"Bring it on" I waved my hand.
I quickly remembered the table numbers and where to get the necessary 'drinks'. With a professional smile, I started walking around, collecting orders.
Seeing the new face, several customers wanted to try their luck and see how much they could afford. However, they quickly learned that there was nothing they could do. I knew what they were allowed and what they weren't allowed to do.
I also knew that I couldn't yet show how much I could cope on my own. This could result in unwanted transmission of information where I least want it.
The other waitresses were happy to see their new, experienced colleague. In the back, a few people came up to me during a break and told me how happy they were that there were finally more hands to help. It made me happy too. I didn't know I could find anything so quickly. Until I save more money, I decided to stay here.
Tired after the whole night shift (it ended in the morning), I lay down on the bed and went to sleep. I had a strange dream.
I was walking through the forest. The trees rustled and a pleasant wind blew my hair. As I walked further and further, I heard what sounded like a whimper. I slowly started walking towards the sounds. While hiding behind one of the trees, I saw a very large wolf sitting with his head down, staring at his reflection in a small lake. I recognized Aziel immediately.
He whimpered sadly, staring at the water. I felt an irresistible urge to hug and comfort him. I didn't want him to be sad. I approached him carefully but he didn't react. I stood next to the wolf and looked where he was. Surprised by what I saw, I fell to my knees, supporting myself on my hands.
"Stellar!"
My wolf was lying in the reflection of the water surface. She looked like she was sleeping. "Stellarr! Please speak to me!"
Tears came to my eyes. I haven't seen her for several months. How much longer do I have to wait... Stellar suddenly moved when she heard my voice. She lifted her head heavily, looking at me. Don't worry. I'll see you soon. She said, falling asleep again.
A tear rolled down my cheek. However, it was licked off before it could fall off the cheek. I looked towards Aziel, who was now looking at me. I threw myself on his neck, hugging his pleasantly soft fur. He gently rubbed his head against me, trying to comfort me.
"Why is all this happening to me?" I cried. "Why can't I live in peace! Why did you come into my life! I can't…. I can't get rid of you now..." I despaired.
Nova, honey. I heard his voice for the first time. Ethan didn't mean to hurt you. You are everything to him. To us. If you want I can…
"NO!" I interrupted him. "I don't want to hear about him... Not now... It hurts too much"
I slowly started to calm down. Aziel lay down on the ground, letting me lean against him. I lay down next to him, snuggled comfortably in his fur. He purred pleasantly, which, I must admit, calmed my nerves. The feeling of being with him was very similar to being with Ethan. I will not hide. I wanted to be with him...
Relaxed, I slowly closed my eyes to wake up to the sound of the alarm clock. I wiped my eyes, which were wet from crying, and sighed heavily. I got up, took a quick shower, put on my everyday clothes and went out into the city.
I had to buy a new card and call my aunt. I also needed a few things to eat and some little things. I didn't have to look far. It turned out that all the necessary shops were just a few minutes away from the apartment.
I ate something quick in town and went back to unpack a bit. Time passed quickly. Another night at the club was just starting. I found out that the waitresses work here every second day and the bartenders work there every day. I was the only one who wanted to work as a waitress every day.
After a few days of working at the club, I felt like family with the others. Girls sometimes asked me to come to a table they didn't want to serve. Jack and Tim treated me like a little sister. I felt good with new company.
However, the entire night shift was extremely exhausting for me. I was a bit surprised because I should have regenerated faster, but maybe because there was no Stellar everything was slower...
I tried to sleep longer and eat well to feel better. Once every few days, while sleeping, I heard Stellarr's voice. She was still weak, but I could see her more often. I couldn't wait to see her running among the trees again.
A few days later, the first major problems appeared at the club since I started working there. A group of wolves took over one of the VIP rooms. They ordered a large amount of alcohol and well... They would be better off in a hotel than here, but that's not for me to judge. While bringing another round of 'drinks', one of the men blocked my exit.
"Hey... You're pretty cool. Let's have some fun?" He started pawing my ass, so I hit his hands with a tray.
"No touching staff. Please let me through"
For some reason, when he touched me, I felt very bad. However, the man did not give up. He was well intoxicated and I don't know if he even distinguished me from his friends.
I couldn't stay here any longer. I had to get out of here as quickly as possible. I pushed him away from the door, quickly walking towards the bar. I needed the guys' protection. I didn't know why I felt weak. I heard the shout of a furious wolf I pushed away. Luckily, I made it to the bar, grabbing Tim's hand, barely able to stay on my feet. He held me in fear and carefully placed me in a chair.
"Ava? What happened?" He asked worriedly, kneeling in front of me.
"Trouble in the 'three'. One is already on its way" As soon as I finished speaking, a drunken wolf came to the bar and started the show. The security guards quickly got rid of the problems and I was escorted by Tim to the locker room.
Holding my head with one hand, I sat on the couch, closing my eyes. I've never felt so weak before. Tim explained that maybe it was from overwork, but I knew it wasn't. I was a wolf. We don't feel bad for any stupid reason.
Actually, this has never happened to me. We decided together that it would be better if I went home and got some sleep. The apartment was right next door so I went alone despite Tim's insistence.
When I got home I went straight to bed. I don't know if I fell asleep from exhaustion or from weakness.
I was walking through the quiet forest again. As I walked forward, I noticed the same lake where Aziel was sitting before. I walked up to it and looked at the reflection in the water. I only saw myself. I sat down by the water, wrapped my arms around my legs and rested my head on my knees. I sat there in silence for a while when I heard footsteps. I lifted my head up and couldn't believe my eyes. I jumped up and ran straight at a certain golden-brown wolf.
"Stellar! You're back!" I squeezed her tightly, afraid it was just a dream.
"I'm back" She replied gently. "Much stronger" She added. I looked into her eyes.
"How? Why stronger?"
"I won't disappear again, even if someone is in worse condition than Alpha Ethan. Aaaaaand I am as strong as Aziel" She raised her head proudly. "While I was slowly regaining my power, somehow Aziel found me in your subconscious. I don't know if he was aware of what he was doing, but every time he came around me, he shared his power with me. Then, by regaining strength, I was also gaining his. Now I know it's good I'm back seeing what's with you"
"What about me?" I frowned.
"You don't know? You have his puppy inside you" She touched my stomach with her nose. I froze. I looked at the wolf in horror.
"You're kidding me" I muttered. "It's impossible!" I held my head. "You can only have a puppy with your partner... How come I..." I looked at my flat belly in disbelief.
"You know that while I was gone, you were practically human. Besides, you had to want each other, and when you could, you did it" She explained.
I sat on my knees not knowing what to do with myself...