Breaking Traditions: The Shifter And The Mage

by Madilynn Dale

  "We can get one figured out if you need it. Don't worry, though; everything will work out."

  "Thanks, I hope so," I say, feeling a little overwhelmed.

  "Anyway, I am going to head over to meet Alex for dinner soon. I need to get a lot of studying done before I go. That is one thing that has not changed in the past twenty-four hours, homework." I laugh and pull out my accounting textbook. I sigh as I open it and also pull out my laptop. I have at least an hour and a half to hunker down and knock it out before I need to leave.

  After my brain is fatigued and I can no longer stare at the white pages of my text, I close my book. I sit back in my chair and close my eyes for a minute to let them rest. My head hurts, and I had a difficult time focusing on what I needed to. I even feel the tension in my shoulders from concentrating hard on my studies. I did manage to get most of my problems worked out, but it took me longer than it should.

  Opening my eyes, I push away from my desk and grab my clutch and keys.

  "See you in a bit," I say to Addy as I head out the door. She has been studying this entire time too.

  "Okay, but I am going to stay with Calen again tonight, so if I am not here, don't worry." She calls over her shoulder, pushing her hair out of her eyes.

  I laugh and pull our door closed; being mated changes everything. I love this new normal, even though it is weird. I smile as I head down the stairs, not even noticing the anxiety I used to get when descending them. I am so focused on seeing Alex; I seem to float down them.

  As I leave the musty building to head to the cafe in the basement, I take a deep breath of the crisp fall air. It is refreshing and seems to ease my headache a bit. I move across the grass and start the walk to the commons building. I can't help but take in the aroma of fried food as I near, and my stomach growls.

  It has perfect timing as I continue through the doors pausing only to wave to Ben and then descending to the basement. I can feel Alex nearby as I enter the basement, but I can't see him. His woodsy mint scent hits me next, and I spot him watching me in the back corner of the room. He has a smirk on his face as we make eye contact, and I head toward him. He is seated in one of the booths built into the wall. I can't help the smile that breaks across my face at seeing him.

  Reaching the table, I walk straight to him, and he pulls me into his arms. I tilt my head up enough to kiss his lips and allow myself to get lost in him for a few seconds before pulling back. It fills me with joy, and I can feel the love we have in our embrace.

  "Hey, I missed you," I say, moving away from him to the other side of the table.

  "I missed you too. Oh, I got you something today." I watch as he digs around in his bag for a second, pulling out a new phone. He slides it across the table to me and then pulls the box it came out to set out.

  "Thanks," I say, reaching for it. It is a slim black smartphone. It's not anything fancy, but it will work perfectly.

  "I wanted to make sure you had something in case your phone gets turned off. You need to be able to call for help if something happens, you know." He has a sheepish but determined look on his face as he tries to explain why he got it for me.

  "Oh, yeah, you are right. Good thinking. I hadn't even got to that thought yet. I did spend a lot of time telling Addy what happened this afternoon, though. You are right that she is going to be moving in with Calen." I say, picking up the phone to thumb through it and familiarize myself with it.

  "Yeah, guess it is a good thing you are going to be living with me then, huh?" He asks playfully.

  I glance up at him from the phone and ask, "so everyone was okay with it then?" I can't help but frown slightly, and I try to fight the anxiety that wells up.

  Alex reaches for my hand, and I let him take it. "They all are excited for you to live with us, and they also want to help in whatever way they can to make things easier for you. Hell, if you wanted to move in this week, they would probably be over the moon. Lainee and Stevie are both planning a girls' night to have with you as we speak. They are like little kids in the candy store about the moving situation."

  I laugh at his description and feel relief flood through me. "That is good to know. I will consider moving in early; it might be better since Addy is probably going to do something similar. It is hard to be away from mates once you have officially completed the bond. Anyway, let's go order some food."

  We both stand and make our way to the counter to place our orders. I order a delicious calzone with a side of fries while he orders a burger and fries. Within minutes our food is ready, and we snag it from the pickup counter and return to our seats. We dig in casually discussing classes and my plans for job hunting.

  Our meal seems to disappear in a heartbeat, and we dispose of the paper products properly before heading out of the cafe.

  "I am going to go back to my room and grab some things before I head over. I need to work some more on homework, though, so I won't be able to hang out with everyone. I hope that is okay?" I ask a little worried that I might offend someone.

  "Oh, don't worry. Everyone is going to either be at work or doing that themselves. We try to get together for meals as often as we can, but it doesn't always work that way. Everyone has a different work schedule, and I know that the girls are supposed to be working tonight. They both wait tables." Alex says, opening the door for me.

  We exit the commons and stop in front of the fountain. "I didn't want to offend anyone, so that is good, I guess. I will go grab my things and meet you there."

  "You sure you don't need any help?" He asks, pulling me closer to him and placing a kiss on my lips.

  I roll my eyes, "yes, now quit that. I need to get things done tonight. We can play between the sheets later."

  He releases me with a laugh, "deal, alright. I will see you in a few."

  I turn to head back to the dorm to pack my bags. I know this is the start of leading a more independent life than what I was living before.

