Wolfless

2

Two months later...

The keys jingled in my palm as I gathered my backpack and uniform shoes. Zelda was weaving herself between my ankles, causing quite the distraction. If I didn't leave right away, I'd be late for work.

"Zelda," I groaned, "don't act like this. I've fed you, cleaned your litter box and gave you all the pats that you could want." I stepped around her like a game of hopscotch.

She meowed at me, giving me a demanding stare. Yellow eyes piercing mine.

"Your meows are lies," I stared right back.

Somehow, I was able to maneuver myself around my little feline friend and get out the door of my apartment without having her escape. I had maybe ten minutes to get over to the diner and start my evening shift. It was a good thing I decided to change into my uniform before leaving home.

When I started living on my own, I had taken residence in the small town of Airedale – a whole province over from where my pack resides. I didn't plan on staying here long. Just long enough to save up some more money to leave the country. And the fact that I knew this was another pack's territory was motivation enough to move along quickly.

I had originally taken a job as a security guard at the local mall, but I started getting too much attention for when I'd single handily took control of a robbery-type of situation. There had been four guys, but they were no match for me, of course. The story would have made the local paper but thankfully some guy down at the lottery booth won a couple thousand dollars.

Now I worked at Nifty Sisters, a nice little place where you could get a pretty good Ruben sandwich at an affordable price. It was a locally owned establishment by these two older ladies that had great passion for cooking comfort food.

They reminded me of my mother and it pained me.

I walked down the path that I always took toward the diner. I hadn't wanted to buy a car or anything, what with my plans of leaving the country. Besides, when no one was looking, I'd run like a proper wolf could. I'd make it to work with time to spare.

But, on this night, lots of people were out enjoying a Founder's Day festival that had blocked off the entirety of Main Street. Large floating balloons bounced around above the heads of pedestrians, kids screaming in excitement. I weaved my way through bodies dancing to music and those carrying foods from the various food trucks scattered about, corn-dogs were smothered in sauces, cotton candy no doubt the start of festering cavities.

The ringing of a bell signalled my entrance into the diner. The two patrons didn't look up from their tables, mashing food between their teeth, but the only waitress glanced over from her phone in hand and gave a slight nod as a greeting.

I quickly tossed my backpack into the manager's office for safe keeping and sauntered back out to meet my co-worker for shift change.

Suzie was one of the owner's nieces. She worked at the diner after school and on weekends for some extra spending cash. She didn't really excel in any way, but did the bare minimum to keep her position.

"Seems like a slow night," I commented, tying an apron around my middle over top the tacky thigh-length 1950's uniform dress I was wearing.

And, fitting with stereotypes, Suzie blew a bubble from her mint flavoured gum and let it pop loudly. "Yeah," she shifted on her feet, not looking up from her phone. "It's only been a couple regulars in. Everyone else is enjoying the festivities outside."

I nodded, "Okay, thanks Suzie."

She put her phone away and headed towards the managers office to collect her things. I started wiping down some tables when she waved a quick goodbye before heading out the door.

And boy was she right, it was a very slow night. The remaining patrons had paid for the food and were gone for almost five hours. I glanced towards the clock by the juke box. It was approaching eleven o'clock and I had mopped and wiped down counters until they were shining. I had restocked the napkin holders and refilled the ketchup bottles. Even the cook, Tucker, was trying to make busy work in the kitchen while we talked on and off throughout the evening. It wasn't until I was wrapping cutlery into napkins that I heard the door chime, signalling the entrance of new customers.

I collected the sets that I had done and began placing them in a tray. "Please seat yourself anywhere. I'll be right out with some menus," I said without looking up at who entered. Call it rude, but I was tired.

I reached under the counter and collected a few menus glancing over toward the group. There were three people, two of them fairly tall and muscular, the female shorter but no doubt just as strong. I felt a sort of static electricity in the air, a feeling I was all too acquainted with. At least one of them was a Wolf. A strong one at that. He had to be at least a Beta wolf, if not the Alpha of the pack. The other two people were vampires, their scent made that very apparent.

My attention went back to the Wolf, noting that he had definitely noticed my presence. His tanned skin let me know he spent long days out of doors, mingling with the warm sun. His dark hair was slightly tousled from the soft breeze outside.

I froze. I knew what my fate would be if I were to be caught. And, despite my knowledge of a human currently making busy-work in the kitchen, I decided that running out the back-kitchen door was my best bet at escaping.

I dared a glance over to the table in question, only to see the dark, piercing eyes of the Wolf staring right back at me. He lifted his hand, stuck out and finger, and motioned it for me to approach him.

And that was all I needed to bolt to the kitchen.

Tucker hadn't seen me dash through, nor did he see three menus flutter to the floor as he was too busy prepping potatoes for the morning rush. Quicker than a normal person, I reached the back door and swung it open, only to stop dead in my tracks.

The female vampire stood there, a stoic look upon her face. Her blue eyes barely hid her amusement at my pitiful getaway plan. She placed a pale finger to her lips, silently telling me to remain quiet. She motioned back toward the front of the diner and crossed her arms.

