Chapter 20

Alanza’s POV

“Crystal Lake is a power-hungry bastard, that’s what he is.”

The bell over the door chimed. I barely glanced up. The sound meant another customer, but my focus stayed on the pastry case. It needed to look perfect. Four months here at The Novel Grind had turned this small cafe into my routine, my safe place. The smell of old books and brewing coffee felt like home now.

I set a blueberry scone next to a stack of lemon muffins. My hands worked steady and slow. This job, this quiet town, it was all I had. A real life, finally, without the noise from back home.

Tonight, I was going to Facundo and Esme’s house for dinner. The thought made me smile. Good food, easy talk. It was a million miles from the tight, silent dinners I used to have. A quick jab of guilt hit me, but I pushed it away. The past was done. It couldn’t follow me here.

“Here you go, dear.” Mrs. Elkins put a steaming coffee mug on the counter beside me. “Don’t forget that literature class this afternoon.”

I took the mug, the heat warm through the ceramic. “Thanks, Mrs. Elkins.” I sipped the dark, strong coffee. Introduction to Literature was the only class I could afford this summer. It felt small, but it was a start. A real step forward.

The morning rush faded. I took a deep breath. The quiet moments were the best part. Peace. It felt solid, like a new piece of furniture in my life.

I walked over to the paperback section, running my finger along the spines. My eyes caught two men seated at a corner table. They were talking low, a heavy, rough murmur.

Then I smelled it.

A cold ribbon tightened in my stomach. Shifters. I hadn’t even noticed them come in. How could I miss that scent? My legs felt weak, but I kept my spine straight. I slid a book onto the shelf, forcing my movement to stay casual. I had to listen.

Their words were just a drone at first, then I picked up a sentence.

“...dragging us all into his feud with that hothead Westwood.”

I froze. My fingers gripped the book so tight the corners bent. Westwood. That name. It was Luciano. I slammed the door on that memory before it could open. That life was over. Closed. Done.

“Can’t fathom why our alpha is so hellbent on finding that Crystal Lake girl,” the second man scoffed. “She’s more trouble than she’s worth.”

The paperback slipped from my shaking hands. It hit the wood floor with a soft, dead thud. I dropped fast, crouching to snatch the scattered pages. My heart was a drum in my ears. That Crystal Lake girl.

No. It can’t be.

But the cold certainty settled low in my gut. They knew. They were talking about me.

Panic was a bitter taste in my throat. I swallowed it back. Breathe. Nobody knew where I was. I was just Alanza. Anonymous. Unassuming. I stood up, offering a tight, empty smile toward their table. The shifters didn't even look up. I walked back behind the counter, my hands trembling just a little bit.

The literature lecture blurred. I couldn't focus. The words from the café kept cycling in my head. That Crystal Lake girl. The fragile peace I had built felt like it was tearing apart, strand by strand.

The final bell rang, a sudden, sharp noise. I shoved my books into my bag. I walked into the hallway, a mess of rushing students. I felt like I was moving under water, separate from the noise and the light.

A finger tapped my shoulder.

A startled scream ripped out of me. My textbook slammed onto the floor. I spun around, ready to fight, my heart hammering like it wanted to escape my chest.

“Whoa. Hey, it’s okay!” A man’s voice, full of surprise and concern. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

I blinked, taking him in. He wore a slightly wrinkled shirt and a nice, easy smile. His eyes were wide with gentle worry. He was human.

My panic bled away. I was being ridiculous. I let out a shaky breath and forced a small, fake laugh.

“No, no, I’m sorry,” I managed. I bent down quickly to pick up my books. “You just really startled me.”

The man dropped to one knee to help. He gathered the pages with a calm, unhurried motion. “Well, I absolutely did not mean to do that,” he said, grinning. “I was just going to ask if you might want to get coffee with me sometime?”

His words cut through the remaining haze of fear. I stared at him. He was just a guy. Asking me out. It was a completely normal thing. But every nerve in my body screamed danger.

I had to get away.

I swallowed hard. I gave him a small, careful smile. “That’s very nice of you,” I said, my voice low. “But I’m not really looking to date anyone right now.”

He nodded instantly. There was no argument or complaint in his face, just understanding. “No problem at all,” he said easily. He rose, then offered me his hand. “Figured I had to shoot my shot, you know?”

I took his hand. He pulled me up to my feet. “I appreciate the thought,” I told him honestly. It was a good reminder. I was still just a person, and people did normal things around me.

He gave a final, friendly wave and walked down the hall. A strange feeling of lightness settled in my chest. Then my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out. The lightness vanished.

“Alanza, where are you? Facundo has something important to discuss tonight.”