She’s Back

T H O M A S

Lost in thought, scrubbing my hands clean of blood, but I got the information I needed about the opium that infiltrated my club last night. Pain always brings out the truth.

“Thomas.”

The rules are clear. No violence on the main floor. No opium unless they're from my guys. No touching unwilling women.

You'd be surprised how often those rules are broken every night, which is why my knuckles bear permanent scars.

I don’t use my claws because I am not only dealing with werewolves but every creature. Especially those hard-headed humans!

The Order and Elders already brought an agreement for peace in every realm but there were still a few people who tried to sabotage that agreement. And they’re getting more and more each day.

“Alpha!” Gelo’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

“What?” I shake myself out of my daze.

“I've been calling you for five minutes. Are you alright?”

I grab a towel to dry my hands. “I'm fine.” But I wasn't. Everyone could see it. Ever since that one-night stand five years ago, I haven't been the same. I've searched for her in vain. I've given up.

Her memory haunts me every night. I can still hear her voice, feel her warmth, smell her scent, and it's ruined me for anyone else. The few women I've been with since then were just placeholders. I pretended they were her. Just to get through it.

“Thomas.” My beta’s tone is sharp. “What's going on with you? Do I need to take you to a doctor? You're getting worse. You're lost in your own head.”

“I'm not lost. I know exactly what I'm doing. What do you need?”

“Alpha Marco wants to meet with you.”

I shiver as I pour my whiskey, then glance over at Gelo as he slouches against the wall and folds his arms across his chest.

"Why would he want to meet with me? We agreed long ago not to interfere in each other's territories or connections. If he goes back on that, he's not going to win the war. I've evolved, and he's remained stagnant."

"I'm not sure, but whatever it is, I don't think it's related to the truce you established. He doesn't sound too good. He wants to see you in an hour."

"Well, it's a good thing I handled things, right?"

The opium dealer on my floor groans and attempts to get up but falls into a useless bloody heap.

"Take care of that, okay? I'll meet you in the car. I want to make a quick stop at the coffee shop on the way."

Gelo drags the unconscious body across the floor. "You always want to swing by that coffee shop."

"They make the best caramel latte I've ever tasted. Plus, Keia is a lovely girl. She runs a small business. It's important to support small businesses."

Gelo attaches the silencer to his gun and points it at the opium dealer's head. "I can't argue with that."

Killing using our supernatural abilities is now outdated. But I still use it if someone in my realm attempts to murder me. My enemies have been there for quite some time trying to find the perfect moment to kill me. But I was born ready.

Before they could touch a strand of my hair, their heads already rolled on the ground.

"Don't kill him. Let him inform his buddies what happens when you violate my rules. Just dump him in an alley. I don't care."

Gelo nods at me, then picks up the guy and carries him down the stairs. I stand there for a moment, downing my whiskey, a habit I really need to cut back on. Letting out a sigh as the burn warms my throat, the glass clinks on the table as I place it down, and I exit the room, stealing one last glance at the bed where I've been sleeping every night for five years.

Adjusting my cuff, I make my way downstairs. The club is deserted since we're closed, and it looks so different in this lighting. The lights are on, illuminating a sleek black floor, the chandeliers glistening like ice in the winter, and the bartender is behind the bar, restocking the alcohol we'll need for tonight.

I step out of the door, and the blinding brightness of the setting sun momentarily blinds me. It's a stark contrast to the darkness of the club I'm used to. I really need to start going out more often.

I hear the powerful engine of my Mercedes G6 and wait on the sidewalk for Gelo to come to a stop. The matte black paint gives the car a sleek and dangerous look.

"Ready to see what your rival is up to?" Gelo shouts as I open the door.

"Not really. It's a waste of my time, but let's just get it over with." I fasten my seatbelt and rest my elbow on the door, rubbing my mouth with two fingers. "Let's go."

He turns on the blinker, merges onto the road, and we pass by other clubs. This main street is always bustling with life every night. It's the place to be, where fortunes are made and lives are changed.

Sometimes for the worse.

My dominant hand feels stiff, so I flex it and hear the satisfying pop of my joints. After a silent ten-minute car ride, we arrive at the parking lot where the coffee shop is located, sandwiched between two other stores. It's a charming strip. The building is made of red brick, and the large inviting windows of each shop showcase their offerings.

"Looks like the coffee shop has a new neighbor. A bakery. Man, I could really go for a donut right now. They must have just opened," Gelo remarks as we step out of the car.

"You go grab the donuts, and I'll get us some coffee. Deal?"

"Deal." He rushes over to the bakery, and I chuckle. He's always had a sweet tooth.

I push open the door, and the delightful aroma of fresh coffee fills my senses. The booths are lined up against the wall, and the floors have a vibrant purple epoxy finish. Each wall is painted a different color; if I stay here for too long, I know I'll get a headache.

I prefer more muted colors like black, gray, white, and green.

Subdued hues.

There are various tables and chairs here, all unique in their own way. It seems like everything was thrifted, with seats sporting different colored cushions and patterns. Some young people are engrossed in their laptops, oblivious to their surroundings.

“Thomas.” Keia greets me with a smile from behind the counter. “Let me guess, the usual for you and a black coffee for your friend?”

“You know me too well, Keia,” I reply, leaning casually against the counter. I observe Keia working, her smile never fading, and her cheeks flushed with happiness. “You seem really happy today.”

She nods. “I am, aren’t I? My best friend returned to town. I honestly thought she was gone for good, considering who her father was. But she’s back, and she opened a bakery right next door. I couldn’t be happier.”

“I’m glad you got your friend back. That must mean a lot to you.” I drop a few bills into the tip jar as she passes our drinks over the counter.

“Actually, you might remember her. We celebrated her birthday at your club.”

“Hera?” I say her name, feeling a surge of hope wash over me.

Keia winked at me.

She’s back and she's going to be mine.

"Thanks, Keia. And congrats."

"Thank you, Alpha Thomas,” she teased. “Catch you later. Have a great day."

I raise my glass. "You too." Keia is a nice girl, maybe even a friend. I'd have her back if she needed it. She’s a hybrid. A daughter of a human and a werewolf, that’s why she was that humble and genuine.

Humans hold that power. But others keep on ruining that impression.

I turn away, my mask slipping. Determination floods my mind, and I make my way out the door; I resist the urge to storm into the bakery and demand answers, demand her to be mine, knowing it wouldn't work.

I don't know what she's been through all these years, but she'll share when she's ready. I'll earn that time. I settle into the SUV, eyes fixed on the bakery, and Gelo exits with a box of donuts in one hand, munching on a pastry with the other. And then, she appears.

I hold my breath as she cleans the windows. Flour smudges mark her apron, and her long hair, my favorite, is tied up in a messy bun.

Mine!

I pinched the bridge of my nose to calm myself and my wolf who kept on growling inside me.