I wasn't escaping. I was going to be executed instead. My heart's pace quickened. A part of me wondered if they'd take me to their compound and kill me there, or would they dump my lifeless body into the back dumpster.

I took a deep breath and spun around, facing what would very well be my last time being free. A small walk to the front of the diner. It wasn't the most scenic thing that I could wish for, but with my eventual demise, beggars couldn't be choosers.

I found myself heading towards the stranger with the enigmatic eyes that seemed to pierce through to my core. His gaze terrified me, the butterflies within fluttered their wings even faster. Yet, this Wolf's gazed seemed to pull me in. It began igniting parts of me I didn't know I had, and I was uncertain as to why.

Sooner than I'd like, I placed myself in front of the only occupied table in the establishment. The Wolf stared at me, a question in his hazel eyes. His masculine musk assaulted my senses, tingling up my nostrils. His Alpha presence was almost intoxicating.

The vampire next to him remained silent and motionless. The absolute stillness of a vampire's nature was something that had creeped out most people. I had yet to experience such a thing, but now I knew how unsettling it could be. I had been watching the man for a good minute and I didn't think I saw him breathe even once.

"Sit," was the simple command that came from the Wolf. He pointed across from him where the female vampire had seated herself in earlier before she cut off my exit.

I knew there was no point in trying escape again so soon. They were on their guard and no doubt would kill me immediately if I attempted it again. So, I did as ordered, noting that this Wolf was very used to giving commands.

The small jingle of the bell above the door announced the other vampire's re-entrance. She simply slid into the booth next to me, eyeing me up and down, her lips curled on the sides.

I suddenly felt really small, my hands began worrying at a napkin that was on the table. Having three potentially hostile creatures surrounding me did nothing for the ever-growing flutter of butterflies in my stomach. I could feel my heart quicken its pace and my skin go very pale.

"Now," the Wolf began, "I'm sure you're aware that you've trespassed into pack territory." I met his eyes, they were dark and demanding. "My pack's territory."

My shoulders slumped. Of course, he'd be an Alpha. I had not just run away from one Alpha only to be caught by another.

I blinked. "I'm very sorry. I just wanted to make enough money in order to continue on," I mumbled, my stare not leaving his. He was intoxicating, to say the least. No Wolf, or man for that matter, had ever had this affect on me before. I wondered what made him so different. I should be fighting for my life, but I remained seated instead.

He leaned forward in the booth, hands clasped together and resting on the table. "Doesn't excuse the fact that you are a Rogue and by our laws, you must be executed." He paused for just a moment, searching my stare, whatever it was, I couldn't say. "But," he continued, "for some curious reason I find you intriguing. Not to mention, somewhat familiar." He inhaled deeply, eyes closed. "Ah, yes," his gaze met mine once more. "I know your scent, yet I can't quite place where I've smelt it before."

"Please," I pleaded, "I'll leave immediately and never come back. You'd never have to see me again."

He sighed, leaning back into the booth seat. "No matter how much you interest me, I'll carry out my duty." He got up from his seat and gestured for the vampires to follow. "We will complete your execution in our compound."

Tears threatened to fall. "Please!" I begged. "You're making a mistake!"

The Alpha only stared, his eyes depicted a battle within himself. The male vampire grabbed my wrist in the strongest grip I had ever felt. It was painfully tight, and I had no doubt he wouldn't be letting go anytime soon.

I began pulling and struggling with my captors, yelling obscenities, calling for Tucker's help. I was only left disappointed when I didn't see anyone coming to my rescue.

The Alpha glanced over to the female vampire. "You took care of the human in the back?"

She nodded, "Yes, Alpha." Her gaze was hard.

My eyes widened in horror. What had she done to Tucker?

I fell to the floor, the tight grip still around my wrist. If they would harm an innocent human being, then I'd have no chance at appealing to them for my immediate release. I was done for.

The tears broke through the dam that I had been so disciplined to build. I would die this night and my poor family would never know what had happened to me. It was of my own doing, of course. I was the one who had run away. So, now I was the one who had to face the consequences.

The Alpha growled in annoyance. "Come on, have some dignity. Take your punishment with your head held high. You wanted to live like a Rogue, now you'll have to die like one."

He was right, but I couldn't find the strength to do so. My shoulders slumped as my bottom lip continued to quiver.

Another hand gripped my bicep, pulling me up. And just as quickly, everything stopped. The pulling, my crying, perhaps time itself. As soon as our skin met, electricity coursed through the both of us. Tingles seemed to be dancing throughout my body and into his and back again, like a waltz between our forms.

What the hell was that?

"Let her go," he ordered.

The vampires finally showed an emotion on their poker straight faces. Confusion.

He glared back and forth at them. "Didn't you hear me?" He ripped the one vampire's hand away from me, claws jutting out of his human nails. "Let her go."

He knelt down to my level, his eyes softer than before. His hand caressed my tear-soaked cheek, wiping away all traces of anguish.

"Alpha?" the female questioned.

The Wolf seemed to ignore her, his hands were busy trying to memorize my high cheekbones and the curvature of my neck down to my clavicles.

