Chapter 1

Lexie

At first glance, you would think I’m just an average nineteen-year-old girl. There is nothing about me that stands out if you aren’t looking. I work in a family-run diner in Gwinn, Michigan. I go to the university here to study Zoology. I live by myself in a small two-story house at the edge of town. See plain and simple and until recently I would have completely agreed with you. My name is Alexandria, Lexie for short. And this is the story of where my life changes into a magical story you only see in movies or books.

It started on the first day of the snow season and the ground was already coated in a foot of fluffy white stuff and was steadily coming down. “ So this is light snow flurries,” I say to myself shaking my head. I pull my coat closer around me and get in my midnight blue nineteen ninety eight Chevy Silverado. Don't laugh, my dad bought it cheap for me when I got my license. We fixed up together to get it running like a dream.   I toss my backpack in the passenger seat and start the truck hoping it will heat up quickly.

 My work uniform was not designed for warmth. It is a red and white striped dress that goes to my knees. And flares at my waist showing off my  hips and ass. A top that unfortunately shows too much cleavage for my taste. Add red pantyhose and white shoes and the outfit is complete. Add to the look my scarlet red hair pulled up in a ponytail and a white scarf. Honestly, I look like a five-foot-seven-inch candy cane and a fifties car hop merged. Yes, I’m tall but I have an abundance of curves that my uniform does nothing to hide. I have an hourglass figure that I’m damn proud of but the outfit shows off a bit much of it.

I think my boss has a thing for the fifties because the diner is the same way but hey it is a job. A job that pays the bills and works around my school schedule. Plus the people I work with are great and the customers are always nice and tip pretty well. I pull into the small parking lot across the street from the diner. Figures just as I started to warm up I have to get back out in the snow again. I grab my backpack, shove my keys in the pocket of my jacket and lock up. I walk as quickly as I can,  without slipping and falling on my ass, to the diner.

The diner itself is a cute little L shaped place. Bright red booths line the outside walls and the front windows. Silver two-person tables with red Formica tops and silver chairs with red cushions are set in the middle between the booths and the counter. The counter takes up the rest of the front of the diner. The kitchen is behind the counter with a large rectangular window where we receive orders .Down the hall are bathrooms, locker room,  as well as the office. The floor makes it all stand out with black and white checkered tiles. It has a fifties feel to it when you see the vintage records and old posters hanging on the walls.

“Hey, kiddo,” Patsy greets me with a warm smile from where she stands behind the counter. Patsy is a sweet lady in her mid-sixties I think, not that I would ever ask. She is a petite woman about five foot three inches with light brown hair that she always keeps in a tight bun. One of the best things about Patsy is no matter what time of day it is she is always in a good mood. I do enjoy working with her. “ How are you enjoying the first snow?” Patsy asks.

Shaking the snow from my hair and jacket I answer “ I don’t know if I will ever get used to it. I’m freezing. I have never been in snow before. I don’t know how to handle it. I’m from Florida for crying out loud.” Patsy just smiles. “ Don’t worry. I know you will be just fine. Just remember what I told you about layering up. Now get your butt over here and help me.” I put my backpack in the backroom and headed back to help Patsy.

“ Where do you want me to start?” I ask while Patsy puts on a fresh pot of coffee. “ Here, sip this while you get the silverware ready. She says when she hands me a cup of hot tea with honey. “ It should help warm you up.” she continues. I sit at the very end of the counter wrapping spoons, forks and knives together as I sip my tea. Patsy was right, it is warming me up. She grabs the salt shakers to refill them and sits next to me. The diner is empty so now is perfect for what Patsy calls girl time. Which is just her way of checking on me. She has been doing it since I moved here.

“ How’s school going? How do you like your classes?”  she asks. “ It is going well. The professors are ok. The homework is a bit more than I expected so I have to study every chance I get to keep my grades up.” I say. “ Lexi, honey you can’t live your life in books. I know this is important to you but what about friends? Have you made any yet? I know you haven’t gone to any parties or on any dates.” I almost spit out the tea I just took a sip of and start coughing. I have to catch my breath to answer “ Patsy, I’m fine. I have been asked to join a few study groups. Parties aren’t my thing. And as for dates, I don’t have time. I am happy spending time with you and my books.” I told her.

 For the most part, it is except for the dating part. I don’t date. I never have. I have been asked out a few times over the years and even a few times since I moved here but I always declined. Don’t get me wrong I want to date. But for some reason, my gut told me not to go. I have to wait. For what I don’t know. I have always trusted my instincts so I’m waiting. My mom used to call it my inner voice and I should pay attention. And I always have.

