Chapter 17

Diana

The remnants of a restless night cling to me like cobwebs. Sleep, when it finally came, offered no escape. The images that replayed were relentless, chasing me until the first sliver of dawn crept through the window. By the time I shower and dress, a knot of dread sits heavily in my stomach.

I need to find a job today. No, I MUST find a job today. There are just no other options for me. The meagre sum in my pocket wouldn’t stretch further than breakfast. 

Stepping out into the cool morning air, I take a deep breath. The sky is barely awake and the world is hushed and still.

Calculating the time, the shops should just be opening by the time I make it into town. I think about the gas station with the ‘Help Wanted’ sign that’s looking for a salesperson…

NO.

The thought brings a physical recoil and a surge of nausea that threatens to rise. I will never go back there.

Rubbing my arm against the morning chill, I set off down the road. Before I'd taken five steps, a jolt of icy fear snakes down my back, prickling the hairs on my arms and sending a violent shudder down my spine. My head whips around, eyes scanning the deserted street.

I see nothing but the motel I'd just left and the looming wall of trees. Yet, the feeling is unmistakable - someone watching me.

My heart hammers a frantic tattoo against my ribs, a drumbeat echoing in my ears. I searched frantically, but I can’t pinpoint where the gaze is coming from. Taking a shaky breath, I force myself to walk, my pace quickening with each beat of my escalating fear. The feeling intensifies by the second.

As I speed-walk down the road, I look over my shoulder, searching for any sign of the watcher, but they remain elusive. 

I make a split-second decision and book it. I run as fast as I can. And even when I get a stitch in my side, I don’t stop. I just keep running.

I only stop until I start seeing people around. Even though it’s early, there are still a few cars out on the streets already. I also see a few joggers out on the sidewalks.

With long strides, I walk until I get to the diner where I had had breakfast yesterday. I have no time to admire the beauty of the place though as I wrench the door open and rush inside. It isn’t until the door shuts behind me and I feel the eyes disappear that I allow myself to relax.

My heart beats violently inside my chest and my breath comes in ragged gasps. The adrenaline coursing through my veins heightening every sound.

“Oh hello-”

A startled yelp escapes my lips as I spin around, body coiled for flight. There she was, the friendly woman from yesterday, emerging from a back room with a dish towel in hand. Her warm smile falters, replaced by a frown as she takes in my dishevelled state.

“Are you okay?” concern etching lines on her forehead.

I open my mouth but nothing comes out. I find that my hands are trembling and I clasp them together. 

“I-” I start but my voice comes out croaky. Keeping my back to the door, I subconsciously peep out through the window closest to me to see if I can catch the figure of that person, but I don’t see anyone; only the townspeople calmly going about their business. 

The woman comes even closer, concern marring her features.

“What’s wrong?” and she also looks out the window in confusion.

It takes a moment for my heart rate to slow, for the adrenaline to ebb away, and for a semblance of calm to return.

“I’m-” I start again and when my voice cracks, I clear my throat, “I’m okay” I force out. I couldn't explain the unseen watcher or the prickling dread that had driven me to run like a frightened animal.

Frowning, she studies my face in scepticism obviously not believing me.

I take a deep breath to calm myself before nodding.

“Really, I’m fine”, I say again, not wanting to worry her. It wasn't entirely a lie, at least not anymore. The terror had receded, leaving behind a cold dread.

“Are you sure?” she moves closer to the window, searching outside.

I tamp down on the mix of paranoia, fear and anxiety as my mind races with questions.

Who is watching me?

Is it my pack? Have they found me already?

But I instantly deny the thought. If it had been Weres, I would have scented them.

Meaning it must be humans.

Who?

Images of the two men who had managed to escape the forest last night come to my mind. 

What if they want revenge? Maybe they blame me for what happened to their friends…

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

I snap out of my reverie and nod again, this time even more firmly.

“I’m fine”, my voice comes out way more confident than I feel inside.

She continues to frown, obviously not believing me. Her eyes dart outside the window again. She gazes out for a few more seconds, but maybe because she doesn’t see anyone, she seems to believe me.

The smile grows back, “You’re mighty early today. Must be very hungry”, she chuckles, “unfortunately, we’re just opening up, not much to offer yet”, gesturing to the empty tables.

I take in the deserted diner. The silence was broken only by the hum of the refrigerator devoid of any customers.

“I was hoping to get an early start”, I manage, my voice hoarse but steady.

She nods, “Well come on in then. Find a seat”, but even as she’s speaking, she grabs me by the hand and gently pushes me into the nearest seat.

"Oh right, how'd it go yesterday? Did you get the job at the Savoury Kitchen?"

I shake my head. "No luck. They'd already hired someone else."

"Oh, that's too bad... What about the pamphlet? Was it any help? Did you find anything else?"

I nod, then shake my head. "The pamphlet was great, thanks. But no... no job yet." My eyes drop to the ground as yesterday's disappointment comes rushing back.

"Well, how would you feel about working here?"

My head snaps up. "Here? Really?"

She smiles. "Yeah, why not? One of our waitresses, Amy, is taking maternity leave. She just found out she's pregnant, and the doctor wants her to take it easy. You saw how busy it gets here—waitressing would definitely be too much for her right now."

She chuckles. "It's funny, actually. She told us right after you left yesterday. I was about to start looking for someone to fill in, but if you're interested—"

"Are you kidding? I'm totally interested!" I jump up, practically bouncing with excitement. "Yes, absolutely, I'd love to!"