The Lone She-Wolf

Ch. 11

After assuring Shane that I was alright, I watched as he and his driver made their way towards the deserted last corner booth. Carrying two steaming cups of coffee in one hand and a little bowl filled with creamer singles in the other, I carefully approached their table. Placing the cups down gently on the tabletop, I politely inquired if they desired something to eat. The driver, like their previous visits, requested a bagel, but Shane said that he only wanted the coffee, and without wasting any time, I headed towards the counter to prepare the bagel. However, as I glanced back at Shane, an unsettling aura surrounded him. His face seemed pensive and full of distress. Knowing what could be troubling him, I felt bad that my issues were weighing heavy on his mind.

After serving the bagel, I stood behind the counter, lost in my thoughts. Shane's troubled expression lingered in my mind, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that permeated the air around us. It was as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders, and I couldn't help but worry about what might be troubling him. The closeness of the late hour only seemed to amplify the gravity of the situation. As the minutes ticked by and closing time drew near, I realized that it was just Shane and his driver left in the shop. Usually, I'd be eager to end my shift and go home, but this time, there was a sense of comfort in having them there. Ever since my emotional breakdown earlier, it felt reassuring to know that someone, other than my Gram, had my back.

After Shane's driver left the shop, Shane strolled over to the counter and settled himself into one of the cozy seats. I greeted him with a warm smile, eager to assist him further. Sensing his desire for a refill, he requested if I wouldn't mind topping up his coffee cup. Without hesitation, I swiftly retrieved the coffee pot and carefully poured the steaming liquid into his cup. As he raised the cup to his lips, the aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Shane took a stimulating sip and graciously expressed his gratitude towards me.

Via interrupted my thoughts. “Sierra, I have been talking to his wolf. I think that you need to tell him about Gram. And just for tonight, go and stay in his pack with Gram. That way he can send guards to your home to see if they can catch this guy that has been stalking you.”

As the weight of all my worries press heavily on me, I am unable to contain my emotions any longer. The tears begin to flow uncontrollably, as if representing the tumultuous whirlwind of events and emotions swirling around me. It feels as though life has decided to throw me into a never-ending storm, with each passing day bringing a new wave of challenges. The first concern that weighs relentlessly on my heart is my beloved Grams' declining health. It pains me to see her health deteriorating, and the fear of losing her fills me with an overwhelming sense of helplessness. But amid this heartache, another fear lurks in the shadows - a persistent and unnerving figure who seems intent on stalking me.

The constant fear of someone watching my every move adds an extra layer of anxiety to my already turbulent days. Amidst these troubles, there is a glimmer of hope - the prospect of finding my mate. However, conflicting feelings arise within me, for I yearn for the sense of belonging and connection that a mate can bring, yet simultaneously shudder at the thought of being tied down or becoming part of a pack again. The desire for independence battles with the longing for companionship that up until he walked into my shop I was sure I didn't want any part of, leaving me torn and uncertain about what path to choose. Thus, as I collapse beneath the weight of these complex emotions, tears become my solace, reflecting the overwhelming storms raging within my soul.

Shane rushed behind the counter and dropped to his knees as he pulled me close to him. Placing my head on his chest, I felt an instant calm. Shane took a deep breath and began to speak. “Sierra, please know that I will not let anything bad happen to you. I will protect you with my life.” His words made me cry even harder. “What else is wrong? I know that you're not crying just because of that guy. I can sense how strong you are. What else is lying heavy on your mind?”

It was like he could see right through me. I pulled my head away from him and wiped the tears from my eyes. “Listen, Shane, I have some family issues going on right now, and with that and everything else, I just needed to cry, that's all.” He looked at me with a raised eyebrow as if he was mentally questioning what the family issues were. And I was right because that was the next set of words that left his mouth.

After much contemplation, I decided to confide in him, hoping that by doing so, he would gain a full understanding of the situation. He needed to be aware of the challenges my Gram had been facing lately. With a sense of urgency, I recounted the events that had transpired, painting a vivid picture of the difficulties she had been going through. Observing my distress, he wasted no time in extending his support. In a compassionate gesture, he graciously invited both Gram and me to his pack house, where their pack doctor could provide the medical attention and assistance she desperately needed. This gesture not only revealed the depth of his concern but also highlighted his willingness to go above and beyond for the well-being of his pack members. Even though we were not part of his pack, he was treating us like we were. A sense of relief washed over me as his immediate action assured me that we were in capable hands, united in our efforts to help Gram regain her health and strength.

I had to think about this for a while. This was going against everything that I had built for myself. All the walls that I have put up over the years. And then there was the task of taking Gram to a pack that she didn't know about. And have her treated by a doctor that didn't know her, and she didn't know them. With her memory issues, I didn't know if this was going to be a good thing. I told Shane that we could try. I also made him aware that we were not going to be staying in his pack. We were simply going there to have my Gram seen and then we were to go home.

I tried to have him have the pack doctor come to our house, but he said that unfortunately they don't do house calls outside of the pack, and going was the only way to have her seen. I needed to come up with a plan to get Gram to go. As against this as I was, I knew it was imperative for her health. I asked Shane if he would not mind coming to my house with me and talking with Gram.

“I think that would be a great idea, Sierra. And while I am there, you can show me where the car was parked last night.”

I don't know why he wanted to know where the car was parked. What good would that do? But I told him I would. He stayed in the shop with me as I finished cleaning things up so I could be done for the day. Once all my tasks were completed, it was time to go. He offered me a ride back to my house, but I told him there was no need. It was within walking distance and, therefore, there was no need for a ride. “Can I walk with you?” I looked at him a bit shocked. “Why would you, the alpha of a pack, want to walk with me? You could just have your driver bring you and you meet me there.”

“I would rather walk with you if that is okay.” I nodded, acknowledging the man's request to accompany me on my way. We exited the shop, and before fully proceeding, I took a moment to verify that the door was sufficiently locked, ensuring the security of the premises. Once I was confident in its protection, we embarked towards my residence. But, my anticipation turned into alarm as we drew closer to my house, for the entrance appeared to have been forcefully kicked in. My heart raced, overwhelmed with fear and concern. Without hesitation, I darted into the house, the sound of Shane's footsteps echoing behind me. Noticing the urgency of the situation, Shane's driver swiftly exited the car, joining our pursuit. As we entered the house, my voice trembled with panic as I shouted out in desperation, calling for my beloved grandmother. "GRAM!!!"