“ Oh, Lexi” Patsy starts as an elderly couple comes in and sits in her section. “ back to work but this conversation isn’t over,” she says and goes to greet her customers. When it comes to me I swear Patsy is like a dog with a bone. So I know she won’t let this go even though I wish she would. A steady stream of customers comes in, keeping us busy for a while. I for one am grateful for it. It makes the shift go by faster and I can avoid Patsy’s questions. I know her heart is in the right place but I don’t feel like discussing my love life especially for something I don’t understand myself. It isn’t as if I don’t want someone but I’m holding on to what my gut says. I feel it will be worth it in the end.

As quickly as everyone came in I swear they all left at the same time. Now it is just Patsy me and our cook. Patsy and I are clearing tables and cleaning up. “ Help me finish up and then you can take the back booth to study for a while,” Patsy says. I’m about to argue with her but before I can get my mouth open she continues “ If we get busy I’ll come to get you. The snow is coming down pretty good so I don’t think that we will get many people in if any at all.” I agree with her “ Ok, but I will lock up and you go home early for a change.” Patsy smiles big “ Kiddo, you have got yourself a deal.” 

Patsy was right, we stayed empty while we finished our clean-up. I grabbed my backpack and went to the very last booth in the back so I would be out of the way in case any customers came in. I have my books spread out all over the table with my notebooks in front of me. I was so involved in my work I didn’t notice Patsy had brought me another cup of tea until she tapped me on the shoulder. “ Hey, drink up,” she says. “ How’s the homework going?” she asked. “ Not bad. I think I’m almost finished. And the best part is I think I understand most of it..” Patsy laughs “ I’m sure you understand more than you think. I know how smart you are even if you don’t. I know you graduated high school with honors.” “ High school was easy. This stuff, not so much.” I say. Patsy just squeezes me in support. “ I’ll leave you to it.” and she goes back to the counter to read her book. I envy her sometimes. I can’t remember the last time I read for fun.

By the time I am finished, it looks like a ghost town outside so I didn’t have to worry about customers. I had just put my backpack away when a group of four came in. Three guys and one girl. They are regulars but always sit in Patsy’s section so I have never interacted with them.  Patsy called out to them “ Go ahead and grab a seat anywhere Aden.” She turns to me and says “ Why don’t you take them? My feet are killing me and I want to sit a bit longer.” I look at her puzzled “ They are in your section. They always sit in your section. I can’t take your customers.” Pasty grabs my hand and we go over to the group.

“Hello,” she says “Would it be alright if Lexi here waits on you tonight?” The girl in the group lowers her eyes as if she disapproves but one of the guys spoke up “ Sure Patsy, that is fine with us.” As he looks me up and down with interest in his eyes. Patsy walks away but I didn’t miss the mischievous look in her eyes. I get the feeling I’m being set up. I turn my attention to the group. “ So what can I get you?” I ask as I take my pad and pen out of my apron.  I feel all their eyes on me three with interest or at least curiosity. But the girl looked at me in what I think may be disgust. I don’t know what her problem is but I ignore it and do my job. “ Just coffee.” the girl snaps. I’m getting odd vibes from this group and I can’t fully place it. The girl is giving me the creeps and I feel the need to get away from her fast. But one of the guys is giving off a calming vibe but with them so close together I can’t tell who it is. So I am getting confused.

“ Sure. Anything else?” I ask, trying to keep my calm and my voice steady. My body is sending all kinds of signals. I can’t weed them out and I don’t like it. “ No, just coffee. And make it quick.” The girl snaps again. What is her problem? I know I have never done anything to her since this is the first time I have ever talked to them. “ Miss, I’ll have a slice of apple pie as well please.” the guy to the right of me asks. Relieved to be able to get away from them I smile at him.” Sure. I’ll get your order right away.” and quickly walk to the counter trying to shake off this weird feeling.

Aiden

When the waitress walks away I look at Melissa to figure out what her problem is. She never snaps at anyone. “ What the hell, Melissa?” I whisper. I know she can hear me. You see not a lot of people know this but we are wolves. I mean we can turn into wolves. We have a few names werewolves and shapeshifters are the most common but I prefer shifters. But I’ll explain more later. I want to know what Melissa’s problem is. She looks at me with confusion in her eyes. “ I don’t know. I didn’t mean to snap. But there is something off about her.” Melissa shakes her head like she is getting her thoughts together. “ No, not off. Different. I sense something in her but I don’t know what. My wolf Amber feels like she has to protect her but my human says push her away. I didn’t know what to do so I snapped.” 

I felt something too but like Melissa said I don’t know what. I looked at Jesse and Jackson to see if they felt anything. “ I felt something too. Remus says to keep her close. So I listen to him.” Jesse says. We all learned in the past to trust his wolf, Remus. It is like he has a super sense about these things. Jackson adds “ I could feel something but like Melissa said I don’t know what. It was almost as if I could feel some wolf in her. Some traits at least. Trip says he feels like she is important but doesn’t know in what way. But he agrees with Remus and Amber that we have to keep her safe.”

