Old Wounds

Steam swirled up from the coffee machine, filling the small café with the familiar scent of freshly brewed espresso. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the large windows, bathing the room in a soft golden glow. Rhea stood behind the counter, her hands busy wiping down mugs, but her mind was far away. Her hazel eyes lingered on the window for a moment too long, her reflection staring back at her with that same haunted look she always tried to hide.

“Earth to Rhea.” Lila’s voice snapped her out of her trance. Rhea turned to see her best friend balancing a tray of empty glasses on one hand, her other hand perched on her hip. Lila’s playful smirk softened into curiosity as she tilted her head. “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”

Rhea forced a weak smile and shrugged. “Nothing. Just tired, I guess.”

Lila arched a skeptical brow as she set the tray down on the counter. “Rhea, you’ve been zoning out all day. Spill. What’s eating you?”

Rhea sighed, leaning against the counter. She knew Lila wouldn’t let it go. She never did. “It’s just... someone showed up today. Someone... different.”

Lila’s eyes lit up with interest as she leaned closer. “Different, huh? Tall, dark, and mysterious kind of different? Or are we talking shady and probably-a-serial-killer kind of different?”

Rhea chuckled despite herself. “The first one, unfortunately.” She paused, her fingers tracing the edge of a mug absentmindedly. “His name’s Kaelan. He’s... intense. And I don’t know why, but I feel like I’ve known him forever.”

Lila’s playful smile faded, replaced by genuine concern. “Rhea, you’ve been through enough. You don’t need some brooding stranger messing with your head.”

“I know,” Rhea replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “But it’s not just him.” She hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn’t spoken about this in years. But if there was anyone she could trust, it was Lila. “It’s... it’s him, too. From before.”

Lila’s eyes darkened. “You mean Zane.”

Rhea nodded, her throat tightening at the name. “I thought I was over it. I thought I’d moved on. But every time I see Kaelan, it’s like... like all of it comes rushing back.”

Lila reached across the counter, placing a comforting hand over Rhea’s. “You don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready.”

“No,” Rhea said, shaking her head. “I need to. I’ve been keeping it bottled up for so long, and I think... I think it’s time.”

Lila nodded, her expression softening. “I’m listening.”

Rhea took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the mug. “I loved him, Lila. I gave him everything. And he... he betrayed me. He used me to get to my father, to destroy everything my family built. And when he was done, he left me with nothing but scars.”

Lila’s jaw clenched, and her usual bubbly demeanor was replaced by a fierceness Rhea rarely saw. “That bastard. If I ever see him...”

“You won’t,” Rhea interrupted, her voice firm. “He’s gone. And I don’t want to waste any more energy thinking about him.”

Lila nodded, though the fire in her eyes didn’t dim. “Good. Because you deserve so much better, Rhea. Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.”

Rhea managed a small smile. “Thanks, Lila.”

“Anytime. Now, let’s get back to work before the evening rush hits. And if Mr. Tall, Dark, and Mysterious comes back, let me know. I’ll vet him for you.”

Rhea laughed, the tension in her chest easing just a little. “Deal.”

The evening rush came and went, leaving the café quiet once more. Rhea was wiping down the tables when the bell above the door jingled. She looked up, and her heart skipped a beat.

Kaelan stood in the doorway, his tall frame silhouetted against the dim streetlights outside. He glanced around the café, his piercing blue eyes landing on her. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, without a word, he stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

“You’re late,” Rhea said, trying to keep her tone light even as her pulse raced.

“Didn’t realize I had a curfew,” Kaelan replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Rhea rolled her eyes and turned back to the table she was cleaning. “What do you want, Kaelan?”

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he walked over to the counter and grabbed a clean rag. “You look like you could use some help.”

Rhea blinked, caught off guard. “You? Help? Aren’t you too busy brooding in the woods or something?”

Kaelan chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “Maybe I’m trying something new.”

Before she could protest, he started wiping down the counter, his movements surprisingly precise for someone who looked like he belonged in a fight rather than a café. Rhea watched him for a moment, unsure of what to make of this unexpected gesture.

“Why are you really here, Kaelan?” she asked, her voice softer this time.

He paused, his gaze meeting hers. For a moment, she thought he might actually answer. But then he looked away, his jaw tightening. “Just thought you could use a hand. That’s all.”

Rhea sighed, deciding not to push him. For now. “Fine. But don’t think this means I owe you anything.”

Kaelan smirked again, but there was something almost... gentle in his expression. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

The café was quiet now, the last of the customers long gone. Rhea locked the door and turned to find Kaelan leaning against the counter, arms crossed. She couldn’t deny that he looked good, even in his casual hoodie and jeans. But there was something about him that kept her on edge, like he was a storm waiting to break.

“Alright, you’ve done your good deed for the day,” Rhea said, grabbing her bag. “You can go now.”

Kaelan didn’t move. “You’re hurt,” he said, his voice low.

Rhea frowned. “What are you talking about?”

He nodded toward her hand, where a small scrape from earlier had started to bleed again. She hadn’t even noticed. Before she could say anything, Kaelan stepped forward, pulling a clean napkin from the counter and gently pressing it to her hand.

“It’s nothing,” she said, pulling her hand back. But the warmth of his touch lingered.

Kaelan didn’t argue, but his gaze lingered on her, as if he could see straight through her walls. It made her uncomfortable and... something else she didn’t want to name.

“You care too much,” he said quietly.

Rhea blinked, caught off guard. “Excuse me?”

“About others. About things that don’t matter. It’s going to get you hurt.”

She crossed her arms, her defenses rising. “And what would you know about that?”

Kaelan’s expression darkened, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he reached for his hoodie, as if to adjust it. That’s when she saw it.

A jagged scar ran across his collarbone, disappearing under the fabric of his shirt. It wasn’t just any scar—it was the unmistakable mark of a wolf’s claws.

“Kaelan,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “What happened to you?”

He froze, his hand hovering over the edge of his hoodie. For a moment, she thought he might tell her. But then he stepped back, his walls slamming back into place.

“Forget you saw that,” he said, his tone cold.

“Kaelan—”

“Goodnight, Rhea.” And with that, he turned and walked out the door, leaving her standing there with more questions than answers.

Rhea stood frozen, her mind racing. She stared at the door long after he was gone, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn’t know what Kaelan was hiding, but she was certain of one thing.

Whatever it was, it was dangerous. And it was only a matter of time before it caught up to them both.