Chatter roared and the grill hissed as the lunch rush went into overdrive at Jared Huntington's diner, The Howl. Jared's biceps strained under the weight of two blood-red steaks, two veggie paninis, and a scalding-hot bowl of chili that he had balanced precariously on each arm.
He slid the chili in front of an elderly werewolf, Claire, who immediately gulped down the piping hot dish in one bite. Her burp was so loud it shook the table.
“Chili’s not bad today, Jared.” Claire smiled, showing teeth. “I remember when you couldn’t tell a r****h from a rutabaga, but you’ve turned into quite the cook.”
Jared nodded, grinning at the rare praise from one of the town’s crotchety residents. "If we stay this busy I won’t have time to cook. Know anyone interested in doing a little grill work…?" He l
