Awakening Hope (Book 2 of the Bloodmoon Academy Series)

Chapter 6: Belle

He picked my hand up and pressed a kiss to my knuckles before pulling off into the parking lot of a small diner. He parked the car and we all got out. He walked over to me wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his side as we walked into the tiny place.

It was a classic old-school diner and its charming atmosphere instantly brought a smile to my face. We sat down at a booth taking our coats off before I leaned into Jake. "If you two could tone the cuteness down a couple of notches that would be great I'm getting a little jealous over here," Jaz said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Sorry Blue, but I can't do that. She gets what she wants and right now that's snuggling up against me," Jake answered her and I giggled as Jaz snickered.

"Ooh I never thought I would see this," she said pointing between us. "You have him whipped girl." I couldn't help the bubble of laughter as Jake gave her a pointed look.

The waitress walked up and it was a tall thin old woman with a big smile on her face. "Well if it isn't my favorite man." She said walking up and patting Jake on the shoulder. Jaz stood up and gave the woman a hug. "And who's this pretty little thing?" She asked looking between me and Jake as I blushed a little. "I didn't know you had a girl now kid, your parents sure don't tell us much anymore." He smiled at her and shook his head.

"That's because they don't know much either, but Nala, this is Belle. Belle, this is our grandmother Nala." I smiled, holding a hand out to her.

"It's nice to meet you," I said and she smiled wide as she took my hand.

"Well if you aren't the prettiest thing I've seen around these parts, no wonder you have him wrapped around your pretty little finger." She said with a wink before handing me a menu. "Alright, so I already know what you two want so it's all up to you sweetheart." She said and with a bit of help from Jake I picked out a sandwich with fries and lemonade to drink since Jaz said their strawberry lemonade was to die for.

"Thank you," Jake called after Nala as she walked away from the table. 

"You didn't tell me about your grandparents," I said giving Jake a pointed look. 

"That's because I knew they wouldn't care and would be good for you to meet first. They have retired from the pack since I was little so they live in the city and run this diner. They aren't involved in any of the pack matters anymore so they really don't care what we do as long as we're happy. That is why I brought you here because I knew they would be happier than anything to see you no matter if you're a wolf or not." He said in a hushed tone and I smiled and nodded. 

I was starting to understand more of how this worked, his immediate family really didn't care that I wasn't a wolf it was the pack that cared. His family was just happy that we were happy, but the pack didn't want them breeding outside the lines. Nala brought back our drinks and our food shortly after and I had to say it was definitely one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. We sat there just enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the place when Nala came back with a stout old man. It looked like the diner was starting to close up. People were all paying and leaving.

"Do you mind if we sit and catch up with you guys for a bit?" Nala asked and I smiled as Jake looked over at me for confirmation.

"Not at all," I said, and they both smiled at me before taking a seat on Jaz's side making her scooch over.

"Jake, it feels like it's been forever, buddy." The older man said, patting Jake's hand from across the table before looking over at me with a little bit of surprise. "I know I'm an old man, but your girl isn't a shifter is she?" Jake shook his head.

"James don't be rude," Nala said and smacked the older man's hand.

"I'm not trying to be rude sweetheart, but I just want to make sure they know what they're getting into," James said, looking up at Jake. "Are you willing to fight for her boy?"