Their Cursed

Chapter Three

Calder

“Did you really have to rat her out to her boss?” Gentry whined in the driver’s seat next to me. Cullen and Jaime were in the back seats. “She seems so nice. And if she is a waitress, you know she probably needs the money. What if she gets fired?”

I ignored him and looked out the window. I hoped she did not get fired but I couldn’t help it. The girl looked like she was about to fall over.

She was still baffling me. She smelled… different. But I could not lay my finger on why. She also stirred my wolf. But he was not screaming ‘mate’ at me. Surely, I would know right away if she was. When I touched her, it felt right, like she was meant to be mine. But I did not feel the sparks of pleasure that come along with the mate bond.

My brother was absolutely helpless in the matter. He was his quiet, reserved self. He did not even acknowledge her existence which was not uncommon for him. Ever since he decided to make Jaime his chosen mate, he has been even more irritable.

We were not sure if we would share a mate still. Twins were not common among werewolves and there were instances where they had different mates and instances where they shared one. I tried talking to Cullen yesterday about her, but he acted as if he had no idea who she was.

Either way, he knew I would not accept Jaime as my own mate no matter what the council and our father pressured us to do. I know he was just trying to put the pack above himself, but did that mean we needed to sacrifice the opportunity to find our other half? To find our perfect mate?

I would be lying if I said it had not crossed my mind to stay and follow her home. But I knew that would just be creepy. I wanted to find out more about her, but I would need to find an excuse to see her again.

Cullen

Calder better not have gotten her fired. Even if I knew where she lived after following her last night, I still wanted to know where she would be until I figured her out. I could not figure out her scent. She did not smell human but also not like anything I had ever smelt before. She physically showed no signs of being anything other than an ordinary human.

Human mates were uncommon but still possible. From my understanding, the wolf should still be able to immediately identify them as their mate and the human should feel an unexplained fixation on that wolf. From the moment I laid my eyes on her, I haven’t been able to get her off my mind, but my wolf is not screaming ‘mate’. He is restless for sure but not telling me why. I feel drawn to her, but why?

“Are you going out again tonight or are you going to sleep in bed with your mate?” Jaime said through the link. I rolled my eyes.

“I will do as I please,” I retorted. She crossed her arms. And looked out the opposite window. She may have been the logical choice for Luna as my brother and I still haven’t found our fated mates, but she still got on my nerves. Tensions were already high as my brother denied her as a mate. The pack elders had told her if she accepted, she would be both of our mates as we would share the title of Alpha and they did not want two Lunas. Calder was not on board with this though making my life even more difficult.

Remi

As soon as I closed the door to my apartment, the dam burst, and tears ran down my cheeks. Between feeling crummy from this cold, the weird interactions two days in a row with Calder and Cullen, and now Angela sending me home, I was completely overwhelmed. I set my stuff down on the table and went to my bathroom.

I had an old fashioned, claw foot bathtub that also had a shower head. As long as I put towels down around the tub, I could shower with not much problem or take a bath. It needed a serious scrubbing when I first moved in, but with a little elbow grease, I got it shiny and clean. I grabbed the medicine I left on the counter this morning, dry swallowing a couple pills. I ran a warm bath and threw in a menthol bath fizz that always helped when I was congested.

I undressed and lowered myself into the warm water. I laid my head back on the edge of the tub closing my eyes and letting the tears just fall. I tried to push everything out of my mind, but I just couldn’t. I felt weird with over $500 in tips from the same group over two meals. I felt even weirder with Cullen and Calder. They both cornered me away from the rest of the group.

Cullen had been angry and tense. He almost scared me. When he touched me though, I wasn’t scared. Something inside me told me he was not going to hurt me which was just insane. Calder was the same. His proximity made me nervous but when he had touched me, I wasn’t scared at all. This was crazy. I should be terrified at two absolute strangers touching me.

