7

Rosie

The driver's words latched onto me as I sat on the bathroom floor in the motel. Where did I want to go, and how could I get back at them? Do I have the guts to retaliate?

I rubbed my face, my hands still cold and white, still relishing the earlier suicide attempt. If the driver hadn't pulled me back, would I have gone?

God! I shivered. I didn't want to think about that again.

My eyes fluttered closed, then warm amber eyes flashed beneath my eyelids, and my breath hitched. I've gotten my answer.

I was going back to Highland Creek where no one knows me or my past... start again, then after that I'd come back and shove it in their faces.

Sophia.

Josh.

My parents.

And myself.

I needed to prove it to myself most of all. That I wasn't weak. That I wasn't broken beyond repair. That I could save myself.

I stood up from the floor, patted my jeans as I entered the shaggy motel room and started packing my clothes in the duffel bag. I had a destination. A place to look forward to.

I checked out of the motel, strolled down to the ATM machine to withdraw everything remaining in my account. I've noticed my parents have cut my trust fund.

They really didn't want anything to do with me.

I couldn't wait any longer as I took the last bus to Highland Creek. It was pure luck that made me snag this bus before it left.

I walked to the last row and sat quietly at the window side, hugging my duffel bag as I stared out of the window, staring at the snow falling. I sighed out, fog coming out from my mouth as I rubbed my shoulders from the cold with my mittened hands.

Hours of traveling, my mind was blank and my brain was empty, nothing to process, as I pressed my forehead against the cold window and tried not to think about it. I tried to focus on the passing scenery, even though there was nothing to watch in the darkness.

Relief flooded through me when I saw the green signboard of Highland Creek and I sighed. I've made it. I was here to start afresh. People started to get down from the bus and I got down also.

Although I didn't know anywhere to go, I was lost, new and hungry in a new town. I was only here once during the Christmas holiday. And the destination was already planned and known, but not now.

I walked around aimlessly to find a motel to sleep for the night. The streets were empty, the shops were closed and I brought my phone out to see the time. 10:47 PM.

It was too late. Well, no one would be open now. As I wanted to give up-maybe sleep outside this night inside the snow and cold, maybe hypothermia would take pity on me and take my useless body.

But my eyes caught a small building. The lights were still on and I breathed out in relief and hurried there. I could feel my teeth chattering from the cold. I walked closer to see Moonbone Café in faded letters and an "OPEN" sign glowing in the window.

I cried in relief. The place was open and I was happy. At least I would get heat, warmth and something to eat. My coat was wet from the cold, and I stumbled to the café door, my hands shaking so hard that I could barely turn the handle. The bell chimed as I pushed inside. Warmth enveloped me and I exhaled. The smell of fresh bread made my stomach grumble and my knees nearly gave out from walking too much.

I stared at the young woman behind the counter. She looked like she was in her early twenties, her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and her brown eyes widened as she saw me... which made her stop wiping down the espresso machine.

The woman came around, worry already etched on her face. "Oh my God, are you okay?" the woman asked as she came to me and guided me to the nearest table. "Sit down. You're soaked through."

I appreciated the woman's kindness and collapsed into the chair. My legs were shaking as I shivered, my teeth chattering. I couldn't speak. My eyes stung from everything.

The young woman looked at me again and disappeared into the back door, then returned with a towel. She draped it around my shoulders.

"I'm Maya," she said gently, "Hold on, let me get you something warm." Maya went back to the counter and operated the machine, then returned with a large mug of coffee, steam rising as she pushed it in front of me.

"On the house. Drink."

And I nodded. I couldn't say anything or even thank her. I wrapped my hands around the mug. Warmth seeped into my frozen fingers. I took a sip and quickly removed it because it was scalding hot, but I needed it to blow off the cold in my body.

Maya sat across from me, staring at me yet didn't say or ask anything, which I was grateful for. After sipping, feeling warmth within, "Are you passing through?" she asked.

My voice came out hoarse. "I... I don't know," I answered truthfully. I just made the decision to come to this town, yet I've not thought it through.

As if Maya noticed the expression on my face, she gave me a small knowing smile. "You need a place to stay?"

I looked up in surprise, like she could read me. "Yeah, it's true," I responded quietly, "but I don't have much money..." I dropped my head down.

