Milkshake and Motives
Milkshake and Motives
The fluorescent diner sign flickered, casting a soft amber glow over the pavement as Lena and Aiden approached the entrance.
Laughter and the warm clatter of plates came from inside, a mix of scents—grilled meat, melting cheese, and sugary milkshakes—mixing into the cool evening air.
The diner, Wolfie’s Joint, had a long-standing reputation in the Pack. It wasn’t just a diner; it was the hangout spot for young wolves.
Lena forced another smile—tight-lipped, fleeting, more a reflex than a feeling—as Aiden opened the door for her.
His scent, clean and faintly woodsy, followed her inside.
“After you,” he said, gesturing gallantly.
Lena stepped in. The warmth hit her first. Then the noise.
The booths were filled with chatting teens, groups of young wolves exchanging stories, some loud, others whispering with eyes darting about like they were swapping secrets.
A track from some indie werewolf band played from the jukebox near the counter.
Aiden looked around with familiarity, his face breaking into a nostalgic grin.
“This place hasn’t changed in years. I used to come here all the time after training.”
Lena hummed in acknowledgment, already tired of the niceties.
Her cheeks ached from the smiling she’d been doing all evening.
The moment Aiden looked her way, her lips automatically lifted again.
She wanted to scream.
Why did I even reach out to him? she thought bitterly.
Because he’s useful, she reminded herself. Because she needs to keep Maya and Lily from being suspicious of her.
They slid into a booth near the corner—just far enough to be away from the larger crowds, but close enough to seem like they belonged.
Lena took the side facing the window, grateful for the illusion of distance it gave her.
Aiden sat across from her, leaning forward slightly, his chin resting in his hand. His eyes gleamed.
“Lena,” he said, smiling again. “I know I’ve already said this like…a hundred times, but I’m really glad you messaged me.”
She felt her smile twitch.
“Yeah. Me too.”
He chuckled softly.
“You don’t have to lie, you know. But I swear, I just wanted to spend time with you. It’s been too long since anyone’s gotten you to come out of that shell.”
Lena tilted her head, raising an eyebrow.
“Shell?”
He shrugged sheepishly.
“Okay, okay—poor choice of words. But you were kind of cold to me before. I mean, we were together a few times and you barely looked at me.”
Lena leaned back, crossing her legs beneath the table.
Her face softened into something vulnerable—but it was calculated. A performance.
“I don’t like being vulnerable around people,” she said slowly. “I’ve had my heart broken before. And… I guess I don’t trust easily.”
Aiden’s expression melted with sympathy. He reached across the table and placed his hand gently over hers.
His skin was warm and solid. His thumb stroked the back of her hand in soft circles.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “Whoever hurt you… they were an idiot.”
She laughed, light and fake.
“Maybe.”
“But I’m not him,” he said firmly. “I’m not looking to break your heart, Lena. I’m just happy to be here. With you.”
Her cheeks flushed, part from the warmth of the diner, part from annoyance.
She quickly drew her hand back under the table and masked it with another soft smile.
The waitress approached with a pad and a sweet smile.
“Hey, guys! What can I get you?”
“Two hamburgers and fries,” Aiden said confidently. “And two strawberry milkshakes.”
Lena blinked.
“You just ordered for me?”
He grinned.
“I remember you said once that strawberry was your favorite. Unless that changed?”
She hated that he remembered that.
“No. It’s still my favorite,” she said coolly.
“Perfect.”
As the waitress walked off, the small talk began about weather, training updates and college gossip.
Aiden seemed relaxed, genuinely enjoying himself. Lena nodded along, answered when needed, even let herself laugh once or twice.
But inside, she was miles away.
He’s a nice guy. A decent guy. Sweet, gentle and open.
And completely useless to her mission.
Or so she thought.
"Did you hear about the Alpha twins last week?” Aiden was saying. “Apparently, they nearly killed two other Alphas while sparring. They caused a minor earthquake near the eastern ridge.”
Lena’s ears perked at the mention of the twins. Her interest sharpened instantly.
“They fought that hard?”
“Yeah, but you know how they are. Always intense. What’s funny, though…” He leaned in conspiratorially. “There’s this rumor that if they’re ever separated—like, truly kept apart—their powers weaken.”
Lena blinked.
“What?”
“Yeah.” He chuckled. “It’s weird, right? I mean, I thought it was just a joke, but apparently the pack elders have mentioned it before. Some birth bond thing. They were born during the same eclipse or whatever. If they’re separated, it’s like cutting a wire in half. Both sides lose power.”
Lena leaned forward, her pulse quickening.
“Wait… are you serious?”
“Dead serious. I mean, it’s just a rumor. But if it’s true, it could explain why they’re always together. Like, always. Never solo.”
She stared at him, processing.
If that’s true… if they can be weakened by being separated…
This was the kind of information she needed.
She let out a soft breath, blinking rapidly as if overwhelmed.
“I’ve never heard that before.”
Aiden grinned.
“Most people haven’t. It’s not really common knowledge. But my dad used to work closely with the old Beta, and he said the twins were…different. Special. More like one soul in two bodies.”
Lena stared into her milkshake, then took a slow sip through the straw.
It was sweet. Sickeningly so.
But now Aiden wasn’t just a sweet guy.
He was useful.
She looked up at him again, letting her eyes sparkle just a little. She adjusted in her seat, leaning in, softening her tone.
“That’s… really fascinating, Aiden. I didn’t know you knew so much about them.”
He blushed.
“I’ve been in the pack a long time. You pick things up.”
“You’ve never told anyone else this?”
“No,” he said with a small laugh. “Why would I?”
She smiled again—this time wider, more genuine than any smile she had given all night.
Aiden noticed it and smiled back, clearly pleased.
“You’re finally starting to open up to me.”
“Maybe I am,” she said sweetly. “Maybe you’re just that charming.”
He looked like he had just won the lottery.
Lena stared into his eyes, her voice soft and sugar-coated.
“Tell me more about them, Aiden. I want to know everything.”