The medicine was starting to work, and my head felt a little better. The sinus pressure was also lifting. I couldn’t exactly breathe clearly, but I felt a fraction better. The water was getting cold now, so I got out and wrapped myself in a towel. I went out to my dresser and pulled out some soft clothes and dressed quickly. I went to the sink to grab a glass of water before climbing under the covers of my bed. I sighed. I resolved to try and sleep this off so I could get back to work as soon as possible.

-

I woke up only an hour and a half later. Purple and grey eyes were dominating my dreams and the uneasiness eventually made sleep impossible. I sat up, trying to stretch the soreness from my limbs. I checked my phone seeing a message from Jessie. She was reminding me to eat something before bed tonight. Rolling my eyes, I decided she was right.

I got out of bed and padded over to my kitchen. I think I had a can of soup in the cabinet that would work for tonight. I rummaged through my cabinet but came up empty. Oh well, I guess I can just cook something. I was standing in my open fridge, looking at the groceries I had when there was a knock on my door. Confused, I went over to the door.

“Who is it?” I asked before opening the door.

“Delivery,” a voice called.

I opened the door. “I didn’t order anything though,” I said to the guy standing in front of me. He was around my age wearing a polo and hat with a delivery company logo on it. He held a brown bag in his hand with a receipt stapled to it.

“Remi Anderson?” he asked. I nodded my head.

“Well, this is your address and name, so here ya go,” he said handing me the bag. He went to walk away.

“Wait! At least let me tip you!” I tried to stop him.

“Already taken care of. Thanks miss, enjoy!” he called as he started descending the stairs at the end of the short hallway. I was just standing in the doorway, stupidly holding this bag that I did not order.

I snapped to my senses and went inside my apartment. I set the bag on the counter and hesitated before opening it. The receipt stapled to the bag read my name and address but I never ordered anything. I do not eat out much because it is much more expensive than just cooking at home. I gave in and opened the bag. Inside was a container of soup labeled ‘Chicken Noodle’ and a small container label “Roasted Garlic Salmon and Greens’ with some cutlery and napkins. There were also a couple small packs of tissues, the ones that you can put in your pocket or bag as well as some single dose packets of cold medicine both day and night. 

I sat there looking at everything stunned. Who sent this? I know Jessie had wanted to make sure I was okay, but would she really do this? Did Angela feel bad for making me go home? Who else knew where I lived?

I did not have friends outside of work and after leaving my last job over a year ago, hadn’t really been in touch with anyone there. I went to my bed and grabbed my phone that was lying on top of my blanket. I sent Jessie a quick message thanking her for the food. I put away my bag and stuff from work before sitting down at my little table with all my dinner. I opened the soup first and it smelled heavenly. It was chock full of soft, diced vegetables and the broth looked rich. I took a small bite with only vegetables and broth and wanted to melt away. It was so amazing and my whole body warmed as it slid down my throat. I dug in hungrily. The noodles were soft and chewy without being soggy.

I ate about half the container before I remembered the other dish. I opened the lid and the wonderful aroma of garlic and fish hit me. Something was working because I could at least smell this food. My mouth watered looking at it. I always keep my grocery budget small, so I never really made things like this for myself. I had read somewhere that garlic, salmon and leafy greens were cold remedies, and this was all that in one plate. I took a small bite and savored the flavor. I don’t know if I have ever tasted something so juicy and delicate. It was absolute heaven on my tongue.

I surprised myself by eating about half of the salmon and greens as well before I knew I was full. I had not eaten a proper meal in two days now. After all that, I felt tired and heavy. I wrapped the rest of the food up and put it in the fridge to finish tomorrow. I grabbed one of the medicine packets that was delivered with the food and took it with a sip of water. Now that I was full, I did not think I would have any problem sleeping. My whole body felt drowsy and yearned for my bed.

I climbed in my bed completely ignoring my phone. There was no point in setting an alarm as Angela would definitely not let me come back tomorrow. This meant I could sleep in as late as I wanted. I let my head hit my pillow and I pulled my blanket snug around me while, for at least a moment, I was not worried about all my responsibilities. I quickly fell into a comfortable and restful sleep.

