The Café

Chapter 18

My mind was reeling all shift about what Tom had said and I am absolutely furious. I am not sure if I should warn Link about it or wait and see if Tom actually follows through with his threats.

"You seem distracted, Tess." Sasha states when she picks up some coffee orders from beside the coffee machine. She pulls me out of my daydream.

"Sorry, got a lot on my mind." I reply with a smile.

"Uni stuff?" Sasha asks, "I've got exams in a couple of weeks so I'm stressing a bit too."

Shit. I completely forgot about my exams next week - I was too busy enjoying my break!

"Yep - I've got a lot of studying to do!" I exclaim truthfully. That'll have to be tonight's job, study.

"Good luck!" Sasha replies before she returns to the tables.

Great, another thing to worry about.

I am sitting at the dining table, surrounded by books and my laptop. I am surprised at how much information I have actually retained despite my complete lack of studying. My wolf gives me a mental pat on the back when my phone buzzes on the table beside me. I had been studying for about 3 hours now. It was probably time for a snack break. I check my phone on the way to the fridge.

Link: How was your day? You up to much now?

I almost do one of those weird celebratory dances in the kitchen but refrain myself.

Me: Not too bad, just been studying. How was yours? I have just decided I am on a study break.

I fetch some cream cheese from the fridge and head get the sweet chilli sauce and crackers from the pantry. Sitting down at the table to dig in, my phone beeps again.

Link: My day was long. How long is your study break? Want a visitor?

My wolf is ecstatic. Of course I wanted a visitor - if it was Link.

Me: However long I want it to be. I'm always keen for a visitor!

Link: Be there soon!

I jump up from the table and head to the bathroom to check my appearance; no ink stains on my face or smudged mascara, I'm set. Heading back to the table to fit in some extra studying before Link arrives, I hear the doorbell ring. Its been like 2 minutes - how is he here already? Walking to the door I can see the figure waiting at the door isn't as tall as Link. I open it hesitantly and find Tom standing on my front porch.

"Tom?" I question, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to make sure you hadn't changed you mind about us being friends." Tom smiled a lopsided smile that wasn't really a smile but threat.

"I haven't changed my mind Tom. You aren't my mate and I just don't think of you in that way. I'm sorry." I reply honestly. I go to shut the door but Tom catches it with his hand.

"Hmmm." Tom strokes his chin, "You know what... I think I could change your mind."

"I really doubt it." I answer sharply. Tom smiles again.

"I'm pretty sure you find me irresistible. Even more so than that future Alpha." Tom whispers as he steps closer to me. My heart begins racing and the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. A warning. My wolf is growling in response to Tom's closeness. The scent of pancakes and vanilla that I originally thought was nice was now too sweet it was sickening. I turn my head away from him but he reaches his hand up to grab my face and turn it so our eyes meet.

"You didn't even give us a chance Tess." Tom mutters, his face in my neck. "What makes it worse is I told everyone you were mine. Everyone. And you still fob me off." He continues between gritted teeth.

"I was never yours, Tom." I demand while elbowing him in the ribs to get him to step back. I didn't work, he just grabbed me harder. "Let go of me!" I plead, but they fall on deaf ears.

"At least one kiss Tess?" Tom laughs to himself. It reminded me of the sadistic laugh the rogue had.

I slammed my foot down hard on Tom's toe causing him to lean back just enough for me to twist my arm out of his hold. I throw my fist into his face and hear a c***k. Tom stumbles back on the steps, grasping his face. The blood starts to stream out from his nose. My hand is aching from the contact. I can feel the blood pumping.

"You broke my face!" Tom screamed. I could see the anger in his eyes. There was practically steam coming out of his ears. He stomps towards me, quickly closing the distance between us that I had worked so hard to make.

He roughly grasped my face. I could feel his nails scratching my cheeks from his grip. I try to pull my face back but am stuck between the wall and Tom's body. He leans in and slams his lips onto mine. Using his tongue he forces my lips open to continue his assault on my mouth. I try to bite down but he was onto my plan.

"That was a bit cheeky!" Tom laughs at me between heavy breaths. He leans in and continues his kiss. I was furiously flapping my arms around trying to get a hold of anything to pull or push him off of me.

Suddenly his body was gone and I head a huge thump as he lands on the grass a few metres away. Link is standing with his back to me, still facing Tom. He was hunched down prepared to attack again. The growl coming from his chest was ear-splitting. Tom scrambled up off the floor and started retreating from my yard.

"You can count on me telling Alpha Steven about this!" Tom yells when he is out of my gate. "I hope he's worth it Tess!"

I feel my legs turn to jelly and I cannot support my weight anymore. Link's large arms catch me before I hit the floor. I snuggle into his chest as he holds me on the floor for a while, leaning against the front door for support. I listen to his breathing, take in his scent and allow his touch to calm me. It doesn't take long to begin working. I hear Link's breathing return to normal as well. His body no longer shaking from restraining his wolf. My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out of check who it was.

Tom: I hope Link didn't really want to be Alpha.

I show Link the message. He takes a deep breath.

"I knew he would be like this." Link sighs.

"What?" I ask, puzzled. I was still sitting on his lap.

"I knew he was keen on you but I couldn't stay away any longer. When I found out you had let him down, I thought I was in with a chance. I was concerned with how Tom would react but thought screw it. As my fathers personal visitor, I was put in charge of catering to Tom's every needs. Taking him to see you was 'one of his needs' apparently. I didn't mind so much because it meant I got to see you too. I knew he would be pissed when he found out and assume you rejected him because of me but I didn't think he'd be this bad!" Link explains.

"Well I sort of did reject him for you - I hoped you were as interested as I was." I shrug, "Best not tell him that though." I laugh nervously.

"Probably a good idea." Link chuckles.

"I'm sorry." I mutter looking down at my feet.

"Don't be silly! It's not your fault!" Link exclaims. "And the best part of rescuing a damsel in distress is the epic kiss you get afterwards!" Link winks at me. I can't help the laughter that bubbles up.

"I better go and brush my teeth then!" I state while standing up. Link follows me inside the house and sits at the table surrounded by my study stuff.

"You have been busy!" He says while examining the books titles when I return from the bathroom.

"Journalism." I state, "Exams next week." I glance at my books guiltily. "Forgot they were so close to be honest!"

Link pulls out one of the chairs and sits down. "Guess we have to put that kiss on hold... We've got some studying to do! And by 'we' I mean you, while I watch the TV beside you." Link laughs at himself. "If that's ok? I just like being near you." Link adds. My heart sings.

"Of course!" I reply as I sit beside him. He places is hand on my knee while I work. Although the fireworks on my leg is distracting, it made me less worried about all the crap with Tom.