Stranger with the Stars

She Smelled Like Strawberries PT2

I had lost track of time when we got back. The party was quite large, the pack house was filled to the brim. I sat outside to get some fresh air. If I was needed, I’d be notified. My wolf started to stir up again, pacing in circles in my mind. 

I needed to go check that lot again. 

I can feel her. 

I mind linked with Matton, I was going out again. I attempted to make my way out of the pack house. Sadly, I wasn’t getting out alone. As an unmated Alpha, she-wolves were constantly trying to throw themselves in my direction in hopes of becoming the next Luna. I didn’t want them. I’d ignore them or do my best to keep their hands off of me. Even the regular human girls wanted to be at my side. 

I’ll admit, I fooled around a bit before hitting 20, even a bit after. I wanted to be a lucky man. Get a few things in before locking down. Looking back, I feel disgusted with the actions that happened. It would only curb the loneliness for the night. The next day I’d be left with the empty feeling, my wolf howling in disappointment. I didn’t want these random females on me. 

Even with the distaste, a few of the guards offered to follow me. They wanted to take a break from the party. So now, I was driving alone in my car, with about 4 following. Matton offered to stay back, to ensure no one else would attempt to tag along. I told him it wouldn’t be long, he just shrugged in response. We both knew that if I met her, I may not be back tonight.

I sped off towards the store. It was close to 10, they would be closing soon.

_______________________________

My heart skipped a beat when I pulled in. The scent was back, and so was the truck. It was much stronger, meaning she was here. I jumped out of the car, running to circle the truck a few times. She wasn’t inside, but it smelled like she spent a lot of time in it. There was a second smell within, the smell of that man again. I couldn’t pin it perfectly, it grew weaker from the last time. She had to be inside.

“Stay out here. I’ll be back.” I commanded the other vehicles. The girls attempted to follow, being promptly stopped by their accompanying men. I was grateful that they weren’t asking questions. I practically ran to the door. 

Mate! Mate! Mate!

I could feel him coming forward, searching as eagerly as I was. Once I entered through the door, I was frozen. 

Strawberries.

There she was, standing a few feet away at a register. She was laughing about something he had said, the rage boiled in my blood. I held my stoic expression.

She turned towards me. The breath escaped me. No words could come out. She was beautiful. She had long copper hair, pulled into a messy up do. Her body was perfect, shaped in a way that any man would wish he could touch. Her lips were pouty with a gentle pink blushing across her face. Her eyes were pale, striking against her light skin. Freckles danced along her neck. I could see the paint drips that had dried on her arms. I was captured. 

When she turned to look at me, I felt as though the whole world melted away. Her eyes shone like stars in the sky. Did she feel what I was feeling?

“Ehem. Ellie, I’m dying. Offer to help me again.” The cashier called from behind the cart. I couldn’t see him yet. Ellie was her name? What a beautiful name for an equally beautiful creature. Neither of us turned away.

“ELLIE, I SWEAR TO GOD. JUST OFF--” He popped his head up from behind, looking out of breath. 

“Hey Ellie, let's get this to your car, but I need you to push because you’re stronger.” He curtly stated. Ellie’s eyes left mine. My heart soared. I just wanted to be alone with her. 

I could see her reaching for the handle of the overloaded cart. It was obvious that she was going to need help getting this outside, but the small cashier would be of no help. I recognized him at this point. We had seen each other on campus before. Archer was his name. This is who Matton was speaking about earlier. It made sense now.

“Ah, it’s you Trenton. Thank you for helping us ladies.” Archer sent me puppy eyes.

“Mmmm.” Was all I could muster. I still couldn’t make the words leave my throat. Ellie looked at me with a smile. I decided to help push this outside, attempting to show my willingness to help. I could find out who owned that truck. I could smell her on it, but I wasn’t sure. 

“Which one is yours?” Archer called out to Ellie. I already knew the answer.

“The big orange one!”  She shouted back, she had fallen behind and was attempting to catch up to where I was.

“You mean the big f*****g monster truck?” Archer screeched. It was like nails on a chalkboard to my ears.

“Yes, that’s mine.” She clicked FOB to show the truck responding to her. I was satisfied with this answer. The scent inside didn’t belong to Archer, but I couldn’t be happier to breathe her in. She was so close, yet just out of reach. 

I can feel her wolf, it’s weak but there. As though it’s never come forward.

I felt that as well. Normally when meeting your mate, the couple can’t keep their hands off of one another. It’s a mutual sharing of glee. Ellie was currently not throwing herself at me, as much as I wanted her to. She must be feeling something, but not understanding it. This would take some time. 

“Thank you for pushing, I really appreciate it. You don’t have to help load it up.” She quipped next to me. Her voice was soft, yet inviting. I wanted her to speak to me more. 