"My parents own a cottage on the edge of town. Small, but it's got heat and a bed," she explained. "Usually rent it to tourists, but it's empty in winter."

My throat tightened with emotion. Just this night, two people had shown me kindness. "I really don't have-"

"You can pay what you can, when you can. Small amounts. No pressure."

"But you don't know me?" my voice cracked as my eyes shone with gratitude.

"Right now you look like you need rest more than anything." Maya leaned back, her brow scrunched thoughtfully. "Actually, we could use help here," she said, gesturing at the café. "Nothing fancy - serving coffee, clearing tables. Some light baking if you're up for it, though the pay isn't amazing, but it's steady. Plus tips," she paused uncertain. "You interested?" she added, unsure if I'd accept.

"Why are you helping me?" the question came out before I could stop it.

Maya's expression softened. "Because you look like you need it and I want to help you," she smiled.

I tried to speak but nothing came out. I've not even introduced myself to her as tears came rushing out and I just nodded.

Maya smiled gently. "Good. That's settled then." She stood up. "Let me close up and I'll take you to the cottage." She turned to me. "Have you eaten?" and I shook my head.

"I'll pack you something," Maya said and disappeared into the back door again. Maya returned with a takeout bag. "Leftover soup, some bread," she handed it to me.

We walked out together. Maya locked the front door, flipped the sign to CLOSED and turned off the lights, leaving only the Christmas lights glowing. She grabbed her keys and coat. "My truck's out back. Follow me."

I clutched the food bag like my life depended on it as we strode to her truck.

It's about five minutes from here," Maya said as she started the engine. We rode in comfortable silence as I ate the bread and soup. It was the best thing I've tasted in days as warmth spread through me and tears welled up in my eyes.

God!

Maya turned off Main Street onto a side road. Trees on either side, light snow now falling from the sky. The cottage was isolated.

"Here we are." She turned off the truck, walked to the door and unlocked it. She flipped on the light. It was small and cozy. A living area with a couch and fireplace. Tiny kitchen in the corner. A bedroom door to the right, bathroom to the left. Everything looked clean and simple.

"Firewood's stacked outside. Matches on the mantel," she pointed. "Hot water works fine." Then she turned to leave. "Get some sleep. You look dead on your feet," she said. "You can come by the café when you're comfortable and we'll talk about the details." She walked to the door. "And don't worry about the rent. Seriously."

As she reached the door, I stopped her. "Maya?" and Maya turned.

"Thank you. I... thank you," I stumbled out, rubbing my arm nervously.

Maya's gaze softened and she smiled. "Welcome to Highland Creek..." she trailed off and paused. "Sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"I'm Rosie."

"Welcome, Rosie. Get some rest." And the door shut behind her. I stood in the middle of the cottage, listening to Maya's truck drive away. The engine faded into the distance. Silence settled around me.

9

Jude

My eyes fluttered open, groaning as I clutched my head, feeling like it wanted to split open. Lying on my back on the bed, I took in the dorm and grunted awake. My heart thudded so fast in the dark, I glanced at the clock on the nightstand to see it was only 5 AM in the morning.

I held my head,my wolf clawing at the back of my mind, pacing in agitation in a way I've never felt. I didn't understand why he was feeling this. Maybe the thought of losing the mate a few hours after finding her.

I stood up, trailing to the window and opened it, inhaling the fresh breath of air, the after smell of snow hitting the air. The cold air whooshed as I dropped to the ground, my muscles tensing as I started a headstand to regulate my breathing. Maybe exercise would shift the agitation of my wolf and I continued, my nose flaring, but nothing worked.

I pinched the bridge of my nose tiredly. What the fuck do you want? I asked, but the motherfucker in my mind rolled his eyes and continued pacing.

Mate!

Find mate!

Want mate!

But I wanted our mate also and I'd do everything in my capability to find her and I knew the moon goddess would bring her back to us as she did at first. I saw it perfectly.

I walked to the shower, took a long shower to calm my head before checking the clock again and picked up my duffel bag to go to practice before the coach chewed my head off. Even though I was the alpha's son, that didn't mean he'd be lenient with me.

The coach would be like, on the ice rink, I'm your coach, but off the ice, you are my young alpha.

I ran to the school arena and started my practice early to distract myself from my wolf growling, running laps around the rink while waiting for others to fill in to start the one-on-one practice.