I remained still, breathing shallow, uneven breaths. The touch of his calloused hands made me shiver, and I didn't know if that was a good or bad thing to have happen. It was different, and I could tell that this Wolf was relishing in it.

"I thought I'd never find you," he murmured softly, almost to himself.

My eyes widened, brows furrowing. What did he mean by that?

Instantly I was hugged into the Wolf's chest, his heart hammering against my ear. "I cannot believe that I almost brought upon your death," he whispered, stroking my hair.

I stayed as still as I could, not even bothering to give this powerful Wolf a reason to begin dragging me around again. My heart continued to pound in my chest, though my breathing became more even. I wasn't quite certain to the change in tone.

My body was pulled up, getting me to stand once more. The Alpha stepped back, the softness in his eyes surprised me. Only seconds ago, he had announced that I would lose my life, and now he was looking as though he had found the most precious thing in the world.

My hands remained in his, his fingers playing with mine. I didn't pull away for fear of another rapid change in judgment.

"Vera," the Wolf's voice was stern, not matching his now kind eyes. "Take her back to her home and tell her to pack all her necessities." He inhaled, "We leave in ten."

I squinted my eyes, not quite understanding why he was giving such an order. Was he playing some sort of trick on me? Make me trust him, gather up my belongings for easier identity disposal?

The female vampire's brows shot up, but she soon found her stoic demeanour once again. "Yes, Alpha."

"Hold up," I pulled my hands from his. "Why am I packing my things? I thought..." I trailed off.

Without any answer, Vera ushered me out the diner doors, the small bell jingling overhead. Her grip secured my arm, but not as tight as the male vampire's, my backpack in her other hand. How she had known about it, I don't think I'd ever understand. I began walking towards my apartment, knowing I didn't have much of a choice. As we left the area, I felt a pang in my chest. I could only describe it as a feeling of longing. Perhaps it was my sudden lack of freedom.

The keys jingled in the lock as I twisted the doorknob, opening the door to my current residence. Zelda meowed from the other room and came bounding to the front door quickly, only to stop in her tracks once she saw the vampire accompanying me. I placed my backpack down as she arched her back and let out an angry hiss. Her growls followed soon after.

I glanced back at Vera, nervously stuttering, "Sh-she's not a fan of strangers."

Vera didn't say anything in response but rather walked past me and Zelda and into my small home. She ventured to the windows and pulled back on the sheer white curtains. She peered outside, her head moving back and forth.

I walked into my bedroom, Vera didn't follow. I grabbed my trusty duffle bag from the closet and opened it up, stuffing my clothes in. There was a sense of déjà vu. Not too long ago was I in this same position. Uprooting my life only to move on to another chapter again. My question was, how many pages was this next installment?

"You have a very small home," Vera's slightly accented voice rang throughout the awkward silence surrounding us.

I shrugged, glancing over my shoulder to her. "I can't afford much."

Blue eyes continued staring at me, her arms crossed. "You won't have to worry about that anymore."

My eyebrow raised. "What do you mean?"

Vera scoffed, "You already know the answer to that." She left the bedroom doorway and huffed back into the front room. "You have three minutes left."

With that, I began shoving things into another bag faster than before.

Vera helped me carry my bags while I consoled Zelda in her cat carrier. I followed the intimidating vampire towards a black SUV in the parking lot of my apartment complex. The male vampire stood like a statue, still with his head high and hands at his sides. I had no doubt that even though he looked at ease, he could still jump to action at a moment's notice.

We approached him, the vampire opening the rear door to the vehicle, revealing the Alpha Wolf already situated inside. Vera tucked my bags into the open space in front of the man and gestured for me to climb inside. I did as instructed.

I clicked the seat-belt in place once I'd settled into the SUV. The two vampires were situated in the driver and passenger seats. I was seated beside the Alpha, and on the floor by my feet was the cat carrier.

Being next to the Alpha was intimidating, yet addictive. His power permeated through me, encasing me in its roughness as if it'd never let go. The electricity around us was almost tangible. He breathed deeply, his solid chest rising.

"A Wolf," the man muttered, "with a pet cat." He looked over to me, his eyes meeting mine. "Of course, you'd have a feline friend."

I frowned, "There's no way I'm leaving her behind." I readjusted myself in my seat. "I didn't know when I'd be coming back."

He cleared his throat. "Easy, you won't be."

My eyes widened again, "What do you mean?"

His head c****d to the side, "Exactly what I said. You're not living in that apartment anymore." He settled back into his seat, laying his head back. "That place was much too small."

There was that comment again. "Why won't I be going back?"

I feared that this all was a big ruse, some sort of game these Alpha's play with rogues who dared trespass in their territory. Each Alpha was different, some even collected rogues and let them loose bunches at a time and hunted them for sport. I could picture the heads of dead rogues mounted to the wall above a fireplace mantel.

The man looked at me like I couldn't figure out what two plus two was. He took my hand in his, Zelda hissing at him for doing so. He ignored her and my eyes met his. "Isn't it obvious?" He pulled my hand to his lap, "You're my mate."

**