Tale of a Bleeding Wolf

Chapter 1 Archie's voice, tinged with irritation, greeted me as I stepped behind the library counter. "You're late," she chided. I suppressed a sigh, sliding my messenger bag beneath the counter and pushing up the glasses that had slipped down my nose. I made a mental note to visit the optometrist for an adjustment. "Apologies, I'm barely five minutes behind schedule. The bus had delays this morning," I explained. Archie's response was a disapproving huff. "Valerie, this job demands punctuality and reliability. If you can't fulfill that, then..." I interrupted her before she could finish her oft-repeated threat, "I understand, Ms. Turner. I'll take measures to ensure it doesn't happen again." Without waiting for her reply, I collected a pile of returned books and headed to the back to start reshelving. It's been four years since I joined the library staff, right after my 18th birthday. My love for books, computers, and research made the job a dream come true. Everything was perfect until two months ago when Archie, who is just a year my senior and also my supervisor, betrayed me. Her mother's position as the library director undoubtedly secured her job. We used to be on good terms, and I even called her by her first name, Archie. But that camaraderie ended when she had an affair with my boyfriend. The betrayal was unexpected, and Archie's words stung—labeling me as a nerd with no prospects. It's true, I am a bit of a nerd, but that doesn't mean I lack ambition. I'm currently enrolled in online accounting courses, aiming to qualify as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) within the next year. It's an exciting prospect, and I know it would have made my mother proud. Working at the library is something I cherish, but I've always harbored the aspiration to become a CPA. Now, with my mother's passing, this career path seems even more crucial for my independence and financial stability. My mother, a compassionate nurse at the local hospital, always encouraged me to pursue my dreams fearlessly. Her words resonate with me more than ever since her departure last year. That day is etched in my mArchie, a reminder of her enduring influence on my life. usually working more than twelve-hour shifts. I was used to her being gone a lot; she had to work hard to support us. I never knew who my dad was, honestly, I don't care who he is. She called me to tell me she was waiting for the bus and would be home soon. I finished setting the table after I hung up the phone with her. After an hour of waiting and her not answering her phone, there was a knock on the front door. I remember laughing, thinking she had left her keys at work again, as I walked to open the door. To my shock, two police officers were standing there instead of my mother, as I thought. Are you Valerie Donson?" the man asked me. "Yes, is there something wrong?" I questioned back. We had never had the police at our door, so confusion didn't begin to explain what I felt. "Do you mind if we come in to talk to you?" I shook my head as I opened the door wider for them to enter, "No, not at all." I closed the door behind them and led them to the small living room. "Do you know Tina Donson?" the female officer spoke softly as I sat on the couch. "Yes, that's my mother. Why?" I remember the way panic seemed to flood my body. "We are sorry to tell you this, but your mother was involved in a hit-and-run near the bus station on South Boulevard." "Is she okay? Oh, my goodness, I need to get to her." I stood from the couch and began slipping on my shoes as fast as possible, "Do you mind giving me a ride?" My brain seemed to be in overdrive as I rushed around the apartment, trying to find my bag. "Ms. Donson," the female officer stopped my movements as she gently laid her hand on my shoulder, grabbing my attention, I'm so sorry, but your mother didn't make it." As the words left her mouth, my whole world seemed to shatter into pieces around me. Everything else seemed to go by in a blur the following week. It took me a while to finally get somewhat past it, though I still find myself crying regularly over it. It had always been us against the world. She was my best friend, the one who never judged me for anything, the one who was encouraging and supportive of everything that involved me. Now it was just me. When I met Ed, I thought I had finally found someoneto spend the rest of my life with. He was perfect to me. He was tall, with shaggy brown hair, and looked so sexy with his round black glasses. He had come to the library several times, and we would talk for what seemed like hours. He finally asked me on a date, and soon after, we became official. Ed is one of the reasons I'm not as depressed as I was. he helped pull me out of my funk until I caught him and Archie together one day. I still am not sure how long they had been seeing each other behind my back, but the day I caught them behind the library making out, I broke up with him, and now Archie, Ms. Turner, has not been the most pleasant to work with. What she did wasn't enough; now, she has been looking for a reason to get me fired. I had heard rumors that Ed broke it off with her after they were caught, and he's been trying to get me back ever since. My mother always told me once a cheater, always a cheater, and I believe her. I don't think he's sorry for what he did, only sorry that he got caught. I've blocked his number many times, but he continues to get new ones. Now I just ignore any calls from numbers I don't know. I bumped into someone as I turned the corner on my way back to the front desk, "I'm so sorry," I muttered as he reached out to stop me from falling. "No problem." I shivered at the sound of his deep voice, finally getting the nerve to look up. I swear my heart stopped beating. He was gorgeous. Definitely not the type I