Chapter 1
MAE
I slumped into a corner booth of the little café, trying to shrink into the torn vinyl seat like it would make the world forget I existed. My reflection in the window—a pale face smudged with exhaustion, hollow light brown eyes framed by unwashed auburn hair—stared back at me, accusing.
My stomach clenched with a sharp pang, but I ignored it. The smell of coffee and cinnamon rolls drifted through the air, a cruel reminder of what I couldn’t afford. I tightened my arms around my faded backpack, the only thing I had managed to grab before escaping. Inside were a couple of dog-eared paperbacks, a change of clothes, and a photograph I couldn’t bear to look at.
“Hey.”
A young man with an apron tied around his waist stood over me, arms crossed. He looked like someone who hated his job and me a little more. His blond hair was hidden behind a chef’s cap, but a few strands escaped.
“You done or what?” he asked. “This isn’t a shelter.”
Heat crawled up my neck, and I forced myself to meet his gaze. His tone was sharp, his disdain unmistakable.
Before I could stammer out an apology or an excuse, a voice rang out from behind the counter. “Tim, don’t be rude.”
The kitchen door swung open, and a beautiful lady stepped out. She had honey-brown hair that curled at her shoulders and bright blue eyes that softened when they landed on me. She must be around my age. Maybe older.
“I’m so sorry about him,” she said, offering an apologetic smile. “He’s having a bad day. Forgive him.”
Knowing I was in the wrong for claiming a booth without ordering anything, I ducked my head, fumbling and struggling for words. Before I could speak, my stomach let out a loud growl. The sound was mortifying, loud enough to turn the heads of the few other patrons.
Her smile widened, and she laughed softly, a sound that somehow felt kind. “Are you hungry, sweetheart?”
My throat was too tight for me to speak, so I nodded.
“Okay, hang on. I’ll be right back. Miss…?”
“Mae,” I managed to croak out. “Just call me Mae.”
With a nod, she disappeared into the kitchen. The place looked like it needed a few touch ups, but otherwise, it was warm and inviting. I stared down at the scratched surface of the table, my fingers tracing the faded grooves. I hated feeling like this. Helpless, exposed, but when I thought back to what I had run from, this seemed better.
Was it?
At least I had food to eat back home, a roof over my head, and a family who treated me worse than gum on their shoe. The thought of them made my chipped nails dig into my palm. I’d promised to never let anyone see me so vulnerable again, but here I was at the mercy of a beautiful stranger. I couldn’t even afford a meal.
Where would I sleep? What was I thinking when I ran?
The lady returned minutes later, carrying a steaming plate of scrambled eggs, buttered toast, and bacon. The smell hit me like a blow, and my stomach churned in anticipation. She set it down in front of me with a grin.
“There you go, Mae. Eat up.”
Courtesy demanded I asked for her name, but eating was my priority now. I muttered a shaky “thank you” and tore into the food. I tried to pace myself, but the first bite broke something in me. The rest disappeared in minutes, and another plate was lowered beside the empty one. That one I ate much slowly, taking my time because I wasn’t sure when I would eat next.
Something wet touched my cheeks, I didn’t realize I was crying until I tasted salt. The lady watched me with quiet sympathy, her arms crossed gently over her apron.
When I set the fork down, she asked, “Feel better?”
Better than I had in days. I wiped at my cheeks. “Thank you so much. I don’t know how I could ever repay you.”
Her smile faltered for a moment before returning, smaller now. “Don’t worry about it. I’m happy to help.”
A comfortable silence fell over us. It was my cue to leave. She had showered me with kindness, but… I delayed, the words I needed to say catching in my throat.
“Sorry to be a bother, but do you… happen to have any job openings?” I whispered. She had the typical smell of a werewolf, so I knew she could hear me, no matter how low my voice was. “I’m willing to do just about anything.”
Pity flashed in her eyes, and I knew her answer before she spoke. “I’m so sorry, Mae. We’re just a little place, so we don’t need much help.”
