Page 15 of Lycan Prey
Marianne raises an eyebrow, curious. “Did you just move to town?”
I explain I’m here to take care of my grandmother, Leila. Marianne’s eyes light up with recognition, and she smiles warmly.
“Leila? I’ve known her for years! She used to be a regular here until she got sick. How is she?”
I sigh, struggling to find the right words. “She’s not doing well. Her health is deteriorating,” I tell her sadly.
Marianne’s expression turns sympathetic. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Bree. Well, I’m short staffed and since I trust Leila and know she needs the help, if you want the job it’s yours. Can you start work tomorrow?”
Feeling a mix of relief and gratitude, I nod. “Yes, I can.” I smile. Well, I guess that is another good thing about small towns; everyone knows everyone and Grandma seems to be known by most here.
As I’m leaving, Marianne asks, “Have you registered your intent to stay with the council?”
I cringe, damn this council must be strict because I’m beginning to notice no one wants to be caught in breach by them and I certainly don’t want to learn the consequences if I’m breached. The thought makes me queasy.
It takes me a moment to realize she, too, is a werewolf by her scent; she has a woodsy scent like most wolves.I hadn’t noticed at first over the strong scent of coffee beans.
I lie and say, “Yes, I already have.”
Marianne nods. “Good. It’s important since the Lycan Kingdom is nearby. Though most werewolves here are rogue, we all need to register. Rules are: I can’t hire anyone without them being registered, too many humans have been attacked over the years. The King has doubled down efforts to stop that; he wants peace in the town and since this is a mixed town of wolves and humans, he needs to ensure everyone’s safety.”
I nod, wondering how he ensures their safety and what happens on full moons here; does he force everyone into lockdown? The memory of Granny mentioning the chains Grandpa used to use makes me shudder; it’s unnatural but necessary. Back in the city I had access to suppressants; here I don’t without a script.
“If you have time now, though, while it’s slow, I can give you a quick rundown of the place, show you where everything isand introduce you to a few of the staff here?” she asks, drawing my attention away from tumultuous thoughts. I force a smile on my face and nod.
She leads me through the café, and I meet the other staff members. They all seem friendly and welcoming, just like most people in this town. Marianne shows me how to work the espresso machine, and a thrill shoots through me when I pull my first perfect shot of espresso. The cash register is a bit more complicated, but after a few tries, I get the hang of it. Before long, I’m taking orders and serving customers with ease.
One of the perks of the job is the free coffee, which I’m more than happy to indulge in. To me, coffee is soul food.
I go home excited about my new job and eager to share the news with Grandma. As I walk back, I wonder if I can make a home here. However, the thought of registering with the council looms over me, knowing the moment I do, my mate might be alerted because despite what Grandma thinks. I know Rhett and he knows I had a sister so he would have something on her name in case it pinged in any registry. That paper birth certificate will only get me so far, but won’t work for formal identification. Regardless, I’m happy I can help my grandmother and will figure out the rest as it comes.
Upon entering the house, I find my grandmother in her favorite chair, her face lighting up when she sees me. “I got a job at the café!” I announce, trying to contain my excitement.
She smiles weakly, her eyes shining with pride. “That’s wonderful, dear.”
“Grandma, can I borrow your cell?”
I spy on Rhett’s social media using a fake account I make on grandma’s phone. Tomorrow he will be away on pack business several hours from here because he posted about having to meet some Alpha in Clary City. So, maybe he is only stopping in since he passed this town to get there? I hope sobecause that café is the only one on the street besides the food truck which apparently only comes on certain days, and the last thing I want is for him to return and catch me there.
• • •
The next day, the café is bustling with customers when I notice a group of cars pulling up outside. I recognize the Lycan men from the pharmacy stepping out. Panicking, I rush to the back of the café.
“Marianne, I’m taking my lunch break,” I say, trying to sound casual.
“Sure thing, Bree,” she smiles, “just be back by two.”
I slip out the back door, clutching my handbag, and exhale with relief at how close I came to running into them again. As I walk toward the park, I spot a few more of their cars parked out back. My breath catches, and I duck down behind some trash cans. I wait for what feels like an eternity before I finally make a break for it.
Once at the nearby park, I sit on a swing, taking out my sandwich. My hands tremble slightly at the close call. Suddenly, I hear crying. I glance around, searching for the source of the noise, but see no one. The crying continues, so I stand and cautiously approach the large slide.
“Hello?” I call out. A small gasp comes from the slide’s tunnel. I move closer and peer inside, finding a little boy about five years old—at least I think it’s a boy. He has a spiderman mask on his face, obscuring his features.
“Are you okay?” I ask him gently.
He sniffles and shakes his head and says, “I’m lost.”
“Come on out, and I’ll help you find your mom,” I offer.
