Page 16 of Alpha's Twins
Nolan always said it was obvious I couldn’t shift because of my size and weight, the inference being that if I could shift and run like them, I wouldn’t be so curvy. Maybe he’s right.
I feel rooted to the spot as I war with myself over whether to go in or turn and run. There are a few people out on the street, but no one who would notice if I just turned around and went back to the house to hide among the flowers in the yard.
I take a deep breath, inhaling a sense of calm from the sweet smell of baking bread and sugar that spills out from the bakery. I let it fill my lungs until I’m almost dizzy. Just go in. Just get it over with. I take a step forward and then another, feeling like I’m trying to walk through syrup.
Cate spots me first, waving with both arms like she’s trying to land a plane. “Serena. Over here!”
I wave back, my stomach churning. My steps feel clumsy and loud, and I’m sure everyone is watching me, watching the luna who doesn’t belong. I see a few people glance my way, their expressions curious but not unfriendly. I try to focus on that and try to remember I’m not with Nolan’s pack anymore.
Sarah grins as I reach them, her smile wide and genuine. “You made it. We were just saying that you might have gotten lost or something.”
“No, not lost,” I say, hoping my voice doesn’t sound as shaky as I feel. “Just, uh, taking in the sights.”
“Isn’t the town adorable?” Cate says as she pulls out a chair. “I haven’t visited the mainland much. What’s your town like?”
Sitting down, I laugh. “Bigger and less personal,” I reply honestly before pausing. “My store was by the water, though, and that was lovely.”
“You must really miss it. The store?” Sarah says kindly as she pushes a coffee toward me.
I nod, not wanting to say more, afraid that I’ll choke up if I do. What if they think I’m weak? Shifters are never weak. I take a sip of the coffee, its warmth spreading through me like courage in a cup.
“I’m excited you’re going to be working on the pack fair. It’s always so much fun,” Cate says, eyes sparkling. “And having your flowers there will make it even better.”
“That’s if we can find them under all the sugar and carbs,” Sarah teases. “Tammy puts the bakery’s stamp on everything. It’s basically a sugar-fest.”
“That’s exactly what the pack needs after the last couple of years, though,” Cate says. “Tammy’s really looking forwardto meeting you today. I spoke to her when I got the coffee, and she’s going to pop over when she’s finished putting some orders together.”
“I’m sure it’ll be great,” I say, trying to sound enthusiastic, trying to keep the doubts from bleeding into my voice. “I’m looking forward to it.”
The lie seems to work as the women look genuinely excited about the meeting and are eager to hear me explain about previous displays I’ve done for events and companies. As I begin showing them pictures of some of my favorites, I start to enjoy talking about my business, and my body thrums with fresh ideas. As we chat and I start to build a mood board on my tablet, Sarah waves to someone through the glass, and I notice her mate, Edward, crossing the street toward the bakery.
“Excuse me one moment,” Sarah grins, “I promised to get him some cakes for the garage.”
She heads over to the counter as Cate and I continue looking at some pictures on the internet, and I’m starting to feel genuinely more excited about the meeting as we talk. With Sarah still at the counter, Cate excuses herself to use the bathroom, and I’m left to try to arrange my notes to show Tammy.
I take a small bite of cake Sarah bought for us to share, the sugar melting on my tongue. The bakery is warm and smells like cinnamon and butter. I close my eyes for a second, letting myself enjoy it.
“Did you see the new luna come in?” a voice cuts through the hum of the bakery. The voice is so quiet I have to strain to listen, but I can just about hear above the low chatter in the cafe. I open my eyes and glance toward the window, where a group of older shifters sit, sipping coffee and eating pastries. I recognizeone of them. He’s the man who nodded to me when I walked past the park.
“Yeah, heard she can’t shift,” another replies, eyebrows raised. “How’s that gonna work when we have pack runs?”
“Is that even true?” the first one leans back, arms crossed. “Bit weird to have a shifter who can’t shift. We sure she’s really one of us?”
I feel like I’m shrinking, like I’m disappearing into the chair. I want to stop listening, but I can’t.
“She doesn’t look much like a shifter,” comes a third voice, rough and low. “I prefer my women to be slimmer. Taller. It just doesn’t look right.”
I put the cake down. I can’t swallow past the lump in my throat. I feel sick, and the warmth I’d felt just moments ago turns to lead in my stomach.
“Well, Tristen’s mate is a witch, so she can’t shift either,” one says, and the others murmur in agreement.
“True. True. But she’s a witch,” another says, “she’s not supposed to shift.”
“And she’s powerful,” the first one points out. “A luna should be powerful.”
They all nod in agreement, and I feel hollow inside. I look down at my notes for the event and try to fight back tears. It’s been so long since anything anyone said to me has brought me to tears; I won’t let it happen now.
I feel a shadow fall across me, and Cate sits back down, eyes wide. “Wow,” she whispers. “Are you okay? They are completely out of line, Serena.”
