Three

I stepped off the bus and onto the city's bustling streets, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Excitement, anxiety, and a hint of uncertainty all battled for dominance as I gazed up at the towering skyscrapers and endless streams of people rushing.

This was it. My new life. My new identity.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I had left behind the pack, the drama, and the toxic relationships that had been suffocating me. I had left behind Damon and Aurora, and the memories still lingered like a nasty wound.

As I made my way through the crowds, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disorientation. The sounds, the smells, the sights - everything was so different from what I was used to. I felt like a fish out of water, struggling to keep my head above the surface.

But as I looked around at the unfamiliar buildings and people, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was starting from scratch. That everything I had known and loved was behind me and that I was starting anew.

I thought about my old name, Harriet. It was a name that was tied to my past, to my pack, to my shame. I didn't know if I could ever return to being that person again.

As I walked through the crowded streets, I wondered what lay ahead. Would I find happiness in this new life? Would I be able to leave my past behind?

Walking, I couldn't help but think about my old life. I missed the familiar sounds of the pack, the smell of the forest, and the comfort of knowing who I was and where I belonged. But I knew that I couldn't go back. Not yet, at least.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This was it. This was my new life. I was Harriet, not Harriet-wolf.

I walked down the street, lost in my thoughts on where to stay tonight; I had to find a hotel or a bed and breakfast. Anything. I had been replaying the past few days' events, trying to make sense of everything. The pack, the den, the memories. It was all still so overwhelming.

As I walked, I didn't even notice the person walking towards me. I just kept moving, lost in my little world.

And then, suddenly, I wasn't moving anymore. I had collided with someone, and we were both standing there, frozen.

“Watch out, damn it.” A deep, husky voice grunted.

I saw a stranger's face, his chocolate brown eyes wide with surprise and alarm. And then, as I followed his gaze down, I saw what had happened. He was holding a cup of hot coffee, and it had spilt all over him. And me.

I gasped in horror as I realised what had happened. "Oh no, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, feeling a wave of panic wash over me.

The stranger looked up at me, his face still shocked. "It's okay," he said finally. "Accidents happen."

But as he looked down at his shirt, now soaked with hot coffee, his expression changed. He looked up at me again, this time with annoyance and frustration.

"Can you please help me get some napkins?" he asked gruffly.

I nodded quickly, feeling a sense of mortification wash over me. I didn't want to be responsible for this stranger's ruined day.

I rummaged through my bag for some napkins and handed them to him. As he began to clean up the mess, I couldn't help but feel a sense of regret. What had I been thinking? Why hadn't I paid attention to where I was going?

“I've not seen you around here before. Are you new here?” he asked me. I hesitated. “My name is Gino.” he held his hand to me.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But then, I took a deep breath and shook his hand. "I'm Harriet," I said, trying to sound friendly.

Gino's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Nice to meet you, Harriet," he said. "I'm glad we had a chance to run into each other, even under... unfortunate circumstances."

I laughed awkwardly, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe this chance encounter wasn't so bad after all.

As we stood there, Gino continued to clean up the mess from the spilt coffee. I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled in the sunlight or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.

As Gino finished cleaning up the last coffee stains, he turned to me and smiled again. "Well, Harriet, I think we've made a bit of a mess," he said. "Would you like to grab coffee with me and start fresh?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But then, something about Gino's warm smile and kind eyes made me feel like saying yes.

"Okay," I said finally. "I'd like that."

Gino's face lit up with excitement. "Great!" he said. "I know just the place."

We walked to a small café nearby, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air as we entered. Gino led me to a cosy table by the window, and we sat down, sipping our coffee as we waited for our conversation to get started.

"So, Harriet," Gino said, breaking the silence. "What brings you to the city? You're not from around here, that's for sure."

I took a deep breath, trying to decide how much to reveal. “Just a fresh start as it goes,” I replied with a smile, and he seemed to accept my response. “So where are you staying?” he asked, and I realised I hadn't got anywhere to stay. :

I hesitated, feeling a sense of embarrassment wash over me. “I haven't found a place to stay yet," I admitted, feeling my face heat up.

Gino's expression turned sympathetic. "Ah, sorry to hear that. But don't worry, I know just the place for you. My friend owns a small bed and breakfast not far from here. It's cosy and welcoming, and I'm sure she'll be happy to help you out."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Really? That would be amazing," I said, feeling grateful towards Gino.

Gino nodded and pulled out his phone. "I'll give her a quick call and see if she has any rooms available. If not, we can try to find something else."

He dialled the number and waited for a response. After a few minutes, he hung up the phone and turned to me with a smile.

"Room available," he said. "She's got a cosy room with a view of the park. It's just a few blocks away from here. We can walk there together."

I felt a sense of relief wash over me. "Thank you so much, Gino," I said, grateful for his kindness.

We walked to the bed and breakfast, chatting about everything from the weather to our shared love of coffee. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with Gino. It was as if we had known each other for years, not just minutes.

As we entered the cosy bed and breakfast, we were greeted by the warm smile of the owner,

“Hello, I'm Raquel.” She introduced herself to me with a huge, beaming smile. “Ah, Gino. How are you?” she hugged him, and he kissed her cheek. Then she turned back to me. “So, you would like a room. Let me show you it.”

Raquel led us to a cosy room on the second floor with a large window overlooking the park. The room was decorated with modern and antique furniture, and a comfortable-looking bed took up most of the space.

"I hope you like it," Raquel said as she showed us around the room. "It's one of our most popular rooms, and I think you'll find it very comfortable."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. This was exactly what I needed - a place to rest and recharge for a few days.

Gino turned to me and smiled. "So, Harriet, I think we're all set here," he said. "I'll pick you up tomorrow at 10 am, and we can grab breakfast and explore the city. How about that?”