He is mine

That or a hooker.

Chapter seventeen

One month later…

I’m officially living the good life. Okay maybe not so much good as it is normal. I mean, normal is good right? A month ago I left home and my little town to go find myself. A soul-searching quest, you might as well call it and I found myself here, this tiny suburb in the middle of nowhere.

All I know is that I spent my days driving until I ran out of gas and they apparently don’t use credit cards. (pssh, bunch of hobos) So I ditched my ride at the nearest mechanic shop and had them send my ride back home.

I went wolf and ran for the rest of the journey (I must’ve look like a wolf freak with all that stuff strapped onto me) and later found myself here. Sure, I had to eat bunnies and squirrels along the way but if I’m full, I’m not complaining.

This little neighbourhood called Bakers Town is pretty much their own little city with a starbucks and wide range of fast food franchise. By the way, everybody knew everybody around here. No kidding.

It’s not that different from where I come from, in a way. Except they were all human and naïve, oh and I get free meals almost every day!

“Ashley, put that dreamy face away. There are customers to be served.” Oh and I told them my name’s Ashley, Ashley Stone. I took my mother’s maiden name. I think its great, a new name, a new beginning in a new town.

“Sorry Maddy.” I smiled guiltily and finished off wiping the counter.

When the first bell ringed signally the arrival of a customer, I was already at the front, in my designated position.

“Welcome to Annabelle’s Coffee House. What can I get you?” I smiled, a practiced smile. What do you expect? I’m still in high school, haven’t graduated and a stranger. This is all I could get. That or a hooker but I doubt people will appreciate my expertise.

“Iced Americano.” I nodded and wrote it down. “Would you like today’s special, a delicious raspberry cheesecake.” He contemplated and nodded.

“Sure.”

“Is that to go?”

“No.”

“Okay, that will be eight dollars.” He handed me twenty bucks and I gave him his remainder.

“Please take a seat, your order will be there soon.”

Now that I look at him, he’s very handsome, even from afar. I smiled internally, being without a guy for a month is getting to my head. I shook the thoughts out and passed the piece of paper to Maddy.

“Table three.” I said.

“Brad?”

“I don’t know people around here that well yet.”

“Dark, tall, brooding and handsome?”

“Yea.”

“Then that’s Brad, he’s a regular and always sits at that table. I guess he came back from college. Smart kid.” She smiled as she prepared the coffee and cut a piece of cake, a large portion apparently.

“Here, tell him Maddy says welcome back.” I raised a brow. Is he the town’s golden kid or something? I laughed at myself, what am I saying. Just cause he goes to college? That’s priceless.

“Okay.” I lifted the tray and approached the table.

“Here’s your order. Sorry for the long wait.” He was reading something (pfft, show off) and didn’t look up as I set his coffee and cake in front of him. I tilted my head to the side, he’s not that bombastic to be a golden boy, I mean he’s handsome, well you know, in that dark brooding way but that’s pretty much it.

Like a less intimidating version of Owen.

“Are you done staring?” He mumbled, not looking at me and kept reading the damn book that I noticed, he was reading for a long time. I guess he’s reading really complicated stuff.

“Nope.” I popped the ‘p’. “Maddy said welcome back by the way.” Whoever you are. I continued internally.

He nodded and went back to ignoring me. I looked around the shop, not that many customers today. I’m free and he looks like he needed company or professional help, either way, why not, right?

I slid myself in the seat in front of him, supporting my chin with my palm.

“So…” I started a conversation. He kept ignoring me and I shrugged, taking out my bottle of vitamin gummies and chewing on one to keep myself busy. Its quite addictive once you get over that I-feel-like-a-kid feeling.

He suddenly shut the book close loudly and set it aside. He began digging into his cheesecake and I just kept staring at him, trying to chew as loud and as annoying as I can.

“So, college huh? Must be a drat but coming from me I guess it doesn’t really count.” He glanced at me then continues to ignore me. Fine by me, I got all day.

“You know if you don’t talk to me, its not going to make me go away.” I stated matter of factly.

He kept mum.

“Okaaaay.” I rolled my eyes and tucked my gummy bears away.  “By the way, my name is Ashley. I know you’re Brad so don’t worry about telling me.” I looked at the book he put down.

Pretty advanced stuff, he’s pretty smart I guess but honestly I already read that book.

He set the plate aside and grabbed the book to leave. I pouted, aw, my only entertainment is leaving already? Then a funny thought got caught in the imaginary web in my brain. Not once have a guy speak so little with me. I mean not to be a gigantic narcissist here but, hello, werewolf.

I expected a little harmless flirting. Not that I want to be with a guy or anything, nope, curse that traitor heart of mine.

OH that and he’s very cool tempered and trust me, being a werewolf growing up surrounded by domineering possessive werewolf males, it’s nonexistent.

Oh you don't trust me? Try living with Owen for a week, i dare you not to pull your hair out in frustration. Yes, he could be that irritating. 

I stared at his ass as he left, yummy.

Hey, I can’t deny what my eyes desires.

“Appreciating the merchandise?” Maddy snickered behind me and I rolled my eyes, a smile pulling at my lips. Oops, caught red handed.

“A little eye candy to get me in the working mood.” I said sweetly as Maddy sat herself in front of me, where Brad once sat.

“Do you like him?” I know that twinkle in her eyes so well. 

“No.” I shook my head. “Just messing around maybe find myself a friend around here.”

“Hun, I don’t know why a beauty like you is waiting around for but Brad is practically the matchmaking mom’s favourite candidate. Plus I’d like you to stay here.” I bit my lower lip. I didn’t know she felt that way about me.

“No, no. I’m a stranger. It would be weird and I’m kind of…” I cleared my throat. “…was in a bad relationship before. I’m not ready.” I didn’t tell her that I would never be ready.

Maddy is the only person I’m remotely close enough to be myself here and telling her I’m not staying long enough to bond with the people here would possibly be the hardest thing to do.

“Can’t you think about it though? Sales are looking up with you here.” She said mischievously and I gasped dramatically, placing my hand over my heart.

“You’re only using me for my bombastic looks and perfect curves.”

“Only for the greater good.” We both laughed and continued our work as more people poured into the shop.