The truck driver’s stare doesn’t leave me and he still doesn’t say one word.
The girl in the front seat shoves the driver. “Let’s go, Colin.”
The windows roll back up, but Colin’s gaze follows me.
“Let’s get out of here, Alice,” Nadya pleads. “Let’s go shopping before you need to work.”
“Shopping?” I break eye contact. The truck turns left, racing down the street.
“Are you okay?” Kyle asks.
“I’m fine, thank you.”
“Yes, thank you hunky Kyle.” Nadya pushes me forward. “We have to get going so we have time to shop before Alice has to work.”
“See you later.” Kyle waves, walking to the rear of the diner.
“What was that about?” I ask.
“Do you remember when we were talking about what Emilian’s ability was?”
I nod.
“Remember when I said there was a pack of werewolves living in town?”
I stop on the sidewalk in front of a vacant office space. “You mean the people in the truck are werewolves?” I laugh. I can’t help it.
“That’s Colin Moore. He’s like their leader or alpha or something. Laugh all you want, but I’m telling you to stay away from them.” Nadya walks ahead of me.
I jog to keep up. “Sorry, but it sounds ridiculous.” I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth and a tinge of guilt forms.
“You don’t believe?” Nadya asks. “In all your life, you’ve never run across a nightwalker or shifter?”
“I can’t say I have. It’s imaginary stuff.”
“It’s nightmare stuff. We can’t seem to lose them.” Nadya presses the crosswalk button. A few people throw coins into the fountain in the center of town.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“Everywhere we move, and we move often, there always seems to be a pack in town. It’s like they are everywhere, infesting every town.”
“Werewolves?” I ask. “Have you ever seen someone change into a wolf?”
“Well, no.”
“But, you’re sure they exist and you trust your brother’s word?” I ask.
She faces me with a serious expression. “Alice, you have to trust family. They’re all you have sometimes.”
I remain quiet, thinking about Dad. I’ve always relied on his guidance and ability. When he said move, we moved. When he told me about the Hunters, I believed him…believe him. I saw them with my own eyes, chasing me, like he always warned me. They want us dead.
“Fonso is here.” Nadya looks across the fountain, watching Fonso reading on a bench. “I guess our shopping trip will have to wait.”
“Are you angry with me?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “No. I’m mentally worn out from the day.”
“Thank you again for helping me with the job.” I hug her.
“Do you mind if I visit you at your place sometime? It’s nice to get away from the house once in a while.”
“Sure. Any time.”
She rushes across the street. She and Fonso wave.
Had she stayed a moment longer, I might have asked about the Hunters. Surely, if she believes in vampires and werewolves, she might know something of the Hunters.
I have an hour before work so I decide to buy a tea at the coffee shop. I sit outdoors to soak in a few rays of light before the darkness creeps up. A bus comes to a stop…the stop that I’ll take home later. It lingers on the edge of town, on the road that runs straight to the campground. This is probably one of the less complicated towns I’ve ever stayed in.
The day’s events swarm through my head the instant I sit at the pewter table. Nadya’s belief Colin and his friends are werewolves seems so strong it’s almost believable. All of my cousin’s stated abilities, with the exception of Fonso, makes me think about Dad and his gift. He always knew when we needed to leave…when we were found by the Hunters. Nadya did seem great at finding things…the keys, the job. She has me believing in her hidden talent. Perhaps she can locate Dad for me. That would mean I’d need to confide in her with my purpose for being here. I’d have to tell the truth…my real story.
Five o’clock nears and I’m nervous. It’s always scary starting at new job in a new place, but now I’ll be dealing with a gorgeous Kyle on top of it. Some of the shops start closing as I walk toward the diner. The coffee shop stays open late, as well as the tiny theater across the road.
Before I cross the street, a loud engine revs near me. It’s the tinted monster truck from earlier. It intentionally creeps up next to me. I pick up my pace and it moves forward, matching my step. He’s toying with me.
I back up and run behind it to the other side of the street. Colin rolls down his window. He’s alone this time.
“What?” I wait for the reply that doesn’t come.
Colin’s hair covers the side of his face, but I see him staring at me.
He revs his engine and takes off.
The diner bell is a welcome sound.
“Hello,” I greet Abby, who leans against the back counter.
“Here you are.” Abby reaches into a drawer and pulls out a ticket pad and pen. “Write down what they want and put it on that silver circular thing there.” She points toward the kitchen window. “If you get bored, tidy up behind the counter—that’s your station, too. And we don’t have no busboy to clean tables either, so that duty falls on you.”
“Got it.” I take the pad and pen from her. “Are there any other waitresses?”
“We have two girls who handle breakfast, but you’ll be our night waitress. We always have a hard time keeping someone for that shift.” Abby leans back against the counter.
“Why is that?”
She shrugs.
“Okay.” I walk around the counter to my new post, surveying what I’m dealing with. There’s a drink and salad station. It’s all relatively simple.
“She’s a bunch of fun, isn’t she?” Kyle says from the kitchen. He smiles and nods toward Abby.
“Yeah.”
“It’s slow, but it’ll pick up soon.” Kyle dries his hands with a cloth. “If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”
“Thanks.”
