Hogs and Haystacks

Teddy’s POV

I always enjoyed cruising the open roads. It gave me a sense of freedom that I could never achieve as an Alpha. As the leader of the Grave Hounds biker gang; the atmosphere was more relaxed. I could party as much as I wanted; and cause as much mayhem as I felt like. Screw rules I scoffed to myself as the wind buffered my face.

“Hey boss!” My second in command shouted from beside me. Normal people probably couldn’t hear a voice over the hum of so many Harley’s; but most of the gang were rogue werewolves who did not want to be tied down by a pack.

“Yah, Chip?”

“The next town over is Richmond, and Bertie’s bar is there. We should stop and make camp here for a good time.”

“Great idea, I’ll call the alpha of the area and let him know to expect us so there is no trouble.” I hated politics- but sometimes it was needed; especially to keep my gang safe. “You all ride ahead, I’ll pull off here to gas up.” I held up my hand with my middle finger and my thumb out, signaling to the gang to follow Chip. I pulled to the right and slowed down for the gas station. It was only half full; but at least I would be good to go all the way to the destination.

If I remember correctly, I mused, it’s Alpha Scott for this territory. I took out my simple flip phone and searched my contacts. Most of my gang laughed at the sight of my phone; but I did not care. The Nokia could last almost any wipeout I had on my bike- so the joke was on them for their delicate smartphones.

It has been four years since the last time the his gang had been through this territory, so hopefully Alpha Scott was still amicable with them stopping for a while. The line rang a few times before a deep voice answered. “Alpha Scott here.”

“Hey Scott; it’s Theodor Grave- leader of the Grave Hounds”

“Oh, Hey Teddy- what can I help you with man?”

I sighed and relaxed. I guess we left on decent terms last time, good. I thought to myself. “The gang and I will be cruising in; and want to stop and recoup in your territory for a bit if it’s alright.”

Alpha Scott did not answer right away, making me tense again. After a few seconds, Scott finally spoke. “Same rules apply as four years ago, man. No shifting in city limits, no causing public nuisances, and one week is all you got.”

“One week? It was a month last time we strolled in there.”

“Times are changing Teddy- the humans start to get suspicious of people with more strength than them. Plus there is a pack war going on right now. My people are antsy with outsiders at the moment. I can tell you the moment any of your gang steps out of line; you’ll have to move on for the sake and security of my pack.”

I cringed. This is why I hated packs. Always fighting over the stupid shit like land and hunting rights. But I could understand it for this city; lots of green spaces surrounded by farms with a few nature preserves and lots of woods- all with a decent city to boot too.

“I get the message man, I’ll pass it to my men as well.”

“See you at your bar then?”

“Sure; you’re more than welcome to party with the big league Scott.”

I hung up the phone and gassed up. Hopefully my gang followed orders this time around. Lately they had been burning bridges left and right with law breaking and stirring up trouble. Alpha Scott was one of the few places they could turn to now and, although they all preffeeed the open road and nomad lifestyle, it was nice to stop every now and then too to enjoy more modern amenities. I mounted my Harley and kicked it into gear; Richmond, here we come, I thought to myself.

******

It was a couple hours before the gang entered the city limits. We had to skip from the back roads to onto a major highway to get there. We could see the red barn of the local fireworks store; marking our exit.

Chip gave up the lead for me; making sure the higherarchy was prominent for all who saw us. A few miles into the small town; our favorite bar sat on the main street. Our gang of thirty-plus men pulled into the parking lot, trying to get all the bikes to fit without causing a crash. I directed my men around me signaling them all to wait a bit.

“I want you all to know that the same rules as last time apply for the area. All those who oppose and cause trouble get the same punishment as before.” Audible groans were heard all around. Our punishment system wasn’t harsh; just very demeaning for a wolf. Two weeks of wolf form and the doggy protective wear for bikers. Plus letting any human who asked to pet us do so. It was so humiliating that it worked for most of us in the gang for keeping everyone in line. “Also; our stint here is a week, trouble in the area.” There were a few grunts and groans at that. Most of the guys preferred the month stop over, they usually had to fix bikes and wanted to stock up on supplies.

