CHAPTER TWO - PERIPHERY

I woke up to the deafening noise of the alarm clock in my ear. I got up scared and took my hand on the clock. With the force, it fell to the ground and luckily it didn't break. I sighed and slowly got out of bed. I got dressed and put on the clothes I had bought yesterday. A black tank top and leggings in the same color. I brushed my teeth, ran a hand through my hair, and slipped on my sneakers. The same one I had taken from the clothesline.

 

I put the rest of the money left over from yesterday in my belt and left the room so I could buy something to eat and go to work.

 

Thanks to lycanthropy, my muscles in just one night of sleep were already fully rested. A few hours of sleep were enough for me to feel refreshed and ready for another one. However, even for me, it was more sleep than I was used to, so I really was feeling great.

 

I went downstairs and saw the punk human heading towards the reception with her hair all tangled up. She was yawning and sleep seemed to be her worst enemy now.

 

" Good Morning! " I passed close to the bench.

 

" Good morning... " I heard her panting.

 

I continued to the hotel entrance and left. I could feel the difference in temperature as I walked through the door. The weather was cool but not cold. The street remained with few people. The bar across the street was closed, but there was a man slumped on the sidewalk just ahead. I widened my eyes and crossed the street. I approached the man and soon smelled the strong smell of alcohol. Making me grimace.

 

" Uh... Sir? " I said, but he didn't even move. I walked over and shook his shoulder. He wasn't dirty or untidy, but he was completely out of alcohol.

 

" Don't mind this dying man. He's almost always lying there in the morning. " A woman passed me and kept walking. He didn't seem to care about the situation. I looked back at the man and sighed. "Always" is a lot... What the hell happened in this poor guy's life to end up in this situation? I shook him once more, but only got a grunt in response. I needed to go eat before going to work. I couldn't help it.

 

" Well, good luck sir.

 

I kept walking and passed a FastFood. I bought a large hamburger and devoured it on my way to work. Luckily they were open 24 hours a day. So I could go there whenever I wanted.

 

Arriving close to work, I saw Maxwell entering the cafeteria. I crossed the street and walked along the sidewalk until I stopped at the entrance. He was approaching the counter and had just said hello to Jake. That he was wiping the dark marble with a cloth. I walked in and then they both looked at me.

 

" Good Morning. " I said and followed them.

 

" Good Morning. " The two answered.

 

" Good morning people! " I looked back when I heard a female voice.

 

A tall, slender woman had entered the cafeteria. She had very long black hair and her eyes were also very black. Her skin was flawless and she had a very youthful voice. She looked to be at most twenty"five.

 

" Good morning Scarlet. " The two answered again.

 

Scarlet? Scarlet? Who was Scarlet again? I think Jake had told me about her.

 

" Hi. Nice to meet you, my name is Sarah. " I extended my hand to shake her.

 

She approached with a huge smile on her face. She was a little taller than me. She wore light blue jeans and a navy blue shirt.

 

" Much pleasure. My name is Scarlet. " She squeezed my hand friendly and shook it. She seemed to be very kind. " I'm the cook here.

 

Ahhh.... That Scarlet! The head cook.

 

" Scarlet, she's the new waitress we hired yesterday.

 

" So it's you! "She ran her eyes at me and continued with the smile on her face. I was beginning to suspect that she was one of those people who embody cheer every morning. " I loved your hair... And your eyes... When I was younger, my dream was to have honey eyes like yours. Quite simply, you are adorable! " I was looking at her face not knowing what to think or what to answer.

 

" Thank you... " Laughed awkwardly.

 

Apparently, she liked to talk.

 

" Right, right. Now go get ready. Soon the cafeteria will open. Jake put a hand on her hip.

 

" I missed you too, Jake. She walked past him, giggling.

 

We got ready and got to work. Scarlet had gone to the kitchen and Maxwell was taking orders as I brought them to him. Today the cafeteria was crowded all day and I had to change into two to be able to serve the customers. I was still trying to get used to the job, so it was a little difficult to keep up with the pace at all. But still I was happy. Lucky for me, I hadn't bumped into any other wolves. Everyone I had known or cared for had been human. And I was really lucky with that. But today in particular, I saw a guy walk into the cafeteria. He immediately caught my attention due to the specific smell of our species. The smell was strong as if it had been transformed a short time ago. He looked about 30 years old. He wore a white dress shirt and jeans. His shoe was perfectly shined. She had very dark brown hair but I couldn't see the color of her eyes. I had to keep my distance, but I was the only one answering. My scent wasn't as strong as it was yesterday, but he would have noticed me from meters away if I moved a little closer.

