Chapter 2

I shook those dark thoughts off like a dog in the rain and waited for the love birds to finish their display of affection. Then I approached them with a killer smile and two glasses of iced water. From the way they were going at it, I wondered for a moment if I would need to pour the water on them to separate the mates. I tried to remember the last time I had been looked at like I hung the moon in the sky, and I deflated. Unless my old hound dog Tom counted, but his loyalty was easily bought with chicken and belly rubs. Tom certainly got more action than I did, half of the town’s mutts were his.

I tried not to be offended that lover boy clearly didn’t see me as a threat while he sized me up. I might not have looked like much, all five- foot- two- and- three-quarter- inches of me, but I was a solid one hundred and thirty pounds of muscle and packed a mean right hook. But a mean right hook wasn’t all I packed, behind the counter I had a baseball bat and my shotgun, Old Faithful. The shotgun wasn’t loaded with silver bullets, that was a myth, you just needed excellent aim through the heart or head to take down a wolf. I had it covered for assholes that walked on two legs, four, or both.

 But my shells had an extra special ingredient, christened in wolfsbane to pack an extra punch. Large amounts of wolfsbane poisoned a wolf, small amounts just slowed their healing and hurt like hellfire. My goal was to maim wolves who pulled that Alpha male bullshit in my diner and didn’t respect boundaries. Killing a wolf would bring more trouble than it was worth, though as this was my territory, it would be well within my right.  I had pulled out Old Faithful a time or two with domineering pricks of both species, but thankfully I hadn’t had to pull the trigger yet. But if a wolf, or man alike, wouldn’t back down, and it came to my life or his, I would blow him to Kingdom come, and send him back to the deity of his making.

Wolves believed upon death; their spirits crossed over into the spirit world where they were reunited with loved ones who passed on before them. Their bodies were returned to the Earth so new life could grow. In their version of Heaven, they ran free and unburdened beneath the stars and their creator The Moon for all eternity. If a wolf fell in battle, self-sacrifice, or protecting the pack, their spirits were granted a place of honor upon death. Their bodies were burned, and their ashes returned to the sky where they lived as stars near The Moon to watch over their pack forevermore.

Bad wolves were bound in their graves with iron and silver so their spirits couldn’t make the journey to the spirit world. That punishment could last an eternity or until several years of penance passed as decided by the Alpha and elder councils. Trapping a wolf, in any type of cage, was a punishment far worse than hell or death. I found the story of the wolf warriors keeping watch from the sky beautiful, but I wasn’t sure what I believed. I wasn’t born a wolf, so my soul would likely wind up in a Christian version of hell if I had to guess. I was far too tainted to ever make it to any version of Heaven.

I greeted the beta much in the way I had his luna, “Good morning to you. My name is Onie. Can I get you started with something to drink?”

I didn’t get the impression they planned to stay long, but like the good hostess I was, I set down the water and tried to make them feel welcome. Now they both watched the door, their muscles tense, and looked ready to bolt any second. But with the blessing of wolf senses, we knew when a beating heart approached, and if that heart belonged to animal or man. Wolves of course belonged to both worlds, though many I had run into over the years, didn’t seem to like to claim their human side so much. Most found it as a weakness.

The wolf’s grip was still firm and possessive around the she-wolf.  Again, he assessed my diner for any potential threats. I followed his gaze to Chris, who was minding his own business between his smartphone and elbows-deep in his concoction of tater tots, ketchup, bacon, pickles, and mayo. Reception was spotty in these parts, but I paid extra for kick ass signal boosters for the Wi-Fi I gifted my diners. It hurt my pockets but helped my cold heart find joy when I streamed reality shows of people who fucked up their lives even worse than I had.  And I was addicted to murder podcasts which helped me fall asleep at night.

“We’re good thanks,” said the beta dismissively.

“Are you sure I can’t get you something to eat?” I persisted, “our pancakes are to die for. Voted best in the town for the past five years running.”

“Isn’t there like only three restaurants in this town?” he pulled the girl in closer and gave her a kiss on the temple, “are you ready to go babe? We need to hit the road.”

