CHAPTER TWO

Bran was from a small pack in Hillport. Mostly known for their volatile nature better than that, they were known as werewolf hunters. When a werewolf goes rogue, his pack were the ones called to bring that wolf to face justice—

He was the strongest in the pack, hence their alpha and protector. Although affable, Bran couldn’t be messed with. Since his parents were killed by opposing packs, he had taken up the duty of leading and protecting the pack— following in his parents’ footsteps. No one dared to toil with his pack and didn’t face his wrath.

Bran hated to be out there, he didn’t fancy being in the spotlight or talk to people much including the members of his pack almost like he was super shy.

Everyone loved and respected him; in addition, he was a provider. It was always good things people had to say about him.

At a festive party hosted by the six surrounding towns, packs from all over came together to celebrate the peace and prosperity experienced in the last year. Killings were at a minimum, poaching companies closed up. They didn’t have to live in fear anymore of ending up in the hunters’ traps.

The party was alive, lots of lights, drinks, food, beer, performances, gifts, games, and drunk wolves of course.

“This is so beautiful and full of life”, Sierra said as she walked up to Bran smiling broadly with two bottles of beer in her left hand, using her right hand to remove the piece of golden brown hair covering her eye. She neatly placed them behind her ear— yes it is, Bran replied almost instantly, turning to the stranger who interrupted his thoughts. His heart missed a beat, he just couldn’t help it; Waw! He said.

“Is something wrong?” Sierra asked, a concerned look on her face as she dropped her question.

Sierra was averagely built, with distinct features. A slightly square-shaped face sat on her neck. Most girls either had oval or round faces, he hadn’t quite seen any girl with such unique facial features. Sweet almond shaped blue eyes with eyeshadow that enhanced the already vibrant qualities, flat small nose, he wondered if she was able to breathe through those tiny nostrils, her lips majestic in every sense of the word, sat perfectly on her face. Her Cupid’s bow peaked, visibly alluring. Damn! Everything was flawless, he thought to himself.

“Oh! Nothing, Bran replied, clearing his throat. I mean the party is really good, I’m having a great time—“

“Here! Have a drink” Sierra offered, smiling as she stretched her hand to give him a bottle not waiting for his response. “Thank you” Bran said rather shyly. Looking at his feet, he asks “Do you stay around here? I’ve not seen you around”.

He looked up smiling at Sierra. “No”, she replied,” I don't. I just came for the party. It's really my first time here. I came from Pasteria with my family and I absolutely love it here! Everyone is so friendly”. You could see the excitement on her face as she spoke”. Sighing, I saw you by yourself so I decided to give you some company”, she said. “I’m Sierra, nice to meet you stranger”, she said stretching her hand for him to receive it— Bran thought to himself, she’s so free spirited. “I’m Bran”, he responds, “nice to meet you too. You’re beautiful!” he blurted. “Maybe we could have dinner somewhere quiet”, he said uncertainly. “Oh well! Only if you hold my hands while we walk— grinning”, Sierra said. “Let’s do it then” Bran said, as he reached for her bottle and dumped it along with his.

Reaching for her waist, they walked to the diner.

“Is this your first time coming to a party like this?” Bran asked Sierra as they took a seat at a secluded corner in the crowded diner they thought would be filled less with people, obviously they thought wrong.

“Yes, my parents are quite protective. They insist the towns are not kind to strangers. My brothers come for these mostly anyway. They tell me… Interrupted by the waitress, smiling “Good evening! Would you like me to take your order now?”

Realizing that they had been talking the whole time and barely noticed the menu in front of them. “Oh uhhh no no we’re still deciding, thank you“, Bran said giving a soft smile— “What would you like to eat?” An indecisive Sierra stares at the laminated paper in front of her for over two minutes. “I have no idea what to choose”, she said, covering her face in her palms. “Here, let me help you”. He goes ahead to grab the menu from her, looks through it for a few seconds and calls on the waitress.

Smiling as she came to the table, she asked, "Are you ready now”? Yes! The lady, pointing at Sierra, “Would have vanilla cream pie and for myself chocolate pie”. Great! The waitress replied. Bran interjected “We would love a bottle of your best wine”. It wasn’t a big diner, but he hoped they would have a decent bottle at the very least. Coming right up! The waitress said and walked away.

Sierra was too stunned to say anything. She just watched with a light smile as Bran took charge of everything.

“I’m all yours now, where did we stop? Sierra sat up right, pushed her hair behind her ears “I don’t remember, but you can tell me how you guessed my favorite flavor correctly”

“OMG! It’s been my fave since I was a child. Let’s call it a wild guess”, Bran said, still smiling at her. From that moment, Sierra and Bran spoke about everything, losing track of time. It was almost 1am.