I took a whiff of air into my lungs. It certainly didn't smell good. It wasn't the fresh country air anymore. The street was crowded with civilians, my heightened senses kicking in. A while back I would have lost control and I would've been hunted down. What a busy road, unlike my hometown where you could walk a mile on the road without being horned away by an oncoming vehicle. I gripped my duffle bag going to the sidewalks away from the busy road. I reached into my pocket for the piece of paper Nigel had given me. I squinted my eyes trying to make out the scribbles on the paper. talk about bad handwriting. I was able to make out what was written or some of it.
Swervley Brooke's No106.... or something ask for Blake Johnson. Good luck.
A small smiley face, more like a smirk at the bottom corner of the paper. I let out an exaggerated sigh squeezing the paper in one palm. How is this any helpful? Looking around I spotted a coffee shop opposite the sidewalk. I was dreading the thought of having to cross over the busy street. I straightened up my back and mustered up a little courage. I marched across as swiftly as possible ignoring the racing sound of my heart beating against my chest. I made it to the other side, walking to the front door of the coffee shop. I went in, the bell at the doorstep rang on entering, I was greeted by a sign in front saying 'welcome to deluxe coffee shop' the interior was nice and homey I couldn't help but stare in awe. You could smell brewed coffee in the room. Someone was at my side ready to take my order. A girl shorter than me but who looked around my age greeted me with the warmest smile escorting me to an empty table at the corner near a window with a clear view of the outside street.
"What would you like to order?" she asked, holding a pen and a little notebook. I searched the menu in front of me, deciding on the double cream latte. As I waited for my order I soaked in the calm nature of the shop. Soon later on she came with my order, placing it in front of me. I inhaled the sweet scent of the coffee grabbing the cup I drank slowly, savoring the bittersweet taste washing over my taste buds. That hit the spot, I forgot she was still at my table wiping my upper lip in embarrassment. She giggled softly collecting the tray.
"You do like your coffee" she left, leaving me in my silence. I looked out through the window watching pedestrians pass by in rush.
Ding!
I popped my phone out of my pocket after hearing the message.
Hello, it's Blake. I decided to pick you up since you might get lost. Where are you now?.
Thank goodness. How thoughtful of him. I texted him my location hoping my description was clear enough.
Ding!
Ok got it I'll be right there.
I dropped my phone back into my pocket. I have to wait till then.
The bell on the door rang signaling new customers. I turned to check whether it was him. Wait, I don't even know what he looks like. I groaned internally. A group of guys entered and they had a strange scent to them I couldn't quite name. But it was foul. I watched as they made their way straight to the counter. The girl who had attended to me answered them but she didn't have the same bright and warm smile that she showed me when I entered.
She looked irritated and gave a stoic expression while answering him, clearly irritated by his presence. He reached out, to caress the tip of her fingers that lay on the counter. She withdrew instantly as if shocked by electricity. He smirked unbothered by her reaction. I looked around, noticing some other people who watched but didn't try to interfere in any way. I balled my fist on the table trying to stop the urge to step in but I had to keep a low profile and not attract attention to myself. They finally grabbed their seats waiting for their order. I stared at them catching the foul scent coming from them didn't they shower this morning? I unconsciously touched the bridge of my nose catching the attention of one of them. I looked away. Where is he? Why is he taking so long? Checking my phone again. No text messages. Should I call the number?. Distracting myself from making eye contact with him.
I still watched with side-eyes as she served them dessert with their coffee. She gave a hostile look as she placed the tray on the table and immediately yelped in shock, staring daggers into his eyes but remained her composure.
He just grabbed her butt. I wanted to stand up to him so badly, the disrespect irritated me. I clenched my fist. I wasn't going to sit for this, standing up from my seat.
I stood up but was immediately pushed down by a great force on my shoulder. I went on full alert mode because I didn't notice him coming beside me.
I didn't sense any killing threat from him. His aura was strong, meaning he was a werewolf. Did he notice anything from me? I tried to remain as calm as possible, giving no subtle reaction to the firm grip on my shoulder. He took a seat across from me nodding his head in the direction of the coffee girl I wanted to defend.
Her manager had stepped in to deal with the situation. Escorting them out of the cafe. I sighed in relief. I almost overreacted for nothing but that doesn't explain why this strange man is sitting at my table, especially with that aura. He looked menacing. Would I be able to win against him one on one? What type of wolf was he? If I wasn't a werewolf just with that grip alone, he would have broken my shoulder bone.
His expression was rigid like he was in deep thought but why here. I didn't know whether to start up a conversation or just go along with silence. I remained calm throughout looking out through the window to break the weird awkwardness that was seeping in slowly.
"Follow me"
With that, he stood up and just left. I stared dumbfounded at the space in front of me. That was highly unexpected. I whipped my head in the direction he was headed, which was the exit. The panicked rush made me jump following after him.
Why am I following him?. Am I cursed? Maybe it's magic, is he a witch?. Of course, there would be other witches apart from Mrs. Jane. I mentally slapped myself still following him.
He stopped abruptly putting a finger in front of his lips and gesturing to me to wait. I could hear voices echoing from down the corner. He walked slowly toward them disappearing into the corner where they were. I could hear screams. I rushed only to see him crack the neck of the last person slumped to the ground dead. I recognized them as the three guys from the cafe.
"Hi, I'm Blake"
He dusted his hands stepping over their bodies. "Ahh, You must be scarlet" he walked towards me ever so calmly like he hadn't just killed three people in a deserted alley. He wiped his hands with a napkin, brought out his phone, and made a call after he left towards the exit. Did that just happen? I just watched a crime scene unfold before me. Should I call the cops but…. The metal works in my brain were malfunctioning due to too much thinking.
I followed after him. Nigel, what kind of person did you send me to?
************************************************
"How is the tea?" Jane sat across from me on the balcony. I drank my tea soaking in the calm breeze with a satisfied grin on my face.
"Doesn't the weather make you want to sing?