Chapter 8

Once I finished my tasks at the counter, I decided to grab the two jugs of coffee and go around to all the tables, checking if anyone needed a refill. I made sure to save his table for last, not wanting to get any closer than necessary. The mere thought of hearing him say that word again sent shivers down my spine. Mate. That single word carried immense significance in the life of a werewolf. Throughout my upbringing, I was always told that finding a mate was crucial. They were supposed to make you stronger, better. Yet, I can't bring myself to believe it anymore. I witnessed mates in my early childhood before tragedy struck our pack. Sadly, not a single one of them was able to protect their loved ones when they needed it most. What good is a mate if you cannot safeguard each other?

The painful memories flood back as I think about it. I watched helplessly as my mother took her last breath, and my father was nowhere to be found. It was then that I realized how devastating it is to lose your mate. Heartbreak alone can weaken you to the point where you might even die. Having a mate seems like one big chaotic mess to me.

Reluctantly, I approached his table, summoning all my energy to put on a fake smile. "Hey, guys! Would either of you like a coffee refill?" I asked, doing my best to sound cheerful. I could feel Shane's eyes on me, but I avoided making eye contact, focusing instead on topping up their cups. "Thank you," he said appreciatively. Without looking at him, I mumbled that he didn't need to thank me, reminding him that it was simply part of my job.

As I made my way back to the counter, a wave of relief washed over me. I carefully placed the coffee containers back under their respective machines, ensuring they were in their rightful places. The familiar hum of the coffee shop filled the air, blending with the soft chatter of customers. I glanced up at the clock hanging on the wall and felt a sense of liberation as I realized that closing time was imminent. A surge of elation welled up within me; My heart fluttered at the thought of not having to endure his presence for even a few more minutes. This respite from his presence would bring solace to my weary soul.

At least for now, I could revel in the temporary reprieve. The day had been taxing enough, and the mere notion of avoiding Shane's company lifted an enormous weight off my shoulders. For tonight, I could find solace in knowing that our paths wouldn't intersect until tomorrow. And in this moment, that simple fact brought me immense comfort.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as I watched the first two tables bid their farewells and leave the coffee shop. It was like saying goodbye to old friends, knowing that there was a chance we might never cross paths again. As they walked out the door, I wished them well and told them how much I hoped to see them back at our cozy little spot soon.

But then it hit me. Shane's table was the last one remaining, and he hadn't made any indication of leaving anytime soon. The thought filled me with a mix of emotions - frustration, anxiety, and a tinge of desperation. I had been hoping for a quiet moment to clean up before closing time, but now it seemed like my wish would go unfulfilled.

As Shane sat there, engrossed in conversation with his driver, I felt a growing sense of unease. It wasn't just about the extra work waiting for me after they finally left; it was the anticipation of an indefinite extension to my already exhausting day. But such is life, unpredictable and full of surprises. So, with a heavy sigh, I mustered up my patience and prepared myself for whatever lay ahead.

I couldn't believe what was happening. It felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me, leaving me suspended in mid-air with no safety net. Shane's driver suddenly rose and headed towards the sleek black car parked outside the coffee shop. Panic surged through my veins as I quickly intercepted Via to discuss this alarming turn of events. Frantically, I poured my worries out to her, overwhelmed by the thought of dealing with Shane and the consequences that awaited us. "Via, what am I supposed to do? I can't handle all of this right now, especially not with Shane!" My voice trembled with anxiety and desperation as I sought some guidance from my friend. But she seemed surprisingly calm amidst the chaos.

"Well, Sierra," Via responded calmly, her tone tinged with a hint of understanding. "I've been telling you all along that he was our mate. And today, because you forgot your masking spray, he found out too." Her words hung heavy in the air, driving home the weight of my mistake. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks - everything I had painstakingly built over the past few years could crumble before my eyes due to one careless oversight on my part.

A sense of regret washed over me as I grappled with the repercussions of my actions. The knowledge that Shane now knew the truth about our connection weighed heavily on my shoulders, threatening to shatter the delicate balance I had managed to maintain for so long. In an instant, it felt like all my efforts were reduced to mere fragments, vulnerable and exposed.

As I cautiously made my way toward his table, a mix of anxiety and determination coursed through me. His eyes were locked on mine, seemingly unwavering in their gaze. It was as if he could see right through me, piercing into the depths of my soul. I took a deep breath, gathering every ounce of courage within me to convey my message clearly and assertively. I needed him to understand that I had no interest in becoming his mate. The very thought of it sent shivers down my spine. Yet, finding the right words seemed like an insurmountable challenge. Each option I considered felt inadequate, leaving a lingering sense of dissatisfaction.

Nonetheless, I knew that I couldn't keep avoiding this conversation. Maybe, just maybe, by explaining my disinterest and standing firm in my conviction, he would finally comprehend and respect my boundaries. With determination fueling my steps, I approached his table, hoping that my words would resonate with him and grant me the freedom I longed for - the freedom from unwanted advances and the independence to chart my own path.

As I sat down across from Shane, my heart raced with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The weight of the conversation ahead hung heavily in the air, urging me to take precautionary measures like locking the door. I couldn't afford any interruptions or unwanted eavesdropping. With a sense of relief washing over me as I confirmed that the door was securely locked, I settled into my seat. I placed both of my hands on the table, interlocking my fingers tightly together. Meeting Shane's unwavering gaze, I felt an instant connection between us. His hand gently rested on top of mine, igniting a surge of emotions within me. It wasn't the full force of a mate bond since we hadn't officially mated, but the sparks coursing through my body were undeniable. In that moment, love, euphoria, and peace intertwined, creating a sensation, unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

It was as if time stood still, allowing me to bask in the profound depth of our connection. My heart swelled with affection for Shane, and I couldn't help but wonder how much stronger this bond would become once we fully embraced our destiny as mates. But even in its current state, the sheer power of this connection assured me that our love was meant to transcend boundaries. I'm sorry, but I just can't wrap my head around why you feel this way. Please understand that I don't see you as the villain in this situation." I reassured him that I knew he wasn't to blame, yet it seemed like an endless cycle. The truth is, I simply don't desire a mate. As his expression shifted to defeat, a pang of guilt tugged at my heartstrings. "Well, if you're not interested in having a mate, could we at least be friends? Who knows, perhaps down the line our friendship may blossom into something more?" Initially, laughter escaped from within me upon hearing his words, until it dawned on me that he was serious. He genuinely believed in the possibility of love between us. Gently composing myself, I proposed an alternative. "How about this," I began, "we can indeed be friends and spend time together in the future. But I must make one thing clear - if you ever bring up the topic of us being mates, I will have no choice but to end the friendship entirely."

A glimmer of hope rekindled in his eyes once again. Deep inside, I knew that my decision would break his heart. However, perhaps by remaining friends, he would have a better chance at helping Gram. Still, it didn't feel right to burden him with such a request at this moment. I promised myself that when the opportunity arose the next time we met, I would ask for his assistance. "I truly value your friendship more than words can express, Sierra," he responded earnestly.