Page 8 of Echo Of A Wolf

I stepped to the window and peered out into the dining area to see for myself that the place was clearing out. Chris said something else, but I couldn’t hear him. All I could focus on washer.

Astrid was here.

She sat at a table in the far corner, finishing her meal while looking at something on her phone. My wolf immediately reacted at the sight of her, but not in the way I expected. Insteadof irritation, annoyance, or distrust powering through him, there was only curiosity and intrigue.

What the hell?

“I’ll start cleaning up,” Chris said before slapping me on the back, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Thanks,” I muttered.

Tearing my eyes away from Astrid, I headed for the back door. My sudden need for fresh air was overwhelming.

Stepping outside, I pulled in a deep breath. It didn’t curb the thoughts of Astrid that looped through my head.

What was she doing here? Was she stalking me? Spying on me for Xander? Had my paranoia of being followed been her stalking me all along?

My wolf nipped at me, his irritation with my train of thought palpable. He didn’t like the way I was thinking about her, and I didn’t understand why. Astrid was Xander’s sister. She couldn’t be trusted, and if my wolf couldn’t see that, then we had a problem.

My wolf fought me for control. It was all for show, though. He was acting like a toddler. Blocking him out as best I could, I leaned my head back against the building and exhaled. He tossed an image of Astrid at me that I shook away. Lifting my gaze to the night sky, I focused on the stars. Even though I was a wolf shifter, the sky still called to me. There had always been something so beautiful, otherworldly, and majestic about it.

Astrid trickled into my head again.

All I could think about was her big brown eyes, her dark curls, and the way she’d been fixated on her phone.

Had she been talking to someone? Possibly telling her brother that she hadn’t seen me yet?

A frown pulled at my lips. I needed to talk to her. If not, I’d never be able to get her out of my head tonight, which meant I wouldn’t be sleeping.

Again.

“Damn it,” I grumbled before making my way to the front of the building.

Chris would have to do cleanup on his own tonight. Making sure I talked to Astrid was more important.

5

ASTRID

After I finished reading the last paragraph of the chapter in the book I was reading on my phone, I set it down to focus on the remaining bites of my meal. It felt good to be out of my apartment, especially since I hadn’t left it since the incident at the coffee shop. I’d powered through my writer’s block and inspiration had struck, allowing me to finish the book on time.

Dinner out was my treat and way of celebrating.

That’s what I told myself, anyway. While there was some truth to it, the harsh reality was that I’d been starved and my fridge was stocked with condiments and little else. Nobody wants ketchup with a side of Worcestershire sauce for dinner.

So, here I was.

While I knew some people thought eating alone in a public place was embarrassing, to me it was a form of self-love. I’d always thought there was something comforting about having someone else cook for me as well as eating in a place surrounded by others doing the same thing.

I shoved the last fry in my mouth as I dug my wallet out of my purse. Once I’d set enough cash on the table to cover the bill, Iheaded for the exit. Pushing through the double doors, I stepped out onto the sidewalk and paused, sensing something. My raven stirred as I noticed someone standing on the sidewalk close by.

Dean.

Immediately, I went on guard. Our last interaction hadn’t been great, and I was willing to bet from the terse look he was tossing my way this one wouldn’t be any better. Deciding I’d rather not find out, I tore my eyes away from him and headed toward my car.

My night had been too good so far to let him ruin it.

“Astrid!” Dean called out, and I cringed.

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