CHAPTER FOUR - GUEST

I arrived at the hotel and walked through the hall. The old man was still sitting in that chair. This time, by the smell, he was having a peaceful coffee. I nodded and walked up the stairs. I went straight to take a hot shower upon arrival. Now that the sun was out again, I stripped off my wet clothes and laid them by the window. After the shower, I wrapped the towel around my hair and went straight to bed.

 

I loved coming home after a run and getting rid of my clothes. It's a custom I picked up during my lifetime. I actually think it's a habit of the species. After running, it was nearly impossible to get home and get dressed if I was alone. I rolled over in the covers, took a deep breath and when I saw it, I was already clogged with thoughts again. That loner was pretty convincing if he'd tricked me into saying he had nothing to do with the pack here. I would be fucked if he was. It would probably be an essential tool for the Alpha to sniff me out and find me.

 

Stanley Wright...

 

I remember the two men mentioning that name in the cafeteria. "Stanley". I wouldn't doubt that those two were Alpha's right"hand men. And if they did get a call from Bruce, the dice would start rolling. Stanley should be aware by now that there's a lone wolf in his territory. And Pether showed me that I must be one of the many who would be hiding under his Alpha muzzle. Unless Pether was very good at hiding his tracks here in the city.

 

I sighed and dried my hair. At least I was satisfied for today. I would leave it to think about the problems tomorrow.

 

I made a mental list of things I needed right now. A perfume to disguise my smell, new sneakers, after all I still had the one I stole and that wasn't even my size, and a purse or backpack to store my stuff. I don't know if I have enough money to buy all this, but I'm sure I will soon. Besides, I have to pay for the rest of my stay here at the hotel. I don't know if I renew the reservation for a few more weeks or if I'd be better off renting a cheap room in town. Well, anyway, I have to save more money for this. If I earn $50.00 every day on top of tips, at the end of the month I will have $1500.00. So, depending on the place, I could pay up to $600.00 in rent and still survive on food and basics. Which would make up for it, instead of paying $140.00 a week here at the hotel. Even because renting a room and sharing the house or an apartment with someone would be much cheaper for me. However, the problem would be exactly that. Share. I would be much more exposed. And depending on the person, it would be impossible to live together. Especially when you're a wolf.

 

It was the end of the afternoon and the weak light of the sunset was coming in through the window. Me and my wolf were bored. I've always been used to doing something during the day and then going to bed and getting a good night's sleep. Otherwise I always had trouble sleeping.

 

Even though tomorrow is Saturday, I'm going to work all day. Weekends seem to be busier there. At least that's what Scarlet told me. I can take Sunday to rest. I'll have the day off.

 

I rolled over to the other side of the bed and stared out the window. I could see the other buildings on the block. And although they were far away for a normal person to see, I could see one or two figures leaning against their windows, distracted by the urban landscape. I wondered what they were thinking right now. Imagining what their lives would be like, what they were worrying about. Maybe they're thinking about their future too. What was going to happen from now on.

 

Well, at least for me it is.

 

The future is always something that crosses my mind. Over and over again. And even though I don't have anything of material or sentimental value to worry about, I always think about what will become of me the next day. Because that's the only thing that worries me right now. My security.

 

It's not something I should normally worry about, but being a lone wolf, it's extremely hard not to.

 

I stared at the stained ceiling of the hotel and took a deep breath.

 

Well... Even though it keeps ringing in my head over and over, it's not like they're going to kill me all of a sudden or like I'm going to die any minute. I still have a lot of time to organize my life. Plenty of time to really find myself. Too long I would say.

 

Long live the wolves.

 

That's what Bruce said.

 

I woke up and opened my eyes. The alarm clock hadn't even gone off yet. He had gone to bed too early yesterday. I got up and turned it off before it even played. I scratched my head and put my feet on the floor. I walked to the bathroom, did my morning hygiene and faced the mirror after splashing some water on my face. My hair was extremely messy. I grabbed the brush from the side of the sink and straightened it as much as I could. My gaze was a little saggy. Although he had slept, he hadn't slept very well. And I hated when that happened.

