prepare her drink when she noticed Sarah shooting her a worried look.

“Wait,” he suddenly raised his volume, ”double espresso, 165 degrees Fahrenheit, not bad at all.” There was a note of deliberate difficulty in his tone.

Elena nodded calmly and resumed production.

When she handed over the perfectly concocted drink, James snapped without even looking at it, “Wrong, completely wrong! You deserve to work in a fancy coffee shop like this at this level? I've seen your resume, Elena Parker,” he deliberately raised his volume so that the patrons around him could hear, ”an orphan girl who never finished community college and relies on the sympathy of the poor to work here, right?”

Uneasy whispers emanated from the customers in line. Elena felt her cheeks burn, but she kept her back straight. This job was her only source of income and she couldn't afford to lose it.

“Sir, I'm sorry the drink wasn't to your liking,” her voice was smooth, ”I can either remake it for you or refund your money.”

“Remake it?” James sneered, “For someone like you, you won't understand what true quality is even if you remake it a hundred times. Maybe you should go back to the fast food joints in Brooklyn, that's where people like you belong.”

The man let go. The scalding liquid splashed across the counter, and a sharp edge cut into her palm as the ceramic mug shattered on the marble surface.

Blood immediately gushed out, bright against her pale skin. The scent of copper mingled with the rich coffee aroma that usually filled the air.

“Perhaps,” a low voice James sounded behind her with some sort of primal menace, breaking the silence, ”you're the one who should be apologizing. Vice president of Anderson Investments, here you are, wreaking havoc on a young lady, and this is the corporate culture of your company?”

Elena turned and found herself looking up at a man who seemed to control the air around her. Alexander Reed appeared like a cougar stepping into a flock, his towering form enveloping James. He stood over six feet tall, and his dark gray Savile Row tailored suit couldn't disguise the elegance and power of his predator. But it was his eyes that were most startling - steel gray and ancient as the storm clouds gathering over the Atlantic.

“This, this is none of your business!” The insolent customer snapped, and James tried to save face, though Elena noticed him take a step back.

“Is it?” The newcomer's voice remained calm, but something made the room temperature seem all the lower.” I wonder how the board of Anderson Investment would feel about their vice president harassing service industry employees, James. Especially after that incident last quarter.”

James's face turned pale in an instant. He stumbled back, knocking over the seat behind him.” You, you can't...”

“Leave,” Alexander said, ”before I change my mind.”

As James scurried away, leaving a crumpled hundred-dollar bill on the counter, Elena then noticed that the entire coffee shop had gone quiet. Certain patrons surreptitiously pulled out their cell phones to record the memorable scene. But her full attention was on Alexander'd just displayed not only power but an almost primal majesty.

“Are you okay?” Alexander's voice suddenly became soft, and he took her hand in his, his movements incredibly gentle.” I'm Alexander Reed.”

Elena felt the pain then, but what concerned her more was the strange sensation she felt when Alexander touched her as if an electric current ran through her entire body from the point of contact. And him, she swore she saw his pupils contract into a thin line the moment he smelled blood and quickly return to normal.

“I should get this taken care of,” Elena said, trying to pull her hand back, but Alexander's grip, while gentle, remained firm.

“Let me take you to the hospital.” Alexander's voice was undeniable but tinged with an imperceptible hint of nervousness. In truth, he was wrestling with his instincts-Elena's blood gave off a more tantalizing scent than he'd expected, like an ancient incantation summoning the sleeping wildness within him.” That wound looks deep.”

“My shift isn't over yet...” Elena hesitated.

“I can cover your shift,” Sarah rushed to say, clearly shaken by what had just happened, ”Peter will be here soon to take over, don't worry.”

Alexander guided Elena towards the door, his hand resting gently on her back like a protective gesture. As they made their way through the crowd, patrons who were still peeking out avoided his gaze, as if they instinctively sensed some kind of danger.

His Range Rover was parked down the street, its body glowing with an understated sheen in the December sun, and Alexander opened the door for Elena with a graceful, natural motion, but when she brushed against his wrist unobtrusively as he reached out to help her, his pupils flashed with that feral gleam once more.

“You're shivering,” he said, quickly cranking up the car's heat. But he knew Elena's shivering wasn't all from the cold blood loss and adrenaline withdrawal was starting to show their effects.

The space inside the car suddenly seemed unusually private, and Elena could smell his cologne mixed with some kind of wild fragrance she couldn't quite put her finger on. The smell reminded her of a forest late at night, mysterious and dangerous, yet inexplicably reassuring.

“You know that James?” she asked, trying to break the silence.

Alexander's mouth curled into a sneer, “Wall Street is like a small pond, Elena. Every fish thinks it's a shark until it meets a real predator.”

The tone in which he said this sent chills down Elena's spine. For a moment, she truly believed that Alexander Reed was the “predator” he was talking about. But then he turned his head and smiled gently at her, and that air of danger disappeared again without a trace.

“I'm sorry about earlier,” Elena said softly, ”getting you into that situation...”

“No,” Alexander interrupted her, ”Never apologize for someone's rudeness.” He paused for a moment, “I noticed you were calm, anyone else might have had a meltdown.”

