Chapter One

Ella's POV:

Boom! That's how the thunder sounded outside, again and again. It was pouring, and I was terrified, hugging my teddy closer to me. I hated thunder, how it sounded out on the street, out my window, and now, out my car.

I had nowhere to go. I was homeless, living out of a car that had no gas. I couldn't drive away even if I wanted to. This all started few months ago, after my last fight with my mother, when she'd kicked me out of the house. I'd had only my car keys, a duffle bag with my stuff in it, and six dollars in my pocket. I'd always thought six was a lucky number until I was left with only six dollars. I left the house crying. I had nowhere to go as I got into my crappy car and took off down the road. I didn't make it far, just up to an abandoned park. That's where my car died. It wouldn't start anymore, but it was okay. That was as far as I was going to go.

Lulu, my stuffed grey wolf with purple eyes, was my one and only loyal friend. She was with me when I spent the six dollars, when I became so hungry I was willing to beg for food. She was also hidden in my backpack when I applied for the job in the local bookstore. I'd always had a weak spot for books and stories. When they hired me, I couldn't have been happier.

My job was easy and simple, just help people buy their stories, cash them out, and put the books back in their places. And I could finally read as much as I wanted. It was the best kind of job for me. I loved it, and I got paid weekly—enough to eat. Before I got my first paycheck, I'd spent a full week starving.

I'd tried to ask for my money beforehand, but my boss, who was the meanest person ever, had said no. How could such a cold-hearted person be responsible for one of the best places in the world?

There was no sleeping with this storm outside, and I was up most of the night. I woke up early and got ready to go to work. I was slipping, but I pushed it down as I got out of her car and quickly walked over to the bookstore. I walked over to the children's books area. I was thankful no one was around as I sat down on a bean bag after grabbing a few books to read.

"Ella, stop slacking and get to work," my manager yelled at me. No one had been in the shop when I'd first sat down, but I looked up to see a woman standing next to the register. I huffed angrily and put my book away before walking over to the nice-looking lady.

"Hi, ma'am, how may I help you?" I asked the woman. She was only about five feet tall, with long brown hair and brown eyes.

"Hello, I'm here for the new werewolf story," she said, looking at me. I tried my best to hide under my own overgrown bangs.

"Did you reserve it already?" I asked, hoping that was the case so I could grab one of the reserved books near the checkout stand. I was starting to feel self-conscious as I caught the woman still looking at me, but I shook it off. I had to work.

"Yes, it's under the name Kennedy Smith," she replied.

I nodded and looked for the name at the checkout stand, finding it rather quickly. Then I did the whole checkout process for reserved books before putting it in a bag for her.

"Have a nice day. Enjoy the new book," I said, smiling at her. She thanked me but still just stood there. I got more and more nervous the longer she continued staring at me.

"Ma'am, do you need something else? We have a coffee shop that sells delicious drinks and sweets. I always grab a few before I leave," I said, which wasn't a lie. I always got at least a drink and a cookie at the end of my shift before cuddling in my car for the night. I looked over at the clock and saw I still had about an hour left of my shift.

"Really?" she said and looked like she was thinking about something before adding, "We're having a dinner party tonight. In the restaurant just down the street. You're welcome to join us."

"Oh, umm..." I paused. She was so pretty and nice, but I couldn't let her know I was living in my car. Dinner did sound nice though. "That sounds great...but I still have about an hour left until I can leave."

"That's perfect, baby girl. You'll be right on time," she said, making me blush. She smiled one last time before she left with her book. I sighed and walked around, helping other customers find books or check out until it was finally time to clock out.

When my shift was finally over, I signed out and left. Should I change my clothes? I had a skirt on with thigh-high socks and a sweater. The weather had been miserable, so I'd decided to dress up a little today. Well, it was the best I could do for now. With a big sigh, I left the bookshop and walked toward the restaurant. She was right, it was just down the street.

I made it to the door and froze. What was I doing? Should I go in or just leave? I didn't even know what the party was for. I was about to leave when I heard my name being called.