“You’re welcome.” Was the only words I could get out. My brain was engulfed in her scent. All I could focus on was how soft her hands looked.

Archer attempted to climb into the bed, I had to offer a helping hand subtly. He then huffed, grabbing the items I was holding up for him. He was attempting to place them in the truck bed without looking like it was difficult. It was really painful to watch.

Ellie had run the cart back to the store. I decided to try and feel out Archer’s place in all of this.

“Archer, right?” I asked.

“Yup, but I go by Archie. We’ve met before ya know.” He pouted back to me, placing a hand on his hip. 

“I remember you. I didn’t realize you worked here.” I was attempting to make small talk. 

“I sure do. You don't normally go out of your way to help me.” He raised an eyebrow at me.

“You’ve caught me. I like your friend. Who is she?” I purred back. Archie went up in a blush.

“Ah, well, you see. That’s Ellie. I’m her soon to be roommate! She’s moving up this weekend. She bought that old house on Wolf Pine.” He rambled out.

“Ah, I see. Is she…” Before I could ask, he cut me off.

“No, I don’t think she’s out there dating. She told me she wanted a new life up here.” His voice was becoming more confident. He had information I wanted, and I would need to keep the friendship to get to her. I could hear Ellie running back over to us. The conversation would have to wait. 

“Thank you boys. I’ll see you this weekend Archie.” She nodded to him, sending him a wink. I could hear her out of breath, my heart sped up. 

“Good luck getting rid of me, I can’t miss this thing from a million miles away. You can’t hide it either, my senses will tell me!” Archie stomped his foot in protest. I wasn’t looking at him anymore, my attention was solely on Ellie. I wanted to remember each piece of her, so that I’d never miss this moment. I could feel my wolf taking a good look as well. She stared back, her face illuminated by the lights in the lot. 

Mate. She is our mate.

My wolf was eager. If we had it our way, we’d already be trying to mark her. However, this was going to have to go a more human way. We’d have to watch before making a move. I didn’t want to scare her away. She opened her mouth, as if to say something, when she was interrupted.

“Trenty!! You’re taking too long!” 

“Come back!” 

“Yeah, we need you!” 

The girls from the cars had become rowdy, the boys no longer able to keep them in place. They were most likely drunk, and wanting to get back to the pack house party. It wouldn’t be over for a few more hours. When I looked back at Ellie, I could see the disappointment in her face. I knew she was feeling something, but I couldn’t pin what kind of feeling she had for me yet. 

“Ah, it seems like you’re needed. Thank you again for your help.” She reached out and squeezed my arm. The jacket kept from skin to skin contact, but my body buzzed in delight. I silently cursed myself for wearing it. I looked from her back to the group, the anger started to grow in my stomach for making me pull away. My wolf backed up into the recesses once more, letting me know that he was also frustrated. I’d have to get them back before I could see Ellie again. 

From the corner of my eye, I watched as Archer fell out of the bed of the truck. Ellie was making her way to the driver door. 

“Bye, Ell! I’ll call you Saturday morning. I’ll be there at the crack of when I’m awake!” Archer called out. He was making his way back to the store.

“Bye Arch! I’ll kick your ass if you don’t bring me a drink!” She shouted after him. 

I brought my eyes back to her once more. I wanted to ask her if I could be there. I wanted to ask if I could touch her, to feel her. To welcome her home everyday into my arms. 

“Thank you… What was your name again?” She quietly asked, bringing me out of my stupor.

“Trenton.” 

“Thank you, Trenton. I really appreciate it. Maybe I’ll see you around, if you stop revving your engine at me.” She raised a brow at me, making my way into the truck.

So that was her in the truck earlier. I internally groaned, nothing that I had f****d that up. I couldn’t take it back, but I could do better from here on out. This wasn’t a bad start, it just isn't everything I wanted. Soon, soon I’d touch her. I’d love her the way she deserved. She’d be mine.

I grabbed the back of the truck bed door, holding for a minute before letting go. I started to make my way towards the cars. 

My mind swirled with her scent. Her beauty was incredible. I already loved her, and I didn’t even get much out of her. 

The truck engine came alive, like a monster in the night. 

The walk to my car felt like miles, once I was in, I commanded everyone to go back to the house. I mind linked with Matton, who let me know that he thinks he knows what house was hers. He stated that he did a search earlier of Wolf Pine Rd, and she caught him standing in the street. Thanks to the time of day, he looked discolored from his usual form. He stated he ran off as fast as he could, but could retrace to where it was if needed. I sent him a thank you and a promise of a beer as a reward. 

This wasn’t going to be our last encounter, I promised myself it wouldn’t.