3-Dynamite Dinner

Lucy decided to dress up and try to make it look as effortless as Ellen. Astrid was right something was up, and she was going to figure it out. No one would mess with Axel or Liam. Lucy just couldn't figure it out. What could this Ellen person want? Why she would pretend to be his sister made no sense. Did she know he was a werewolf? Or was it pure coincidence? Lucy put on a knee-length royal blue dress, and black flats curled her hair and tucked it up into a French knot. She left a few strands falling down to frame her face. Olivia's was the nicest restaurant in town, and the food was binge-worthy. Lucy and Axel ate there often since they were both food freaks. Plus, Axel's foster dad owned the place, so it helped they didn't have to pay for anything. 

Lucy walked in and spotted Ellen and Axel. It was strange because they did look like twins, female and male versions of the other, but if Astrid couldn't feel her wolf, what did that mean? 

Axel stood to pull Lucy's chair out for her. He already ordered her a spicy virgin Cesar her favourite. Axel was a complete gentleman and always so thoughtful, never forgetting her birthday or noticing when she needed a pick me up. Whoever his mate is would be super lucky.

“so Lucy Axel tells me you are planning a trip around the US when you graduate? That sounds amazing. Where are you planning on going first?”  

“I haven't decided yet. I was thinking of just picking a spot on the map and going from there.” She lied. She knew exactly where she was going. First, Montana to confront her family. They had usual dinner conversation likes dislikes. Ellen talked about her foster family, her Aunt Bonnie. It wasn't until Axel left to go to the restroom that the first warning sign showed up.    

 “So, Ellen, you were quick to visit when the Monroe's called you,” Lucy stated.

“ I was excited to meet my brother. I've always felt so alone like I never fit anywhere,” Ellen admitted.                        

“So you aren't close with your foster family? You made it seem like you were so close earlier,” Lucy shot a little snippily.                                              

“Why are you interrogating me?” Ellen shot back with just as much attitude.                            “Just a question, whatever connotation you put on it is all you!” Lucy spat.                              “ I can see you don't like me!” Ellen said with a fake sad face. Lucy softened a bit.                    “I am very protective of Axel. You showing up all of a sudden seems weird to me. I'm sorry if you thought anything else. Do you like running?” Lucy asked, seemingly changing the subject.

“Oh no, I'm not too fond of exercise and nature. I'm a pretty big city girl.”                              “Hmm, so no running at all?” Ellen looked at Lucy like she had an angle and replied,

“not even in the gym.” Astrid started to stir in Lucy's mind again. Lucy knew she was getting agitated. Lucy tried to beg Astrid to settle and not make a scene. Astrid said to ask her what she thinks of werewolves.

"No way!" lucy screamed in her mind.

"Do it! What wolf doesn't like running???It's almost impossible for a wolf to give birth to twins, one being a wolf one being human. If you won't protect Axel and Liam, I will!" And with that, Astrid made a half shift, and when she did, Ellen grabbed the silver knife from the bread basket and stabbed Lucy's hand by sticking it to the table. They were in the back booth, so not many people could see them, but a bus girl who walked by started screaming. Axel appeared shortly after that, and Astrid was on the verge of a complete shift. When Lucy finally got partial control, Axel pulled the knife out of Lucy's hand and turned to Ellen, but Ellen was gone. Axel wrapped Lucy's hand in a kitchen towel and walked them into his dad's office. Axel didn't say anything for a few minutes. Those few minutes felt like a lifetime to Lucy. Finally, he spoke, but he addressed Astrid, only it wasn't Axel. It was Liam.

"Astrid, are you alright. Did that woman hurt you?" His voice was lower, much raspier than Axel's voice. Lucy had never heard Liam in human form speak as this only Astrid behaved like that. Lucy let Astrid come forward to talk to Liam briefly.

"I am fine, but that woman is not your sister. She has no wolf. She is human." Liam exhaled slowly.

"You don't know the whole story. She is not a werewolf. She is a witch. A hybrid won't be able to shift into her wolf until she meets her mate. That's if her mate is a wolf. If her mate is a warlock, she will not have a wolf. I didn't have time to explain anything to you before she showed up. I wanted to tell you everything. Ellen grew up with my Aunt, and she knows a lot about my family history. I didn't know where to start. Astrid, I understand why you did what you did. You are my best friend, and I know you want to protect me, but you can't put Lucy in danger like that. There was a restaurant full of humans. They are all going to expect answers. Once I find Ellen meet me at our spot, we will go for a run." He leaned over and ran his thumb over Lucy's bloody but healing hand. With that, he gave control back to Axel. Axel immediately threw his arms around Lucy and held her tight until Astrid gave her back control. Lucy just sobbed softly in Axel's arms. "I am so sorry I was gone so long, Lucy. I ran into some guys from the shop,"Axel explained. Lucy caught her breath and spoke shakily.

"Axel, it is not your job to hover over me, keeping Astrid at bay. You've been responsible for me for too long. You can't be with me all the time. You know I was so jealous that Ellen was your sister I felt like she was taking my place. I'm like your sister." Axel chuckled softly and released Lucy from his firm hold.

"No one, and I mean no one, will ever replace you Luc."