Silver Rain

Chapter 1

Olivia Grace wiped down the counter of The Brew Haven, her sanctuary amidst the chaos of college life. The smell of freshly ground coffee beans enveloped her, a comforting aroma that seemed to ward off the stress that clung to her like a persistent shadow. With a weary smile, she greeted the regulars who shuffled in, their tired faces mirroring her own.

Life had always been simple for Olivia. Growing up as a sickly orphan amid the Silverstrike Pack territory, she had learned to find solace in the mundane routines of everyday existence. The bustling streets of the small town, the distant howls echoing through the night, and the whispers of magic woven into the fabric of reality had all become her norm. But she was content to remain on the outskirts of the supernatural world, living amongst humans and wolves alike, yet never truly belonging to either.

Her aspirations were modest, focused solely on navigating her final year of college and conquering the looming hurdle of the MCAT. The complexities of the supernatural realm held little interest for her, and she preferred to keep her distance from the intricacies of pack politics and mystical beings.

"Olivia, my dear girl, you've been lost in your daydreams again," came the hearty chuckle of the café owner, Mrs. Cooper, a round werewolf with a twinkle in her eye. "You need to find yourself a man to keep you grounded, you know."

Olivia rolled her eyes, though there was affection in her gesture. Mrs. Cooper had taken her under her wing when she first started working at The Brew Haven, and despite her haughty and tough exterior, she had always been a steadfast source of support.

"I'm not a wolf like you, Mrs. Cooper," Olivia reminded her with a small smile, though the prospect of romance seemed like a distant fantasy during her hectic life.  "My end goal in life is not to find a mate."

"And I pity you humans for that," Mrs. Cooper pulled a batch of freshly baked cookies out of the oven and sat them on the counter.  The smell filled the cafe air and sent Olivia's toes curling at the heavenly smell.

Mrs. Cooper had been the only kind and caring werewolf Olivia knew.  The rest typically ignored her or made her the brunt of their jokes.  She didn't care.  She had experienced this her whole life.  It was part of her norm.

Olivia reached for a cookie, but Mrs. Cooper swatted her hand away.  "They're still hot!  Be patient child,"

Olivia out-maneuvered Mrs. Cooper and stole a cookie off the tray and took a bite of it.  Of course, old crone was right.  The cookie had burnt Olivia's hand and the inside of her mouth, but the flavor was beyond worth it as the gooey chocolate coated her tongue.

"Olivia!" Mrs. Cooper smacked her hands together and caused Olivia to giggle as she picked up her bookbag.

"I have to get going, Mrs. Cooper," Olivia called from the other side of the counter.  Olivia sidestepped a wolf who gave her a rather nasty look for coming close to her.

"Be careful," Mrs. Cooper waved her off and started taking the woman's order who gave Oliva a rude look. "Don't forget to take your meds again,"

Olivia rolled her eyes again.  As she left the comforting embrace of The Brew Haven and ventured into the bustling corridors of her college, the weight of her textbooks pressed heavily against her side, a constant reminder of the academic challenges that lay ahead. With each step, she braced herself for the inevitable onslaught of whispers and stares that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

The tiny town, Brookside, was known for its charm.  The town was mostly bricked in a simple shade of red and tan; with gothic spires of buildings reaching towards the heavens.  Brookside was walkable, but the streets were still bustling with cars.  Brookside was a town that if you wanted to get away and disappear for a while, you'd end up here.