The arena started filling up with the teammates but I didn't stop till the coach clapped, stopping me from my laps. My legs were protesting but that didn't take my mind off it as my breathing ragged, sweat rolling from my temple.

"Today we are playing one on one," the coach said. "Nolan," the coach called the defense man and Nolan raised his hand. "You'll be the goalie then switch with Rivers."

"Aye coach," they hollered.

"Remember, the NHL will soon start. You must give it your best!" the coach, Mr. Walters reiterated, then turned to me. "Winters, be the first, pass the puck." The coach said and went to stand by the side.

As my partner passed the puck to me, I missed it and cursed, then skated aggressively to take the puck back from the offensive player, but I was playing like shit. I couldn't focus. I bumped into the player and the coach shouted something but I didn't hear that.

"Winters, what's happening this morning?" Mr. Walters called. "Put your head in the practice." He gave me a sharp look.

While the other team members stared at me, their captain was playing like a rookie. Even a rookie couldn't make this mistake.

"Lack of sleep," I responded, and I knew Rivers and the coach didn't believe that excuse. I just didn't have my head in the practice.

After practice, I walked to the familiar road down toward the cheap hotel room, the only place that I knew could soothe my wolf. I took the key from my back pocket and smiled, even though her scent was already gone from the room. But the room served as a link to me and my mate. A place I couldn't leave.

The room was hollow, cold and empty and the absence of what my wolf wanted made him snarl loudly in my head and I nearly shifted. I could feel my claws retracting, my jaw aching to make my face morph into my wolf and I gripped the wall tightly to steady myself.

Calm down, I gritted out, but the words weren't reaching my wolf as I left the room abruptly, running down the stairs before I shifted into my wolf.

Maybe if I let him free, he would be calm.

My bones cracked-sharp, violent snaps that echoed through my body. I'd done this a thousand times, but it never got easier. I let go of my human form, let my wolf take over. My spine curved. Fur rippled across my skin, silver-grey and thick. My jaw elongated, teeth sharpening into fangs. Hands became paws, nails became claws. The pain lasted only seconds, then-release. I shook out my fur, muscles rippling beneath my coat. My wolf huffed, finally free.

My wolf ran into the snow-covered ground. The cold air assaulted my fur and I shook my head. I followed the familiar trail to reach my sister's café when my wolf raised his head up, jolting as his nose caught a warm scent faintly in the wind that had been imprinted in my memory. My wolf stopped and my body froze. My wolf whispered a single word that had been etched on our mind for days.

Mate!

I followed the scent, my pulse hammering, my wolf wagging his tail as I stopped a yard away from my sister's café. I whipped my head around for any sight of humans before changing back. I stretched my stiffened muscles and climbed the tree to pick clothes from there.

The population of Highland Creek was mostly werewolves, just twenty percent human. I grabbed clothes from the stash in the tree-Highland Creek werewolves kept them everywhere for quick changes-and got dressed.

I walked to the café and opened the door. I was assaulted by the coffee and the unique scent of my mate. The scent hit me full force and I nearly stumbled but willed myself forward.

Mate, mate, mate, my wolf yipped happily and I had to stop him from taking over again.

My beautiful mate. Rosie was beautiful even though I could see the bags under her eyes, tiredness clinging to her as she wiped the table. Her brown hair was messily pulled in a ponytail. She looked different from when I'd seen her at Christmas- exhausted and tired.

9

Jude

As if Rosie sensed eyes on her, she glanced up and our eyes met. It was like the world stopped moving. Our eyes clashed and electricity sparked between us. The mate bond snapped into place, stronger now that we were this close. Blood thrummed under my skin as I could feel my eyes changing color. My wolf wanted to be known.

My wolf roared mate! So loudly that I nearly lost control on the spot.

Recognition flashed in her eyes and a small smile pulled on her lip.

"You?" Rosie blurted out and her eyes twinkled, which made my breathing hitch. I tried to look composed but I was shaking with restraint. Every instinct screamed at me to close the distance, to touch her, to never let her out of my sight again.

Rosie walked from behind the counter as I awkwardly approached, my mind racing with a thousand questions. What brought you here? Are you okay? Why did you leave? Can I touch you? When we reached the middle of the café, I breathed in deeply like a starved man. The scent I've been deprived of for weeks was finally here. My mate was here in front of me.

