Connor's POV
Elena stood in front of me and looked reluctant. She seemed to have something to say to me. I gave her a cold glance. She was in no place to question me. I was sure that she could feel it from my aura. "Connor, I..." Elena hesitated. "Elena, you shouldn't be here," I cut in. My voice was devoid of any emotion. "You know I don't like it." Elena was startled by my sudden indifference. She hesitated for a moment, then forced a smile on her face. "I'm just concerned about you, Connor." "There's no need," I replied briefly and firmly. "I can handle my own business." The color drained from Elena's face. She would only embarrass herself more if she stayed. So, she quickly cleared her mood and gracefully turned around to leave. As the door closed, she turned back and glanced at me. Her eyes were filled with complex emotions. I sat in front of the table, thinking about what had happened earlier this day. When I woke up this morning, I was surprised that I slept so soundly again. Derek was calm, not as irritable and restless as usual. I didn't have nightmares either. I didn't even know when Hailey left the villa. Last time, I had a good sleep on Hailey's sofa. That might be nothing. But it happened again, which proved that her scent did work certain magic on me. This was incredible. I had never had such an experience. I must find out if it was her scent that made Derek and me feel so calm. I held Hailey's pillowcase, and her scent still lingered on it, which made me sleepy again. I immediately returned to my pack house and then mind-linked Benjamin. He was a genius perfumer and was extremely sensitive to smells. "Benjamin, I need you to help me with something," I said straightforwardly. "Just tell me," Benjamin quickly responded. "I need you to replicate a scent," I said. "Sure, what scent?" Benjamin asked curiously. "The scent from Hailey's pillowcase," I replied. There was a moment of silence before Benjamin spoke again. "I see. But it'll take some time." "Take all the time you need. But I want the exact scent," I said firmly. "Alright, I'll do my best," Benjamin agreed to my request. Soon, Benjamin arrived at the pack house with his equipment. I handed him the pillowcase, and he smelled it carefully. Then, he started working on it with all sorts of little bottles. Meanwhile, I asked, "Do you think one person's scent can make another person feel at ease?" Benjamin stopped his work and looked at me seriously, "Of course. There is a close connection between smell and emotions. Sometimes, a specific smell can cause a person's emotional response." I nodded and began to wonder. After a while, Benjamin finally made a perfume with a similar scent. He handed it to me and asked me to try it. As soon as I smelled it, I frowned and said, "No, this is not her scent." Benjamin looked a bit confused and said, "No way. It smells the same as that pillowcase. I did my best." "No, it isn't," I confirmed again. Benjamin thought for a moment and then said, "Okay, let's call some more people here and let them try it." He called several guys over and had them smell the pillowcase and the perfume respectively. After that, they all said that they smelt the same. I was puzzled. Then, Benjamin explained, "Perhaps it's not just about the smell. I heard that when you find your fated mate, you can smell a particular scent from her." I immediately denied, "No, impossible. Hailey can't be my fated mate." Benjamin shrugged, "Your wolf is calm now. How do you explain that? I think you should let her stay. It'll be better for your wolf." I fell silent and pondered on Benjamin's words. I had to make an important decision for myself and Derek. Benjamin left. I stayed at the pack house, contemplating what to do next. I had to figure out how much Hailey could affect my mood, and if I had any feelings towards her. So I headed back to the villa. I didn't expect to see Elena there. And Hailey was walking toward the gate with her luggage. I knew why Elena came. I never had feelings for her, so I usually ignored whatever she said or did. But that didn't mean she could do anything she wanted. She should never cross the line. After Elena left, I started thinking about how to make Hailey stay. I didn't expect her to find a place to live so quickly. I couldn't come up with a reason yet, so I asked her to make me lunch. Sitting by the table, I lost track of time. But still, I got nothing. I was never in such a helpless situation. Then, Hailey walked out of the kitchen, carrying my lunch. She seemed to be in a good mood. "Enjoy your lunch. See ya."Hailey's POVAs I walked toward the kitchen, I heard Elena talking to Connor in a begging tone. Apparently, she didn't want to go.I was not interested in eavesdropping, so I closed the kitchen door.At the thought of leaving here quickly, I opted for the quickest fix—sandwiches. I reached for the peanut butter and jam, and some whole-meal bread from the cupboard.After smearing one slice with peanut butter and another with strawberry jam, I sandwiched them together and cut them into neat triangles.With swift action, I diced up some carrots and cucumbers into crisp strips as side dishes.To round off the meal, I whipped up a pot of tomato vegetable soup. I tossed in fresh tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery, poured in some water, sprinkled a pinch of salt, and let it simmer on low.When I walked out of the kitchen with the food, I was surprised to find that Elena had already left.That was out of my expectation. But it was good for me though. Without Elena here, I could leave more
Hailey's POVAs I left Connor's villa, I felt an unexpected sense of relief, despite the uncertainty ahead.With my luggage in tow, I passed through the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Finally, I arrived at a Twilight Café.As I pushed open the door, I was greeted by the comforting aroma of coffee and the cozy ambiance.I inhaled deeply, anticipating the fresh start of my life."Hi, you're here early." A gentle male voice interrupted my thoughts.Looking up, I saw the café owner, Vernon Rice, approaching me with a warm smile.Fine lines crimped around his eyes as he smiled and reached out a friendly hand to me, saying, "I thought you'd come tomorrow.""I don't have much to pack, so it took me little time," I replied, feeling the rough marks of hard work on his hand as I shook it.Noticing my luggage, Vernon remarked, "Seems you're preparing to settle in here?""Yes, sir," I replied somewhat sheepishly, "I hope I won't be a bother.""Not at all. I have a small room here, originally in
Connor's POVI walked into Twilight Café, a coffee shop that stood in stark contrast to the familiar haunts I frequented.Hand-painted coffee cups adorned the walls, and the wooden tables and chairs radiated a rustic simplicity.My gaze swept through the store, finally locking onto Hailey.She noticed me too, and seemed surprised by my presence.She did not come over immediately, but instead watched me from afar, her eyes a mix of emotions I couldn't quite describe.A subtle displeasure emanated from her stare, stirring up an inexplicable feeling within me.My wolf, Derek, seemed to sense my emotional turmoil and began to stir from the depths of my heart.Walking to her, I tried to keep my voice steady and composed. "A cup of coffee, please."She didn't say a word, merely nodding before turning to prepare the coffee.As her figure receded from view, a wave of complicated emotion welled up in my heart.I found a seat by the window and looked at the street outside, my thoughts drifting.
