Leslie
Dear Dairy, May 23rd
Tonight was the Global Gala, and I was finally allowed to attend! Ahh! Andy had to stay back to help with pack stuff and Leila had work- so dad had but no choice then to allow me to go when I asked. And, oh my God, am I so happy he said yes. I met the sweetest guy and get this- he’s from the Elara pack! Literally couldn’t have asked for anything better. Well, it would have been nice to have met my mate. I heard that Phoebe met her mate. Which is totally fair for her because she’s older but, at the same time I wish it was me meeting my mate. Anyways, back to the guy. His name is Branan and he’s one of the nephews of Alpha Benson. It’s totally crazy how we hadn’t met before. I’ve been to the Elara pack at least four times and never even knew he existed. Anyways, Branan and I bumped into each other in the garden. He apologized though it was totally my fault- I got distracted with my phone. He offered to get me a drink, and then we danced for like five whole songs. It was literally like in a movie- I swear to God I could have died tonight and been completely happy. Not only did I get to attend THE lycan event (that only happens every four years) but I met a cute guy and got his number! Life is wonderful.
Love, Leslie
Dear Dairy, October 31st
I just got back from a trip visiting Branan. It was so cool to meet his pack members and hang out with his friends. He also took me to different fun tourist-spots, by my request. He let me be a goofy tourist and didn’t judge me once. Which was nice. It’s hard to compare him considering I’ve only ever had one boyfriend, and that was back in high school. High school boys suck, so how am I supposed to compare a 20 year old Canadian Lycan to a 16 year old human boy? It’s not possible! Or maybe I picked a really crappy guy in high school and Branan isn’t crappy? I don’t know. We did argue a little bit, but it had nothing to do with us. It had to do with fighting. He had his option on the best fighting move and I had mine. So we decided to put both of our chosen moves to the test. I took him down first. Clearly I’m the right one but he refused to acknowledge it. So we got into an argument. Which ended with me calling a ride to go back to my hotel room. I refused to speak to him for the rest of the night. The next morning I woke up to him slumped outside of my door with flowers in his lap. The idiot tried to come over to apologize but I was out cold. So he waited outside of my door all night, like an idiot. A really nice, sweet idiot.
Love Leslie
Dear Dairy, November Something
Something weird happened today at work. I have to give some back story first. Bear with me. There’s this new girl who moved into town with Viviana Rosemond. Not much is known about this new girl, or at least not anything anyone is willing to share with me. It was by chance that I overheard Andy talking about her to the Alpha. I know they all hung out at the fairgrounds. I know her name is Harlow, she came in when that freak snow storm knocked out the power. She was really nice, but ran out the second I mentioned my brother. I mean, Andy can be weird so I get it, but it was rude of her to rush out like that. Then, this morning the Alpha comes into the shop and orders two coffees. Which isn’t normal for him. THEN Harlow showed up and SAT WITH HIM. I did my best to not listen to their conversation. Not only is that super rude, which I’m not rude like some people, but it was also the Alpha. My whole family would have my head on a platter if they learned I was eavesdropping on Alpha Colton. Then I would get in trouble with the Alpha which isn’t something I want either. I’ve never seen him mad personally but I heard he has a short fuse. Ultimately it didn’t really matter because they were only talking for a few minutes before Harlow got up and left the coffee shop. What was weird was how the Alpha chased after her. Alpha Colton definitely isn’t a lady’s man. As far as I know he’s only been on a handful of dates. So to see him go chasing after this new girl was weird. I’ll report back soon with more information hopefully.
Back to my own life. Branan is just the sweetest guy ever. After my trip to see him last month, he let me know today that he wants to take a trip down here to St. Dalton! That’s not the sweet part, though I am super excited to see him again. The sweet part was how he told me. He had one of those fancy fruit baskets sent to the coffee shop along with a teddy bear that sang Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop. I’m going to glue the note that he sent with it on the next page. He’s going to come down for Valentine’s Day! I can’t wait to see him. FaceTimes and voice notes are nice but to be physically next to him; nothing beats that. He may not be my fate mate, but my goodness I think he maybe the best chosen mate I could have. Oh God. I’ve never said that to anyone. I think I may be falling in love.
Falling in Love Leslie
Dear Diary, November, Still but barely
I found another coffee bean in my bra today. I honestly don’t know how I end up coming home with random coffee beans within my clothing. It’s kind of gross. Harlow came into the shop tonight. She stopped by to get a small caffeine kick before it was time for her to do the holiday caroling. It was nice, because we were slow so I was able to sit with her and talk. We talked about boring things- her job at reenactment town and the upcoming Christmas parade. She’s going to be the Christmas Crier this year- which is more of an honor then I think she realizes. Lol. She asked about me, and why I work at the coffee shop. I explained how it’s been in the family for generations, and how it was my dream to own it one day. I told her how I took a gap year from school and plan to start college next fall. I’m going to major in business and run this coffee shop until my own grandkids can take it over. She gave me some solid school advice, which was nice of her. She doesn’t seem like a bad person. A bit jumpy sometimes, but overall she seems very caring.