  §

  The next few weeks zoom by. I spent the day after I decided to move in with Alex looking for a job. It was overwhelming but necessary. I was finally hired to work as a waitress at a small diner down the road from the college called East Side Diner. It is a cute little thing with red booths, black and white tiled floors, and walls covered in 60's paraphernalia. It has an upbeat atmosphere, and I get to wear a tie-dyed shirt and jeans to serve in. I picked up on the menu and the prices quickly enough when I started, and they are very understanding about my class schedule.

  I love that things have been going smoothly with my new job, and it is entertaining when my friends stop by to see me occasionally. They make such a ruckus, though when they come that I am worried at times that my manager is going to chew me out. He seems a bit pissy every time he is there.

  With a job taking up a lot of my time, I am now having to be diligent about studying and making myself get up to study. I am doing okay, but I always feel exhausted. Coffee has become my new best friend, and I literally cannot function in the mornings without it. Surprisingly though, with everything, my grades have improved. It is crazy.

  With the end of the semester on the horizon, I am filled with sadness regarding the upcoming holiday. Thanksgiving is next week, and I am slightly depressed because I won't be seeing my family. I have always been with them for the holidays. I have tried to hide the tears I cry on occasion from Alex, but I know he can sense my sadness. On the plus side, I will have all my new roomies to keep me company. None of them are going home for the holiday because it is too much of a drive and they have to work. Good ole black Friday has a few of them set to work weird hours.

  The only thing that makes me nervous is that Alex's family is coming to visit and have dinner. They are getting a hotel room. He says they are excited to meet me, but I am still worried. How do they feel about their son/brother being mated to a shifter?

  I let all these thoughts filter through my mind as I clean tables in my section prepping to close. I check all the salt and pepper shakers as well as the n
apkin holders. Once they are full, I begin sweeping the dining floor while some of the other girls roll silverware. After that, I wipe everything down again with cleaning spray and mop. Easy as pie and my night is done. I check my tips in at the counter and take my portion. Since it is such a small establishment, we share tips.

  I wave by as I head out toward my car, taking in the sweet aroma of the night air. I have been doing my best to save as much as I can and pay what bills I have. I still have my original phone that my parents paid for in the dash of my car. It still works, but I don't use it. I guess they forgot that it is still on their plan or something. I have taken over the payments for the phone Alex got me. It is not that expensive, thankfully.

  Pulling up in front of the house, I do a checklist of what I need to do before bed. It mostly consists of finishing homework and prepping my bag for tomorrow. I need to stop by my dorm room for a bit, though. It has become more of a place to go and study rather than living in. Both Addy and I no longer sleep there at night, but we do take an occasional nap there, depending on the day. It is still stocked with snacks and a few things, but we will be officially moving out of it at the end of the term.

  Entering the house, I see that no one is out, so I head down the hall to the room Alex and I share. Pushing the door open, I see him seated at his desk.

  "Hey, sexy man, how was your day?" I ask, walking over to him and kissing him on the cheek.

  He turns to me with a smile on his face, "it was good. I stayed busy. I am a bit worried about work, though. Selene announced this morning that she is getting ready to sell her restaurant and move out of state to be closer to her niece. I felt a little blindsided since I have been working so hard for them. I am going to start looking for a new job tomorrow since she is cutting everyone's hours."

  "Oh, wow! I hate that. I can't believe she is doing that, but I also understand. I didn't realize she lived away from family." I move to sit on the edge of the bed, setting my bag down next to me.

  "Yeah, she doesn't mention them much, so I had no idea they were that far off either. Do you have a lot to do before bed tonight?"

  "No, just a bit. Maybe an hour's worth of studying? I don't want to stay up too late because I am exhausted."

  "I believe it; you have been working your ass off the past few weeks. I am proud of you."

  I smile, "thanks, how are your studies coming over there?"

  He rolls his eyes and throws the pen he was holding down. "It's coming, but I feel like my head is going to explode. I have been trying to get ahead in preparation for finals, but I feel like I am going to be extremely underprepared."

  "I doubt that. You have had excellent grades on everything all semester, and you literally can quote things from your books. You are going to be fine." I offer him a reassuring smile and begin to dig around in my bag for my accounting book. This class may be the death of me.

  "Thanks, I guess we will see." He turns back to his book, and I open mine and lay it on the bed. I then dig out a pen, highlighter, and my notebook and get to work. We stay like this for another hour and a half before finally getting ready for bed. As I snuggle into his chest, inhaling his scent, I feel all the tension from the day leaves my body. My life has done a complete one-eighty since that night of the fight, but I am happy. Truly happy. It is strange yet wonderful. We stay like this and drift off to sleep.

  15. Alex

  The following morning, I find myself walking along a group of shops across town looking for help wanted signs. Selene cut my hours back significantly and plans to no longer order food. She wants to serve what she has left and then close up shop. I find it strange that she is moving to close so fast. Is something more going on with her niece than she let on?

  As I meander along with my head in the clouds, I find myself standing in front of a large building. The air is filled with the sweet smell of pastries, coffee, and sugar delights. Looking around, I see a help wanted sign in the window nearby and pull open the door.