 

The first thing I thought of doing was going into the kitchen and asking Scarlet if she didn't have a bottle of perfume I could borrow. She frowned at my sudden question.

 

" Yes yes, it's inside my purse in the locker room. You can take it if you want. " She was making bread dough and her hands were completely dirty with flour.

 

" Thank you Scarlet. Thanks a lot. " I left and walked quickly to the locker room. I searched all the closets and when I finally found her purse, I opened it and sprayed myself with perfume several times. I coughed a little, but that would definitely cover up my scent. I left the bag in the same place and left the locker room.

 

When I returned, I noticed that there was another man sitting next to him. Maxwell looked at me from the counter. It looked like he was about to go answer them when I disappeared. I took a deep breath and tried not to show any reaction. I walked over to the table where they had sat and stood by the table with paper and pen in hand.

 

" Well, gentlemen?

 

I looked at the brunette I'd seen earlier and then at the man who was sitting across from him. And unlike the brunette, he had a more casual look. He wore a navy blue polo shirt and dark jeans. His leather jacket was slung over the other chair. He had dark blonde hair and his eyes were brown. His scent also gave him away, he was a wolf just like the other, and they looked about the same age.

 

I took a deep breath and stayed there. Their aura was considerable. Any wolf approaching at first would sense it. They certainly had a high level of dominance compared to others and even my former Alpha. It was the same feeling I felt around him. However, this territory was bigger, the pack was much stronger than Bruce's, at least that's what I heard. I couldn't even imagine the Alpha's power level from here if even your common wolves were strong. I took a deep breath and gripped the pen at the thought of Chris. Hatred and happiness were a duality within me. But I should focus now.

 

And these idiots here... Why would they be walking around showing this unnecessary dominance? I was also dominant. He knew very well that dominance could be exposed if anger and stress were aroused enough. Surely these here were stressed about something. And knowing that, I had to control myself too.

 

" Good Morning. We want two servings of this dish here. " The brunette pointed to the menu. I could see that he had very dark blue eyes.

 

" Right... Anything else? " I looked at the two and saw them looking back at me. My body automatically froze and my breath hitched.

 

" Two medium Cappuccinos, please.

 

" Right. " I forced my voice not to fail and wrote it down. " Soon your order will be ready.

 

Scarlet's perfume had saved me. Completely. Even though my scent mingled with the fragrance, they would never really be able to identify it. I could see it in their eyes. It certainly was confusion. Because I smell so unbearable or because I'm such a confusing odor.

 

I turned around and headed for the counter. I handed the orders to Maxwell and my legs felt a little wobbly. Not because of their dominance, far from it. I had dealt with wolves of this level before. My fear was that I would be discovered by the pack the day after my escape and suffer the severe penances they had for crimes like that. I've seen Chris a thousand times dealing with loners that were found in his territory. It wasn't cool.

 

If I wanted to live here normally, I would have to introduce myself to the Alpha of this territory. And being a newly solitary female, I would obviously be forced to join the pack. However, after my escape, the last thing I wanted was to be part of another. So I decided to run away and live by my own rules. It was enough that I had to give them the satisfaction of my whole life, I wasn't prepared for that again.

 

From the counter, I could hear their conversation. They were speaking quietly, so I had to strain my hearing to hear well.

 

" Stanley got a call from our neighbor. We don't know what it is, but he's already warned us."

 

" Sounds important."

 

" And it is."

 

"How about the neighbor? Was it…Bruce?" I widened my eyes and stared at the floor. If he communicates to the Alpha from here, he'll know about me and he'll hunt me down. I can't stay here much longer if that happens... darn it! 

 

" Sarah! The order is ready. " Maxwell nudged me and I woke up.

 

I grabbed the tray off the counter and walked over to the table where they were sitting.