 

I got out of the bathroom, stretched and chose an outfit to wear. I put on my underwear, grabbed a pair of black pants I'd bought yesterday, along with a red button"up shirt. After getting dressed, I put on the sneakers that were still a little wet from yesterday and took my most important things, putting them in my pants pocket. I brought my wrist up to my nose and sniffed. My wolf scent was very evident, it was obvious. I looked around and tried to find something in that hotel room that I could use to mask my scent. I walked back to the bathroom and looked in the sink drawers for something. But as this hotel was of the fifth category, it was clearly not going to have anything. It was very unlikely. I had to go out and buy a perfume urgently. I couldn't work like that.

 

I left the bathroom and went to the window to take off the clothes I had left to dry yesterday, but I saw that they were still damp. I looked at the clock and realized it was time to go. I locked the door before leaving and walked down the hall to the stairs. The punk girl was at the front desk.

 

She had a huge headphone on her head and I could hear the music from here. He didn't even seem to be paying attention to his surroundings, as he didn't even see me passing by while reading his magazine. So I didn't even say good morning so as not to disturb her.

 

" Hey! " When I was about to leave, I heard her scream. I turned back scared and saw her closing the magazine and taking the headphone off her head.

 

" Hey?

 

" I want to let you know that there will be cleaning service today.

 

" Do you have a cleaning service? She frowned in confusion.

 

" Of course we do. It's the least a hotel should have.

 

" Ah, well... I only come back at night.

 

" No problem, but if you want to schedule for another day...

 

I don't think it would be a problem to leave the room with them, or whoever is going to clean it. They wouldn't be so stupid as to steal something from me right away. And considering the hotel I was staying at, I couldn't fully trust it. Never know...

 

I faced the girl and approached the reception desk.

 

" I don't want to mess up your calendar. I think it's okay for you to clean it even if I'm not here, is it? " I took the room key and put it on the counter. I looked into the brunette's eyes and she smiled weakly before turning her eyes to the key.

 

" C"Of course not.

 

" Great. Have a good day. " I smiled and turned around.

 

" You too...

 

Perhaps I overdid the intimidation a little.

 

I left the hotel hall and walked along the narrow sidewalk. After yesterday's rain, the weather today was perfect. I could also smell the faint smell of coffee coming from somewhere, but I walked the blocks uncomfortably. It was as if my scent could be smelled from miles away. And with that wind, it could be detected much further away than usual. But on the other hand, I could do the same with them.

 

At the corner of the cafeteria, when I was about to cross the street to go in, I saw through the window two men near the counter talking to Jake. I was surprised because it wasn't opening hours yet. And the two tall men weren't the same as before. These looked more familiar, as one of them was laughing at something the other was saying. Jake was at the diner today. And despite the relaxed conversation that should have been going on in there, he had a very despondent expression on his face. Maybe it was his relatives helping him? Did something happen yesterday? I finished crossing the street and before putting my hand on the door to push it, I felt the scent trail coming from inside. The specific scent of our species.

 

Suddenly, in milliseconds I was moving away from there. I got out as quickly as possible before they turned around or Jake saw me on the sidewalk. With long strides, he was almost running to get out of that block. My scent could have been easily picked up if I hadn't seen them in time. I would have been lost if I had walked into the cafeteria. And I was praying that the wind would carry my scent away from there.

 

Although I hadn't paid much attention, they didn't seem to be the same men I'd seen that day. The smells were different. These guys were probably following Stanley's orders to hunt me in every inch of his territory. As I had thought, they must already be aware of me. Especially because, a visit of wolves one after another in the place where I work was not a coincidence.

 

Shit!

 

My heart was racing and I had to look for a perfumery nearby as soon as possible. They might pick up my scent and eventually find me. I had shifted yesterday and that put me in danger.

 

I walked a few more blocks and saw a store with a white marquee across the street. There was a blonde woman walking through the glass door and a sweet, citrusy smell came from there. I took a few more steps and saw the shelves of perfumes inside. It looked like it had just been opened and I was so lucky to be downtown right now. What was the chance that I could find such a place so quickly?

 

I would probably be a few minutes late at work today. I crossed the street and entered the store. The blonde was behind a glass counter picking something up and then looked over at me when she saw me.

 

" Good morning, Miss. " She said.

 

" Good Morning. " I replied smiling and trying not to show my nervousness.

