Chapter 4 - Hey Stranger

I got down just in front of a modest hotel.

The bus ride was more exciting than I ever imagined. The idea of just siting while the bus moved. The chilly breeze that slipped in through the half opened windows. The chattering between strangers who laughed as if they had known each other for years. Children pointing excitedly at buildings.

Was this what freedom felt like? I loved it.

I adjusted my bag over my shoulders and walked into the hotel.

“Good evening ma’am” the receptionist greeted with a welcoming smile. “How can I help you”

Warmt spread through my chest. Maybe, it wouldn’t be so hard living among humans, like I feared.

“I–I’d like a room”

“Okay, give me a minute” her focus went back to her monitor while fingers danced around the keyboard.

After few seconds, she reached out for a drawer and pulled out a key card.

“Here. Room 207 is available”

She opened a large register “I’ll need your name and how many nights you’ll be staying”

My name. My fingers tightened around the strap of my bag. If Sylas guards came looking for me, I’d be leaving a trail behind for them to follow.

“I’ll only be staying one night” I answered, forcing a smile.

The receptionist waited, still staring at me.

“And your name?”

A lie sat heavily on the tip of my tongue. “Lena”

It was the first name that came to mind. The receptionist smiled and wrote it down.

And just like that, I had become someone else.

“Thank you” I took the key card and headed upstairs.

After a quick shower, I changed into a black dress my sister had packed.

My stomach growled as I dried my hair. I had barely eaten in days.

I remembered seeing a restaurant on the ground floor earlier, so I set out for it.

It wasn’t crowded but they were enough people that I immediately felt self conscious. All the tables were occupied except for one at the corner and it was a perfect spot since I needed to keep an eye on both the entrance and windows.

I had barely sat down when a waiter walked over and handed me a menu.

I stared at it. There were so many options.

“What do humans even eat?” I muttered under my breath

‘Apparently… everything’

I nearly jumped. I was still getting used to hearing my wolf.

“Well, I guess I have to eat everything now”

I pointed at the first meal. “I’ll have this… and water”

After the waiter left, I looked around. They were families, couples, friends laughing over dinner. Everyone seemed so happy.

“Excuse me”

A deep voice interrupted my thoughts.

I looked up. A man stood beside my table. He was young, early twenties. His broad shoulders seemed intimidating but his eyes were calm. Brown.

“All the tables are occupied” he gestured towards the empty chair opposite. “Can I sit here?”

‘Yes’

I frowned. “He wasn’t asking you”

‘I know’

“Then stop answering”

The man tilted his head like he had just witnessed the weirdest thing. “Is everything okay?”

Heat rushed to my face, “sorry.” I cleared my throat, “you can sit”

“Thanks” he lowered himself onto the chair with an easy smile.

For a few minutes, none of us spoke. I thought humans were easy from the sidelines. It was awkward.

His gaze drifted to the menu still in my hands.

“First time here?”

“Is it that obvious?”

He arched a brow. “You’ve been staring at that menu for five minutes”

I looked down, embarrassed.

“Been trying to figure what half of the names here meant”

A laugh escaped his perfectly structured lips. Not in a mocking manner, just warm.

“You should have asked me”

“Well…” I put down the menu. “I don’t usually ask strangers for help”

He leaned in, resting his arms on the table, “that’s probably smart.”

Unlike myself, I smiled.

“So what did you order?”

Red flashed across my cheeks in embarrassment. “I have no idea”

His eyebrows rose.

“I know. I know. I know you’re judging me right now”

“Uhmm… not really” he sighed “Okay, just a little bit” his judgemental voice was obvious.

“I just picked the easiest name to pronounce”

For a second, he simply stared. This time, his stare didn’t make me feel judged or awkward.

Then he laughed. This time, I found myself laughing with him. I was surprised by how easy and natural it felt. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed.

Our food arrived a few minutes later.

He pointed at my plate. “You got lucky”

“I did?”

“That’s actually one of the best things on the menu.”

“I’d pretend I planned it then” I picked up a fork

“I won’t tell anyone” he chuckled.

There it was again. That strange warmth. It felt as if I had known him much longer than twenty minutes. Like we had been childhood friends.

‘I like him’

“I noticed”

‘He’s safe’

I frowned. “We don’t know that”

‘Yes we do. Just admit it”

Before I could argue, a familiar scent drifted through the restaurant. My smile vanished. Pack.

I turned towards the entrance. Three men walked inside. They wore ordinary clothes but I recognized them. They were Sylas guards.

Every muscle in my body locked. My wolf ready to take over.

“Don’t panic. We just need to find a way to leave here” I whispered under my breath.

One of the guards slowly scanned the restaurant and my breathing became shallow. The second guard looked in my direction and I immediately lowered my head.

The man sitting across from me leaned forward. “Hey”

I couldn’t answer. I just needed Sylas guards gone.

“They’re looking for you, aren’t they?”

My eyes snapped to his. Something strange flashed across his face. It seemed like concern but why would he be? For someone he hasn’t even known for 30 minutes.

Before I could deny it–

His hands gently cupped my cheek.

“What are you–”

His lips met mine.

For a split second, he felt familiar. Every thought disappeared. I forgot where I was. I forgot the guards. I forgot Sylas.

I forgot everything except the warmth of his hands against my skin and the gentleness of his lips on mine. He wasn’t rough, he wasn’t demanding. He just moved calmly, like there was enough time in the world for us.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one of the guards glance towards us. His gaze lingered then moved on.

Seconds later, the men left.

The kiss broke almost immediately and he leaned back quickly.

“I’m sorry”

He looked genuinely embarrassed.

“I shouldn’t have done that”

I blinked. I was still recovering from what happened.

“I just…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You looked terrified and they kept looking this way”

Silence settled between us.

“I figured if they saw a couple… kissing…” he gave an awkward smile. “Well, it was the first idea that came to mind”

I stared at him. I wasn’t angry. I just never had someone step in between me and danger before. Especially without knowing the kind of danger.

“You…” I took a deep breath “you don’t need to explain”

His shoulders relaxed. “I’m glad”

“I should go back to my room” he stood. For reasons I couldn’t explain, I didn’t want him to leave but still, I nodded.

He nodded back with a smile before turning towards the exit.

Just before reaching the door, he paused. Only for a second. Then he walked out.

I watched the door long after it had closed.

‘Rude’

“What? Rude how”

‘You couldn’t even thank him for saving your life’

My wolf was right. I was too stunned to even think. But at least, I could have appreciated him.

“You’re right but it’s too late”

‘Says who?’