Crossroads Café

Chapter 7 : Beta Connor

Bianca happily shook Connor’s hand. I have to memorize his drinking preferences for his next visit here, she thought. As she released his hand, she noted the solemn expression on his face. He looked perplexed and worried. Little did she know, that she put him in danger by touching him at this moment. This innocent and conventional gesture had heavy meaning for a mate’s wolf, almost sinful when it was an unclaimed Luna. Her scent was now on his hand. Connor and his men knew that he took a huge risk by touching the mate of an alpha… worst the mate of Alpha Black, The Mad One.

They ended their drinks, chatting about which route they should take. They had other packs to stop by before joining the Luna’s Ceremony. They were hesitating between going straight to the party or going to the other packs first. They knew that whatever they would choose if the Mad One could smell Bianca on one of them, this would mean trouble… and maybe death.

They stopped talking as all their eyes suddenly glazed. They got up and went outside Crossroads Café, joining the two other members that were waiting outside.

When they started to go down from the six stairs separating the building from the road, they came face to face with Alpha Black.

They released a breath as they noted that he was on the other side of the fence of the Crossroads Café. He was sinking his claws, breaking the hardwood without noticing. He was taking his time, watching each one of the men in front of him.

He was half-naked, showing off without a care for the people around him, his massive toned body. Each one of his muscles seemed extremely tense. His veins were looking like a spider web on his tanned skin. He was wearing only a pair of jeans, hanging really low on his hips.

Any wolf could tell, at this moment, that he just turned back human and was actually pretty pissed.

« Hello, Alpha Black, » they said all together while bowing their heads down in respect.

« You smell… interesting… Beta Connor, » said Alpha Black. He looked almost feral as his eyes colors kept switching from green to fiery red.

None of the Red Moon Pack’s wolves dared to make a move. They knew the fiery red color was his wolf trying to surface.

Alpha Black put one of his hands on his face and started to laugh. His claws were still out and seemed ready to take anyone’s life at any second. « Who is inside… Beta Connor? » he said between his teeth.

Connor did not have the time to answer when the Crossroads Café’s door slightly opened, revealing only Bianca’s Hand. She was holding two hot beverages for the two men who were waiting outside earlier. Without knowing, she was hidden by the wooded front door.

A gentle breeze blew across them.

Connor’s eyes were focused on Alpha Black.

« You forgot your drinks, Connor, »she said kindly to the Red Moon pack’s Beta.

« Thank you, » he answered sternly, keeping his eyes on the alpha behind the fence.

The Mad One had now his eyes closed. Bianca’s smell reached him, carried by the warm breeze. He was shaking, trying to keep his wolf in control.

Bianca noticed Connor’s behavior and tried to look outside. When she started to push the door wide to see what was going on outside. She got almost carried away from the entrance by Mat. She looked at him questionably, surprised by his gesture.

« Remember what we said earlier, Bianca? Don’t get out without one of us, please, » he said, trying to keep his charming smile on his face. He was giving her a back hug. He kept her tight into his arm while closing the massive door.

« Euh… Oui. »(yes*) she answered, switching unconsciously in french. She was uncomfortable in Mat’s arms. She felt that his action was wrong and that it was not her place. Well, I am not a hugger to start, she thought. She gave him two little taps on his hands, silently telling him to release her.

Mat turned her around. He put his arm around her shoulders and walked toward the bar.

« Bianca, you need to be sure to stay in Crossroads café for seven days. That’s all Old Al’ and I wish. That’s the only way to keep you safe at the moment. » He brought Bianca behind the bar « Let’s teach you how to make a decent coffee, Bianca. »

Bianca had her eyes locked on the front door as she answered him « Well… I don’t know if we can talk about -decent coffee- when it comes to yours, but why not? »

Aiyana, who was folding the colored blankets on the floor made a silent laugh. « Bianca, I am going to take Rosy to town, if it’s ok with you. You know it will be good training for me, »she said half panicked as a golden glow seemed to disappear from her eyes.

« Sure, it will be good for her to go out a little today. Thanks for entertaining her. I think I’ll manage without you » said thankfully, Bianca.

Aiyana and Mat silently nodded to each other. Aiyana took Rosy with her and quickly went out by the back door.

Mat made a noise with his throat and started to show her how to grind the roasted coffee, and finally, how to tamp and use the coffee machine.

« Mat… Oh, la la…»Bianca started « … This is why your coffee does not taste good! »

Mat just ended making a cup of espresso and was holding the thick mixture with a perplexed expression.

« What do you mean it does not taste good? It is not supposed to taste good! Its sole purpose is to amuse me ! » he answered blatantly, eyes shining with mischief.

Bianca started to answer when a loud bang made all the walls shake. Some glasses, that were on the bar fell shattered on the floor. Bianca started to walk to the front door but Mat stopped her.

« Please, clean the glass shards. We have guests coming in in a few minutes. We can’t let them see the mess »said Mat.