The Café

Chapter 6

I was alone in my hospital room. Mum and Sam went home to fetch me some clean clothes. I couldn't wait to get home. Hospital TV was dull and I was bored out of my mind. I wanted to get up and go for a walk but the nurses told me to stay in bed to complete my healing process. I was watching TV when a familiar collection of scents sparked my attention. Pancakes and vanilla, peppermint, lemon, and the devastatingly delicious scent of freshly baked cookies. I sit up to try and peek through the door at where the scents are coming from when a group of large men come waltzing through.

Tom Price leading the pack through my hospital room doors.

I roll my eyes at the sight of him. He's probably here to play hero and flaunt his success. Although, yes, I was extremely grateful at his timing; I was not interested in his ego boosting display that was inevitably about to unfold.

The same 3 men follow behind him from that night. All equally as large and breathtakingly good looking at Tom. I blush at the thought of these 4 men being in my room with me dressed in my hospital robe and fluffy socks. I haven't even looked in the mirror for 2 days! I reach my hand up in an attempt to wrangle some of my mop of hair. Not wanting to even think about the state of my face. I desperately hope that someone was kind enough to wipe the old make-up from my face.

"Tessie!" Tom exclaims as he plonks himself on the side of my bed. I flinch as his action aggravates my wounds but I can feel his familiar warmth through the blankets.

"Tom - be careful! She's clearly still in pain!" one of my rescuers points out. I thank him with my eyes, he nods in response.

"Well you certainly look in better shape today than you did the other night!" Tom points out, laughing at his own joke. I feign a smile out of politeness.

"Thank you all for being there." I say sincerely looking around the room. I was trying to identify which scent belongs to which man.

The pancakes and vanilla was clearly Tom's scent. I had already smelt it at the café the other day. Although it was pleasant - it was nothing compared to the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies enveloping my senses.

Peppermint seemed to be coming from the man with the black hair and pale skin. He was only a little bit shorter than Tom, but more lean. I vaguely remember them calling him Evan as memories of how I got to the hospital come flashing back to me. Evan drove the car while Tom sat in the front seat next to him.

The scent of lemon was coming from the guy sitting on the couch in the corner. He has white blonde hair with dark tanned skin. A beautiful combination. I recognise him from the Alphas circle - possibly the current Beta's son. I couldn't remember his name but I do remember him talking on the phone to the hospital as we drove.

I turned to the last man in the room and was absolutely encompassed by his scent of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. It was so appealing. I was trying my hardest resisting the urge to just throw my arms around him and breathe in his scent. He had dark hair and tanned skin. He was the tallest of the 4 and the largest. I was captivated by him. Judging by the men he was clearly friends with - he was an important part of our pack - but I wasn't exactly sure where he fit in. I looked into his mesmerising dark grey eyes and could see confusion in them. He was fixated on me. His muscles were tense and his breathing ragged. I immediately look away shyly. What had I done to anger him? I find myself illogically hurt at his actions. I don't even know the guy but I am heartbroken. Why would he have so much hate for me already? My mind is reeling with worry.

I am interrupted from my confusion by Tom picking up my hand to stroke it. I pull it back instantly, my action surprising him.

"Still playing hard to get even when I rescued you from the grasp of the rogue?" He laughs, looking around at his 'boys' for encouragement. Evan and the lemon smelling man willingly oblige. I turn away embarrassed.

"Don't worry my darlin'. You can make it up to me with dinner?" Tom suggests with a wink.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know how long it will be until I am feeling up to going out." I answer shortly. A date with Tom is the last thing I want. A whole night listening to how brilliant he is, how brave he is, how irresistible he is. Mind-numbing

"That's fine!" Tom laughs, confusing me. He continues, "The doctor said a few more days and you'll be right as reign!" How about a beach trip with us? We're going surfing down at Limma Bay if you're interested? You can bring some friends of course!" Tom offers, sending a wink my way and adding, "The more the merrier! Right Pete?" Tom laughs nudging the lemon scented guy (Obviously named Pete).

I nod in agreeance. A surfing day does actually sound really good. It has been a while since I had been down to Limma Bay too.

"Excellent! Meet at your café at 10am on Saturday?" Tom offers before being interrupted by the deliciously smelling giant beside me who had finally moved his gaze off of me.

"I thought that was a boy trip?" He asks. I feel myself shrink into my pillow a bit more as he objects to my attendance. My cheeks burn red in embarrassment. Evan notices and chimes in in my defence.

"The more the merrier, I say! Especially if the company is some hot she-wolves! Don't you think Link?" he laughs breaking the tension. I briefly see Tom send a sharp look to the angry guy - now known as Link.