Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 11: Familiar Faces

Sitting together in the warmth of our living room, laughter filled the space as we reconnected with Jacob. His return brought an easy joy, and the three of us lost ourselves in stories, memories, and the kind of jokes only friends who feel like family can share. For a moment, I'd forgotten the strange message from Leo, the guy from the café. But as our laughter settled into a comfortable silence, I found my thoughts drifting back to that text. Leo had claimed he'd saved me. There was something unsettling about it, and yet, as strange as the situation was, part of me felt oddly disappointed.

Maybe I had hoped, deep down, that it would be Derek who'd come to my rescue.

The guys returned from the kitchen with snacks, breaking my thoughts. Aras was balancing a tray of chips and salsa, while Jacob had somehow managed to carry both popcorn and a stack of sodas, smiling like old times.

"Chips, popcorn, and some questionable soda flavors," Aras announced, setting the tray down proudly. "The ultimate feast, courtesy of the masters of cuisine."

"Only the finest," Jacob said with a smirk. "I personally made sure each kernel was evenly popped."

I laughed, rolling my eyes at their antics, but grateful for the familiar feeling of home. We settled back into conversation, drifting from topic to topic. Eventually, the conversation turned to the night I first transformed-Derya, my wolf, and all the struggles and secrets that came with it. I noticed Jacob listening, absorbed, though still amused by the strangeness of it all.

"So, now that you're back, what's next for you?" Aras asked, nudging him.

Jacob shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know. I'll need a job soon, though. It's time to settle back in."

That sparked an idea. "Actually, we might have an opening at the café," I said, grinning. "One of the baristas just left to join Alpha's patrol, so we could definitely use the help. If Alya's alright with it, of course."

Jacob smiled thoughtfully. "I'd love that. Haven't met Alya yet, though."

"Oh, you're in for a treat," Aras said, laughing. "She's... one of a kind."

---

The next day, after training, we headed to the café together. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a cozy glow over the place. The café had its usual comforting mix of espresso and Alya's signature strawberry candle scent. It was a quiet, unhurried atmosphere, with customers chatting softly at tables or tucked away with books and laptops. And behind the counter, Alya was moving gracefully, preparing a drink with her usual calm focus.

When she saw us come in, her face lit up with a welcoming smile. But as soon as she spotted Jacob, her expression changed, a flicker of surprise and recognition crossing her face. She froze mid-step, as if she couldn't quite believe her eyes.

"Him?" she whispered, almost to herself.

Jacob looked equally surprised. He stepped forward, a small, incredulous smile on his face. "You're Alya?" he asked, as if confirming something he'd been wondering about for a long time.

Alya's cheeks flushed a rosy pink, and she stammered slightly, trying to regain her composure. "I-I didn't expect... I mean, I didn't know you were him." She chuckled, looking away shyly, but there was a spark in her eyes.

I raised an eyebrow, watching the two of them with sudden curiosity. I hadn't realized they knew each other. "Wait a second," I said, nudging Alya playfully, "Is this that 'handsome stranger' you kept talking about?"

Alya blushed deeper, nudging me back with a mock glare. "Stop it, Deniz," she muttered, flustered, but the shy smile stayed on her face.

Jacob scratched his head, clearly amused but also a bit shy himself. "I didn't think I'd actually see you again," he said, looking at Alya with a hint of nostalgia.