With that; the gang dispersed to the bar. I stayed back to check on bikes and make sure everything was locked down before heading in. After about a half hour, I started to head to the door. The breeze picked up from the east and caressed my face, making me pause. That’s new I thought to myself. A bakery had opened up in the space next to the bar. Confections lined the window; tempting would be customers. My stomach gurgled at the thought of a sweet treat to eat.

Most werewolves shied away from sweet candies and confections; opting for more of a savory pallet. I was one of those rare few who enjoyed a good cookie or even a slice of cake. Deciding the bar could wait; I noticed that the sign on the door told that the bakery closed in ten minutes. Plenty of time to grab a snack I grinned to myself and headed on over. The smell was getting stronger as I pushed open the door to the bakery and a little bell chimed my arrival. Every confection available was lined up and organized. The displays made my mouth drool, and my stomach rumble louder.

“Be right with you!” A melodic voice called from the back of the store.

“Take your time; I’ll be a minute to decide.” I shouted back.

I scanned the cookie display, deciding that I was in the mood for something with chocolate. The last shelf in the case caught my eye. Chocolate Haystacks the sign read. I hadn’t had one of those since I was a pup. The simple chocolate and lo-main noodle mix had always been a favorite that my mom would make me. Being a Luna, she never really spent any time in the kitchen. But when I begged her for cookies, they were something she could whip up in a second.

I decided it was time to indulge in the memory and I would get the dozen or two that were there.

Still waiting for the voice from the back to appear, I tried to put my finger on what had smelled so divine when I was outside. It had a scent of vanilla to it; but it definitely wasn’t the cookies I smelled. The other cases had cakes and cupcakes, fancy dessert bites, and other confections; but none of them had the vanilla smell mixed with smokey caramel and rum.

“Sorry that took a minute sir, how might I help you?”

The voice made me jump. I had gotten lost in the smell and forgot where I was. Turning around, I saw the most breathtaking she-wolf I had ever seen. Her brown hair was tied up tightly in a bun; the color of pulled toffee. Her features were round and delicate in the face, giving her a classical renaissance maiden look. Her eyes the color of melted milk chocolate which the slightest hint of red. She was about five foot eight or so and curvy in all of the right places.

“All of the haystacks.” I managed to spit out after a second. My tongue seemed to be fighting me when it came to talking to her.

“Alright Sir; since we’re closed this weekend, they’ll be half off.” Her voice sounded musical to my ears as she packaged the cookies. Placing them on the counter and turning to the register, she typed in the code for them. ‘Is there anything else I can get for ya?” She inquired.

“Your number?” I tried to sound flirty for the girl. If I was going to stay here for a week, I definitely would make some time for some fun with this girl.

She smiled sadly to herself and blushed. “Thank, but no thanks. I have plans this week. The alpha already gave us pack members a heads up about you lot and I don’t really have the need or time for any trouble right now handsome. The total is eight fifty sir”

I bristled then shuffled my feet awkwardly. I wasn’t used to being shut down so quickly. I pulled out my wallet and gave her exact change. I scoffed to myself about Scott already warning his pack away. So much for hospitality I thought. “Can I get you to at least join me for a drink next door then?” Not one to give up easily, I hoped the goddess would change her mind.

“Again, I’m good. I need to finish closing up. Plus like I said, I have plans. Good evening.”

She gave me a shooing motion to the door, obviously trying to get me to go.

“Can I at least get a name to go with the beautiful face of yours?” I pleaded.

“Melody” she said simply, “now please scoot.”

“Well, hello Melody. I’m Theodor Grave, but you can call me Teddy.”

“No thank you Mister Grave. Have a good evening.”

I smiled to myself as I headed out the door. Melody, a name fit for the beautiful song she is I mused. As I exited the door, I heard a click behind me as Melody locked it quickly and flipped the sign from open to close.

I opened my box of cookies and stuffed a haystack in my mouth as I shuffled to the bar, pausing when the flavor hit my taste buds.

God dammit, I thought, they must have put crack or something in these to be this simple but addictive. I was definitely going to be making a stop again to this bakery come Monday. If not to see if everything tasted this great, but also to try and tempt Melody out for some fun.