04. Cozy Coffee Shop

RACHEL'S POV:

After our pack meeting had come to an end, I couldn't stop thinking about Gabriel. He was different from the rest of the male humans I've met, and I just wanted to know more about him. I had tried to reach out to him before our meeting commenced, but he never answered my calls or texts.

I was bored that evening and just needed someone to talk to. I decided to give it one more try and dialed his number. Just like before, he didn't pick up, which only made me more determined to get through to him. I called again and again until he finally answered.

GABRIEL POV:

I looked at my phone and saw that the Rachel was calling me. I knew I had avoid her and couldn't bear the risk of involving her in my pack's rivalry but she kept calling repeatedly, and I couldn't take it anymore. I tried to switch off my phone, but I picked up the call by accident. I was so nervous, keeping mute for about 30 seconds.

"Hello?" I said, trying to sound distant.

"Hey, it's me," she replied, her voice cheerful.

"How're doing?" I asked, hoping to end the conversation quickly.

"I was wondering if you wanted to hang out tonight," she said, and I could hear the smile in her voice.

"I'd love to but I've got something very serious that i need to tidy up tonight," I replied, trying to keep my distance.

"Okay," she replied, sounding disappointed.

"Maybe another time okay," I said, hoping she would understand.

"Okay," she replied, and I could sense her disappointed.

RACHEL'S POV:

I couldn't believe he was avoiding me. After we talked at the park, I thought we had a connection, but now he was pushing me away.

"What's wrong with me?" I thought as I dropped my phone and looked out the window.

Gabriel POV:

I was angry at myself at the moment our call ended. I've been meaning to call her myself and ask her out and now, i just ruined everything. "It's Jake's fault," i muttered as i angrily keep hitting my fist against the wall.

RACHEL POV:

I couldn't believe how quickly he shut me down. He was my only reason to leave the house this night and put a smile on my face so i guessed things never worked out great for me. I quickly lay back angrily on my bed starring out through the windows. I had not been that friendly to humans and wolfs as well so i guess that was why i always felt lonely.

As I stared out the window, I heard my phone ring again. I picked it up, hoping he had called back, but it was just a notification from my social media.

"Great," I muttered to myself, feeling more bored than ever.

The day had been incredibly boring, filled with the usual dull routines of life. The only solace I found was in the grandeur of our family mansion. However, there was one thing that made me feel isolated—the fear that everyone had of my father. They avoided talking to me, afraid they might unintentionally offend him. It was a lonely existence, despite my privileged lineage.

As the day dragged on, I sought refuge in my room, hoping to find comfort in sleep. The sun's rays poured through the window, casting a warm and gentle light on the opulent surroundings. Exhausted from the day's monotony, I succumbed to a deep slumber.

When I awoke, darkness surrounded me. I was momentarily confused until I realized that night had already fallen. The full moon shone brightly in the sky, its mystical light casting a silvery glow through the window. A surge of excitement coursed through me, reminding me that tonight was no ordinary night.

As the first tendrils of moonlight touched my skin, I could feel the power building inside me. It started with a tingling sensation, spreading through every fiber of my being. Bones shifted, muscles elongated, and a thick coat of fur sprouted from my skin. I embraced the exquisite pain that accompanied the metamorphosis, knowing it was a testament to the strength flowing through my blood.

In mere moments, I found myself standing on all fours, my senses heightened and attuned to the night. My lupine form, a majestic embodiment of the wild, now roamed free beneath the luminous moon. The forest called to me, its ancient melodies resonating deep within my soul.

With every stride, I embraced the thrill of the hunt. The moonlit forest became my playground as I raced through the underbrush, each footfall sending vibrations through the ground. The scents of the night enveloped me, a symphony of life unfolding with every breath.

I reveled in the freedom of my wolf form, the weight of responsibility lifted from my shoulders. No longer constrained by the expectations of my lineage, I could simply be. The night was mine, and I embraced its untamed beauty.

Hours passed in a blur as I roamed the forest, running with a pack that transcended the boundaries of the physical realm. We shared a primal connection, an unspoken understanding that united us under the moon's watchful gaze.

But as the night waned, the moon began its descent, and with it came the gradual transformation back to my human form. The tingling sensation returned, this time a gentle embrace, as my fur receded, and my human body emerged once more.