Hailey's POVIt was a workday, and there were only a few customers in the café.The sunlight poured through the window, casting a warm glow inside. Everything was calm and serene.Nancy and I were busy preparing desserts and coffee beans for the day.Then, several customers walked in. While they looked ordinary, their scrutinizing gazes made me feel uneasy.They took their seats, and all they ordered was a glass of free water.However, they didn't seem interested in drinking it. Instead, they were whispering among themselves, casting furtive glances our way.Their behavior struck me as suspicious, so I warned Nancy to keep an eye on them.Not long after, one of them suddenly clutched his stomach and exclaimed loudly, "Something wrong with this water! I've got a terrible stomachache after drinking it."Nancy immediately rushed over and asked, "Sir, are you alright? Should I call for a doctor?"The man persisted, "A doctor? Call the police! There must be problems with your water. You ha
Hailey's POVAs we walked out of the supermarket, Connor abruptly halted at the exit, then he looked at me, saying, "Hand over the groceries."I stared at him, taken aback by his sudden offer.Before I could respond, he had already seized the shopping bag from me with a firm grip."Connor, I..." I wanted to say that I could handle it myself, but he just glanced at me, saying, "Let's go, don't keep Grandpa waiting."I had no choice but to keep up with his pace.When we got in the car, he suddenly broke the silence with a short and direct question, "Are you cold?"I paused for a moment before shaking my head, "No, I'm good."He nodded and didn't say anything more, but I caught his fleeting glimpse at the thermometer as if verifying my answer.Quietly observing him, I found something different—he seemed to shed some of his air of superiority and looked more genuine.Soon we arrived. With the groceries just purchased in hand, we walked into the villa together.Frank was already there, sea
Hailey's POVJust as I was about to leave, Connor suddenly stood up. He strode directly towards me with a calm yet resolute look. "I'll send you back," he said.I was taken aback, then smiled and shook my head, "No need, I can handle it myself."He ignored my answer, grabbed the car keys, and walked out. As he walked past me, he commanded coldly, "Follow me."Surprised yet oddly touched. I followed him to the car and got in.Soon, he drove me to the warehouse near the café, where I was living.Connor glanced around my place as if scrutinizing there. "You live here?"I quickly said, "It's good and safe here. And Vernon said I don't have to pay rent."Hearing my words, his lips tightened. After a moment, he took my hand and said, "Come back with me.""I really like it here," I pulled my hand back and explained earnestly.He didn't press further. He just nodded gently before turning on his heel and walking away.I watched as he receded into the distance, leaving me somewhat at a loss for
Hailey's POVI stared at Matt, a surge of anger rising in my heart, while at the same time, I engaged in a conversation with my wolf Iris in my mind."Iris, can you feel it?" I asked in my heart."I can. They are all ordinary werewolves from the same wolf pack, except for Matt, who has the Alpha bloodline." Iris' voice revealed a hint of disdain."Let me take over your body to give him a lesson. He's too arrogant!" Iris expressed her dissatisfaction.I felt the breath of my wolf starting to release. Perhaps sensing my pressure, Matt and the others took a few steps back in fear.Seeing humans passing by, I realized it was not a proper time."Iris, it is not the time now. We need to be patient," I persuaded."Alright, but don't endure for too long," Iris replied reluctantly.I took a deep breath, trying to calm down, and then smiled at Matt, saying, "Sure, I'll hang out with you guys. But you gotta arrange my work."Surprised that I changed my mind, Matt quickly said, "Great, let's go."
Connor's POVI stood at the edge of the Shadow Forest, and in the darkness, the werewolves of Matt's pack seemed somewhat fidgety.They didn't expect my appearance, and I had the accompanying guards of the Blaze Pack quickly hold them.I walked quickly to Hailey's side. She looked fragile, her eyes revealing helplessness and pleading.Hailey's face turned pale as if all her energy had been drained. She couldn't stand up.My heart tightened, and I immediately lifted her up.Hailey, like a broken doll, leaned against me, trembling uncontrollably.Since I had known Hailey, I had seen how energetic she was when she smiled and how resilient she was when she cried. I had seen a bright and cheerful Hailey. But I had never seen such a fragile Hailey, as if her life was about to be severed.I wrapped Hailey with a coat, holding her in my arms."Ike, have a check."Ike quickly stepped forward. He was an experienced pack doctor.He carefully inquired about Hailey's situation and picked up the gl