 

" Excuse me, here it is. " I left the orders, turned around and went through the tables picking up the empty plates and glasses. Act normally Sarah. Act normally. Don't think the worst. You are not going back to that place.

 

" Are you feeling it? " I heard one of them whisper and squeezed the cloth.

 

" Yes."

 

"Do not, Do not, Do not." I thought

 

They're definitely looking around. I have to get away from them if they won't feel it. I'm too nervous to be able to control my dominance. They will notice.

 

I picked up the tray and hurried back to the kitchen. I left the dishes in the sink and took a deep breath.

 

" Maxwell, can you switch places with me? I'm not feeling very well.

 

" What happened? " Maxwell and Scarlet asked.

 

" Nothing. I just have an annoying migraine.

 

" Of course I can trade with you.

 

" Thanks.

 

I wouldn't need to go serve anyone else.

 

I'm sorry I lied, Maxwell, but I can't risk it. I left the kitchen and took advantage of the fact that the cafeteria was calmer to go to the bathroom.

 

I turned on the faucet and splashed water on my face. I felt my eyes vibrate as if the circulation in the region warmed my skin even more. I looked in the mirror already knowing that the wolf's eyes would be looking back at me. Their yellow reflection stared at me as if it were a different being from me, but that I was already used to living with.

 

I squeezed my eyes shut and fought the strong urge to shift and run away again. To go somewhere far away from here. No contact with Bruce's pack. I took a deep breath, dried my face and left the bathroom. When I returned I saw that the two were unfortunately still sitting there eating. I went to the counter and continued working in Maxwell's place. Now serving customers. Occasionally, I paid attention to the conversation between the two men. But after that information, they didn't talk about their pack anymore.

 

After a few minutes, the two left and I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders. I never wanted to see the two of them in front of me again.

 

When my shift ended, I changed and said goodbye to everyone. Jake paid me and I finally got out of there.

 

The paper the hotel receptionist had given me was in my hand. I was determined to go to the outskirts of the city to sort this out. I walked through some streets and stopped at the first bus stop I saw. There was a gentleman sitting on the bench next to me.

 

" Hello goodnight. Do you know which bus goes to the outskirts? " I asked. He looked at me and then looked at his old wristwatch.

 

" I think the next bus goes there.

 

" Thanks.

 

I waited sitting for a few minutes and then I saw the bus pull over. It wasn't full, which made me strange, but I was also relieved. I paid a few cents of fare and went to sit down.

 

The bus walked for long minutes through the city until it reached a more bleak and simple area. The bus stopped at a dark corner where I wouldn't have believed it to be a bus stop if it weren't for the light with poor contact from the pole, which illuminated a small sign that was right in front. I went down and got the paper. The bus soon left and disappeared among the dark streets of the neighborhood. Most of the poles were in poor contact and the streets were practically empty. There were some badly finished buildings around and everything looked very suspicious. I kept walking and looking at the street names to find my way around. Luckily, the receptionist had given me everything in detail. She probably came here very often.

 

There were a few old pubs along the streets I passed. And they seemed to be the only places full around here. With drunk people making racket and things like that. I walked a few more streets and finally it seemed that I arrived at the proposed address. It was inside a dark alley and in front of the entrance, there was a fluorescent sign with letters illuminated in red. If that wasn't suspicious, I didn't know what was.

 

As everything was so messed up, I couldn't understand what was written on the sign. I approached the door and rang a bell next to it. I could barely hear her noise, but soon I saw a guy open the door and appear through the small gap. I could barely see him either.

 

" Who are you?

 

" Hi. I came because I need an identity. I hear you can help me with this.

 

" Who told you?

 

" I don't think it matters.

 

" I decide what matters to me. " I raised an eyebrow.

 

" Yeah... A girl receptionist at the hotel I'm at. I actually don't know her name.

 

" All right, I know her. " He closed the door again and I could hear him unlocking the locks and padlocks. " In between. "He opened the door.

 

I finally got to see him properly. He was tall and slender. He wore a red cap and had chin"length curly hair. He looked to be about twenty years old. He opened the way and motioned for me to enter. After I did, I looked around. The walls were gray brick, the dim blue lights barely illuminating the place but giving the room a nice look. The smell of pot was faint, but it was there. Okay, just ignore it Sarah.

