The Café

Chapter 14

Georgia was ecstatic when I told her I planned on attending the pack BBQ tonight, she and Issy had always been going not only for the free food but also for all the hottie male werewolves in one spot.

We had all met at Issy's house to get ready because she already lived within the pack territory, it was quick 5 minute walk to the community centre where the BBQ was being held.

Georgia was wearing her black, denim skirt with a tight, sage-coloured tank top and and black heeled ankle boots. Her blonde hair was in its signature loose ringlets surrounding her with a mane of hair.

Issy wore high-waisted jeans which flaunted her hourglass shape with a ACDC t-shirt tied at her waist. Her brown hair was down and straight. It was a very Issy look.

I decided on wearing my boho, multicoloured maxi skirt with a simple black crop top. I let my hair dry naturally so I had some waves and plaited a front section around to the back.

Issy's little sister, Rachel (she's 6), and her Mum and Dad walked to the BBQ with us. Issy's Dad was the head of border patrol so he was expected to attend. I wonder if Link is apart of border patrol? My palms are getting sweating just thinking about Link being there. I hadn't heard from Tom since last night so I didn't know how he was going to be either.

We walked around the back of the community centre to the garden. It had large gumtree's providing shade and bottle brushes around the edge of the garden framing everything with their red blossoms. There was a sheltered area where the food was being prepared and would eventually be served, tables were placed across the grass area for everyone to find their seat. The pack members were chatting amongst themselves while we waited for the Alpha and his family to arrive. Their entrance and greeting indicated that we could start the feast. It didn't take long to spot Tom. He was leaning up against a gum tree with at least 5 girls hanging off his every word. He draped his arm around one and was winking to another. I saw him notice me as I walked around the tables but he instantly turned around to grab another girl into his circle. Looks like he doesn't take rejection well. I should have known that.

"Well, Tom sure looks busy!" Georgia states coldy making Issy turn to have a look too.

"Good for him." I reply, slightly disappointed we couldn't still be friends.

"Oh! There's Penny and Evan!" Issy points over to the other side of the garden. They hear her and start walking our way.

"What did you do to Tom, Tess?" Evan asked when he was close enough to us, "He's been in a foul mood all day!"

"She told him she just wanted to be friends..." Georgia answered for me.

"Really? I'm not surprised he reacted this way then! He's not used to hearing the word no, hey Evan?" Penny laughed. Evan grimaced making me thing there was more underlying in that statement.

"Were going to sit up at our table, Issy. Are you coming with us or staying with your friends?" Issy's Dad called over my shoulder.

"You guys go ahead, I'll see you later." Issy replied politely.

I couldn't help but wonder where Link was. Pete was already up at his table with his father, the Alpha's Beta. I follow everyone else and sit down at one of the tables.

"Is this seat taken?" I recognise the voice but I wasn't expecting to hear it. I turn around and Lee is standing beside me. I should have known he would be attending the Pack BBQ, he has been doing his medicine placement at the pack hospital this year.

"Lee!" I greet him happily, "It's all yours." I add while pushing the chair out for him. Evan is watching attentively from the other side of the table.

"I'm Evan." He stretches his arm out for Lee to shake. "And this is Penny." He mentions to his mate.

"Lee, I was school friends with Tess and the girls." Lee replies.

"How's it going Tess?" Lee asks me.

"Not too bad... Glad to be home." I answer before turning to check my phone, still nothing from Link. Was he just not going to come now? That would really piss me off.

"I see Tom has moved on?" Lee questions, eyeing Tom off at the side of the gathering.

"Wasn't anything to move on from." I reply shortly - I hate that people assumed Tom was irresistible.

"Good, I didn't really like him." Lee adds, Evan was still listening and watching attentively from his side of the table. Even as Penny was talking to him.

"How about you, how have you been?" I ask to change the topic.

"Good! Nearly finished my placement at the hospital and then I'll be on holidays for a while." Lee continues, "I have been meaning to ask you, would you like to go out sometime when I have time off? I know it's not for a few weeks but thought I may as well ask."

Evan suddenly stands up from his seat, the glasses on the table knocking into each other. Georgia's bag is knocked onto the floor. She groans as she picks up all of the things that had fallen out of it. Penny looks furious.

"Are you ok Evan?" Issy asks. Everyone at the table is silent with eyes on Evan.

"I'm fine." Evan replies sitting back down. "I think the Alpha is coming out in a minute."

I mouth 'sorry' to Lee and turn to face the stage at the front, glad I have avoided answering Lee's question.

"Where is Link?" I whisper to Georgia over her shoulder.

"What do you mean where's Link?" Georgia whispers back, confused. What is so confusing? He isn't here.

"He said he was coming." I add quietly, looking around again in case he came in and I missed him. Nope, still not here.

"He's up where he is supposed to be, you idiot." She whisper-snaps at me and turns back to the stage.

Where is he supposed to be? I am befuddled.