A lump formed in my throat, and I swallowed. I’d offer to help for free, but I was in desperate need of accommodation.
“Oh, I see. Thanks, anyway.” On my feet, I adjusted the straps of my backpack and dragged it over my shoulders. “And for the food as well. It means more than you know.”
“You’re welcome.”
Tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I forced myself not to plead. They had done me enough favors by offering two helpings of food. But the urge to beg her to let me stay, even if it meant sleeping on the floor, grew. I hurried to the entrance before I did something stupid.
Some eyes were on me, so I kept my head down. No one in this town could possibly know me, but I couldn’t risk anyone from my pack finding out and alerting my family.
Would they care if they knew? Had they noticed their only daughter was missing? If they did, wouldn’t they rejoice? A daughter who had brought nothing but shame to the family’s name was not a child worth looking for.
As I was about to push the door open, the lady whispered, “Good luck, Mae. I hope you get what you’re looking for.”
There was nothing to say to that, so I stepped out without a reply. The sun had begun to set, painting the streets of Maplecrest County in dusky gold. The cold air bit into my skin, and I gripped my straps tighter. I really hadn’t thought my moves carefully, and it was showing now. I walked aimlessly, my feet crunching against the snow-dusted pavement. Compared to Eastwood pack, Maplecrest felt empty and small. But maybe that was why the people were kinder and more welcoming. My thoughts continued to spiral. Where would I sleep tonight? Would I even make it through another night?
The hunger was gone, replaced by an ache in my chest I couldn’t shake. My family’s faces flitted through my mind, unwelcome reminders of the bridges I’d burned and the doors I’d closed. There was no going back now.
“Looks like you need a place to stay.”
The unfamiliar voice startled me, but I was used to being snuck up on, so I remained calm and spun slowly.
Was he a thief? He didn’t look like one, but I clutched my backpack to my chest. My action made his lips curl in a tiny smile. He was standing a few feet away from me, his hands shoved casually into the pockets of his coat. From his look, I guessed him to be in his late twenties.
Jet-black hair curled over his ears and his unreadable gray eyes fixated on me. Was he from Eastwood? The thought of Father sending someone to find me almost made me forget the memories of the horrors I had to endure.
“No, I don’t—”
“Don’t bother lying,” he interrupted. He covered the gap between us in three strides. “You’re not exactly hard to read.”
His tone spelled doom, so I stepped back. “I’m fine.”
“Sure you are,” he mocked. “That’s why you’ve been circling the same block for the last ten minutes.”
Had he been following me?
“Look,” he started, noting my suspicion. He was also a werewolf, but him being the same species as I was didn’t make him trustworthy. A flicker of amusement crossed his face, but I wasn’t sure what part about cornering a helpless girl he found funny. “Look, I have a place with an extra room. You can crash there for the night.”
“Yeah, right.”
“No strings,” he added.
“Thanks, but I don’t need a place,” I said stiffly and returned the backpack to my shoulders. “I need a job.”
His lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “Good thing I can offer you both. What do you say to that?”
There was something unsettling about his confidence, but I was too tired and desperate to push him away.
“Why would you help me?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Let’s just say I’ve been where you are.”
The sincerity in his voice was unexpected. For a moment, I considered saying no. But as the cold wind bit at my cheeks and the weight of my backpack pressed against my aching shoulders, the word died on my lips.
“Okay,” I said finally.
He nodded. “Follow me.”
And with that, I took the first step toward a future I couldn’t yet see—one that would change everything.
Author’s Note
Hello Queens! Thank you for choosing TFA. I hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.
As you get further into the story, don’t forget to drop a like, comment, or review. It’s the only way I can tell you’re enjoying the story, and it’s extra motivation to keep going. Most importantly, it will make my cute little writer heart so very happy.
Thanks in advance & happy reading!
Started: April 7th, 2025
Q: What day did you start reading? (Leave your answers in the comment section).
