Hailey's POV
I thought Connor had already forgiven me, as he didn't mention what happened this morning again the entire day. Now that he was kicking me out, I realized I was being too naïve. But I never meant to hurt him. It was just my gut. Iris let out a whimper in my mind, seeming disheartened. "It was all my fault," she murmured. "No," I immediately reassured her. "It's great to stay alert. It's what saved us from those boars, remember?" She just replied with a grumble. I tried to cheer her up, saying how living here wasn't free. There were too many rules, and we both needed some breathing room. "Iris, I know it's tough, but we gotta stay strong," I concluded. She signed, "Hailey. I get it, but it sucks seeing Connor treat you like that." "He doesn't get us, and probably never will," I replied, feeling a bit down. "But we can't just throw in the towel. We've promised Frank," she said, sounding all determined. "Hell no, and honestly, I'll have to spend all my time doing chores if I stay. So maybe it's for the best," I replied, trying to pep myself up. At night, when I was packing my stuff, ready to leave the next day, Connor showed up, expressionless. "Hold off on packing. Come to my room now and sleep by my side, now," he ordered. I eyed him warily, knowing he was definitely up to something. "Why? I thought you didn't want to see me again," I asked in confusion. "I don't think it's necessary for me to explain my decision to you. Just tell me, you're coming or not? If you say yes, I'll give you $20,000." His words were direct yet cold. My eyes widened in disbelief as I thought, 'That would be a game changer for me and the Mountain Pack!' The images of our rundown packhouse and those poor pups then popped up in my head, making it impossible for me to say no. "Deal." My voice was so low that I could barely hear myself. After Connor left, I quickly patted my face, muttering to myself, "Come on! It's okay. You are here to repay a favor." Then, I went upstairs and knocked on Connor's door. Hearing no response, I waited for a while before nudging the door open. As I stepped in, I saw Connor leaning against the headboard with his eyes closed. Securitizing his face, I couldn't help thinking, 'During the day, he appears lazy and arrogant. But now that he's asleep, he's giving off some serious bad vibes. That's odd. Shouldn't he look more chill?' Just then, Connor's eyes snapped open, looking fierce. Recalling how he attacked me when I got close while he was asleep, I stepped back in fear. "You asked for me," I said hastily. As if holding something back, he said in a hoarse voice, "Come here." I stood still, stammering, "So I just need to sleep next to you, right?" I watched Connor vigilantly, while he calmly replied, "Don't get it wrong. I'm not interested in you. It's just a deal." "Can I put a pillow in between?" I asked. He nodded, snapping, "Fine. Hurry up." So, I lay on Connor's bed, trying to keep my distance. He soon fell asleep, but I tossed and turned, my mind in turmoil. The fact that I was able to help the Mountain Pack with the sum gave me a sense of achievement. But then the way I earned it got me blush with shame. I turned around, fixing my gaze on Connor. Unlike just now, he looked super calm. Could it be that my existence brought him peace? The next day, I left the villa with the money from Connor, going on the hunt for a condo. Blown away by L.A.'s crazy rent, I realized I gotta find a job that offered accommodation. After searching for a long time, I finally secured a job at a coffee shop named Twilight Café. I told the owner about my dilemma, and he agreed to let me stay at the warehouse as long as I helped clean it. After signing the contract, I transferred the money to Alpha Johnny and told him about my plan. Though worried, he still supported my decision. "Hailey, you always make us proud." Johnny's voice came through the phone, all raspy. "Just doing what I gotta do, for the pack," I replied, feeling determined. After hanging up the phone, I returned to Connor's villa to take my luggage. When I pushed open the door, I saw a woman in a blue dress standing in the middle of the living room. She gave off an elegant and gentle vibe, with soft curls cascading down to her waist, her face all pretty and delicate. The high heels set off her long legs. Noticing me, she gave a warm smile, saying, "Hello, I'm Elena, a friend of Connor's."Hailey's POVThe name sounded incredibly familiar.One of Connor's buddies mentioned it the first day I rocked up at this villa. Saying things like she was a good match for him.Putting on a polite smile, I greeted, "Hello."Elena gave a curt nod, then sauntered over to the living room, plopping down on the sofa. With a tone that commanded attention, she piped up, "I'd like a cup of coffee, please."I froze for a bit. Eventually, I still went to the kitchen.Just as I was about to get brewing, however, Elena suddenly changed her mind."Hold up," she said, a disdainful smile curled at the corner of her mouth. "Almost forgot Matt told me you sucked at making coffee."I paused, feeling embarrassed."Never mind. I'll do it then," she went on, her tone filled with pride. "Now, watch and learn."Elena took out a bag of coffee beans from the counter and poured some into the coffee machine.Part of me wanted to bail, but leaving her here felt kinda rude.So I just stood aside, quietly watchin
Connor's POVElena 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.D
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