Chapter 17

It was midday before we reached an area of the Smoky Mountains that we felt was the right place. There was a tiny town about an hour off the highway that was “homey.” The town rented cabins to tourists, and since it was in the middle of the mountainside, they attracted a lot of them. We were fortunate enough to get in with two bedrooms for a week’s stay. We didn’t know how long we would stay here but they offered a discount, so we took it. The cabin was built in the last ten years, so it was pretty modern. It had a traditional wooden log theme, covering every couch, window curtain, and throw pillow with wolf, moose, and bear decor. A stone fireplace stood to the right, and past the living room was a large kitchen that opened to a small balcony. It looked over the hilltop, and we were at the top of the canopy. Tall American beech and yellow birch trees were scattered with sugar maples, wild cherry, and many other trees that covered the area.

“I’m hungry, want to go into town and see what is all around?” I yelled. I picked a bedroom and placed my bag on the bed. It was a queen-size bed with a thick blanket that had bears and wolves on it. The irony was high with the appetite I felt.

“Yeah, I am hungry for a burger,” Zach said. He came out of his room with dark blue jeans that were on the smaller side, boots, and a pale gray t-shirt that did little to hide his muscles. I chose something similar with black skinny jeans and a white t-shirt that had summer lovin’ written on it. I paired my outfit with white Vans, and off we went. Zach and I had the relationship where you didn’t always need to talk. Sometimes just enjoying each other’s company was enough.

Walking down the steps, we started the mile trek down the mountain into town. The town was called Plainville. It had a path already paved out for us to take. Making our way to town, I admired the quiet nature of this place. You could hear birds chirping, squirrels scampering up and down the trees, and rabbits running across the dirt. It was so peaceful here. I could really get use to it.

Reaching town, there were shops lined on both sides of a two-way street. Light posts lined the roads with large potted flowers under each one. There was a good amount of people walking in and out of shops with a few cars scattered in the parking spaces.

“I think I saw a sign that said ‘Harry’s Diner’ at the cabin. We can follow the road till we find it probably, this town is small,” Zach said.

“That sounds good. I think it is actually right there across the street,” I pointed out a place that had a faded-out sign with a wolf eating the words ‘Harry’s Diner’ but the letters were hard to read. I feel like if they wanted to attract more customers, a new sign was due.

“Awesome, I am starving!” Zach said, as his pace increased. I had to slow jog to keep up with him. Since there were no cars driving, we had no trouble crossing the street.

Ding! The door chimed as Zach opened the door for me and then followed. A young girl was behind a sign that said, “Please wait to be seated.” Glancing up at us, she seemed a little shocked to have customers at this hour. I guess it was early for supper at 4:00 p.m.

“Two please,” I said. Nodding, she instructed us to follow her and sat us in a booth on the right side of the restaurant. It was a homey style place with dark red-brownish carpet, and wooden tables with red leather seats. A wooden lodge theme filled the store with animals and pictures scattering the walls. I was already in love with this place, and I hadn’t had the food yet!

“Hi! I am Kelly. I will be your waitress tonight. How are you liking our little town so far?” A voice said, pulling me out from zoning out. Kelly was short at 5’4”, with straight waist-length blonde hair, and was muscular. I could tell she was a wolf by scent.

“Hey, Kelly. We are liking it so far!” I said with a smile.

“What brings you into town, if I may ask?” I didn’t miss the double meaning with the question.

“Oh, we just wanted to do some traveling, and the mountains have always called my name,” I said, laughing to ease her. “We are not sure how long we will be here. We are staying at the cabins about a mile out.” I offered her more information, so she wouldn’t be uncomfortable. I knew wolves could get suspicious, and I didn’t want any trouble.

“That place is beautiful!” Kelly said.

“So are you,” Zach said, placing his elbow on the table and fist under his chin, and slightly flexed to show off a little more. Kelly looked flattered, but her eyes flickered back and forth between us.

Laughing, I said, “Good gravy, Zach! Please excuse my friend here. We are both unmated, and he likes to be the center of attention. This is Zach, and my name is Nina!”

Looking very relieved, Kelly said, “Well, hello to you too, handsome. What would you like to drink tonight?”

“Hmm, what do you recommend?” Zach said in a smooth voice.

“Well, my drink isn’t served here, but we have Coke products,” Kelly said, as she leaned in and placed her arm on the table and shifted toward Zach.

“I’ll take a Coke then, beautiful, and the address to where I can get you your favorite drink,” Zach said, as he stroked her forearm with his finger, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

“Be right back,” Kelly said, blushing and walking off as she swayed her hips. Then quickly turning around, she ran back.

“Dr. Pepper,” I said to avoid the embarrassment before she could even ask. She gave me a grateful nod and walked away slower.

“Dude, could you wait till I get my food before you put the staff in a trance?”

“I can’t help that I attract all the ladies!”

Rolling my eyes, I shook my head and looked over the menu, it was traditional mom and pop foods, all homecooked, and looked amazing.

Kelly placed our drinks on the table with straws. “Do you guys know what you want to eat?”

“I’ll take the chicken-fried steak with mashed potatoes, and smother everything in gravy please!” I said. There was no such thing as too much gravy.

“I’ll have a bacon double cheeseburger with fries, please,” Zach said, staring straight into Kelly’s eyes.

“Okay, I will get that right in,” Kelly said flustered, and walked off

“Zach! Please let the poor girl breathe!”

“Oh, for a little bit longer. You may need to find another place to stay tonight or have some noise-canceling headphones!”

“Zachary! Please keep it in your pants! She reeks of authority. What if she is important in the nearby pack!

“You do realize that you are a beta female, you reek of authority too, and I am a warrior. We are not exactly flying under the radar here. Did you not notice we were being watched everywhere we went?”

“No, I actually was spacing out looking at everything. I do need to get my head together.”

Kelly approached with our food and placed it in front of us.

“Thanks, beautiful. Want to sit and chat with us while we eat?

“Sure, why not. I am due for a break anyway. Let me run in the back and tell them I am taking my break,” Kelly said, and ran to the back.

Zach looked at me and I just gave him a half smile and cocked my eyebrow at him. “Don’t be like that, Nina! Let me have some fun on vacation, too!”

“Okay, so I go to this club that is usually pretty good. Sunday nights are a bit slower, but it is a good place to let loose if you guys want to go have a drink,” Kelly said, as she slid into the booth next to Zach. He moved down to the back.

I had just shoved a bite of food in my mouth, so Zach could answer before I could. “Of course! What is the club?”

Inwardly groaning, I just let them figure it out. This chicken-fried steak was mouthwatering, and I could use a drink to relax. We were just eighteen, but we didn’t get drunk like humans do, and we all carried fake IDs if we were at a human club.

“Club 77. It is owned by a wolf and is outside of my pack’s territory though. Like thirty minutes from here for you guys, and fifteen minutes for me from home. I will just meet you there with a few friends since I live on the other side, and it would be less driving that way.”

Zach looked at me and I nodded in agreement. I zoned them out as they continued to flirt. I got a feeling about going to the club. It wasn’t a bad feeling at all, but just like I knew something was going to happen there. I was anxious for it.