Six months had passed since Marie's transformation from a werewolf to a human, and her life had taken on a new rhythm filled with challenges and opportunities. She had embraced her humanity with determination, enrolling in a prestigious university to pursue her studies in medicine. The sprawling campus was a world of knowledge, bustling with students, and it was here that her journey continued to unfold.
In addition to her studies, Marie found herself working part-time at a cozy coffee shop near the campus so she could work before and after classes. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of lively chatter filled the air, creating a welcoming environment for both students and locals alike. The job allowed her to interact with people from all walks of life, an experience she valued as she redefined her place in the world.
One day, as the door to the coffee shop swung open with a jingle, Marie looked up from the counter to see a tall and striking figure enter. His dark hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his muscular build was evident even through his casual attire. A sense of familiarity prickled at the back of Marie's mind, but she couldn't quite place it. The mystery man started straight into the eyes of Marie as if searching for her soul. Marie looked away from the intense glare.
The newcomer approached the counter with a friendly smile, his hazel eyes meeting Marie's gaze again
"Hey there," he said in a deep, resonant voice that seemed to vibrate with warmth. "I'll have a black coffee, please."
Marie nodded and set about preparing his order, her hands moving quickly as she measured out the coffee grounds. As she handed him the cup, their fingers brushed, and a tingle of recognition passed between them. She caught a fleeting glimpse of a knowing smile on his lips before he took his coffee,
"Thanks," he said, his gaze lingering for a moment longer in hope that Marie would say something but when she turned away without a word he turned to find a seat by the window.
Marie could not place the feeling she was feeling in her chest each time she stole a glance at the mystery guy. Marie carried on with her jobs and serving other customers all under the watchful eye of the newcomer.
Time crept by and as 6pm approached Marie started to clean down the counter and coffee machines ready to close the coffee shop for the evening. The owner has trusted Marie early into her starting there and now she closed up 2 nights per week and was allowed to stay and study in the quiet if she wished. As Marie stood with her back to seating area she heard a chair scrap against the floor.
"Hi" Came the deep voice again. Marie did not flinch but instead she felt a feeling of calm wash over her.
"Hi" She replied as she turned to face the mystery guy. Their eyes met again, and again Marie felt a spark of recognition. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something about the man that stirred a sense of familiarity within her. He smiled, and her heart skipped a beat, the world around them seeming to fade away.
" My name is Blake"
"I'm Marie, nice to meet you"
Blake stood staring hoping that Marie would pick up on the same feeling he was having but nothing happened instead Marie looked at him and said
"I am sorry but I am closing up in the next 2 minutes, If you would like another drink I can do a black coffee to go"
Blakes smiled left his face and sadness filled his eye
"No problem, No need for another coffee tonight. I shall be leaving now" With that Blake turned on his heals and walked out of the coffee shop.
Marie finished cleaning and then cashed out the register. She grabbed her books and coat locked up and left for home.
The moon hung low in the night sky, casting eerie shadows across the empty streets as Marie stepped out of the coffee shop after her shift. The street, which was usually bustling with activity during the day with students and locals, was now shrouded in an unsettling silence. A cool breeze rustled the leaves of the trees, and the distant hoot of an owl added to the sense of unease that had settled over the town.
Emily wrapped her coat tighter around herself and clung to her bag heavy with school books. Her steps echoing softly on the pavement as she began her journey back home. The streetlights flickered intermittently, creating pools of dim light that seemed to dance with the shadows. Every now and then, Marie cast cautious glances over her shoulder, feeling the same tingle of recognition from early tugging at the edges of her thoughts.
Marie turned a corner onto a narrower, dimly lit street, and a chill ran down her spine. As she quickened her pace, her heart started to race. The soft rustling of leaves in the nearby bushes seemed to magnify, and Marie couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.
Marie glanced around, her eyes scanning the surroundings, trying to shake off the irrational fear that had taken hold. The houses along the street stood dark and quiet, their windows like empty eyes staring out into the night. Each gust of wind seemed to carry a whisper, and Marie's imagination began to play tricks on her.
Taking a deep breath, Marie reminded herself that her imagination was getting the best of her. She had walked this route countless times over the last 6 months. She willed herself to keep moving, her steps a bit more hurried now.
As she continued down the street, the feeling of being watched intensified. The sense of unease washed over her entire body and Marie's heart pounded in her chest. Marie was just a few streets away from home, and the thought of safety spurred her to walk even faster.
Finally, the familiar sight of her front door came into view, and a wave of relief washed over her. She fumbled for her keys, her hands trembling slightly as she unlocked the door and stepped inside. The comforting warmth and familiar surroundings of her home were a welcome respite from the tense atmosphere outside.
Closing and locking the door behind her, Emily leaned against it letting out a breath she had been holding the entire walk home. She walked across the foyer and into the lounge and glanced out the window, her eyes met the moon's gaze, its light casting a silvery glow over the town. And for a fleeting moment, Marie wondered if there was more to her apprehension than mere imagination, if there was something lurking in the shadows that her human senses couldn't pick up on. For the first time in a long time Marie headed up too bed longing for her the heightened sense her werewolf once gave her.