*Andrea POV*
I woke up at noon. My body aching from sleeping, a dull buzz in my head. Yeah, I was tired of sleep.
My Mom, who I got my hibernation skills from, had an arm over her head and was slightly snoring next to me.
When we came back, she was in my bed with baby Sam. I was in an emotional turmoil. All these contradictory feelings were driving me crazy; I was relieved he'd seen my dark side, a bit scared and disappointed about how the date ended.
I actually haven't had any feelings in a long time. I'd switched it off like I did with pain. All the little pushes, the shouting, the scary moments. I had shut it all off.
When that week happened, I locked myself in my mind and locked my heart too. I cried the first time that SOB r***d me in front of his friends. But that was the last time I cried.
After that, I was just... numb. I didn't feel a thing. Anything. Good or bad. Cris got us out, and we went to the clinic I used to work at. I'll always be grateful to my boss, Dr. Jenell Wagner. She treated me, stitched me like I was Frankenstein's wife, and hid us at her house where she treated me for a week.
I didn't let anyone touch me, so she had to sedate me the first three days.
I had to learn not to flinch at random people or reject my kids when they wanted to hug me. And being little kids, they demanded lots of kisses and hugs and love. So I had to learn not to react badly. I haven't been touched by anyone other than them. When my parents came, we hugged, but physical contact was something I tended to avoid unless it was my kids or Cris.
When Nathan kissed me, something began to stir deep inside me, like old wires sparking. He didn't touch me, only my face.
And the second time, he was in my personal bubble. For the first time in so long, I craved a touch. A hand, a squeeze, anything. It was a raw need, hitting me hard.
That scared the s**t out of me. I felt vulnerable. I let my walls down, and now he could read me easily. And all the tiny boxes I've put my feelings into started to shake, trying to break free, and I couldn't let that happen.
So, feeling vulnerable and finally able to, I did what anyone would: I went to my Mom's arms, where it felt safe. I was a tiny ball next to her, tucking my head into the curve of her neck, inhaling the comforting scent of her skin and shampoo, listening to her soft snores. God, I missed her. I snuggled against her, feeling the steady beat of her heart against my back.
-"Urgghh 5 more minutes pleasee" She said in a raspy, sleepy voice. I smiled as I was getting into my zen spot. This is heaven.
10 minutes later, the door opened. 2 kids, a baby, a big baby sister, and my dad came through the door with a tray for breakfast in bed. I took a sip of my coffee while my beautiful family was chatting and joking around on the bed.
After stretching and yawning lazy Maria out of my body ('Yeah, I name my moods like they're separate entities'), I finally looked at my phone. I was hoping for a call or a message. Anything.
-"I guess it was too much for him." I muttered to myself. I trained a bit, not much, just to feel energetic and to distract myself from overthinking.
Today I had to work at the club. I texted Charles, my rogue friend. He was coming.
The day went by as a blur. I pumped before leaving the house. I went to the club wearing all black. Black long-sleeve top with black jeans and my black combat boots. Red lipstick, mascara, and a ponytail. I took my jacket out of my car, and entered the club. I put my apron on.
People are getting their tables, their first shots. So far, so good. I go to the kitchen to refill the peanut jars and to cut the different fruits for our most sold cocktails. I get out after 10 minutes or so. I help the bartender a bit. Today is a bit more crowded than usual.
I get to my tables and see Charlie and the gang. They were seven. I got along with all of them; I almost ran to them!
I fist-pump with everyone. Sebastian stood up and said,
-"Come here, darling," and gave me a bear hug that choked me. Stiff, every muscle locking up, not used to it, I patted his shoulder awkwardly while my left eye twitched. It was a reflex, not a welcome.
-"Man, you look bigger every time I see you, but still, don't f*****g touch me." He hears me and chuckles, setting me free.
-"I've missed you guys! ¿Where have you been?" I say, putting the tray in front of me. Sebastian's hand is still on my shoulder, and I'm trying to remember why not to hurt him.
I was about to twist his hand when someone cleared their throat behind me. I turn and have to look up to see the sexiest face I've ever seen in my life. And he was scowling at Sebastian's hand.
-"Nathan, what are you doing here?" I say a bit too excited. 's**t, he makes my heart beat faster.' Sebastian dropped his hand instantly.
-"Looking for you, princess," he says with his eyes softening as soon as he looks at me."
I swallow and breathe through my nose because I swear I can see his testosterone aura pouring out like waves off his body, and it's making me all hot and bothered. I didn't even realize I've stepped forward to him. A few feet away, I can smell his woody scent, and I almost shivered. Almost.
-"Are you at the VIP section?" I ask, biting my lip.
-"Yeah, but I asked for you to be our waitress," he said, smirking. 'Damn, he's so hot.'
-"Ok well, I'll be there in a minute." I say, then pursed my lips, failing at my attempt to not smile back.
He nodded, and with a glance at the table, he turned to the VIP section.
-"Awwwww," they all say behind me.
-"Look, she's blushing! When have we ever seen her blush?" Charlie said when I turned.
-"Oh bite me, werewolves," I say, faking a scowl.
-"I knew it!! See, she knew I told you so!" Hank said, and I winked.
-"I'm happy for you, kid." Charlie said.
-"Is he your mate?" Sebastian said with a disgusting look. 'Why would he make that face? Is it because he's an Alpha?'
-"¿My what?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.
I hear a kick under the table.
-"¿How are the kids?" Nico asks to change the subject. I show them some pictures real quickly. I take their order and take it to the bar. Paul sent me to Nathan's table. Here we go. I bring them snacks.
-"Hello, my name is Tina, I'll be your waitress for the night, what can I get y'all?" I say with a smile, putting the snacks on the table.
-"Hello Tina, we would like the same as last time," Leo said with his shining smile, taking some peanuts to his mouth. I nod.
After I served every table I had, the bartender signaled me when their drinks were ready.
-"15 Tequila shots, 2 Cosmos, a bottle of whiskey and a Piña colada for Nathan there."
-"Wait, didn't you say your name was Samantha last time?" Liza wondered. Tom had his face hidden in her neck. 'Hah, nice try, Tom.'
"A girl has no name. Valar Morghulis,"
-"Valar Doheiris!” Liza and Monique say, squealing excitedly, startling all the men at the table. I nod, smiling and go away. I like them. I just hope they forgive me too.
When I got my 25-minute break, I signaled Charles from the bar to follow me. I can feel eyes on me. We go to the alley.
I whisper so only the wolf in front of me could hear.
-"He found me. Someone spilled my location. It has to be one of your men. I suspect two, but I won't act until I have proof."
-"Are you sure?"
-"Yes. Not even my parents knew my location. Cris has had us off any public records for 15 months now. I trust you with my life, and they know it. Be careful, watch your back."
-"I'll gather whatever information I can get you. Be careful too."
-"Here."
-"Nop."
-"Yep. I want you to get a new bike. This is really a gift. I've been waiting for you to return so I could give this to you from all of us. You need to retire Betsy, man; I bet that old ride is barely holding on." I chuckle.
-"Hey, leave my Betsy alone. She's perfect." he says, smiling. 'I think because I could never see his smile with that wild animal he calls beard on his face.'