 

" So you need a fake ID? " He closed the door again. " You don't seem to need these things. She crossed her arms.

 

" And what does that have to do with it? Are you going to help me or not? " I arched an eyebrow.

 

" I will. Of course I will. But it will cost $200.

 

" What?

 

" Do you want it or not?

 

" Wait, I want to, but I won't be able to pay all that. " Does he think I look rich?

 

" All right, but how much do you have there? " I narrowed my eyes.

 

" I have $80. " I lied. I actually had $150, but I had more important things to spend on.

 

He sighed and looked at the floor. I knew that resigned look. If he hadn't had so many customers lately, he'd have accepted whatever the price was.

 

" All right, I'll do it at that price for you.

 

" Serious?! " I opened a smile.

 

" Serious. Now give me your information so I can put it on the ID.

 

" Sarah Ross, 26 years old. The rest you can make up. " He looked at me and laughed.

 

" That's right. "She went to a room just ahead and turned on some machines. " I'll start. You can sit down if you like. I'll take a 3x4 photo of you.

 

" Okay. " I sat on a wooden chair.

 

He seemed like a good person.

 

" You came here alone? You're brave. "She typed some things on the computer. "Or stupid..." I cleared my throat and he chuckled. He dragged a small camera in front of me and positioned it.

 

" Ready?

 

" Yes.

 

I heard the noise of the machine, followed by the flash that almost blinded me.

 

" Beauty. " He said.

 

After he typed a few more things on the computer, I saw him print a small piece of paper and then press it on a medium"sized machine.

 

" Put your fingerprint here. " He brought a container and placed it on the table along with the ID. I dipped my thumb in the surface ink of the foam and stamped the small paper. He took it and blew on the paint to dry it fast. Then I saw him laminate the document.

 

" Here it is. " Delivered me.

 

" Wow, that was fast. " I waited for him to turn around to turn off the machines to take the money from my leggings and get the $80. " Thank you. " I gave him the money.

 

" Good luck. He held out his hand in farewell and I shook it. But soon I felt her silver bracelet lightly touch my fingers. I let go of her hand quickly when I felt the burn. Shit, I hadn't seen the bracelet. " What happened? "She frowned.

 

" It was nothing. I hurt my hand in the kitchen today. Still hurts. " I covered my hand. " Well, let me go. Thanks again. I went to the door and he opened it for me to come out.

 

" Be careful on the way back.

 

" I will have. Do not worry.

 

" I do not care. You're the one who should be worried. "She waved and closed the door in my face. Subtle.

 

I sighed and started walking again. Little does he know, I can rip someone's throat out in the blink of an eye.

 

I kept the document in my belt and went back the same way I came. The bars seemed fuller and even livelier. There was a lot of screaming, bottles breaking now and then and everything. And all I wanted was to get out of here as quickly as possible.

 

I don't know if it was an impression or if the streets were actually even darker than before. But I could feel in my skin that the environment was heavy and caused me a bad impression. There were a lot of mixed smells and it made me confused. Cigarette, marijuana, alcohol, garbage. All of it was disgusting. I kept walking and in the distance I saw a group of people on the corner of an abandoned shed. They were sitting on a staircase talking, some were smoking, others were perhaps about to be, but I was sure of one thing: my desire to go there was nil.

 

I looked around to see if there wasn't an alternative path I could follow, but I was already halfway there and there was no alley nearby. Whatever it was, I had to keep walking.

 

I could hear them talking. Something about money and sex. There were a total of six people. Two women and four men. And with each step I got closer to passing by them. The street was narrow and I almost had to do it. It was ten feet away.

 

Everyone looked at me.

 

" Hmm, new meat around here? How much do you charge sweetie? I took a deep breath and rolled my eyes as I continued walking. I couldn't let my blood run hot.

 

" Haha. She ignored you Dan! " A female voice. " Let her go to her spot.

 

" Stop there, you whore. Don't act like an idiot. I'm talking with you. " I smelled the hatred that came from that human. I looked to the side and stopped when I realized he was striding towards me.

 

" You decided to listen to me, bitch?