 

" May I help you? He looked at me with his blue eyes.

 

" I came to buy a perfume. " Well, is it? I approached.

 

The saleswoman was wearing a pale pink dress and she smelled sickly of some old flower.

 

" Okay, make yourself comfortable. I'll bring you some to try.

 

" Thanks.

 

The girl left and disappeared from my sight. I looked around and noted the various shelves and display cases with perfume bottles of various colors and sizes.

 

" Here Miss. " I turned to the counter again when I heard her arrive. She had placed a white box with several small bottles of perfume on top of the glass counter.

 

" Which types do you prefer? " He looked at me, waiting.

 

" Today, I like the cheapest ones. I smiled and saw her tilt her head to the side as she laughed. " But I'm also attracted to sweet smells.

 

" I have some sweet perfumes that are more affordable. Leave it to me. " She took a small bottle from inside the box and handed it to me. " Try this one.

 

I opened the cap and didn't need to get too close to smell the sweet and smooth fragrance.

 

" Um, how much is it? " I capped the bottle again.

 

" 30$

 

I handed the vial to the blonde and saw her putting it back in the box. It couldn't take long to choose, and this perfume looked good.

 

" I'll take this one. " Smile.

 

" Have you chosen?

 

" Yup. " I took the money out of my pocket and handed it over.

 

" Ok I'll get the bottle and put it in a bag for you.

 

She went to the window and picked up the perfume box. I looked towards the door worriedly as she put it inside the bag for me. He came back with it in hand. A white bag with the perfumery logo.

 

" Here girl. "She reached out to me and took the money.

 

" Thanks. " I waved and left the perfumery.

 

After two steps, I opened the box and sprayed myself with enough perfume to make anyone dizzy. I didn't care. Trade was already starting to open and I had to hurry. I put the perfume back in the bag and ran to the cafeteria.

 

When I arrived, I noticed that the men had not taken long to leave. The smell was faint, but still present. Jake was still at the counter, this time signing some papers. And when I walked in, he looked at me with a raised eyebrow. Which made his forehead wrinkle more pronounced.

 

" Good morning Sarah. S"she Smiled and looked back at the papers.

 

" Good morning Jake! I'm sorry I arrived a little late. " He looked at the clock.

 

" No, it didn't. Maxwell and Scarlet aren't even here yet. " I frowned.

 

" Not? " I whispered confused.

 

" Came in early today. " He continued to write on the papers. Had that watch already broken?

 

" I don't know, I thought I had missed the schedule. " He smiled, but I couldn't help noticing his sad face.

 

" Are you okay Jake? " I approached.

 

" Everything. "She put the pen in her suit and picked up the papers. " Since you arrived early, can you try the cheese bread? I made them today and I don't know if they're good. She laughed and winked at me.

 

" Hmm, but of course! " I swear if I had my tail right now, I'd be wagging it at Jake. I was starving!

 

I had already gone to put on my uniform while Jake got the cheese rolls out of the oven. Minutes later I saw Scarlet arrive with Maxwell and I was shoving the third cheese roll in my mouth just as Jake turned around.

 

" Sarah? Did you arrive early today? Maxwell asked.

 

" I arrived. " Swallowed fast.

 

" Good Morning! " Scarlet waved smiling.

 

" Good Morning. " She was beaming. She could see her glow from afar and I knew very well why.

 

I smirked and glared at her as Maxwell walked into the locker room.

 

" You look very well this morning Scarlet. " I raised an eyebrow.

 

" I made up with... Well, I didn't get a chance to talk but, Maxwell is my boyfriend. " I opened a smile.

 

" Do not worry. I just found out yesterday.

 

" Ah... It must have looked good on the face, right? " I nodded in confirmation and she chuckled.

 

" I'm glad they got it sorted out. You look good together.

 

" Thanks.

 

"Scarlet..." I shook hands. " Jake is in the kitchen. He seems to be in pretty bad shape despite pretending he isn't. I don't know why he's like that.

 

" It's better we don't touch that subject right now. " I saw her look towards the kitchen. " I'll change and I'll be right back.

 

" OK. " Scarlet passed and went towards the locker room. I saw Jake come out of the kitchen and go back to the counter. He was quieter than usual.