Standing amidst the dappled moonlight, I savored the last remnants of the night's adventures. Though the moon's magic was fading, the memories and the sense of freedom it bestowed would linger within me until the next moonlit rendezvous.

With a contented sigh, I began the journey back to the mansion, knowing that the secrets of my moonlit escapades would remain hidden from those who tiptoed around my father's presence. But within the depths of my heart, I held onto the cherished memories, the untamed spirit, and the bond with the nocturnal world that only the moon could awaken within me.

I stepped into the cozy coffee shop, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. I was seeking a peaceful moment to enjoy my favorite latte, unaware of the surprising encounter that awaited me.

Approaching the counter, I noticed a tall and rugged man wearing sunglasses standing beside me. Curiosity piqued, I initiated a conversation.

"Hello!" I greeted him. "It seems we share a taste for coffee. Can you suggest something from the menu?"

"Um, yeah, just a regular black coffee, please," he replied, stumbling over his words.

I smiled, assuming he was a coffee connoisseur who preferred the simplicity of black coffee.

"Ah, a classic choice!" I remarked. "But have you ever explored flavored lattes? They can be quite delightful. Allow me to offer a few recommendations!"

He responded promptly, "Oh, no, I'm content with black coffee. I prefer its simplicity, you know?"

His voice struck a chord of familiarity, yet I remained unaware of his true identity. Undeterred, I continued with my well-intentioned suggestions.

"Come on, why not give something new a try? How about a caramel macchiato or a pumpkin spice latte? They're perfect for this time of year!"

He shifted his weight nervously and replied, "I appreciate the suggestions, but I'll stick with black coffee for now. It's my go-to choice."

I chuckled, thinking he was uncharacteristically stubborn about his coffee preferences.

"Fair enough," I responded. "It's your decision! Although, I must say, you might be missing out on some fantastic flavors. So, do you visit this place often? I haven't seen you around before."

His reply was slower this time, and he seemed somewhat uncomfortable.

"Not really. I'm just passing through town. Thought I'd grab a quick cup of coffee before continuing my journey."

My excitement grew at the opportunity to share my love for the town. Perhaps it was due to exhaustion from my transformation, but I found myself unable to stop talking to him, behaving as if I were under the influence of alcohol.

"Oh, you're in for a treat!" I blurted out. "This place has so much charm. By the way, have you heard any intriguing stories about werewolves? They say they roam these woods under the moonlight."

I detected a hint of panic in his reaction to my question. Given the sparseness of humans in the area during that time, I became suspicious that he might be a fellow werewolf like me. Nonetheless, he responded in a more casual tone, "Um, werewolves? Can't say I've heard anything specific. Just folklore, you know?"

Eager to share my knowledge, I couldn't contain my excitement as I said, "Oh, you'll be captivated by the legends! Werewolves are extraordinary creatures, capable of transforming under the full moon. They possess great power and carry an air of mystery. Let me delve into the details!"

He stumbled over his words, attempting to regain composure, and replied, "Well, actually, I've read a bit about werewolves. But I'm sure there's more you can enlighten me with!"

I continued enthusiastically, recounting various tales of werewolf folklore, unaware of his growing discomfort. He desperately tried to change the subject, saying, "You know, I've always been curious about... um... vampires! They must have fascinating stories too, right?"

Without hesitation, I nodded, completely oblivious to his unease, and responded, "Absolutely! Vampires have their own captivating mythology. Allow me to share some intriguing vampire legends with you as well."

He remained silent for a few moments, staring at me. Little did I know that he was Gabriel, and this conversation was teetering on the brink of revealing my true identity. The series of events at the coffee shop had brought us unexpectedly closer, despite his attempts to avoid me throughout the day. Though my secrets remained concealed for now, the revelation was imminent. He had been frequenting the café to steer clear of encountering me, as I had earlier mentioned living nearby. Yet, fate had intertwined our paths as we coincidentally ordered our coffees at the same time. And it was in that very moment, as he removed his sunglasses, unable to keep avoiding me any longer, that I was taken aback and exclaimed, "Gabriel?" To which he replied with a hint of surprise, "Surprise?"