Runaway Luna

CHAPTER FIVE

After that close encounter with Ronan, I stayed home for two more days just to be sure. I know he won’t loose interest if he doesn’t see me for a bit, this was more for myself, because my thoughts are beginning to spiral out of control.

I’ve managed to shove the encounter to the back of my mind. If worse comes to, I’ll reject him and we’ll move to another country, but I don’t have the funds for that.

I heard a knock on my bedroom door and Adriana peeked in.

“Morning sweetheart,” I said sitting straight.

“Morning mommy. Am I going to school today?” she asked while rubbing her eyes cutely.

“Yes,” I replied with a small smile. “We both have places to be.”

After breakfast and getting ready, we stepped into the crisp morning air. I held my daugther’s hand as we walked to the school gates.

“Are you sure you will be okay today, mommy?” she asked softly.

“I’m fine. Now go or you’ll be late.”

She blew me a kiss before running off with her backpack boucing behind her with every step.

I took a deep breath and turned towards the cafe. Once I a step into the building, the familiar scent of roasted coffee beans greeted me like an old friend. My co-workers shared a smile when they saw me coming in through the door.

“Welcome back.” one of them dropped an apron into my hands and I went to the back to drop my belongings and get ready for the morning rush.

The day passed by in a blur of chatter and orders, and not once did she feel her wolf going crazy. No strange tension. No Ronan.

When Adriana arrived at two, she was bubbling with school stories and waving a picture of a wolf, the sun and what suspiciously looked like me and her holding hands.

“Looks like you had fun today,” I smiled, just happy that Adriana’s happy.

“Yep, Nathan didn’t bother me at all,” she said proudly.

“Well I’m grateful for that.” I enjoyed my daughter’s company while I worked until my shift was over.

We strolled back home together to get some rest before my next job. We had less than three hours so I decided to have a quick shower and get some sleep. Adriana decided to make more drawings and read her books instead.

The restaurant is a too far for us to walk to so we take a cab instead. We enter the building through the staff entrance and I put on my apron around my waist and turn to Adriana.

“Now… you know the rules,”

“Don’t leave the kitchen.” she said robotically.

“Exactly. If you’re hungry, just ask chef Micah, and don’t forget to say the chef part.” she giggled but nodded her head.

I grabbed my order pad and shot her a wink before making my way out. The restaurant was warmer than usual, it was filled with low hums of conversation and the clinking of cutlery.

But in the midst of all the scents of different delicacies and people was a particular scent she could not mistake.

“Miss Ilana, finally you’re here!” my manager came up to me with a bright smile.

“I have an important guest here tonight and you are the only waiter I trust to deliver an excellent service.” without room for argument, he lead me to a table near the window and my heart skipped a beat.

Ronan sat down with his right leg crossed over his left thigh. His suit was immaculate, he took off his shades and our eyes met.

The look on his face told me he knew exactly where to find me.

“Could I get a glass of water and a menu?”

My brain shut down for a second my lips slightly parted, and for a second nothing came out. Then I blinked myself back to reality.

“Of course.”

I went back into the kitchen and looked for Adriana immediately. She was doing a taste test for chef Micah.

“Sweetheart, get your things we are leaving.”

She scrunched her brows in confusion. “We just got here.”

“Don’t question me, get your stuff.”

We may need to move regardless of whether we have the money or not. I went to take my apron off when my manager spotted me.

“What is this? What about my guest?” he asked worriedly.

I shook my head. “I can’t something has come up.”

“You cannot do this to me.” he tied my apron back and pushed me back out. “You’ve been gone for three days, normally I wouldn’t have given this task to you if he didn’t request for you himself. So whatever s**t you have to deal with can wait!” he shoved a menu in my hand and lead me back to the table.

I rolled back my shoulders and set the menu down on the table. He reached for it at the same time and his fingers brushed mine. The contact sent a shiver through my entire being.

Mate!

I retracted my hand immediately and looked away only to see Adriana peeking from the kitchen door. I caught her staring and she disappeared behind the door.

“Your daughter,” he started, “she cares dearly about you.”

“What do you want?” I lowered my voice.

His lips curved into a half-smile. “Is that how you greet all your customers?” he leaned back in his seat.

“You’re not a customer. You’re a werewolf in my human job. So I’ll ask again, what do you want from me?”

His expression faltered for a moment, a crack in his composure. “I think we both know what we want.”

“No. I am not interested in finding a mate.”

His jaw tightened. “You’re denying the bond.”

“Yes.” I whispered. “And I’ll keep denying it.” I steeled myself for what I’m about to do. “I… Ilana Hale, rej-” he grabbed my hand, forcing me closer.

“Don’t. Ever. Do that.” his tone was more pleading than demanding.

His eyes lowered to my lips and mine did as well. I dragged my wrist from his grasp and walked away.

“Adriana.” I called as I walked into the kitchen.

“Are we leaving?” she asks.

I gave a simple nod and took her hand in mine as I stepped into the cool night air. I ordered an cab immediately, not wasting any time.

“I saw Ronan inside. Did he do anything to make you angry?”

“We will talk about it later, sweetheart.” I said, ending this discussion.

“Adriana is right, let’s talk about this now.” Ronan said, standing behind us.