 I lean back and have a chat with my wolf who has been trying to get my attention ever since Lexie came to the table. “ Razor, what do you think?” I ask. “ There is something about her. I can sense wolf but not much. For now, she is mostly human.” he says. “ What do you mean for now?” “ I’m not sure. But I feel we need to keep her close and safe. She is very important and I feel she probably doesn’t know it. I feel the Goddess at work here. And I feel she is important to you and me.” “ Ok Razor.” I agree. Razor has a good sense when the Goddess is involved even though he hasn’t felt anything in years.

I look at the others “ We need to talk to the elders but we also need to find out more about her. All of our wolves agree she is important. We need to listen to them. Razor says the Goddess is involved but he doesn’t have the answers yet. He says Lexie may not know what it is or what she is. So we can’t say anything until we know more.” When we are all agreed I go to the counter to try and talk to Lexie or get a better feel for her at least. 

When I get to the counter Lexie has her back to me. “ Excuse me, miss.” She turns around and smiles. A smile that makes me feel like all is right with the world. Her presence is calming even though I wasn’t stressed. “ Yes. Was there something else I could get for you?” Lexi asked. How did I not notice that her voice sounded like music to my ears? Almost like angels singing with a hint of a southern accent to it. I took a minute to get a good look at her. I looked her over from head to toe. Not one inch of her escaped my eyes. Damn, she had a body on her. Tits I swear are at least 36 double c’s and would love to bury my face between. Nice wide hips that were made for holding and I could see my hands on. You could see she had a bit of a tummy but not huge and not tight either. And her ass well, shit it was perfect globes that were more than a handful just the way I like it. Lexie is without a doubt the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on with a perfect curvy body.

I looked back at her face and was caught in her eyes. They are bright aquamarine green, an unusual color, yes but that isn’t the only thing that gets your attention. It was the fact I truly believe they were glowing. I realized I was staring too long when Lexie started to twitch like she was uncomfortable. “ Sorry. No, we don’t need anything. I just wanted to apologize for the way my sister acted. She doesn’t mean to be harsh, it just comes across that way sometimes.” Lexi nods “ It is ok. Really. You don’t need to apologize. She is used to Patsy.”  “ There is still no excuse to be rude,” I tell her.  She is pouring coffee. “ If you want to go sit back down I’ll bring you coffee over to you.” I feel like I’m being dismissed but I don’t want to leave her yet. I feel like I can’t. Even Razor is telling me to keep her talking. To stay close to her. The guy is jumping around in my head like a damn puppy.

“ Razor, what is your problem?” I ask. “ I need to be closer. I need to touch her,” he growls. “ You need to calm down or you will scare her,” I tell him. He huffs and goes to the back of my mind. “ Are you ok?” I hear Lexie ask, pulling my attention. I clear my throat “ Yes, I’m good. Why do you ask?” Lexie shakes her head “ Nothing it is just your eyes changed color for a minute that’s all.” Shit, I didn’t mean for her to see that. “ I’m sorry if I  scared you. I was just thinking about something.” Lexie laughs “ You looked pretty deep in thought. But I wasn’t scared. My eyes do that all the time”  That’s interesting. The only people I know whose eyes change are wolves.

“ They do?” I asked, needing to know more. Lexie grabs Jesse’s pie and places it on the counter getting ready to take everything to our table. “ Yea, it freaked me out the first time it happened but over the years I got used to it. My grandma called them mood eyes.” Lexi shakes her head “ And you didn’t want to know all that. Sorry.” Actually, I do want to know but I don’t tell her that. “ I’m headed back to your table if you want to go back to your friends.” I nod and turn around. But turn back to her and hold out my hand “ I’m Aiden.” “ Lexie as you know. It is nice to meet you.” When she grabs my hand to shake it I feel like I have been struck by lightning. It runs up my arm and completely through my body. Razor shouts “ Mate. Mate.” over and over again. He won’t stop. That’s when the smell hits me. Oranges and the ocean. It is coming from Lexie. How did I not notice it before? “ Get mate. Need mate.” Razor is all but screaming at me.

 No. No. This can’t be happening. I waited two years to find my mate for this. Most wolves find their mate at eighteen. Not me. Now I find her but I don’t need a human mate, I need a wolf. Someone who is strong and can help me lead. There has to be some kind of mistake. I’m going to be the Alpha in a year. I can't have a human Luna. My pack will never accept her. “ Don’t you dare reject my mate. I will make you regret it. I’m warning you.” Razor growls. “ Calm down. You know we can’t have her. But I don’t have to reject her. I will spare you the pain. But I won’t accept her either. She is human. She won’t know. We will find a strong she-wolf for us.” “ I will never accept anyone but our mate. Don’t mess with me on this. She is important. She is special. I need her and only her. You hurt her, I hurt you.” Razor says before he blocks me out. I didn’t know he could do that. I call out to him but I get nothing but a wall. I’ll deal with him later. I know what I’m doing, he is just going to have to trust me on this. I let go of Lexie’s hand and went back to the table ignoring what happened.