-

I spent two days at home recovering. The entire first day I slept, only waking up to eat the rest of the soup and salmon at lunch before climbing back into bed and sleeping all the way to the next morning. The second day, I took it easy but still decided to take care of things. I washed laundry and cleaned up my apartment. I read a book and took a quick trip over to the market. I even made a chicken tortilla soup for dinner, although it could not compare to what was delivered. Jessie had never texted me back, but I guessed she was busy or had picked up some of my shifts. The tissues that came with the delivery made my nose less tender from all the blowing which I really appreciated.

I had finally called Angela before the diner closed on the second day, begging her to let me come back to work. She seemed elated I was feeling better and let me come in for lunch and dinner today. I got to work early simply happy to be back. Jessie came in a few minutes after me.

“Hey, you look so much better!” she said when she saw me.

“I feel so much better!” I said to her with a smile. “Oh, thanks for the delivery, by the way. It was delicious and just what I needed!”

“What delivery?” she asked.

“The food and medicine you sent me,” I said, giving her a confused look.

“Rem, I didn’t send you anything. I thought about dropping something off, but I picked up your Sunday and got really busy…”

“So, you didn’t send anything to me?”

She shook her head. “Maybe Angela sent it? She did seem to feel bad about yelling at you after you left. She came out of the office to help the rest of us cover you being gone.”

“Yea, it had to have been. I will thank her later. Looks like there are a couple tables that just got sat in my section. I am gonna get out there,” I said. An uneasy feeling sat in my stomach. I pushed it aside and let myself be occupied by work for now. Lunch went by with no issues at all. We stayed steadily busy the entire time. As lunch wound down, I decided to take a quick break outside and grab a snack. I grabbed my water bottle and an apple from my bag and headed outside. Jessie still had a couple minutes left on her break and was outside as well. She was angrily typing on her phone.

“Writing the next great literary masterpiece?” I joked with her.

She sighed, her shoulders slumping. “No, it's my i***t boyfriend. He is whining that I picked up your shift on Sunday and worked the whole weekend. I was supposed to go with him to his family for some dinner and ended up at work. Like at least I had a good reason to cancel!”

“That is so unfair, I am sorry!” I said. I opened my arms to hug her and she accepted it.

“Boys are dumb,” she grumbled into my shoulder.

“Yes, they are,” I cooed.

She sighed. “I should get back in there. Hey, I know you are closing tomorrow, but can you take my open? So, I can do some damage control?”

I smiled. “Of course. You covered me over the weekend. I got you tomorrow,” I told her. She smiled widely.

“Thank you so much. You are the freaking best!” she said as she ducked inside. I giggled. I put on some music on my phone and munched on my apple.

-

Thankfully, dinner was slow today. It was nearing the end of the night and Angela let one of the servers go home. I was in the back cashing a check when someone came back to let me know I had a table.

I grabbed the change and made my way out front. I scanned my section and stopped seeing Calder and Gentry sitting right there. Gentry looked up at me and waved animatedly. Unlike the other times they were here, it was just the two of them and they were dressed in casual clothing. I dropped the change off at the other table before approaching them. I put my best smile on before greeting them.

“Hi, there! Smaller group tonight?” I said.

“Yea, we left the wet blankets behind. Glad we didn’t get you in trouble last time!” Gentry said in a happy voice. Calder looked at me with a tight smile.

“Haha. It all worked out,” I laughed awkwardly. I did not really want to tell them they could have easily cost me my job. This had to be the most awkward interaction I have ever had. “So, what can I bring you guys to drink?”

“I would love some Coke, if you have it,” said Gentry with a smile. This guy really did not know anything about awkwardness. He was exceptionally upbeat.

I looked at Calder. “And you?”

“Same,” he said. I nodded and gave them another tight smile.

“Be right back with that,” I said and quickly scurried away from the table. I felt eyes follow back into the kitchen and I guessed who they belonged to. It was weird to me that Calder and Cullen made me nervous but not scared. It was almost a little exciting the way they made me nervous. I had not felt like that since Jeremy…

I shook the memories from my head, definitely not wanting to revisit any of that. I grabbed their drinks and headed back out to the table. They were having some sort of hushed conversation and Gentry kept smiling at Calder like he knew his secret. They both stopped as I approached, looking up at me.

