Aprils POV
Another day, Another bartending.
Snow’s mantra gave me hope and some sort of positivity, but at the end of the day, it was just that, a mantra. One that kept me sane in the mess that was my life.
It is so funny how one decision can cause an absolute pivot in your life. Still, I was thankful for the break I had taken for myself from hunting or searching for my biological parents. I don’t know how long I could have held on to my sanity had I continued relentlessly.
The sound of glasses clinking and the low hum of conversation filled the bar as I wiped down the counter, trying to keep my mind occupied. Snow, my wolf, had been restless ever since that stranger had walked through the doors a couple of nights ago. He wasn’t just any werewolf – the energy he exuded screamed Alpha, and the fact that he’d asked me what I was had set every nerve in my body on edge because what if he found out about me and informed Jake of my location? Alphas talk, you know? I was not even sure they knew each other, but that was not a risk I was willing to take.
Also, what if he finds out I am a rogue and sends his warriors after me for whatever reason?
Fuck! I felt my mind spiralling.
“We should be careful, April. He’s too observant,” Snow warned for what felt like the hundredth time that evening.
“I know, Snow,” I muttered under my breath, placing the last clean glass on the rack. My eyes darted around the room, instinctively cataloguing exits, potential threats, and the regulars who could be relied on to act as cover if needed. Being on the run had taught me never to let my guard down, and tonight was no exception.
Being a rogue had improved all my other senses by far. Honestly, if I ever got into another pack, I would probably be a warrior, but me in a pack? Ha! That thought was hella laughable.
Then, as if conjured by my thoughts, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I glanced up, and there he was. The Alpha. He walked in with an easy confidence, his eyes sweeping across the bar until they landed on me. A smirk curved his lips – not the kind that invited warmth but one that promised trouble.
He made his way directly to me without breaking eye contact.
“He’s back,” Snow said, her voice low and cautious.
“I can see that,” I replied, inhaling deeply to steady myself. As he approached, I plastered on a practised smile, though my muscles tensed involuntarily. Every step he took radiated dominance, and I could feel the power he carried like a storm in the air.
“Evening,” he said, his voice smooth and deep. The way he spoke sent a shiver down my spine, and I hated that my body reacted at all.
“Evening,” I replied, keeping my tone casual. “What can I get for you?”
His eyes, dark and probing, held mine for a beat too long before he answered. “Whiskey. Neat.”
I nodded, turning away to pour his drink, aware of the way his gaze stayed on me. It was like being under a microscope, and I felt Snow pacing in the back of my mind, ready to leap out at the first sign of danger.
“Why is he watching us like that?” Snow grumbled.
“I don’t know, but we can’t afford to slip,” I told her, placing the glass in front of him.
“Anything else I can help you with?” I asked him as I handed him his drink.
He took a sip of the whiskey, eyes still on me. “Actually, yes. I’ve been meaning to ask you… what are you?”
The question was the same as before, but this time, it wasn’t a passing curiosity. There was intent behind it, and I felt a chill run down my spine.
“Didn’t you already ask that the last time you were here?”
“Yes, but the answer you provided did not seem like the right one, so here I am asking again. What are you?” He asked more softly now.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I said, playing dumb with practised ease. Months of hiding had taught me how to feign ignorance, even under the scrutiny of an Alpha.
His smirk widened, but there was no humour in it. “I think you do.”
For a heartbeat, the room seemed to close in around us. I could hear Snow’s growl in my mind, low and warning. “He’s testing us, April. Be careful.”
“I’m just a bartender; I already told you that,” I said lightly, forcing a smile. But if you’re looking for a story, I’m afraid I’ll disappoint,” I said after several seconds of silence passed.
He leaned forward, the space between us shrinking until I could smell his woodsy scent mixed with the sharp tang of whiskey. “Somehow, I don’t believe that.”
There was something in his gaze, an intensity that was both a challenge and an invitation. I swallowed, refusing to flinch.
“Believe what you want,” I said, stepping back to put some distance between us.
“Enjoy your drink,” I added and turned away to serve another customer, my pulse thrumming in my ears.
Even as I worked, I could feel his eyes on me, tracking my every move. It was unnerving, but it was also… a strange thrill. No one had looked at me like that in a long time – like they were trying to solve a puzzle they couldn’t quite piece together.
Is it weird that I liked the thrill and power that he oozed? Given my past, I could not afford to be attracted to an Alpha, especially one that looked that good. Perhaps he wanted something from me; that was the only reason I could think of, but maybe he was lonely because what Alpha would leave his territory to come to mingle with humans and rogues in a bar?
I could not help but feel intrigued.
“He’s dangerous, April,” Snow said, her tone sharp. But even she couldn’t ignore the faint flicker of something that felt like curiosity mixed with attraction.
“I know,” I whispered back. “But so are we.”