While talking to Branan after work, right before we hung up he told me he loved me. He seemed just as shocked as I was. Lol. And you know what I said back to him? “Ditto”. I SAID DITTO like an IDIOT. I wanted to die for a second before he started laughing. Then I started laughing. And we just ended the call with laughs. Like we hadn’t just said I love you to each other for the first time. Well, he did. I said Ditto. :/
Ditto, Leslie
Dear Diary, December 15th
I’m starting to think Harlow may be Alpha Colton’s mate. Which is wild, because she’s a human. From the talks we’ve had I know she doesn’t (didn’t?) know about the lycan world. I’ve overheard a number of people gossiping about how they’ve seen Alpha Colton’s car in her driveway, or they noticed that she was in the passenger seat with him talking. They’ve been seen eating out together, and yes, they’ve been at the coffee shop together. This is a good thing. The Alpha has been waiting for his mate and it seems like his waiting paid off. It makes me think about my own love life. Branan is great, but he’s not my fate given mate. I’ve said it a million times, he’s a good Chosen Mate. But I would be lying if I said I haven’t dreamed of finding my mate. I think every lycan does. To find that puzzle piece out of billions that fits perfectly with you. What if things with Branan get more serious? As if they’re not already. They’re serious. We’ve said I love you. Should I get out? Should I wait for my mate fate chose for me? What if I do and it doesn’t happen? I’m 87% sure I want to have kids someday. I can’t hold out forever for my mate. I’ll age out of the chance to have my own kids. But what if I pick a mate and my true mate comes along? No one ever talks about that! How could I ever hurt someone like that? Hey I’ll be your chosen mate but oops- looks like I found my true soulmate so bye! I don’t know. All I can think about is what I’ve heard others say:
“People who find their mates are lucky, people who choose their mates are smart.”
Love, Leslie
Dear Diary, December 22nd
I miss Branan. Yesterday was just the winter solstice, but I wish I could have spent it with him. I’ve thought more about the mate thing, and I think I’m going to go with what feels right. What Branan and I have- even though we’re miles apart in different countries- is worth it. I like how it feels. I love him. If on the odd chance I do find my true mate; I’ll just tell them they’re too late. Rejection would hurt, but turning away the man who picked me for me would be even worse. He may not be the perfect puzzle piece but he fits well enough and that’s all I need. I can’t wait to see him again. Think about it- Leslie Kay Benson. Leslie and Branan Benson. It has a nice ring to it.
Harlow came by the coffee house again this morning. I asked her about her Christmas plans and work. Normal stuff. She has the day off from work, duh. But she did let it slip that she’s going to be attending the Christmas Eve pack dinner! Well, in her words, “Colton invited me, and Viv and her family will be there.” They’re totally mates. Alpha Colton and Harlow I mean. Not Viviana and Harlow. Viviana has been glued to Jess and their daughter lately. Which is weird, but isn’t at the same time. Viviana is the mother. I just don’t get how someone could just drop their kid like they were nothing. No one talks about it, but it’s whispered that her own mother did the same thing. Dropped Viviana off one day and never came back. When I have kids, I’m never going to leave them. I could never! I’m going to love and support them no matter what.
Love, Leslie
Dear Diary, January 4th
I KNEW IT! Let it be known for the record that I called it. Harlow IS the Alpha’s mate! Ugh, I’m so happy for them but at the same time the thought is sickening. The Alpha found his puzzle piece. And she’s so nice! This is so exciting; I’m so happy for them. Though, I’m pretty sure the way they came to announce it to the pack isn’t what they wanted. Turns out, Harlow had vampire connections before moving to St. Dalton! Who would figure? Anyways, the vampires figured out where she was and they’re after her now. So in order to protect the pack, they announced today over a video call that Harlow is the future Luna and we were given rules like children. I don’t want to complain, but it’s annoying. I feel like I’ve just started to gain my footing as an adult and BAM. Slapped with a crap ton of rules. It’s lame. But I can’t let anyone else know I think so. Maybe Brianna. No. Yes. No. I don’t know. I don’t want to seem childish. I’m going to sign up to join on one of the extra patrols. Yeah. That’s it. I’ll show them that I can handle this kind of stuff.
Dear Diary, Jan. -
Can we take a second to talk about how COOL it is that I’m friends with the future Luna? Like, I befriended Harlow months ago. Ooo! Being friends with her is totally going to give me more prestige once she takes over the official Luna title! I’ve been bringing her coffee every few days. She’s been on lock down per the Alpha’s instructions in their house. I’m not just doing this because she’s the future Luna. I would do it even if she was just another boring human. We talk about nothing really important. She has shown interest in my relationship with Branan; like an older sister would. I can’t help but gush about him. I can’t wait to see him in a few weeks. I miss him, and I can’t wait for everyone to meet him. Harlow basically demanded that I bring him by the house so that they could meet in person. The Luna wants to meet my boyfriend- unbelievable! Of course my family has met him briefly before, but this will be the first time they’ll meet him as my boyfriend.
Gotta go, Andy just texted! I’ve been chosen to go on a protection detail for Harlow. ME! I knew doing patrol would pay off. I’ll update you later.
Love, Leslie