67 HeatherThe aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me as I tied the apron around my waist, preparing for the morning rush at the cafe. Working here these past months had become comforting in its routine - the hiss of the espresso machine, regular customers chatting over their usual orders, the clink of dishes and murmur of easy conversation. In this quaint space I could almost convince myself I was just an ordinary woman, with an ordinary life. No tangled threads to unravel, no questions without answers, no nameless longing in my heart for someone lost to me."Morning Heather!" Aria chirped as she breezed in, all youthful energy and bounce. "Ready for the breakfast crowd?"I smiled warmly at my coworker, her cheerful demeanor proving contagious as always. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's get that coffee brewing for our hungry patrons."We worked in sync, she preparing pastries while I arranged mugs and dishes. As the cafe owner, I get to work both in the office to take care of thi
68AriaI rose up from sleep with a headache."Urrgh." I rubbed my head. "What a shitty way to start my morning." I whispered.I quickly take a bath and dressed up to the cafe, Heather coffee usually soothe me up. As I walked to the Cafe. The early morning air was crisp as I made my way to the cafe, breaths puffing out in little white clouds. My boots crunched on frosty grass and fallen leaves, the only sounds breaking the stillness before dawn. I cherished these solitary walks under the peaceful blanket of night, before the buzz and bustle of the day began. In these tranquil moments I could gather my thoughts and prepare for the rush ahead.Unlocking the cafe door, I breathed in the familiar aromas - roasted coffee beans, cinnamon, fresh pastry dough. I flipped on lights and begun brewing a pot of rich dark roast, the gurgle and drip soothingly routine. Before long, my coworker and friend Heather breezed in, cheeks rosy from the chill. "Brr, it's gotten nippy out there! Perfect cu
IanThe early morning sun streamed in through the windows, the song of my phone rousing me from a restless sleep. I pick it seeing the caller ID."Logan, why on Earth would call me early in the morning!" I barked at him."Sorry, sir but it's already 11 o'clock and I called to ask you about the files we would be needed it by 12." He explained."Urrrgh," I groan. "I'm done with it, that's what kept me late yesterday." I replied. " I'll send it now." I added.I sat on my bed half asleep and went through the file for another check up before sending it to Logan my secretary. Thanks to him he keep the company going even without me being there. Through he had to make me work my ass.Me: "Send it." I typed to him and he replied.Logan: "Seen Sir. I've always known you'll be done even after sending late. Keep the hard work.""Bastard. After you make me work my ass off." I cursed him throwing the phone on bed and getting into a shower.I did my usual routine on autopilot, shaving, showering, d
TylerI blinked awake to sunlight streaming in the penthouse windows, momentarily disoriented. The events of last night came flooding back - the intimate dancing with Aria, our almost-kiss, her panicked exit leaving me dazed and confused. "That was close." I whispered aside smiling Groaning, I dragged a hand down my face. I had pushed things too far, too fast with her. Caught up in the moment, I had forgotten Aria barely knew me. Of course my advances scared her off.My euphoria over getting her number and seeing a glimpse behind her prickly exterior was quickly giving way to regret. I had to make this right somehow before I lost any chance with Aria for good. Rolling out of bed, I contemplated my next move as I went through my morning routine robotically. I needed to talk to Aria in person, apologize for coming on too strong. But would she even give me the chance after last night?Grabbing some coffee in the suite's luxurious kitchen, I almost spit it out when Ian breezed in impec
Keegan The early dawn light filtering into my Spartan quarters roused me from a restless sleep. I rose and began my morning routine, movements automatic from long habit. But my thoughts were consumed with heavier matters - it was time I revealed the truth to Lucas.Splashing cold water on my face, I met my reflection's eyes in the mirror. There was no turning back now that I'd resolved to disclose all. Lucas's reaction worried me deeply, but surely even he could recognize finally learning his mate's whereabouts as cause for joy? I had to hope his long-buried humanity would surface.Part of my reluctance stemmed from shame as well. Lucas would see my role in aiding Heather's escape as the ultimate betrayal. And he would not be entirely wrong - I had deceived my Alpha these long years, however noble my intent to protect an innocent woman. The woman I loved.But Lucas's capacity for cruelty had outweighed duty in my mind back then. While he spiraled into madness, I chose compassion. "Th
Keegan I jolted awake in a cold sweat, Lucas's enraged face still fresh in my mind. Just a nightmare, I told myself, trying to slow my racing pulse. "It's just a dream, yeah just a freeeking nightmare."Lucas had not confronted me yet about Heather's whereabouts. But the dream echoed my all-too-real fears about how he would react to the truth."Shit. Why is my scariest nightmares hunting me." I whispered. "Maybe I should just tell him and get it over my mind." I thought out loud.I rose to begin my day, troubled thoughts weighing heavily. Lucas was still demanding I investigate clues pointing to Heather being somewhere in the coastal city of Bayside. He had no idea I already knew she had relocated there years ago. My dreams of Lucas's violent temper were hardly far-fetched. I still vividly remembered the mad light in his eyes when Heather first disappeared. If he ever learned I aided her escape...Shaking off those chilling memories, I packed my things to depart for Bayside. I had
Lucas"Keegan, you've lost my trust. I've thought you'll find me heather. But you seem you let me down." I fumed.I stormed away from the whimpering Keegan, disgusted by his failure yet again to locate my missing mate."If I wanted something done right, I would have to do it myself." I walked out, leaving him in the office.Heading to my chambers, I crossed paths with my grandmother on my way, her stern expression left no doubt she had heard what I've been saying. She've caught a wind of my plans. "Where do you think you're going?" She asked angrily, as she moved to block my way."Stand aside, grandma, and stay out if this, this time I'm not going to let you toy with me." I bit out impatiently. But she stood firm. "Lucas, turn back from this madness I beg you! Searching for Heather will only bring more heartache to us. To you." He uttered.I let out a harsh bark of laughter. "My heart knows only bitterness since you plot against her and make her left. Now, it's my only chance to mak
Heather The morning sun streamed in through the cafe windows, filling the cozy space with a warm glow. I hummed softly to myself as I wiped down tables and prepared for opening."Life is going smoothly, with Alex, Ian. And everything seems just fine." I uttered, glancing at Aria."Yeah, always what you wanted." She smiled. "I'm happy for you." She added."Actually, it scared me sometime." I sighed. "You know they say, calm before the storm, right?" I asked. "I wondered if this is how it felt like." I whispered."Stay positive love." Aria adviced squeezing my shoulder before she entered the store room.This little cafe had become my haven these past months, a refuge from the chaos I had fled.Glancing at the clock, I saw it was nearly time for my favorite regular customer - my son, Alex, stopping in on his way to school. Seeing his smile brighten when I brought his hot chocolate to the table had become the best part of my mornings. Right on time, the door chimed and Alex walked in,