Chapter 16

ATHENA

For the first time since I arrived at the Black Moon Pack, I decided to step out of the mansionand just explore the Pack's estate where my home was situated.

I had never taken a walk in all the time I was here so it seemed quite fitting to just let myself enjoy the sights. I had nothing better to do anyways.

Bella insisted to no avail to accompany me or at least allow a guard to, but I refused. I needed this time to myself, and I'm petty sure I can handle myself in the pack I grew up.

It took a while of convincing, cajoling and coercing before she finally decided to trust me and let me leave on my own.

The scenery of the pack as I went about my evening stroll was quite nostalgic.

In the past, I never really went out much since I lived at the Alpha's mansion and that diminished even further when I caught the Alpha's fancy as a guinea pig for Sienna's condition.

Now, that I think of it, I was such a fool to have stayed so long.

Who abuses the woman they had even an ounce of feeling for like that?

The streets were as tidy as I remember, with the regular werefolk going about their daily business. Children ran around and had fun while the teenagers did whatever teenagers do. I usually see a few of them in groups, wearing leather jackets and doing whatever they do in such dark alleys.

I never got to experience the vigors of childhood. I don't remember much of my early childhood but I never had my parents around as they died serving the previous Alpha. I was taken into the mansion and raised by the workers who of course ingratiated me into their midst quite easily.

All I had done for most of my teenage years was work and rest. Then that bastard came along later and ruined whatever was left of it until I ran.

An overpowering aroma of baked bread and the contrasting aroma of sizzling steak found it's way to me as I walked past a certain street I usually frequent in my teenage years.

I took a left turn into an alley and made my way down, then a right turn which led me into an open area where the aroma was both overpowering and overwhelming.

In front of me was a small cottage-like building where the aroma came from.

I couldn't help but crack a smile as I made my way to the restaurant.

I opened the door and the familiar jingle of its bell informed its workers of a customer's presence.

"Welcome, ma'am," an adorable girl of about ten years of age hurried towards me with a smile. "What do you need? A hot light meal or an equally hot heavy one? I can assure you, ma'am, we are the best café restaurant in the pack!"

I smiled at the small bundle of energy and rubbed her hair as I crouched until I was her height.

"I'll take both, please."

"Both?" she asked then flashed a proud smile. "I knew I wasn't the weird one!"

With that, she hurried into the back, screaming;

"Mom! Grandma! Someone ordered both meals at once! I'm not weird!"

I couldn't help but let out a sigh as I watched her go, the smile still plastered on my face.

"She forgot to show me to my table."

I looked around at the moderately packed restaurant and sighed. For a restaurant in such a hidden and secluded area, it was quite busy.

I looked around for a free table and found one at the end of the restaurant. I strolled over to it and sat down as I waited for my order.

"Thanks for ordering both meals," an old man who sat at the table beside me -the conveted window sit- said as he as he enjoyed his steak. "I've tried ordering it for her sake but she won't allow me."

"Why?" I asked.

"She said I'm only ordering it because I've heard her argue with her folks about it. She believes they taste better together but as you can tell, bread and a beverage just doesn't match with steak."

I tilted my head to the side in confusion.

"It doesn't?"

The man gave me a surprised look and let out a chuckle.

"The girl was right after all."

"About what?"

"Nevermind," he smiled and then gestured in front of me. "Your waitress is heading your way."

The girl hurried over to me with an apologetic look on her face.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am. I forgot to show you to a table!"

"It's okay," I smiled. "I found a good one anyways."

She gave the old man a stink eye.

"See? I told you that I didn't need your pity."

"My bad," the old man laughed. "You were right all along."

She then turned to me and smiled once more.

"I can assure you, ma'am. We are the best in the business. My mom makes the best dishes. You won't regret your choice!"

"I know I won't," I replied. "The aroma that led me here already proves that."

"Are you new here?" the old man asked. "I don't think I've ever seen you before."

"Yeah, I'm new to this side of town," I replied. "I stay at the outskirts of the pack. They're more remote than this place."

I couldn't help but appreciate Bella's insistence at keeping me away from the media and the public.

It was nice to be treated as a normal person. Even though, it might not last for long.

"And a lot more dangerous," he added. "I'm glad you made it out of that godforsaken area. You know, I fought in the war during the time of the previous Alpha and I can attest to the dangers of a place like the outskirts. Weirdly, they are the least protected. Dradesvow is so powerful but there's barely any protection for the ones who need it the most. You guys are quite stro-"

"Old man, you're gonna bore her with your war talk," the girl interrupted. "Besides, your food is getting cold."

"Oh," he smiled once again. "If you say so, dear."

"Is he related to you?" I asked the girl.

"No," she replied. "But grandma said he is the second oldest customer we have and he has been diligent until now. They treat him like family."

I wished I was a part of this life during my time in Dradesvow.