CHAPTER 5 - Accept It

LISA'S POV

I shook my head, trying to get rid of the bitter memories of my past. Blocking out the horrors I had been through was the only way I had managed to survive for this long.

Accept it. Accept whatever life brings your way. That's the way I would pull through this difficult moment. That's the way I'll figure out a plan on how to make the council pay for all the pain they've caused me.

The rain begins to drizzle, its drops landing on my face which was already wet with my tears before trickling down my face. The rain runs over the wounds on my knuckles as fresh as the day it was inflicted after I had spent hours venting on the punching bag with my bare knuckles. The rain was beginning to fall earnestly now, I needed to find a place to stay before I got drenched and think about a few things while I was at it because I honestly had no idea on how to make the council pay. I cross the street, splashing through the puddle, the sensation of cold and wetness hitting me immediately as my shoes and socks become soaked. I wiggle my toes trying to get rid of the water but it was to no avail.

The car I stole had proved to be a liability so I traded it for cash. It was the best I could do at that time.

The honks from cars and the smoke wafting out from the exhaust and chimney in spite of the rain created a suffocating atmosphere. I couldn't stand the choking smell anymore, so I hurriedly crossed the street.

Suddenly, bright lights enter my peripheral vision and I feel my body tighten. Death can't take me yet, I had so much to accomplish. I was supposed to have more time. I try to move but it seemed impossible, I was rooted to the spot. Suddenly something hard wraps around my body trying to pull me.

I close my eyes as I could see the car inching closer.

I heard the tires screech as I shut my eyes, waiting for the inevitable.

Before I could feel the impact, I'm pulled off the road and onto the sidewalk, hitting the concrete with a loud thud. I groan as I felt the sharp jolts of pain travel around my body. My eyes blink as I slowly regained my senses, I blink rapidly as I looked up at the face staring back at mine, worry etched over its fine features. Two hands touch my shoulders and rotates me gently so I could lie on my back.

His beautiful face squeezes as he looks at me intently. His hazel eyes fit perfectly with his long lashes, and his blond hair falls past his shoulders. His jaw was covered with a light beard. He was a very beautiful man.

"Are you feeling okay?" He asked.

I tried to sit up but I failed. "Is this what heaven looks like?"

"No, you'll have to wait a little longer for that." He replied, his eyes twinkling with laughter.

I fully became aware of my surroundings and the rain which had increased its tempo. I glanced back at the stranger, wondering why he had helped me.

He stretches out his arm to help me stand.

"I've got it," I said, trying to push myself off the wet concrete by applying pressure onto my arms. I could instantly tell it was a bad idea as pain washes over me, pushing me back to the floor.

I was embarrassed to look at the stranger, who was laughing at me openly.

He stretched out his arm again and this time, I accept. Gritting my teeth as I stood on my feet. My hands held me in place till I could feel blood rush into my legs. I was thoroughly soaked but it was better than being dead.

"Thank you," I whispered loud enough for him to hear me.

He stood staring at me before nodding his head and walking away.

"Wait!"

He stiffens as he stops in his stride before turning to face me.

"Can I get you dinner at least?"

"Why?" His tone was cautious.

I merely shrugged.

He laughs as he walks towards me, his hands deep inside his long coat.

"I wanted to thank you for saving my life. It's only right that I do so."

He said nothing for a long while as we stood under the rain.

"So, tell me. What do you have in mind, my dear lady?" He asks, as his lips stretch into a smile.

I nodded to the doorman, Chester as I made my way inside Pop's. The aroma from the kitchen hit me instantly, making my stomach rumble. The restaurant was crowded tonight, I felt this was due to the pouring rain outside. Nothing beats a hot meal from Pop's on a wet night. I told the man who saved my life to find us a table while I try to dry myself.

He merely nodded in response as I made my way to the bathroom. Minutes later, I join him at the spot where he had picked at the back of the room, far away from where most of the crowd were and I was grateful we had something in common at least.