 

" Sarah, could you please open the shop?

 

" Clear.

 

I went and did what he asked. I needed to ask.

 

" Jake... " I got closer.

 

I didn't want to talk about it too much because I didn't know if it would make him uncomfortable. But the reason he was like this, having disappeared yesterday and those men coming here first thing in the morning, wouldn't leave me alone. Coincidence or not, I had to know.

 

" I know you're not well. You are not usually like this. If you need any help, don't hesitate to contact me. " He had sat on a stool behind the counter, and was staring at the dark marble in front of him. He could hear her heavy breathing.

 

" My wife is dying. "She slightly raised her blue eyes to look at me. Their color was no longer as usual. They were erased as if a sadness had devastated her soul, and it devastated me too.

 

" Wh what?... " I whispered. My voice cracking.

 

Even though I met Jake in such a short time, he was the one who gave me a place to work, he who gave me an opportunity. And for a wolf, that's very significant. I could feel his sadness in the air. That to me is the worst feeling in the world. Even for the most bloodthirsty and merciless wolf, the scent of sadness can invade your psyche and bring you pain. Especially when it's the loss of someone important.

 

" Jake... I'm sorry. " I almost felt my wolf growl.

 

" Thank you for your consideration Sarah. I brought my hand to his and squeezed. Soon after I heard Maxwell and Scarlet approach.

 

" Sorry, but we just overheard. Scarlet spoke. " We're so sorry Jake.

 

" All right. I don't want to worry you.

 

" You didn't have to come today. " Maxwell said.

 

" I couldn't stay in the hospital seeing my wife like that without being able to do anything to help. " We were silent. That was...

 

" Jake. " I stroked his hand. " This is the moment she needs you the most. Please don't walk away now. " I was honest. " I would like someone to be with me in the last moments of my life. " For a wolf would never leave anyone special alone. It's what we do.

 

" We'll take care of everything around here. Just show up when you're good. Do not worry about it. " Maxwell took Jake's beret that was hanging on the stool and placed it on his head. " Go! " I let go of his hand and saw him get up.

 

" Ok ok... I thank you. "She passed by us and ended up leaving the cafeteria.

 

I sighed and saw him getting into his truck parked right out front.

 

I turned to the two who were still standing there watching Jake disappear from their sight.

 

" Well, let's get to work. Maxwell said. " Today is going to be a long di"

 

" I arrived! " I turned back to the door when I heard that voice. " And this time I'm not late. " It was the other waitress from yesterday.

 

I couldn't help my eyes rolling back. I could very well cover her work, why did she come today?

 

" Good Morning! Scarlet replied. Apparently, she's kind to everyone.

 

" Looks like Jake is in trouble, he left and didn't even see me passing by him.

 

Maxwell walked towards the kitchen in silence. Which I thought was funny of you. I ended up doing the same and walked away quietly.

 

We were both serving customers and taking orders. The day was being very busy even with the help of the other waitress that I didn't even know the name. But, for a change, I ended up doing a lot more than she did. The woman didn't even seem to make an effort to do things right. I had already broken a plate, two glasses and I didn't know what I was still doing here. She was all smiles and apologies when she did something wrong, and the customers ended up not even caring, but I, I was about to foam at the mouth.

 

Since morning, I was very attentive with who arrived at the snack bar. I didn't know if any wolves could come here again. In fact, I didn't know anything that could happen. Especially if those two men from this morning came by coincidence or if they already knew something about me. Anyway, I didn't even stay to be sure. My wolf is not crazy enough to do that.

 

I picked up the empty plates from the table and carried them into the kitchen. I went back, wiped the dark wood with a cloth, then turned to attend to another customer who had just walked in, but stopped short. My vision didn't take long to land on that guy. Pether, that same lone wolf was walking into the diner.

 

" Oh no... " I whispered.

 

He glanced around for a table and walked over to sit down. He wore a long"sleeved dark shirt and jeans. His wolfish scent was mixed with a woody scent. If not for that, he would have recognized your scent the moment he stepped inside. The loner hadn't seen me yet. He approached absentmindedly towards his table, but in a subtle movement, he turned his eyes towards me and narrowed them slowly.