I study the menu. Customers roll in. For the next five hours, business stays steady, and our only conversations center around the food orders.
Abby leaves at 10:00PM, placing me in charge of cashing out the guests on top of serving them. The last hour drags since only a few hungry customers stagger in and out. Most of the patrons are younger and talk about a movie they watched at the theater.
Roger walks in from the back. I didn’t see him the entire evening. “How was your first night?”
“It went well.” I place my pen and pad into the drawer. “It was busy for a while, but I managed.”
“Excellent.” Roger turns the ‘open’ sign off and locks the door. “Seems like you cleaned up the tables and behind the counter pretty good.”
“Thank you.” I take off the borrowed apron and place it on the hook against the wall.
“Now, we didn’t talk about pay or anything, and I’m sure you are anxious to get on your way, but are you agreeable to working five evenings per week at a flat rate of two hundred dollars cash plus tips?” Roger scratches his chin. “This way we don’t need to do all that nasty paperwork. I got two women for the morning shifts, but you would be our main night server. Abby will take the other two nights.”
“Roger, that sounds great to me.” I hold out my hand.
He smiles and shakes it. “Alice, I think this will work out fine.”
He opens the cash register and starts placing the cash into a deposit bag.
“I’ll come in about this time every night and close out so you can head on home.” Roger shuts the register. “See you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow.” I head toward the front door. Roger follows behind.
“Wait, I’m coming.” Kyle pops out from the kitchen. “Back door is locked Roger,
and Felipe is finishing up the dishes.”
“Thanks Kyle. See ya.” Roger locks the door behind us.
“What did you think?” Kyle asks.
“It’s a cute diner. Roger seems nice.” I scratch my sore shoulder, recalling lugging my duffel bag around in New Orleans.
“Yeah, it’s a laid back place. I think that’s what I like about it.”
“How long have you worked here?”
“Not long. Only a few months.” Kyle points to a Jeep. “Do you need a lift home?”
“No, that’s okay.”
“Are you sure? It’s no trouble.” He smiles.
“Thank you, but I prefer to walk to wind down.” I wave and walk toward town.
“Bye Alice.” Kyle waves.
I glance back when I’m across the street and see him watching me. I wave again before I turn the corner. The coffee shop is closed and the theater is dark. I guess they don’t have late hours here.
The light above the bus stop is out. A tall, looming figure leans against the glass. It’s Colin.
Chapter 9
“Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you?” Colin asks.
“Let me guess…your entire life?” I give him a half-fake smile. “Where’s your big truck? You want to try to run me over again?”
A minor electric feeling passes through me the closer I move toward Colin.
He smiles, revealing gleaming white teeth. He’s taller than I imagined, standing at least 6’3” with a muscular barrel-chest. He sports a nice tan, which is slightly darker than my olive complexion. “I formally apologize for nearly running you over earlier, my lady.” He bows.
“Was that so hard?” I sit on the bench. “Apologizing, that is. Maybe you didn’t want to appear weak in front of your friends. You just stared and said nothing.”
I watch the tree lines across the street, trying to appear uninterested, but all I want to do is turn and study him. This feeling…it’s as if he were a magnet and I was iron…I’m drawn to him.
“I was so mesmerized by you that words didn’t seem appropriate at the time.” He sits next to me. “I’m Colin Moore, by the way.”
“Yes, I’ve…my cousin, Nadya told me.” I peek at him through my hair.
“Nadya is your cousin?” His voice crackles a little. He clears his throat.
I nod. “Do you know her?”
“They live down the street.” He points toward the darkened road. “We let her brother hang with us sometimes. He’s kind of our mascot.” He chuckles. “Are you adopted?”
I look him straight in the eyes. “I’m not adopted. What kind of question is that?”
He shrugs. “I suppose I don’t see the family resemblance.”
“Wait, how did you know I’d be coming to the bus stop? Have you been watching me?”
“I saw you in the diner and I didn’t see you driving, so I assumed you’d take the bus after work. You’re late though. The last bus took off fifteen minutes ago.”
I look up and down the road. “Really?”
“Last bus leaves at eleven.”
“Damn.” I look at my watch.
“But, it’s your lucky night. I’m your knight in shining armor.” He holds his arms up and I visualize him beating his chest like Tarzan…I need to reign in my imagination.
“I, umm…I can walk.” I mumble, and stand. “It’s not too far.” I hope.
“You don’t sound too sure. When did you get into town?”
“Last night.”
“You never told me your name.” He stands, facing me.
“I didn’t?” Why am I so flustered around him? “It’s El… Alice.”
“You sure that’s your name?” He laughs.
“I think I know my own name. It’s Alice.” I purse my lips, more angry with myself.
“Alice doesn’t sound like a Rom name. And you’re related to the Kepi clan?”
“How did…how do you know their last name and why call them a clan? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Why are you so easily offended?” he asks. “I told you Emilian hangs with us. We know the family.”
“We, meaning your clan?” I cross my arms. “Does your clan start with a Klu and a Klux?”
He stares into my eyes and although I want to stay angry with him, my resolve melts as if the rain washes it down the drain.
