Bloodlines and Betrayal

11. 🐺

Have you ever heard that coffee and cookies are reserved for Sundays? Well, in my town, we take that to heart. There's a little gem nestled right in the heart of our community—a quaint coffee shop and bakery called "Café & Bake." It's where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the sweet scent of pastries and baked goods, creating an irresistible invitation for everyone. Our town has a knack for loving coffee and bakeries, but Café & Bake holds a special place in our hearts, especially on Sundays when we indulge in weekly specials, upcoming drinks, and delightful treats. From savory sandwiches to decadent desserts, the shop offers an array of options, but my personal favorites are the chocolate chip cookies and the java chip frappuccino. They have a way of making my day brighter.

Café & Bake isn't just another coffee shop; it's a beloved institution. Unlike the big chains that require a drive ten miles out of town, this cozy spot is right here in our neighborhood, making it the go-to destination for most locals. Hazel, my little sister, adores the shop so much that she practically begs Kaylie and me to take her there whenever we can.

Oh, did I mention the owner of Café & Bake is not just a local businesswoman but also a werewolf and an elder of our pack? Marley, one of the sweetest and most generous seniors in town, is the heart of the shop. She's always there to lend a hand, whether it's raising money for a family in need, supporting a school event, or contributing to community projects. Her husband, Alan, runs the business side of things while Marley pours her soul into baking. They've been married for over forty years and are still as smitten with each other as ever. There's a charming story about how they met, but I'm embarrassed to admit I don't remember all the details. I should definitely ask Marley next time I see her.

Sundays are one of my favorite days of the week, especially because they are reserved for our girls' day out at Café & Bake. Kaylie, Hazel, and I have a tradition of visiting the shop for lunch. We always sit in our favorite spot, near the spacious fireplace that crackles with warmth. Hazel loves to immerse herself in books, whether they're age-appropriate or not. She has a hunger for knowledge and a fascination with stories that sometimes surpasses her reading level. Kaylie, on the other hand, is a writer with an ever-evolving style. Her stories range from teen fiction to more experimental genres, never sticking to just one. As for me, I usually use the time to work on art projects or start new ones, often sketching Hazel and Kaylie in front of me. We also like to take photos with Mom's old camera, which I've become quite skilled with after years of watching her.

Today, the sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the town, making it perfect for our adventure. I had asked the boys if they wanted to join us, but they opted to stay home, preferring video games and other guy activities. I woke up to Hazel and Kaylie jumping on my bed with such enthusiasm that I thought the bed might collapse.

"CHAR, ARE YOU UP?" Hazel practically shouted in my ear while tugging on my blankets. "C'MON, Sleepy Wolf, IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP! IT'S LUNCH TIME!"

"Hazel, I can open my eyes myself, but thanks for the help," I mumbled, blinking as I pushed myself up from the bed.

"I've already picked out your outfit for today," Hazel said, bouncing on the bed beside me. "Pack your art book bag, too. You know I carry too many books. We should get me a tablet or laptop today while we're out."

Kaylie, who was helping Hazel off the bed, chimed in, "I need an upgraded laptop and tablet that are two in one." Mom said I could get one for my birthday."

"I can't wait to get my tablet," Hazel said with a big smile. "Mom promised I could get one for my birthday."

"Well, we can help you set it up, and Mom and Dad said it was okay," I said, searching for my phone and car keys.