Elena looked down at her tissue-wrapped hands, “Life has taught me that there are some things a tantrum won't solve. After my aunt died, I learned that I had to learn to be independent.”

Alexander's hands tightened on the steering wheel, his knuckles white.

The sound of an ambulance siren came from the distance, and Alexander frowned slightly. Elena noticed that he seemed particularly sensitive to the sound, dodging a couple of bicyclists who nearly ran a red light even before she heard them.

They made their way through the busy streets of Manhattan, the city already decked out in its holiday finery. The twinkling colored lights in the windows reflected the snow in colorful ways, and the aroma of coffee and desserts wafted through the air. But amidst the familiar scents of the city, Elena feels like she's stepping into a whole new world, one that may be harboring countless secrets.

Beside her, the mysterious man is driving the car with an almost religious focus, as if he is on some kind of important mission. What Elena doesn't know is that Alexander is struggling with every breath. The scent of her blood was unlike anything he'd encountered in his two centuries of life-sweet and powerful, with a certain old-fashioned flavor that awakened the wolf within him.

He'd been tracking a vampire who'd trespassed on his territory when he'd been drawn to the coffee shop by the scent. Now, sitting in the confined space of his car, it took every ounce of self-control he had to maintain the appearance of being human.

The smell of sterilized water from the emergency room stimulated Alexander's senses. Hospitals were always the hardest places for a werewolf to endure - too much blood, too many chemicals, too much pain, and the smell of death. But at the moment, none of that was as strong as the lure of being up close and personal with Elena's blood.

“Mr. Reed?” As the nurse called his name, Elena was a little surprised to find that they'd been placed in the VIP consultation room. Apparently, Alexander had an unusual influence here as well.

“Let's see,” the young doctor gently unwrapped the tissue that had been soaked with blood, ”Well, it needs a few stitches.” She turned to Alexander, “Boyfriend?”

“He's...” Elena was just about to explain when Alexander took over naturally, “A friend who cares about her safety.”

As the doctor prepared the local anesthetic, Elena subconsciously grabbed Alexander's hand. She wasn't afraid of pain, but somehow his presence gave her an inexplicable sense of security. Alexander, on the other hand, didn't draw back his hand even when the nurse passed a surprised look.

“Your hands are so warm,” Elena whispered, trying to distract herself.

Alexander almost wanted to laugh - werewolves were supposed to have a bit higher body temperature than humans. But he just says gently, “It'll be quick.”

Indeed, with Alexander by his side, the stitches seemed to become less difficult. The doctor was still going over the precautions when Elena's cell phone suddenly rang. It was Sarah.

“Elena! Are you okay? By the way, guess what? That James thing went viral on social media and someone posted the video on t****k. And,” Sarah's voice suddenly lowered, ”do you know who that handsome guy was who just helped you? The CEO of Reed Enterprise. They say he runs half of Manhattan's real estate!”

Elena looked over at Alexander in shock, who was pretending to take a keen interest in the ceiling.

“I'll call you back later,” Elena hung up hastily, ”So . . the Reed Enterprise?”

Alexander shrugged slightly helplessly, “It's just a job.”

“A job that runs half of Manhattan's real estate,” Elena couldn't help herself, ”No wonder James is freaking out like that.”

“Power is only superficial, Elena,” Alexander's voice suddenly became serious, ”What really matters in this city is knowing when to use it and when to refrain.”

Alexander's cell phone vibrated as the nurse came in to deliver the medication. He glanced at the message and frowned lightly, “Some business needs to be taken care of. Have my driver take you home?”

“No,” Elena said hurriedly, ”I can call an Uber.”

Alexander shook his head, “You're too ‘striking’ for some people right now.” His words sounded meaningful.

Before Elena could think about the meaning of the words, a stocky man appeared in the doorway. He wore a simple black suit, but his stance revealed a military-like alertness.

Before he left, he handed her a business card-heavy textured and minimalist in design, with only his name and a phone number on it.

“If you need any help,” he said, ”this is my private number. If anything out of the ordinary comes up, call me immediately.”

Elena watched him walk away, his tall figure moving through the hospital crowd with the grace of a predator. She looked down at the business card in her hand and wondered why a man who clearly belonged to New York's elite would care about a barista with a cut hand.

Standing on the corner, out of sight, Alexander pulled out his cell phone.” Marcus? I need you to find out everything you can about Elena Parker. And set up surveillance at Dawn's Edge Coffee. Something's not right - her blood...” He paused, carefully weighing his words.” It was different. Special. And if I can smell it...”

He didn't finish the thought, but the meaning was clear. In a city of eight million people, vampires, werewolves, and other creatures walked unnoticed among the crowds. If Alexander could smell the power in Elena's blood, so could everyone else.

And in the coffee shop across the street from the building, a stylishly dressed woman was watching it all through her sunglasses. Her long, slender fingers tapped the tabletop, her blood-painted nails holding the phone, “Yes, I found her. The odor was more than expected... Interesting. But that wolf alpha seems to have his eye on her as well.” She paused, “No, now is not the time. Let's see what's so special about this little barista.”