Chapter 16: Bus Station

It was four in the morning when a familiar noise invaded Alinta's dream, like a Viking raid on a peaceful village. She groaned as she woke up to her buzzing alarm. Just as she was about to turn it off, she remembered that today was the day of their trip. Alinta jumped out of bed, brushed her teeth, and took a quick shower. Since comfort was key to her travels, she put on some jeans, sneakers, and a pretty navy top that matched her shoes. Alinta tied her thick red hair into a high ponytail and opted for light makeup: some foundation powder, eyeliner, mascara, and cherry lip gloss. Satisfied with her appearance, she grabbed her handbag and stepped out of the cottage, just in time to see the taxi driver ready to help with her luggage.

Alinta arrived at the bus station an hour before departure. Great, some time to grab snacks for the road, she thought. Just then, she caught a familiar scent and anxiously spun around, only to find Bellinor standing among the trees, almost hidden in their shadows, staring at her intensely.

"What the fuck is he doing here? Stalking us again? How did he know we would be here?" Angela snarled, her voice filled with aggression.

"I don't know, but let’s do what we always do and ignore him. We’ll just need to make sure we remain close to other people. What concerns me is that he’s not even trying to hide it; he’s just staring at us creepily."

"Agreed," Angela replied cautiously, snorting slightly.

Alinta quickly ran to the little shop. As she reached the door and turned around to see where Bellinor was, she realized with relief that he was gone. She took a deep breath and continued into the shop, heading straight to the confectionery aisle. Eagerly, she scanned the chocolates and sweets. Selecting two chocolate bars and three small bags of mixed berry gummies, she then made her way to the fridge. She grabbed a bottle of water, an aloe vera juice, and an energy sports drink.

"Why not get something savoury, like some cashews?" Angela suggested.

"You read my mind," Alinta giggled, while Angela could only roll her eyes at her person. Alinta picked up two bags of nuts and proceeded to the checkout. The shop was small, and there were quite a few people in front of her in the queue. She glanced at the time and saw she had forty-five minutes left. Suddenly, an uneasy feeling washed over her, and she looked out the glass windows in the direction Bellinor stood. Biting the inside of her cheek, she felt her mind begin to race with troubling thoughts.

"Hey, don't worry about him. There are a lot of people here, and soon we will be on our way to the airport," Angela said in a gentle, reassuring voice.

"It's just that it's been almost twelve years, and he is still trying. I really believed that after the incident at the police station, things would end there, but it feels like he has become infatuated in a messed-up, and unhealthy way," Alinta replied.

"Hmmm, I agree. But on a positive note, I can't say that I sensed Onyx, which is always a good thing. Though as for Bellinor, he does look somewhat lost," Angela observed thoughtfully.

"I sometimes feel bad for him. I hope he finds someone who can return his love," Alinta sighed.

"At his age, I am afraid he is too set in his ways, and you being so soft makes it worse! I still believe you should just have pushed him away that day at the hospital! Luckily, you have me, but I worry he might have already discovered our limits."

Alinta hated to admit it, but this time her wolf was right. Angela's bark was bigger than her bite, but it was all thanks to her fierce reputation that kept herself and Alinta safe up until now. They were by no means physically strong, but Angela's ferocity and quick thinking were what kept threats and unwanted people, especially Bellinor, at bay.

Bellinor Crassus is a ninety-four-year-old wealthy entrepreneur, though he may not look it, as werewolves live for up to five hundred years. He was not as influential as his fellow counterparts based in larger cities, Bellinor was considered the underdog. No one really knew much about his business outside of town, but in Umbre Valley, Bellinor basically owned and ran it. He had a good reputation among the werewolves; many loved him and saw him as a respected figure to look up to—Alinta included.

Bellinor started acknowledging Alinta's existence when she was fourteen, and by the age of sixteen, he began developing an interest in her. On numerous occasions, he approached her on a friendly basis. He was one of the few people she allowed in her life and he treated her ever so kindly.

Many had heard about what happened eleven years ago, an event that Alinta never wanted to become publicized. Unfortunately, thanks to Margaret— the town gossip and her childhood bully—word got out. But in the end, it was more of a blessing than a curse, for it marked the beginning of Angela's fierce reputation. Then, after news of how Alinta's wolf rejected her fated mate spread quickly, it only added to the rumours of her strength.

Looking at her current situation with Bellinor and as she pieced things together, Alinta grew worried that he might have sensed her fear, which made him bold enough to approach her at the library. Now, showing up today had her all riled up, delving deeper into memories she wished to forget.

**November 24, 2012**

"My sweetest Alinta, I wanted to see you today to wish you!" Bellinor sang as he gently took hold of her chin, looking deeply into her bright green, innocent eyes.

Alinta was initially taken aback by his actions but welcomed it, thinking nothing of it. "Thank you, Mr. Crassus! That is so kind of you to remember, but you are a day early," she giggled.

He smiled warmly at the young woman, and his thumb gently grazed her cheek. "I wanted to be the first to wish you and to give you a clue about the gift I am planning to give you," he said as he slowly pulled her chin and leaned in closer.

"Honestly, Mr. Crassus, you are too kind. You really do not need to do that. Just having you remember my birthday means a lot. Your thoughtfulness is gift enough," Alinta replied sincerely. She truly appreciated the people in her life who remembered the things that were important to her. At that moment, her circle included only her mother, Aunt Dianna, a few school friends and Bellinor.

The well-groomed man grinned, flashing his perfect teeth. His grip tightened on her chin, causing Alinta to look down. She began to feel unsettled as he continued to hold her face. "Such a precious child you are, my dear!" Alinta managed a shy, uncomfortable smile and tried to pull away, but Bellinor tightened his grip and gave her a quick peck on the forehead before releasing her.

Alinta's eyes widened, staring back at the man, somewhat shy and taken aback by this action; he had never done that before.

"Tomorrow morning, I want to treat you to breakfast, my dear. This is a very special birthday, and I wish to be part of your day."

Alinta was touched by Bellinor; he truly was like a father figure she never had. She smiled, her eyes sparkling again. "I would like that very much, Mr. Crassus. You are like family to Mom and me, and it means so much. I hope one day I will be able to repay your kindness."

Bellinor grinned, affectionately tugging her hair behind her ear. "I look forward to it, my darling. I will see you tomorrow at ten."

"See you tomorrow!" Alinta said excitedly before turning to head home.