usually gawk at, but there was something about him that made me excited. His long black hair seemed to shine as he smiled at me. I felt myself blush and struggled to look away from his beautiful hazel eyes. I quickly tried to move out of his way when he reached out, grabbing my arm gently, "Do you work here?" he asked me. I nodded my head in response, unable to form words for some reason. I turned my head quickly as a blush coated my cheeks. I was unsure why this man was stirring up feelings I had never had before, but I knew I had to get it together. Someone like him doesn't go for someone like me. "Is there anything I can help you with, sir?" I asked after clearing my throat. His smile was contagious, causing my own to grace my face. Ed never bothered to ensure I was smiling, yet this man could make me smile without even trying. I realized a lot about my relationship with Ed that I was too blind to notice while I was with him. Hindsight is 20-20, as they say. "Yeah, I was looking for a book to teach me how to use a computer." I tried to hide the shock on my face, "They're right over here," I pointed across the library as I began to lead him over there. "This is all the books we have. Is there a specific program you want to learn about?" He blushed at my question, "Um, just one that will teach the basics of computers, I guess." I furrowed my brows in confusion, "You mean to tell me you don't know how to use a computer?" He had to be joking; everyone knows how to use computers nowadays. I mean, just about everything is run by computers of some sort. "No, I have no idea how to use a computer. Guess you could say I'm a little old-fashioned." I watched as he scanned over thesmall section, "I love computers and wouldn't mind helping you if you want." My eyes widened as I realized what I had blurted out. I couldn't believe it. I had never done this before. I don't even know him; why would I offer to teach him? I also felt oddly safe next to him. A type of safe I have never felt before. "Really? You would do that?" he asked, surprised. He looked relieved by my offer, but he didn't realize I was kicking myself for saying that. Too late now, I already offered, " Sure, I'm pretty good with computers. I don't see how it would be a problem. I can't teach you coding, but I can cover the basics." My heart was racing against my chest. I was mentally kicking myself for speaking without thinking. Where am I going to teach him this? I can't invite him to my place; who knows if he's a serial killer or r****t? Though I don't get those vibes from him. Vibes? What am I even talking about!! How would I know what kind of vibes bad people give off?? Jeez!! Feeling more nervous than usual, I look up to find him staring at me intently. "Are you okay?" he asked, the side of his mouth pulling up into a smirk. "Y-Yes. Thank you, I'm fine." Oh my Lanta, could I embarrass myself anymore? I crossed my arms behind my back, trying to discreetly wipe my sweaty palms, "We can use the library computers to learn the basics. They aren't anything fancy, or even close to the top of the line, but they would do for now anyways," I told him, part of me wanting him to agree and the other hoping he backs out and decides he doesn't need any help. "That sounds great. Tell me a day and time, and I'll be here." He actually looked relieved about this, which I found a little odd. "Umm...I am off work tomorrow if you want to meet then. Say around 10 in the morning?" He nodded his head, "That sounds perfect! Thank you for this, by the way." After he picked two different books to take with him, I walked away to assist a young kid looking for a new vampire series. I glanced over my shoulder, watching him walk out the door, books in tow. He looked back at me as if he knew I was watching him, giving me a toothy smile and a small wave before exiting and disappearing. The day seemed to fly by as Ms. Turner made sure to keep me busy. But I couldn't help my racing thoughts about Mr. Mysterious. I'm such a fool! I'm supposed to be meeting him tomorrow to teach him about computers, but I'm still skeptical about him not knowing anything, and I didn't even think to get his darn name or give him mine! "I'm going to need you to come in for a few hours tomorrow," Ms. Turner sneered as I grabbed my belongings. Of course she did, I thought to myself." For what? You realize tomorrow is my only day off, and I have things I need to take care of." Lately, I had only been getting one full day off, and I always tried to use that day to get ahead on some of my classwork and any errands I needed to get done. Not to mention, tomorrow I'm supposed to be meeting Mr. Mysterious here. "We are receiving a shipment of new books that will need to be labeled before being shelved," she looked at me through slanted eyes, "I'm sure whateveryou need to do can wait. I mean, you wouldn't want to lose your job, would you?" I rolled my eyes before turning to face her, "No, I don't care to lose my job. What time do you need me here?" I was so tired of her attitude and sick of her always using my job against me. I can't wait to finish my classes and find another job. "Be here by one," she huffed. I didn't bother responding as I walked out the door, scared I would say or do something I couldn't take back and would regret later. I pulled my jacket tighter against me as I walked down the sidewalk. The sky was laden with dark clouds, threatening to release a deluge at any moment. I quickened my steps, eager to avoid a soaking as the breeze intensified. My thoughts wandered back to the enigmatic man from the library. It baffled me that he had never operated a computer before. It seemed almost farcical. Could it be some sort of twisted prank? It wouldn't be the most shocking thing, I mused. With a shake of my head, I tried to dispel the intrusive thoughts that ensued..