"How are you, Rosie?" I asked, fumbling the conversation. My usual confidence had evaporated. I didn't know what to say as I tried hard not to stare at her lips, her eyes, her neck-the neck that would bear my claiming mark someday. Every instinct demanded I should claim her now, pull her close, mark her as mine. But I forced myself to be civilized.

She's human! She's human! I reminded my wolf desperately. She doesn't know what you are. She doesn't understand the mate bond.

"I'm fine," she said softly. "And you?"

Before I could answer, Maya hollered from the counter with a knowing smile. "You guys can take a table."

A blush crept up Rosie's cheeks and a primal instinct to lick it.

That's your mate, Maya's voice came through the mental link, teasing.

I glared at her across the café and slammed the mental link shut before she could say anything else.

We moved to a corner table and sat across from each other. The proximity was torture and relief all at once. Close enough to smell her, to see the brown freckles on her nose, but not close enough to touch.

"I saw your note," I said carefully, "At the hotel." when I woke up and saw she had left, my wolf nearly went insane with roaring and searching for the scent. My mom had to calm me down and gave me hope that she'd be back to me.

"Oh," she fiddled with her hands, looking down. "I needed to settle something..." She trailed off and looked away, not before I caught the pained expression on her face.

My wolf whined. Mate is hurting.

"Are you okay?" I asked before I could stop myself. "You look... tired."

She laughed, but it was empty.

"I didn't mean-"

"No, it's fine. I am tired." She rubbed her face. "It's been a rough few weeks."

I wanted to ask what happened but I held back. What about you? Do you live here?"

"Yeah. Born and raised. I go to college about twenty minutes away, but Highland Creek is home." I gestured vaguely. "Maya's my sister, so I'm here a lot."

"Oh!" Recognition dawned on her face. "That makes sense. She's been really kind to me."

"She's good at that." I paused, trying to figure out how to ask without seeming like a stalker. "So you're... staying? In Highland Creek?"

"For now, yeah. Maya gave me a job here and helped me find a place to stay." She smiled a little. "Everyone here has been really nice. It's different from..." She stopped herself.

"From where you were before?"

"Yeah." She looked down at her hands. "Very different."

A silence fell between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable. I could sit here forever, just breathing in her scent, watching the way she tucked her hair behind her ear, the way her fingers traced patterns on the table.

My wolf was finally calm. Not silent-he was still there, still aware, still chanting mate, mate, mate-but peaceful. Like a part of me that had been missing had finally clicked back into place.

"So," I said, forcing myself to sound casual. "Do you mind giving me your number? In case you, uh, need anything. Since you're new in town."

Smooth, Jude. Real smooth.

But Rosie smiled-a real smile this time-and held out her hand. "Sure."

I placed my phone in her hand and our fingers brushed. The spark was immediate and electric. Her breath caught and her eyes widened slightly. She felt it too. She had to.

She quickly typed in her number and handed the phone back, this time careful not to let our hands touch again. Like the spark had scared her.

I wanted to grab her hand. I wanted to show her that the electricity between us was real, was right, was meant to be. But I couldn't. Not yet.

At that moment, my phone rang-loud and jarring in the quiet moment between us.

"Pick your call," Rosie said, standing up quickly. "I should get back to work anyway. I'll see you later?"

I nearly grabbed her wrist to stop her from leaving. Nearly pulled her back down and refused to let her go. But I forced myself to nod. "Yeah. Later."

She waved and walked back behind the counter, immediately busying herself with cleaning.

I glared at my phone-Rivers calling-and answered. "You better tell me this call is super important or else your limbs will be removed," I growled.

"Dude, chill. Coach wants to know if you're coming to the team meeting tonight-"

"I'll be there." I stood up, keeping my eyes on Rosie as I headed to the door. She looked up and our eyes met one more time. I smiled. She smiled back.

"-and also what the hell was wrong with you at practice? You were playing like-"

I hung up and stepped outside. The second the cold air hit me, my wolf settled. Actually settled. For the first time in weeks, he wasn't pacing, wasn't snarling, wasn't demanding I go find our mate.

Because she was here. In my territory. Safe. Close.

I breathed in deeply, the cold air still tinged with her scent.

Now she's here again.

And I'd never let her leave again.