9 years later

Maddison P.O.V. 

I can’t believe I already turned 19. The years have gone by so fast on one hand, and on the other it still feels like yesterday when I wandered through the rough terrain in the pitch black of the night. I’ve been dreading meeting my mate ever since I shifted on the night of my 18th birthday, but so far I’ve been lucky and not met anyone. I hope it stays that way because I will not make good mate material. Not with my past, and with my personality. 

The morning is foggy, but I know as soon as the sun comes up it’ll burn the fog away with its warm rays. I walk down to the little lake, just down from my cave, to wash myself. I’ve made a small morning fire, and put the kettle over to make a cup of tea. I put the stones there as well for my dough, so I can have some freshly baked bread with honey and cheese. It’s my favorite in these semi cold fall mornings. The day is warm enough, but at night I need to have one of my heating stones active to keep warm. Even with all my blankets it still gets chilly when an animal pushes its way under during the night. 

After my morning wash and breakfast, I make my way to the woods. I need to get to a certain point for me to teleport to town. I learned this skill a little less than a year ago, and it really saves time when you are in a hurry. Now I use it to go to work, and I don’t have to get up as early as I used to, although I find that habit difficult to get rid of. 

As I make my way through the forest, I encounter some of my animal friends who are on their way back to my cave to hibernate. I tell them to stay at their usual spots so I wont bother them through the rest of fall and winter. 

At my usual spot I teleport to the treeline, walk out to the sidewalk and up to the pedestrian crossing on the road. I cross when the light turns green, and continue a little further up the road. The book cafe is my favorite place which is lucky as I work there. Though I am a shy girl, I love books and helping people to learn which genre they love and seeing them disappear into a world of never ending joy and freedom. 

I put the key into the keyhole, opening the door and switching on the lights. I let the sign stay closed until I’m ready to have customers. We’re not opening for another hour and a half anyway, but sometimes if I’m ready before I switch the sign over and let people come in early. Mr and Mrs Peterson does not say anything as it only creates more income. We’re usually two people on call at the book cafe, as one has to stay at the counter selling coffee and all that jazz, while the other will go around and make sure everything is alright. 

At 9am I switch the sign over, telling everyone we’re open. It doesn’t take long for people to come in. Some come in to relax with a coffee and a paper before going to work, while others stay here to work on their computers. Our only rule is you have to have hush voices and not bring your own food and drink. One of my usuals comes up to the counter - Mrs. Peterson called just before I opened and said Elsa was sick, so she had to come in and would be there in a little while. Elsa is their daughter and just as much a sweetheart as her parents. 

“Good morning, beautiful.” Jerry says, and I can’t help but give him the biggest smile. He is an oldtimer who lost his wife a few years back. They both used to come here to read and smalltalk to other regulars. 

“Good morning, Jerry. How are things?” I ask, going straight to the coffee pot and pouring him a cup. 

“You know, Maddie, same as yesterday. How come you’re opening today? Wasn’t it Malik’s turn?” I nod, handing over the coffee and a scone. 

“Yeah but we traded. He’s taking my Saturday, and I’m here today.” I answer, feeling warm at his concern. 

“Okay, just please take care of yourself, darling. How much?” I shake my head. 

“It’s on the house, Jerry.” 

“Again? What’s that? The 10th time this month. Why is it on the house?” 

“Because it just is. Now go and sit down and enjoy that coffee and scone while it’s still warm.” He shakes his head, but gives me the biggest smile and wanders off to his favorite place. 

A couple of hours later and the place is filled up with our usuals. A mix between humans and supernaturals. You have your average witch or warlock, some werewolves from different packs - my old one included, and other kinds I do not recognize immediately. Mrs. Peterson is asking me to take my lunch break when the door opens and my body starts to tingle. It's kind of buzzing, but more electric. I stiffened when the scent hit me. This is definitely not what I expected today. 

Turning around slowly a group of five people is standing at the door and looking around. One of the guys, the tall, muscular, tattooed, dude was by far the most gorgeous creature I had ever laid my eyes upon. The way his body was buff without the extreme overboard muscles and his tattoos cover his arms and neck. Hot fucking damn man! His hair is dark brown and falling just so, framing his face perfectly. His eyes turn darker as he stares at me and I feel myself go hot all over. Fucking hell! He’s my mate. Well, there goes my theory on not having one. I’ll need to reject him quickly, so none of us get to hurt, but fuck me if he is the most perfect guy. 

He keeps staring at me as the group walks further into the cafe, but I can’t help but notice the young woman hanging off of his arm. Why is she touching my mate like that? Why is he letting her? Ember whimpers in my mind, wanting to claim her mate but not sure if it’s a good idea when he already has some else. The hot feeling turns dead cold as the woman leans into him, gets on her toes and kisses his cheek with happy eyes. My mate smiles adoringly at her before moving to the counter. 

“I’m going to take that break now, Mrs. Peterson.” I say while my mate walks towards us with a sweet smile on his lips. She looks at me with that ‘I know something is wrong’ look, but I just shrug it off and go into the back room before he can get to me. 

In the break room I let a couple of tears fall. But I don’t let it get too far before I hold them back. I’m not going to sob over someone I don’t know. Clearly the woman he is with is a much better fit for him than me, so I’ll just have to get through the rejection without too much fuss. I sit down as Mrs. Peterson enters the break room. 

“I’m sorry, darling, but that young man you tried to avoid wanted to ask about some of the books that I am not familiar with.” She says her eyes apologetic. I sigh and get up. Just fucking great.