A waiter came to our table wearing a permanent smile while he took our order. He had pink hair pulled back in a ponytail. His right eye was covered with a patch and his eyes were lined with thick eyeliner. His most noticeable feature was his neck covered in tattoos, every inch of it. Pop's knew how to turn it up in here.

He ordered a cold beer and nothing else. While I requested two burgers with hot ice cream.

"So introduce yourself to me. What's your name?" I asked as the waiter sauntered off, walking with a slight swagger.

"Jonas," he answered immediately like he had been programmed to. I noticed his eyes had never met mine ever since we stepped into the restaurant, his eyes darted from one face to another before lingering a little longer on the door and repeating. It was as if he was waiting for someone to spring through the door, I wanted to ask what was getting him spooked but I decided to ignore it. Somethings were better left unsaid.

The waiter brings our meal and I immediately dig in, unsure of when next I would be afforded the privilege of eating to my fill once I left the city.

"I already told you mine. What's your name, woman?"

I paused just as I was about to take a large bite from my burger. "Excuse me?"

"Do you find it difficult to process things?"

"I'm not a simpleton, Jonas," I frowned.

"I could have sworn you were or maybe you find it hard hearing things. I guess that's it," He said before taking a sip from my beer.

I blinked at him. My mouth hung open as I bored holes into his head with my eyes.

"It's rude to stare at strangers. Don't you think so?"

"Are you always this rude, Jonas?" I asked with a sigh.

"What's your name?"

"Lisa."

"Just Lisa?" He asks again.

"Just Lisa," I nodded.

"Judging from your backpack, you look like you were on your way out of the city."

I smiled ruefully. "You've got a good eye."

"What are you running from or running to?" He asks.

"You're good at this aren't you?" I stare at him intently.

"Hey, I saved your life remember?" He gives me a half-smile making me roll my eyes.

"There's nothing left for me in this city. When you think about it, I had nothing to start within the first place."

"No friends or family?" He asks again.

"No family. I'm the last one alive and technically, my friends are dead too."

"No mate?" He asks slowly this time.

Shock courses through my body as my eyes widen. How did he know I was a werewolf? I had carefully masked my identity for long to avoid being hunted down by bounty hunters of the Blackwater pack who were still searching for me. I had managed to kill a few in the past before they got to me and I wondered if he had been sent by the pack. My brain was working overtime, trying to find a possible chance of escape.

"Take a deep breath, Lisa. I'm not here to harm you. I know who you are because I am a wolf too." Jonas spoke in hushed tones.

"I see you've made some enemies over the years."

I take a large sip from my beer. "Haven't we all?"

"No mate?" He asks again, waiting for my answer.

"No."

"I'm sorry," Jonas said but I could sense no sympathy in his voice just the way I wanted it to be.

"How long do you have before they come for you?"

"I have one day left, Jonas."

"Happy birthday in advance, Lisa."

I threw my head back and laughed. You're weird, Jonas. I hope you know that?

"I've been called other things but never weird. I'll take that," Jonas said with a smile on his face.

"For a skinny girl, you eat quite a lot."

"Excuse me. I'm slim, not skinny. There's a big difference, Jonas," I retorted, sticking my finger in his face.

He holds up his hands in surrender and brings his beer to his mouth.

The waiter brings our bill and I nod in gratitude.

"I'll stay with you till they come."

"What?" I've barely spent three hours with the man and he's already proposing to be my knight in shining armor.

"I think we have a lot to accomplish together."

I dropped my drink on the table. "In case, you've forgotten. I'm going to die tomorrow."

"Do you plan on dying tomorrow, Lisa?"

"No," I answer immediately.

"Good answer," Jonas smiled.

"What do you have in mind, Jonas?" He was a total mysterious stranger who I just met. But, my chances of enacting my plans alone were slim. I needed all the help I could get, and who knows, he might be the key to solving my dilemma.

"You'll see, Lisa. You'll see."