 

" It can only be a joke... " He approached slowly until he stopped a meter away from me. " What are you doing here?

 

" I work here. I whispered and he raised an eyebrow. He looked confused that a loner would work in such an obvious and risky place. Yeah I know that wolf. " I'm asking what you're doing here. " I looked around suspiciously.

 

" Well... I came to eat. " He spoke with disdain and walked past me continuing to walk to his table. Where's the other waitress when I need her? I looked around. He would certainly make a sign for her to serve him in my place, but the woman was nowhere to be seen.

 

I sighed and had no choice but to follow him.

 

" Ok... so what are you going to order? " I saw him picking up the small menu on the table.

 

" Let's see... " He ran his eyes over him and it didn't take long to choose. Soon she turned the menu to me and pointed. " A tray of fries, meat and two hamburgers. " Not surprising for a hungry wolf.

 

" Okay... " I wrote down the order. " I'll bring it soon.

 

" Right.

 

I turned around and walked to the counter. I delivered the order and went back to clear another unoccupied table. The other waitress was serving a woman, but every now and then she looked at me. I don't know what you missed in my face.

 

Our Sarah, be more delicate.

 

I looked back at the lone wolf who had his arms crossed staring out the large windows until he looked at me. I looked away and continued what I was doing. If Pether is around, I don't doubt she's living nearby too. Not so central, but not so far either. It's a good place to hang out and mingle.

 

I heard Maxwell call after me when Pether's order was ready. I went to the counter and took the tray, following to the table where he was.

 

" On here. " I put the plate in front of you.

 

" Thanks little wolf. "She looked at me and showed a somewhat sarcastic smile. " Who knew a dominant would be here serving people. "She whispered and I felt my wolf stirring. I looked around and rested my hand on his desk.

 

" I'm just serving you because you're going to pay for the food. " I returned the smile. " I would never serve a less dominant loner of my own free will. " I whispered back. In a tone only we could hear. And I could see him chuckle.

 

" Another thing... " I looked into his eyes. " Call me Sarah. There are people around. You never know who could be one of us, idiot.

 

" There's no other one of us here.

 

" I do not care. " I took my hand off the table. " Anything else?

 

" Not.

 

" OK then. Anything is just a nod.

 

" You have a lot of courage to work here. Taking into account your situation. " He said before I left.

 

" It was the only way I could get money. " I looked at him.

 

" It's too risky.

 

" Do not worry about it. " I kept walking. Does he think I don't know? I've been taking care of myself as much as possible.

 

I went back to work. But my mind kept thinking about what Pether had just said. I kept thinking about the problems that could come if I was discovered. And I almost did. Twice in these last few days. I may even know how to take care of myself, but what if the pack is smarter than me? They think together, and at the moment, I'm thinking alone. Pether was right, but I couldn't quit my job. Not until I have enough money to support myself until I find another less risky job.

 

I felt someone poking me. I looked over and saw the waitress next to me.

 

" Who's that handsome guy? And your boyfriend? " He whispered and raised an eyebrow. Holy shit, why is she so nosy?

 

" He's just an acquaintance. " I continued wiping the table, cleaning the rest of the sauce and fries that fell from the plates. Hoping he hadn't overheard.

 

" Hmm... Can you introduce me later then? He nudged me gently with his elbow.

 

Someone give me patience... Breathe, count to ten.

 

" Look... What's your name again? " I faced her. Impossible to count to ten. It's a lot of effort.

 

" Violet.

 

" Look Violet, don't get me wrong, but we're in the middle of work... I don't think this is a good time to talk about this. Even more so when we have customers waiting. She looked at me and swallowed hard.

 

" You're right, I'm sorry. She straightened her apron and walked away. I exhaled heavily.

 

I think I was a little harsh, maybe she just wanted to talk, but she has to have a little common sense. I looked at Pether, who was quietly finishing his food. Really he was attractive, he was above average and he was a wolf. Violet had good eyes at least.

 

I smiled and shook my head as I went back to work.

 

A few minutes passed and I saw Pether getting up. I saw him leave a sum of money on the table and leave the cafeteria. Through the window outside, I saw him wave at me and disappear into the crowd. I went to his table, collected his plate and cleaned the table. I went back to the counter and handed Maxwell the money.