Smart ass. Actually, the town of Stonemountain had six restaurants fuck you very much. And one didn’t even serve pancakes. But I let the dig slide. The girl nodded and he dug some crumpled bills from his jean pocket.

He threw the cash on the table, “This outta cover it.”

Despite his poker face, I wasn’t buying it. I could smell his stress, could see the tautness in his muscles. The young beta was afraid of something, he just did a better job of hiding it than his mate did.

I crossed my arms and arched a brow, “Traveling kind of light for a road trip, aren’t you?”

He practically growled at me, “What business is it of yours?”

“Rand, let’s just go. I just want to get out of here. Please.”

She placed a calming hand on Rand’s chest. Her grey eyes were wide and shone beneath the halogen lights. I could smell this girl’s fear, no her terror. These kids were in serious trouble. They were going to run, with nothing but the clothes on their backs. To leave the safety and protection of their pack, or packs, was a big fucking deal. Wolves were safer in numbers and The Moon created them to be pack animals for a reason. I was again an exception to this rule, as I preferred to be alone, but I hadn’t been raised by wolves and among the sanctity of a pack. I wasn’t born into this life; I was forced into it against my will. I was caught between both worlds and didn’t belong in either.

Don’t do it Harmony White, the last thing you need is anymore trouble. Keep your head down and your big fat mouth shut. Don’t do it, don’t do it-

“I can help you. This is my land,” I told them, against my better instincts, “if you’re both in some kind of trouble, you’re welcome to stay here until it blows over.”

That was another thing that made me a suck ass wolf, my self-preservation instinct wasn’t the best. But I wished that someone had helped me when I was standing in their shoes. And like hell would I turn my back on these wolves which were barely more than cubs themselves. No one had saved me, I had saved myself, but I was offering them the chance I never got.

The boy’s shoulders relaxed a bit and his face softened, “I appreciate the offer, but we don’t need any help. We need to go.”

The girl gripped his arm tightly, her nails biting into the skin, and I knew that the type of trouble they were in wouldn’t just blow over. I let out a defeated sigh. Wolves were proud and stubborn creatures. I knew all about that.

“Well if you change your mind, get in touch. I could sure use some more help around here,” I said.

“Thanks, but you’ve done enough already,” answered the girl.

I wanted to argue, plead with them to stay, or at the very least give them some cash, but I knew it wouldn’t do any good. It was likely for the best. But it was a big cruel world out there and wolves weren’t their only problem. Hunters liked to pick off strays and men were often the most beastly creatures of all.

“May The Moon keep you in its favor,” I finally said.

It was a common blessing among their kind. I didn’t believe in the words, but it didn’t matter because they did, and it meant something to them. The beta nodded solemnly, and with his luna tucked against his side, they headed for the door.

“Onie? Sorry to interrupt, but can I get my check? My shift starts in twenty,” came Chris’ voice.

I had nearly forgotten he was there. I broke eye contact with the moon crossed mates and jerked the pad from my apron. For a heart made of stone, mine was sure prone to cracks from time to time.

“Yeah, sorry Chris. Right away. I’ll get you a coffee to go.”

I made it only a few steps before my body stilled. A strong masculine scent was thick in the air, one which made my body tingle in ways I didn’t welcome, though not entirely unpleasant. My nipples peaked and a zing of heat went straight to my core as it invaded my senses. I couldn’t help it if my inner wolf, was attracted to strong, virile males, as it was instinctual. I had given up being embarrassed about it years ago, it was a wolf thing. I had taken no mate, so it was my cross to bear. But it took more than just being a hot as fuck were to get between my legs.  And thank God and The Moon I didn’t go into heat twice a year like the pureblood females did.

Though my traitorous body welcomed the wolf at the door, the young mates didn’t. The beta took a fighting stance, his body rigid, pushing his luna behind him. The girl shrieked. Chris jumped and nearly spilled his coffee into his lap.

“We’re too late!” the she-wolf cried.

 My good sense finally made an appearance tonight and I made for Old Faithful stashed under the cash register. Just by his powerful scent alone, I had a feeling it was an Alpha stalking my diner, and he wasn’t here just for my award- winning pancakes.