Chapter 1
The distinct aroma of sweet green apple tobacco fills my nostrils the moment I step into Shisha Shifters. This week's special, unmistakable, especially after my brother made me sample a dozen others to select it. The place is an ambient blend of darkness and packed bodies; it's where every shifter wants to be. But me? I'd be anywhere but here if it wasn't for my brother owning the place and him being short-staffed tonight.
"Hey, little sis! Thanks for coming in. We're slammed. Brace yourself, I need you on tables tonight," my brother Alex grins, knowing well my distaste for the role.
I return his smile faintly, females don’t usually wait tables Shisha Shifter is in a 'safe zone,' but that doesn't stop territorial instincts. A flirtatious wink or gesture can quickly escalate into a full-blown brawl. Not that I mind the fighting; it's cleaning the aftermath that's tedious.
As I retrieve my notebook, a familiar rumble interrupts my thoughts. Before I can react, I'm lifted off the ground in a bear hug. "Mine," a voice purrs. Looking up, I'm met by Eric's hazel eyes, twinkling with mischief.
Eric burst out laughing the sound is lyrical by nature. "I'm sorry, I love to joke around with you. When are you turning 23 by the way?" He question’s.
" Don't act like your parents don't remind you every day" Storm says through a smirk. "Your mum's are probably praying to god right now for you two to be mates." He puts his head down and pretends to pray. His champagne hair gave off a shining halo effect.
Eric playfully slapped Storm on the head. "When are you turning 23?" he pressed.
"In two months," I replied, a smile forming on my lips.
Eric hummed thoughtfully. "Not too far away. Maybe then we can get our mums off our backs about being mates."
Storm's smirk grew as he sipped his tea. "You never know, you two might end up being mates."
"We're practically siblings," Eric and I say, eliciting a chuckle from Storm.
"You both even finish each other’s sentences," Storm teased. He looked at me with mischief in his eyes and sipped his tea again, "But that's none of my business."
Trying to shift the spotlight, Eric pointed at Storm, "What if you and Tiffany were mates?"
Storm nearly choked on his tea. "Dude, warn me before saying something like that!" he gasped, coughing.
Grinning devilishly, Eric added, " pack training tomorrow, be prepared Lauren," he announced with an evil glint.
My attention was diverted when a table to my left signaled me over. "I'll get you two glasses of water and the special, on the house," I called out, hurrying over.
My pace faltered as I caught sight of a panther flying across the room, crashing into a table. Typical playful panthers. I hoped it wasn't a hawk he was tangling with; those birds love to go for the eyes.
My unease increased as I realized I was approaching Thunder's table. The pack's Gamma always incited a whirl of emotions within me, and tonight was no different. He looked at me as though I were an annoyance, his piercing golden eyes scrutinizing my every move.
Gathering my wits, I greeted, "Hello, Gamma. I'm Lauren, your waitress for tonight."
He waved a dismissive hand. "Just get me the special, a water, and a pink lemonade."
I suppressed a groan. Pink lemonade meant Tiffany would soon join him.Shifters rarely date it's looked down upon we have destined mates that we should wait for. I mean yh, we look, flirt but most of the community doesn't cross that lined. To be honest, I don't even know what he sees in Tiffany the girl is loco, she is attractive though. Long legs, bright blue eyes. Smells like candy canes - the cheap stuff though. That one that get discounted after Christmas. That's what she smells like. Bright red hair. Beautiful if you are into that. I'm not and if I have to read one more romance book where the heron has red hair might just give up on reading.
Returning with his order, I felt his gaze burn into me, waiting for a slip-up. His face betrayed annoyance, and to ease the tension, I gave him a comforting smile.
Just then, Tiffany's shrill voice rang out, "Thunder, why are we sitting at the back?"
She continued to complain about the lemonade, demanding I fix it, then again when it wasn't to her exact preference. As I gritted my teeth, trying to maintain my cool, she turned her attention to me.
"You've been claimed by the Beta? Lizzy” she asked with innocence.
"He was joking," I responded curtly, ignoring the fact that she got my name wrong she did it on purpose to belittle me.
" well, if you keep flirting with all the boys in this pack you're going to be labeled the pack whore. I'd be careful if I were you." she continues.
With a sweet tone dripping with sarcasm, I replied, "Thanks for the advice." I say with a playful wink at Thunder, just to get under candy canes skin. Thankfully the rest of the night goes on uneventfully.