 

When I realized, the day had already passed. The last customers were already leaving. The sun was already setting and Maxwell was already organizing the rest of the things so he could close the diner.

 

I just cleared the last table and went to change. Scarlet was just getting her stuff out of the closet and had already changed.

 

" Tired? " I asked while entering the dressing room.

 

" A little, but I'm used to it, and you? " I heard her sighing.

 

" I'm fine, but I'm hungry. " She laughed.

 

" Tomorrow is your day off, right? " He asked.

 

" Yes.

 

" Well, see you Monday then! Good night Sarah.

 

" Okay, good night Scarlet. See you on Monday. " I heard the sound of the jump moving away.

 

When I finished changing, I walked out of the dressing room, grabbed my things, and came back. I bumped into Maxwell in the hallway. He was probably going to change too.

 

" I'm glad I found you here. Here, pay today. " He held out the money.

 

" Thanks.

 

" See you Sarah.

 

" Until! " I kept walking until I left the small hallway and passed the door.

 

Soon I saw Violet leaning against the counter next to the register.

 

" Are you still here? " I noticed that she was startled by my sudden appearance. I smiled.

 

" Oh, I"I'm waiting for Maxwell.

 

Waiting for him? Why? He still hasn't paid her?

 

" Hmm... I'll be right then. " I looked at Violet, who wasn't even looking at me. She looked weird. She must be mad or hurt by what I said to her earlier. Maybe it's a good time to apologize, even though I'm not wrong, it's just that I hate climates like this. " Violet, look... " I approached. " I'm sorry if you're hurt by something I said to you.

 

" And everything is fine. " She stuttered.

 

There's something wrong. Violet isn't that scared.

 

I looked into her face and saw her squint at the teller as fast as a hawk. When I looked in the same direction, I noticed that the cashier was unlocked.

 

" What is happening? " I asked and passed by the counter.

 

" N"Nothing.

 

" Of course there's something wrong. " I saw her put her hand behind her body.

 

I grabbed his wrist and pulled him forward. I saw the lump of money in his hands. I widened my eyes and glared at her.

 

" So that's it Violet? Is that you? " I ended up squeezing his wrist a little too much for a human to bear, so I hurried to balance the grip again.

 

" I'm sorry"

 

" Shut up. "I took the money from his hand and put it back in the box and locked it before Maxwell came back, but I didn't let go of her wrist. " I knew I couldn't trust you. I regret having apologized. I looked into her scared eyes. " Do you think Jake deserves that? At some point he would miss the money and he might blame it on Maxwell. He's the only one who handles that cashier. Do you think he deserves this? " I whispered showing anger. She took a few steps back and ended up leaning against the wall.

 

" Let me go. She's hurting. " I looked at his wrist that was red and ended up letting go.

 

" Have you done this before? She stared at the ground and didn't answer. " I won't ask again!!! I took a step towards him and slammed my hand against the wall.

 

" Already.

 

" Then you don't deserve another chance.

 

" Will you tell?

 

I looked into her wide, teary eyes.

 

" I'll give you a deadline to resign. I don't want to see you here ever again. " I saw your tears come down. " Take the opportunity to talk to Maxwell and ask for his resignation now.

 

" Sarah, please, I need this job.

 

" Me too. And I'm working for this money I was going to steal. Prefer to be arrested? " She didn't answer for a while. She swallowed back her sobs and wiped away her tears. " It is better to find service elsewhere. And be a decent person, because the next person might not be as nice as me.

 

I heard footsteps coming down the hall. I looked over and saw Maxwell coming back.

 

" Are you still here? " He asked while fixing the collar of his shirt.

 

" I was talking to Violet, but I'm on my way out. " I walked past the counter and headed towards the door. " Bye Bye!

 

" Until later. " He replied.

 

I closed the door and started walking again. The street was still busy. I passed a fast food place as usual and bought some hamburgers to eat.

 

I hope Violet never tries such a thing again. And I also hope I never see her in that diner again.

 

I continued walking a few blocks until I reached the hotel. The girl was sitting at the reception desk and this time she was playing with her cell phone. I walked in and she immediately looked at me.