“Two Cokes,” I said, setting down their glasses. “Did you guys want more time with the menu?” I asked.

“How about this,” said Gentry, grabbing both menus and handing them to me. “Give us both whatever is your most popular dinner! Surprise us with something delicious,” he said. I looked between them.

“Uh, okay, then. I will put that in right away,” I said, scribbling on my order book. I tucked it in my pocket and left them once again. They went back to whatever conversation they were having immediately.

I decided to put their orders in and step outside for some fresh air as they would probably be my last table. When I stepped outside, the wind caused a chill to run through me. It looked like fall was here and it was going to start getting cold. I leaned against the cold brick wall and pulled my phone from my pocket. I distracted myself flipping through social media posts.

“It's cold out tonight,” said a voice right in front of me. I looked up into a pair of purple eyes, jumping at his sudden appearance. He frowned. “I am sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay,” I said. I hugged my arms around me, trying to calm down and fight off the chilly wind. “It is a little c-cold. Seems like f-fall is already here,” I said with a shallow laugh. Why was he always finding me out here?

He stepped closer to me, stopping inches away from my body. I could feel his body heat radiating from him. I looked him up and down properly for the first time tonight. He wore a simple dark grey, v-neck shirt and black jeans. He also had a fashionable leather jacket on. Even wearing a jacket, you could tell he was in incredible shape. I swallowed at his proximity as I looked up into his eyes.

He raised his hand, running it up and down my arm. Warmth trailed along his touch. Butterflies bloomed in my stomach. “I, uh, should p-probably get back inside…” I said quietly. He nodded his head but did not move. “Is there s-something else…”

He continued to run his fingers up and down my arm, his warmth wrapping around me. “I can’t seem to get you off my mind,” his velvety voice murmured. I stayed silent, not sure what to say. After a moment, he stepped back giving me a gentle smiling before turning and walking away. I stared at his retreating form for a moment. Shaking my head, I tried to forget what just happened. I would be lying if I tried to say that I had not thought about him either.

I went back inside to find their food ready to serve. I took a deep breath as I grabbed their plates and exited the kitchen. When I approached their table. Calder was sitting there acting as if nothing had just happened. I took a deep breath as I approached them.

“Alright, I have two of our most popular sandwiches. Monte Cristos,” I said putting their plates down.

“Wow, this looks great!” said Gentry. I gave him a smile.

“You guys need anything else?” I asked.

“Actually yes,” said Gentry. I gave him a curious look as he continued. “You see, we aren’t just here for the delicious food. My friend over here cannot seem to shut up about you. He was pretty down the other day when he came and you weren’t here. So, if you would not mind, he would much appreciate your number so he can ask you out on a proper date.”

My jaw dropped open. I looked between the two in disbelief. Calder was giving Gentry a murderous glare while Gentry smiled up at me. “Uh…” I could not find any words. Finally, I said the only thing that was in my mind, “Why?”

“You’re a pretty girl. And somewhat of a mystery,” Gentry laughed. “Why not?” I looked between them again, still not sure what to say. “Please,” he said sweetly, now giving me puppy dog eyes.

“Uh, um… S-sure…” I said. I knew it was probably not the best idea, but Calder intrigued me. What did I really have to lose? Gentry looked absolutely giddy as I reached into my apron and fished out my order book. I scribbled my number on a blank page and tore it out. I set it on the table and quickly turned to run away from the table before either guy could say anything else. I ran back to the kitchen, my cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

I busied myself with menial closing tasks while they ate, avoiding going back to check on them. When I could not avoid it any longer, I went out to find their table empty. The plates were cleaned and stacked on the table ready to be bussed away. There was also $200 sitting on the table. I sighed picking up the money and the napkin underneath it. There was a note written in scratchy handwriting:

                Thanks for the digits. Expect him to call by tomorrow ;) Gentry

First thing that was going to have to happen if I agreed to go on a date with Calder would be stopping the insane tips and weird alleyway rendezvouses.