  I enter into a lovely decorated bakery consisting of white tiled floors and artfully decorated walls. There are small black tables scattered throughout the room, and the windows at the front provide a significant amount of natural lighting. At the other end of the room is a large black display case filled with delicious looking treats. There are cupcakes, cookies, cake, pops, and more. Behind the counter are even more shelves filled with goodies and a few industrial-sized coffee pots filled with delicious smelling coffee. It is aromatic and fresh.

  I glance around, looking for someone to speak to about the sign when I hear the door behind the counter swing open. I watch as an older gentleman wearing a white apron enters the room carrying a tray of croissants. He is a tall man with broad shoulders and dark hair.

  "Hello, how can I help you?" He sets the tray down on the counter as he greets me with a warm smile.

  "Hi, I saw the help wanted sign in the window and wanted to see if you were hiring?" I move closer to the counter to shake his hand. He reaches out and has a firm grasp. I am impressed with his grip strength but not intimidated.

  "Yes, we are looking for someone. Are you interested in applying?" He turns toward the register and fumbles beneath it for a second. He seems to be muttering to himself as he looks for something.

  "Yes, I am. What type of hours are you looking for?"

  He pulls out what appears to be an application with a sigh. "We are looking for someone to help out in the mornings. Would that interest you?"

  "Oh, yes, that does. I have classes later in the day, and that would fit in my schedule well." I say, stepping closer to the register. My schedule with Clairibell’s was mostly mornings, and it worked great.

  "Okay, just fill this out for me, and we can chat some." He hands me the sheet. I notice it is a simple application and start to fill it out while standing at the register. He proceeds to ask me some questions about my work history, plans for school, availability, and whatnot. These are all critical interview questions that I was thankfully prepared to answer. I wasn't expecting any interviews today, though.

  "Wow you seem pretty organized, when would you be able to start?" He asks with a surprised look on his face. I tend to pride myself in being organized, so I take it as a compliment and smile.

  "Well, at the rate my current boss is going, I should be able to start training tomorrow if that works for you," I say this as I hand him the application. I watch as he folds it in half and tucks it into the pocket on his apron. I raise my eyebrow in curiosity but don't question his move.

  "Excellent, my wife is normally here but had to take off for a doctor's appointment this afternoon. Could you be here at five in the morning? I can start teaching you about the procedures and show you where everything is. We don't have a dress code, but something that holds up well and you wouldn't mind being covered in flour would be best. We have aprons in the back, so it will help with the flour issue, some. You can come through the front. Just knock, and I will let you in. What did you say your name was again?" He rambles off this information quickly. I do my best to keep up with him.

  Taking a minute to process everything, I finally respond. "Yes, I believe that I can manage that. Great. Oh, it's Alexander Cottonwood, but you can call me Alex. What was your name again, sir?"

  "Great, I look forward to having you here. My name is James Black. Let me give you the card for the bakery. If you have any questions, just give us a call. I will put my cell on the back as well." I watch as he scribbles a number on the back.

  "Thanks, I will see you in the morning, sir!"

  We say our goodbyes and I head out the door amazed that I was able to find a job so quickly. James seems like a nice guy and, hopefully, will be a fun boss. I can't help but feel like I know him, though. I got this weird vibe but not a bad one from him. He seems familiar, but not.

  I contemplate this as I leave the bakery and head back down the sidewalk. I left my car at the small bookshop down the road to start my search. I ponder on the interview, trying to figure out what
it is about him that stands out.

  What did he say his name was again? I think as I near my car. Oh yeah, Black, wait. I freeze and slap my hand to my forehead. Holy shit, I just got hired by Natalie's dad. What am I going to tell her? I bring my hand down and look up at the sky as if an answer will fall and hit me in the face. No such luck, though.

  I force myself to begin walking again and decide to keep it to myself for now. Maybe this could work out in our favor? If I get them to like me, perhaps, I can manage to bring them back into Natalie's life again. I know she misses them something awful, and she thinks I don't hear her crying on occasion, but this might work.

  I continue toward my car and slide into the driver's seat. I still have one class this afternoon before I head home to hit the books. If I remember right, Nat is working again tonight, so she will be home late. I will just mention that I may have found something but will see how it works out after I do some of the training. She is preoccupied with the arrival of my family coming next week, so maybe my job stuff won't come up as much.

  The night passed quickly, and Nat and I both fell into bed exhausted. I told her briefly that I start training for a job in the morning, but she didn't ask too much about it. She was struggling to keep her eyes open. I hope that with us having the next week off for the break, she will get caught up on some rest. I think she has been pushing herself a little too hard.

  Now, I am forcefully dragging myself down the hall to the shower. I need to prepare for my first morning of training with her family. This is going to be interesting. I quickly move through my routine, leaving a kiss on her forehead before I leave. I stop at a gas station to fill up my vehicle and grab a huge cup of coffee before arriving at the bakery.

  I park in front and see the light coming through the window from the kitchen. Sliding out of my seat, I grab my coffee and make my way to the door. Standing in front of it, I inhale deeply and knock. A few seconds later, I am greeted by a tall, slender fellow with dark features. I watch as he turns the lock and pushes the door open.