 

" Uh... I think you're wrong. I'm not a whore.

 

" So what are you doing here at this hour? "She stopped next to me.

 

" I'm free to do whatever I want at that time. " I frowned and watched him circle me.

 

" Too bad guys, she said she's not a prostitute. " Laughed.

 

The other men got up and came over as well.

 

" But still, she can have fun with us a little bit, right? " The man who surrounded me took my arms.

 

" I don't want to mess with you. So I hope they hear me and let me go.

 

" Don't worry, you'll like it. " I looked at the two women who were still sitting on the small stairs. They looked at the situation and even seemed to enjoy it. I took a deep breath.

 

The other man grabbed my waist and I could feel the blood rush to my head. I sent my knee between his legs and quickly saw him falling to the ground while moaning. The guy on my right was still distracted by the scream of pain, so I took the opportunity to hit his ribs with a quick kick. He screamed too and I could almost be sure I had broken some of them. I tried to do the same with the other one on my left, but with the man holding me from behind, I couldn't kick very well and he was able to defend himself. I groaned in anger and threw my head back, hitting the guy holding me in the nose. He roared and released me quickly. Soon I smelled blood in the air.

 

" You bitch! "She put her hand on her nose that was dripping blood.

 

The man who had defended himself quickly came towards me. He raised his fist to hit me but thanks to reflex, I managed to dodge and return the perfect jab to his jaw. He fell to the floor and looked at me confused and probably a little dizzy. Maybe I was surprised by my strength of a 100 kg man.

 

Haha, because he's handsome... You can come.

 

" I said I didn't want to get in trouble. " I looked around me looking for the missing man, but I felt a tug on my hair and something extremely painful burning in my neck.

 

" Don't move, otherwise I'll have to use that knife. " I heard him scream in my ear. " Do you know who you're messing with?

 

Was it a silver penknife? Does he know anything?

 

" No, and I don't care. What do you intend to do with it? " I asked.

 

" Oh, but of course it's to hurt you a little. We would be kind before, but not anymore.

 

I felt my wolf growl and grip my muscles. I quickly grabbed his wrist and sank my teeth, twisting him away from me. The switchblade fell to the ground and I had time to get away while this last man was still dazedly holding his bitten hand. My breathing was rasping and if I stood there I would possibly be able to rip out the throats of all of them. And I couldn't do that.

 

I don't know if this last man wielded a silver switchblade by coincidence or if he actually knew something about us, but he obviously wasn't a wolf. And what's more, they seemed surprised by my aggressive behavior. They probably don't know anything.

 

Soon it started to blow, and as I ran through the streets, I caught a faint but distinct scent of mint and musk. It didn't make sense for that smell to appear in such a putrid place out of nowhere. But soon after I smelled it, it was gone again. In a flash.

 

I put my hand on my neck and walked into a dark alley. I jumped over the railing and cut across to another street. I don't know if it would be good for me to take a bus in the situation I'm in. I took a deep breath and took control again. If I didn't control myself, it would be even more dangerous for them to find me. My scent would become more intense and I could be perceived from afar. Besides, there are wolves in every corner of this city. The pack here is much bigger than my old one and now I'm alone. I can't waste my luck.

 

I kept walking as far away from there as possible. Unfortunately the hotel is almost on the other side of town. It would take a good few minutes to get there. If I could just transform, it would make it a lot easier, but I can't risk it.

 

After about ten minutes of walking, I realized I was out of that shithole. I stopped by a diner that was still open and bought some food. I asked the guy who worked there, how many minutes it took from here to the city center and if there were any buses at that time. He said about twenty minutes on foot, but that there was a bus that went by at that time. It was the last one. I thanked him, took a deep breath and left the cafeteria. I ran to the next bus stop and waited for him to pass. Thanks to the good Lord, it didn't take long for him to arrive. It wasn't that crowded, but there were more people than the last one. I took a deep breath and looked at the reflection in the glass. My neck had a small cut from the silver. And due to that, maybe it would only disappear in the morning.

 

I opened the door to my room, walked in and locked it right away. I went to the bathroom, took a quick shower, ate and lay on that bed that was the same way I had left it. I soon flipped over when I put my head on the pillow.