 

" You came. "I saw her move something under the counter until she got up from her chair. " On here. She held out her room key as I approached.

 

" Thanks.

 

" You're welcome, good night. " She replied and turned her eyes to the cell phone.

 

" For you too. " I returned a smile that she probably didn't see.

 

I walked towards the stairs and went upstairs. I entered the room and was happy when I saw that they had organized everything. It was a clean room and it also smelled good. My clothes were folded in a drawer I hadn't even realized existed. They had even dried wet clothes for me. I closed the door, left the bag with the snacks on the bed and went to the bathroom. Just as I imagined, everything was right. I went back, opened the window and opened the bag. I ate the burgers slowly, enjoying the delicious taste of bacon. The environment was very quiet and lonely. Normally I would hear the noises and laughter in the pack house. And even though it wasn't the best place there, everyone's voices always replaced the silence and made me more distracted. It's quite different now. And never once had I stopped to think about it before. That I would really be alone most of the time. I believe packless wolves get used to this emptiness after a while.

 

I got up and decided to go downstairs to pay for the rest of my stay here. I got out and closed the door. In the hall, I saw a couple pass me and go into the next room. They were the first people I saw in this hotel besides me. They smelled really good, by the way. I ignored it and went down the stairs.

 

" They did a great job on the room. " The punk looked at me when I appeared.

 

" Of course. " She smiled.

 

" I came to settle the rest of the money. " I took the bills out of my pocket and handed them to her.

 

" OK. "He took my hand. " What's your name again?

 

" Sarah. " I leaned against the big dark wood counter.

 

" Come here, don't get me wrong, but you have nothing with you, right? At least I didn't see you bring anything when you arrived. Are you a hippie? " I laughed. A little confused of her to be talking about it, but it was funny. It's not news that she knows I'm not from around here.

 

" Why do you ask that?

 

" For nothing, it's just that since you arrived, I realized that you probably came to this city with only the clothes on your back. I thought maybe I was living intensely. If you need anything, you can check the lost and found here at the hotel.

 

" Do you have it here?

 

" Of course we do.

 

" It would be great to have a look, but is that okay?

 

" Nobody opens that room for a long time, don't worry. Just go that way and enter the last door.

 

" What is your name? " I asked.

 

" Lilian.

 

" Thank you Lillian. " I liked this girl. " And I'm not a hippie. I'm sure they take luggage with them. I was robbed. They took my suitcase and purse before I got here. " Why didn't I say that the first time?

 

The girl looked at me indignantly, but I didn't give her time to ask questions. I walked away from the counter and headed in the direction she told me. I went down a dimly lit corridor where there were some doors. I walked past them and stopped in front of the last door like Lily told me. I opened it and turned on the light. The room seemed to have been closed for a long time, as the smell of storage was strong. It was like a big pantry. There were several things piled up and some boxes scattered in the corners. Looking quickly, I could see that there was everything. From books to toys. I went into the room and started looking through things. I opened a box and widened my eyes. There were some cell phones and spare chargers.

 

Why don't they sell it since people haven't come back for it?

 

Well, I didn't need a cell phone. I never liked using them. My old self I abandoned in the pack since I only used him to have contact with the members there. And I had no one to contact right now.

 

I closed the box and opened another. In this were empty wallets and documents. But I soon closed it because I didn't need it either. I looked around once more and went towards a large box, where I saw a handle falling to the outside. I took it off the shelf and opened it. As I imagined, there were some purses and backpacks squeezed inside the box. How can people forget things like that so easily? Look at all this!

 

Things were in great condition and most were of great quality. I was baffled by all that in disuse. For a hotel like this, I would never imagine such a thing.

 

I dug through that box and pulled out a backpack that had caught my attention. It was a medium size and dark brown leather. It would be great on rainy days if I went for a run. I separated the backpack and closed the box, putting it in the same place it was before. It was just what I needed at the moment.

 

I left the room and closed the door. I held the backpack in my hands and walked back to the front desk. Lily was talking to a guy. I heard them talking. He seemed to want a room to stay. The man had his back turned, but at the same moment I could recognize his scent and his clothes. I stopped immediately. Unbelieving. After he finished paying Lily, Pether turned his face and squinted at me when he noticed my scent too.