Meeting Cole

Back to work the next day, Addie was surprised to see the old creepy dude and his friend walking through the door. They were in time for the breakfast rush so Addie quickly served them their eggs and tried to ignore the men watching her closely.  Rushing around and filling coffee mugs, running food and taking a minute or two to talk to the regulars filled up Addie’s morning and she was surprised when she later realized that they had left, leaving enough money on the table to cover their bill with a sizeable tip. 

3:00 pm finally came and the diner was officially closed.  Noel came out and glared at the last three customers who were lingering over their coffee causing them to gulp the last dregs.  They paid quickly and left.  The two girls quickly finished the remaining dishes and mopped the floors, chatting about Noel’s upcoming visit from her boyfriend before turning out the lights and locking the doors.  Noel gave a cheery wave and drove off in her ancient VW Bug.  Addie headed towards her room above the garage at a brisk walk.

One block over, the creepy old dude’s friend stepped out in front of her, effectively blocking her path.  Addie didn’t stop her stride, just stepped off the curb into the street and crossed to the other side.  Her heart was beating unnaturally fast but she tried to act casual, not like she was running away.  Too late she realized the second man was waiting across the street on that sidewalk.  Not sure what to do, she faltered and then realized the first man was following her across.  She continued across the street and climbed the curb, facing the taller of the two with folded arms.

“What do you want?”  Addie spoke harshly, not wanting to seem approachable at all. 

The taller of the man leaned against the wall.  “What pack are you from?” 

Addie looked at him.  “Why does it matter?  I’m not on any pack territory.”

“You are not.  But my pack has an interest in this town.”  He crossed his arms, unintentionally mimicking her. 

“Your pack?”  Addie smiled.  “So you’re the Alpha?”  It was obvious she didn’t expect him to say yes.

“Alpha Cole.”  He put out his hand to shake hers.  Addie looked at it warily and then looked back at his Beta, ignoring his hand.  She turned back and looked him directly in the eyes.

“I am not a threat to you.”  Addie used her gift, washing her words over the man.  She turned and looked at the Beta standing directly behind her.  “And I am not a threat to you, either.  I am not a threat to your pack.  Leave me alone.”  The migraine instantly hit behind her eyes and she thought the pain might bring her to her knees.  This was how it always was when she used her gift.  The more emotionally involved she was with what she was saying, the worse the headache was.  And she was very emotionally involved in this.  She didn’t need trouble and she needed a place to winter.  It was getting too late in the year to hit the road again. 

The big man gave one, curt nod.  “You are not a threat to me,” he agreed.  “and I will leave you alone.  For now.”  He pushed off the wall and uncrossed his arms, looking over Addie’s head and speaking to his partner.  “Let’s go.”

“Yes, Alpha,” the man muttered, following his Alpha.

Through the pain of the migraine Addie worried.  Who was Alpha Cole and what did he want with her?

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Cole was excited when he climbed behind the wheel of his car.  He was quite certain she had the gift.  He had fully intended on taking her back to his pack today but when she told him to leave her alone he couldn’t help but do so.  He had some thinking and planning to do before he could bring her back to the pack if he was going to enlist her help, willing or not.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Addie warily unlocked the door to the diner Saturday morning, expecting to see the Alpha and his friend.  She was relieved when she did not.  She knew she needed to make a plan and decide what to do but her headache last night caused her to pass out.  She was still experiencing the side effects of using her gift to such a degree.  She still had a dull ache in her head and she got nauseous if she moved suddenly.  She knew she should have taken a day off but she couldn’t do that to Noel.

By the end of the day she felt better and she was more relaxed since the Alpha didn’t make an appearance.  There weren’t many customers left in the diner at 2:30 so Noel sent her on her way, promising to close up on her own. Addie thanked her and started walking to her room.

Two blocks away, a repeat of the previous day was happening.  The Beta was on this side of the road and the Alpha was across the street.  Addie sighed and slowly continued walking.  She was going to have to have a conversation with this Alpha.  And then she was going to have to make a decision about leaving.

When the Alpha saw that Addie wasn’t going cross the road to go to him, he sauntered casually across to meet her. 

“Alpha.”  Addie greeted Alpha Cole and then turned to Danny.  “I would say hello to you, but I don’t know your name nor do I know what pack you are from.” 

Alpha Cole answered.  “This is my Beta, Danny.  I am Alpha of the Hellroaring River Pack.”

“Charmed.  I’m sure.”  Addie was too tired to play any more games.  “What do you want from me?”

Alpha Cole smiled.  “I like your directness.  I will be direct, too.  I want to offer you a job.”

Addie shook her head no.  “I already have a job, thanks anyway.”

“Don’t you even want to know what the job is?”

“No.”  Addie was sure she wouldn’t care for it.  Something about Alpha Cole just seemed. . . slimy. 

Cole seemed slightly amused.  “I would appreciate it if you would consider my offer.  I would reimburse you well.”

Addie had enough.  “Alpha Cole, I appreciate the offer but I am very happy in my current job.  Even if I wasn’t, I’m loyal.  The diner is short staffed and I wouldn’t do that to Noel.  She needs me.  Excuse me please.   I am not feeling well and I want to go home.”

Alpha Cole took one step closer to Addie.  She forced herself to not step back in response.  “I suggest you consider my offer.  I’m not used to anyone turning me down.”  He stood there and stared down at her. 

Addie got pissed.  Who did he think he was?  He was nobody here.  There were strict laws governed by the Council regarding werewolves and human relations.  An alpha in a human town held no power.     

“There’s nothing to consider.  The answer is no.  Leave me the hell alone.”  Addie looked him directly in the eyes.  “Move.”   He waited a long moment and then stepped aside, letting her pass, forcing her to brush against him as she walked past.  She didn’t look back, her rigid back radiating her anger. 

Cole watched her walk away, slightly aroused.  He turned to Danny.  “Watch her.”