As I stood outside the coffee shop, waiting for my ride home, I felt relieved that my shift had finally ended. It had been a long day, and I was looking forward to getting some rest. Suddenly, a luxurious car pulled up in front of me, and the window rolled down. It was Derick, I wonder what he wants again.
"Get in," he said, his voice firm.
Seriously, who did he think he is to command me like that, I hesitated and tell him. "No, I'll take a cab."
Derick's expression turned to one of annoyance. "Get in the car, now."
I could feel my pulse racing as I contemplated my options. I didn't want to get into a car with Derick, because I don't know what he is up to and don't mind provoking him. Eventually, I decided to take a cab and turned to leave.
But Derick wasn't going to let me go that easily. He followed the cab that I took all the way to my home. As I got out of the cab and made my way towards my condo, he grabbed my hand.
"We need to talk," he said, his voice low.
I pulled my hand away, feeling a mixture of fear and anger. "What do you want to talk about? And what did you even want from me?"
Derick looked around, as if making sure that no one was listening, before leaning in closer to me. "I've been trying to find out who owns that coffee shop you work at. Something about the staff there doesn't add up, and I think they might be working for the black bird wolves pack because nobody knows the pack they'll belong to."
My heart sank at the mention of the black bird wolves. I don't want to believe the nonsense Derick is saying. "What does that have to do with me?"
Derick's eyes narrowed. "I need to know how you get employed there, and are you truly working for the black bird wolves?."
I shook my head. "Of course not. Why would I even do that? Besides you never believe me, so I see no reason for this conversation."
Derick's expression softened slightly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to accuse you. But I need to be sure."
I could feel my frustration building. "Well, you're not going to find out anything from me. I don't know who owns the coffee shop, and even if I did, I wouldn't tell you."
I turned to leave, but Derick grabbed my arm again. "Wait. There's something else."
I turned back to face him, my eyes narrowing. "What is it?"
Derick hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "I had to banish Mia from the pack. I think she might have been working for the black bird wolves. Since she's the one that plant the danger in your bag."
My heart sank again at the mention of Mia. She was one of Derick closest and loyal follower, and I couldn't believe that she would betray Derick like that. "What happened?"
Derick shook his head. "I don't know for sure. But I couldn't take the risk. She couldn't even tell me how she got the black bird wolves danger."
I felt a wave of anger wash over me. "I don't give a fuck about what is happening between you and your rouges? Mia betraying you, is none of my business."
Derick's expression hardened. "I know, but I had to do what was necessary to protect my pack."
"Suit yourself!" With that, I turned and walked away, leaving Derick and his car behind me.
I walked into my apartment and immediately sensed that something was off. My door was unlocked, and I knew I had locked it when I left. I reached into my bag and pulled out my werewolf fang fingers, ready to fight off anyone or anything that might be lurking inside.
As I crept through the darkened living room, I caught a whiff of something familiar. It was the smell of plantain chips, and I knew immediately who was sitting on my sofa. Blake.
He had his leg up on my coffee table, munching on chips like he owned the place. I wasn't in the mood for his smug attitude, especially after what happened between me and Derick.
"What are you doing here, Blake?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.
He shrugged. "Just thought I'd drop by and say hello. And maybe ask you why your former boss felt the need to come and talk to you."
I gritted my teeth. "That's none of your business."
Blake grinned. "Sure it's not. But guess we're friends, aren't we?"
I rolled my eyes. "We're not friends, Blake. And we can never be. And I don't appreciate you snooping around in my personal life."
He chuckled. "Fair enough. But you know, it's been a while since I took out Derek and his pack. I might have to do that soon."
I frowned. "Why are you telling me this?"
Blake shrugged again. "Just thought you might be interested. Who knows, you might want to take a revenge on him. And speaking of things you might be interested in, why didn't you show up at the park like I asked you to?"
I crossed my arms. "Because I don't trust you, Blake. And I have no reason to meet with you."
He stood up, walked over to me, and whispered in my ear. "If I were you, I'd steer clear of your new friend Miranda. She's not what she seems."
With that, he turned and walked out of my apartment, leaving me to puzzle over his cryptic statement.
What did he mean about Miranda? Or was Blake just trying to mess with my head? I didn't know, but one thing was certain: I can never believe whatever that comes out of Blake's mouth.
Suddenly my phone beep for a message, I picked it up to check and discover that it was from Derick. The message reads: "Sophia, please, I need your help."