chapter four

Agatha ushered me to a nearby store, urging me to rest. Not long after the commotion, her shop buzzed with activity once again. I lay in silence on the bed, gazing up at the ceiling. Solitude had been my constant companion, and I had no desire to involve myself in the shop's affairs.

Then, Anna, Agatha's daughter, arrived with lunch. She sat beside me, her eyes filled with admiration. "Elena, you're incredibly strong. I've never met someone with such resilience. I envy you," she confessed.

She wasn't wrong. I'd endured the relentless mistreatment by my pack, a battle few could comprehend. "I'm okay, trust me," I replied, the words flowing effortlessly from my lips.

Towards evening, I emerged to assist Agatha with the shop's closing duties. We tidied up, rearranged chairs, and wiped down tables, leaving everything in impeccable order. Just as I was about to leave, Agatha surprised me by saying, "I'll see you tomorrow, Elena." I paused and turned to look at her, baffled. Hadn't she witnessed the ordeal I'd endured earlier?

"I'll try," was all I managed to say before departing. I strolled down the path, plagued by the fear of another attack, but I resolved to return home, retreating into my self-imposed isolation. My thoughts lingered on the gentleman who'd defended me. It was the first time someone had stood up for me, but did he even know me? Did he realize my inability to shift into a wolf? Did he understand the struggles I faced with my inner beast? These questions swirled within me, even though I knew I couldn't have the answers. He'd been kind, nothing more. I knew he wouldn't return to the shop, concluding that our brief encounter would remain just that.

As I reached my door, my musings dissolved into reality. I entered my apartment, walked straight to the bathroom, and let the soothing water cascade over me. The scars on my body, each a reminder of different aggressors, served as a painful testament to my lack of acceptance. No one would ever embrace me.

After my shower, I donned pajamas and settled into my bed, stealing a glance out my window. The street outside lay quiet, only the distant howling of wolves breaking the stillness. The tranquility of having my own space was all I had ever yearned for.

Thoughts of the man who had defended me crept back into my mind. He didn't seem bad at all. His beautiful eyes and face left a pleasant impression, and I couldn't help but smile at the memories. Slowly, I drifted off to sleep, holding onto the hope that maybe, just maybe, acceptance wasn't an elusive dream.

***

In the quiet of that night, Raymond wandered through his vast library, a realm of solitude. His brother, Smith, walked in, questioning, "Care to explain why you rescheduled the bride selection?" Smith's gaze bore into Raymond's, and he continued with an air of exasperation, "Don't tell me you're finding it difficult to perform such a simple task. What's so challenging about choosing a bride? A mate?" Smith's voice thundered with impatience.

"Everything!" Raymond retorted sharply. "I don't know anymore, Smith. Everything has to be perfect." Smith recognized his brother's inner turmoil, aware of the tremendous burden of making such a weighty decision.

Smith offered a suggestion, "How about this? Venture out into the streets and get to know the ladies." Raymond pushed back, "That's not possible."

"Listen," Smith advised, "take a break from pack activities. Go out, have some fun. You can't keep locking yourself in here." He patted Raymond on the shoulder and left the room.

Raymond contemplated his brother's words. Smith had a point. Since taking on the role of alpha, he had immersed himself in pack responsibilities. Perhaps it was time to loosen up, connect with other families, and address their concerns about the community. He doubted there would be problems, considering the peaceful relations they maintained with neighboring packs.

The following morning, I adhered to my usual routine, though I had no intention of leaving my house. After brewing tea and showering, I slipped back into my pajamas, grabbed a book, and nestled into my bed to read.

My phone incessantly buzzed, undoubtedly Agatha trying to reach me. Deliberately, I ignored her calls and powered off my phone. The thought of heading to Agatha's in broad daylight, after what had transpired, filled me with shame. Many had witnessed the previous day's events, and I couldn't bear the idea of becoming an easy target for further bullying. I had no intention of risking exposure during the day.

Agatha's patience wore thin as she waited, and she concluded that Elena wasn't going to show up. Resigned to this fact, she decided to open her shop with the help of Anna. Once their morning routine was completed, Anna hurried off to school, and before long, the shop became bustling with customers. Agatha's coffee-making skills had always been exceptional, resulting in a high demand for her brews.

Just as she was brewing another cup of coffee, a familiar voice broke through the chatter. Agatha looked up and was surprised to see the same man who had visited the previous day. She began preparing his drink and he inquired, "Is Elena not at work today?"

Agatha replied, "I gave her the day off," as she handed him his coffee. "By the way, what's your name?" she asked. He introduced himself as Ansell, flashing a warm smile.

Grateful for Ansell's help the day before, Agatha placed her wrinkled hand on his arm and said, "I didn't get to thank you for yesterday. Elena has suffered so much."

Ansell modestly replied, "It was the right thing to do. Everyone just sat and watched, so I had to do something."

Agatha, appreciating his kind gesture, offered, "Your coffee is on the house." Ansell's smile beamed in response.

A few hours later, Anna returned, her cheerful demeanor brightening the shop. Agatha couldn't resist sharing the events of the day, starting with Ansell's return.

Anna's curiosity piqued, and she inquired, "Who was it, mum?"

Agatha answered, "Ansell, the man from yesterday. He did ask about Elena, just if I gave her the day off."

As they chatted about their day and their mysterious customer, closing time approached. Just before they closed up shop, the doorbell jingled, and in walked Raymond, dressed in a striking blue shirt, black pants, and brown shoes. He exuded confidence and charm, instantly catching their attention.

Anna couldn't contain her excitement and whispered to Agatha, "He's the alpha of the pack."

Agatha was taken aback, and her surprise was evident. The idea of the alpha visiting her small coffee shop seemed unlikely. Raymond confidently ordered an iced Americano, and Anna eagerly prepared it with a wide grin.

Raymond complimented the shop, and Agatha returned the compliment graciously. Anna's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, "You're the alpha, right?"

Agatha scolded Anna for her bluntness, and Raymond began to feel slightly uncomfortable under the young girl's intense gaze.

Soon, Raymond's coffee was ready, and he departed with grace and aura. Anna was convinced that he was the alpha, and Agatha gently scolded her for making him feel uneasy.

Amid their debate about the alpha's visit, I arrived. I joined them, I also apologized for fear of being seen during the day and ordered my usual coffee.

After my coffee was ready, I switched the shop's sign from open to closed, and the trio began cleaning and tidying up. Once our work was done, I headed home, my refuge and hideout.

Outside my front door, I encountered a group of people, including the red-haired girl from the previous. They approached me.

"Elena," the fiery-haired girl called out to me, her eyes ablaze with something I couldn't quite fathom. She sauntered over, her steps deliberate and menacing. "Guess your so-called friend isn't coming to your rescue this time," she sneered, yanking at my hair, as if it were the source of all her fury.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't hold back the sobs any longer. I was at my breaking point, fear coursing through my veins, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. In a cruel twist of fate, they dragged me to a shadowy corner near my street, slamming my head against the unforgiving wall. Desperately, I tried to shield myself with my trembling arms.

"Where's your little savior now?" they jeered, their fists raining down upon me. In that painful moment, I yearned for an end to this torment. All I could do was endure it, my spirit unbroken, though my body bore the scars of their cruelty.

Meanwhile, Raymond savored the coffee he had received and remarked to his brother, "This coffee is exceptional. You should have gotten one, Smith."

Raymond chuckled and assured him, "Next time, it's on me. Oh, and the young lady in there is quite the talker, too."

With that, they drove away from the shop, leaving a sense of mystery and intrigue lingering in the air.