“Come with me. The night’s young.” He holds his hand out.
Not taking my eyes from his, I slide my fingers into his hand and a static shock runs through my body. Even though I’m sure he felt it, he doesn’t flinch.
Wrapping my fingers in with his, he leads me to his truck.
“Where are we going?” He opens the door. I’m instantly flustered as to how I’m supposed to hoist myself up that far. He grabs my waist from behind. The smell of an oceanic musk drifts up my nostrils and I want to press back into him, but I stiffen. He lifts me as if I’m as light as a doll, and places me on the running board. I climb into the cab and put on my seatbelt.
“I’m not sure yet, but might as well get to know each other better before I bring you home.” He winks and shuts the door.
This day is not turning out the way I thought it would. First, a family I don’t quite know how to explain, then a job with the dreamy Kyle and now this…what is this? I’m accepting rides from a perfect stranger who tried to run me over but I’m so incredibly drawn to…and who Nadya thinks is a…werewolf. I’m suddenly mentally exhausted and my head throbs.
“Colin, do you mind taking me home? I’m tired from a rather crazy day and I don’t think I can take any more surprises.”
He nods. “Where do you live? Are you staying with your cousins?”
“No, I’m at this campground down the street.” I close my eyes and place my palm against my forehead. “I can show you.”
“The one where your other aunt lives? Or is that your mom?”
He knows a lot more than I thought. “It’s my aunt, too, and yes, that’s the one. I’m staying in a cabin.”
He starts the engine. “That’s rustic. I like it.”
“I wouldn’t call it rustic, but it’s a nice little place.” The deal Deena made with me is extremely lucky. Dad would like it.
“Where did you move from?” He turns onto the darkened road leading to the campground.
“Louisiana.” My chest aches and a slow rain falls.
The windshield wipers screech across the window. “I guess it’s probably not a good night to be out after all.”
“Guess not.” My emotions take a turn for the worse as the thought of Dad weighs on my mind. That Hunter who showed up in New Orleans said she would take me to him. Does that mean he’s still alive? Are they using him to find me? Many unanswered questions float through my head.
“Which cabin?”
“Huh?” I squint out the watery windows to see we are at the campground. “Oh, it’s the first one there.” I point.
He parks in front of the cabin. “Do you work tomorrow?”
“Yes, but not until five o’clock.” I gaze into his obsidian eyes. “I’m working the late shift there five days a week.” God, why the hell am I being so forthcoming with answers with this guy? I unbuckle the seat belt wanting to get out before I say something I’d regret.
“That’s cool.” His hands grip the steering wheel. “Spend the day with me tomorrow?”
“What?”
“I’ll be here at eight in the morning.”
“Colin, may I ask you something strange?” I bite my lower lip.
He turns toward me.
“Are you—do you live around here?” I couldn’t ask what I wanted to. It sounds too stupid in my head to say aloud. Colin, are you a werewolf? Yes, excessively stupid.
“Yes, that is a mighty strange question. It’s probably one of the most bizarre questions I’ve ever been asked.” He laughs and I join in.
Not as strange as what I really want to ask you.
“I live about ten minutes east of he
re.” He grins. “Is that all you wanted to ask me?”
“Yes…for now.” I touch the door handle. The rain lightens. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I don’t know why I agree to spend the day with him, but something tells me I’m not the only one in for any surprises.
“Alice?”
I turn back toward him. “Hmm?”
“Don’t tell anyone else you’re Rom or related to the Kepi family for now. Let’s keep it between us.”
“Why?”
“They are a bizarre group and people around here are judgmental. I wouldn’t want anyone getting the wrong impression of you.” He shrugs.
“I learned a long time ago to not care what anyone thinks of me.” A smidge of irritation courses through me. “And if you want to be my friend I’m sure you wouldn’t care what others think of me either, would you?”
The thunder rolls in.
“I would never.” His hands cross over his heart. He grabs my left hand and pulls it up. “But, it’s not always safe for the Roma here…even in a town where strange is accepted.”
He kisses my hand and jumps into the drizzling shower. He rushes around to my side and opens my door.
Helping me down, he pulls me close to him. My body slides down his as he sets me on the ground; our faces are only inches apart.
“Till tomorrow.” He pulls away and rushes back to the driver’s side door, leaving me breathless.
His truck pulls out of the campground. I stand on my small porch. It’s not always safe for the Roma…Was he warning me?
Chapter 10
Butterflies tickle my stomach when he knocks on the door; instead of Colin standing to greet me at the cabin door, it’s Kyle.
“Hi.” I force a smile.
“I ran into your cousin this morning getting coffee. She told me where you were staying.” He runs his hand through his hair, pushing some stray hairs back. “I was wondering if you’d like to get breakfast, but I see you have plans.” He looks at Colin grinning as he leans against his truck.
“I…umm…we ran into each other last night. I think he’s trying to make up for almost killing me yesterday.” I fumble through the explanation, wringing my fingers. “He’s trying to be nice by showing me around, since I’m new to town.”
Lightning Struck (The Roaming Curse Book 1) Page 5