Chapter 7

Breakfast was over, and I had just finished stacking the last set of clean plates on the counter when Sofia patted me on the shoulder.

"I saw one of them." She whispered.

"Who?" I asked curiously.

"Nicholas Klain," she leaned in, ready to give me the scoop, "Looks like he's hiding in the back of the building. I don't think anyone has spotted him yet. I wish I could go see him, but Tanna has me planning the dishes for the next few meals," she sighed.

There was a genuine longing in her voice, a clear desire to meet Nicholas that was hard to miss.

"You're really a Nicholas fan, aren't you?"

A strange look crossed her features before she let out a sigh, "Something like that," she replied, her tone shifting. "Anyway, about the meal plans, I don't want Tanna stealing my credit."

I shook my head, "I'm sorry, Sofi," I said, feeling bad for her.

Tanna was exploiting Sofia's talents for herself. She was cunning and, worst of all, she could get away with it.

"Yeah. It sucks, but I can't do anything about it," she said, her shoulders slumping.

"I'll make sure you get recognized one day," I told her, and my heart went out to her. If only they recognized her ability above her rank, but of course, these werewolves still needed to grow in that department.

Sofia smiled weakly, "Michelle, you're such a sweetheart, you know that?"

I felt my cheeks warm up. I wasn't used to compliments. They made me feel uneasy. And I tended to avoid anything that made me feel discomfort.

"I'm only doing what a friend would do," I shrugged.

Sofia nodded.

"Honestly, Michelle, the truth is, I hate that woman, I hate how all the wolves take advantage of the low ranks," Sofia said, clenching her fist.

It was strange to see Sofia upset. Tanna must really be getting under her skin.

"Yeah, I do too, but Felix is the ruler of this pack, and he won't make any changes," I told her.

We stood silent for a moment before Sofia changed the subject.

"By the way, mija, could you do me a favor?" A mischievous smile crept up her lips.

"What is it?"

"An autograph," she said, her eyes lighting up.

"From Nicholas?" I asked.

Sofia nodded with a smile on her lips before it was wiped off by the sound of Tanna's voice.

"Sofia! Where are you? I need you!" She called from across the kitchen.

Sofia rolled her eyes. "I have to go. So, do we have a deal?" She asked, her tone hopeful.

"Deal, but no promises," I told her.

"Great. It looks like the trash hasn't been taken out. Would you mind?" She winked at me.

"Well, if I have no other choice," I said, getting the hint.

I gathered the trash and headed out.

The sun was peeking through the clouds when I came out. I felt the cool air on my skin, and it felt refreshing compared to the hot kitchen.

I loved cloudy days. Sometimes, I liked to pretend I was in a movie while my hair was blowing in the wind. Unfortunately, today, my hair was tamed into a ponytail.

As my eyes adjusted to the sunlight, I scanned the back area for Nicholas Klain.

At the other end of the corner of the building, I saw a crouching figure. The person seemed unaware of their surroundings. They were too focused on their phone. Whatever was happening on their screen seemed to be capturing their attention.

Nicholas Klain looked really hot when he was distracted, I thought shamelessly.

He was wearing a gray hooded sweater, black sweatpants, and white ankle-high shoes. His face snapped from his phone to me as I took what I thought was a silent step toward him.

The first thing I noticed were his hazel eyes. They were dangerously beautiful, intense like a predator's gaze, yet inviting in some twisted way. Without a doubt, I knew this man was lethal. It was in the air that radiated around him, but I couldn't turn away. There was a part of me that ached to touch the wild and untamable beast before me.

His eyes slowly swept over my body, from head to toe, and I swear I saw desire in them. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, the heat of his gaze nearly tangible. It made my heart rate spike.

I also took him in. He had flawless warm tan skin that was a perfect contrast to his hazel eyes, and his full lips held silent promises. Even though he wore a sweater, I could tell he was fit. It was hard not to feel drawn to him, pulled in by the quiet power he exuded.

I felt very underdressed in my black jeans, long white sleeved shirt, and black apron wrapped around me.

A black apron. Talk about sexy. My cheeks flushed again, this time from embarrassment, and I suddenly wanted to rip off my apron and set it on fire in a nearby trash can.

Nicholas stood up. All 6 feet of him. It took me a second to realize he was walking toward me. I suddenly tensed, not sure what to do. I lifted a hand and waved at him.

"Hello, I'm Michelle Meyers, and you must be the popular celebrity everyone is talking about, Nicholas Klain, right?" I asked, extending a hand.

"Well, I wouldn't say I'm just a celebrity." He smirked. "I'm also the Alpha of Shadow Moon pack. Nicholas Klain, it's nice to meet you, Michelle Meyers." The man's smirk widened, his beautiful hazel eyes gazing into mine.

For some reason, at that moment, I knew this man would be the death of me.