I was able to get the keys with a security deposit that my parents gave me. I fought them on it but I knew I couldn’t do it without their help. The small amount of savings that I had went to admission fees but I still had to pay for my classes.
Cali helped me get a job at the place she worked, I didn’t even have to go in I was hired, apparently, they were desperate for help and my lack of skills didn’t matter.
The apartment wasn’t nice by any means, but it was cheap enough because of the area. ‘Up and coming’ my dad so affectionately put it. Two small rooms and one bathroom were more than enough for Emmett and I. The apartment used to be a warehouse of sorts and I liked the open floor plan, it reminded me of the cottage.
It felt modern even though it wasn’t. I knew that leaving the place more open was because it was cheaper than putting up new walls and insulation.
“This place is going to get cold in the winter,” My dad walked up to the windows and tapped on one, “I’ll come back and see what I can do before then.”
My mom looked around, a mix of sadness and pride on her face.
“Well, this isn’t bad, this isn’t bad at all,” She frowned at some of the patches of exposed brick that obviously wasn’t a style choice, but I kinda liked it. It made the place feel industrial, something people would pay to imitate.
“I’ll make it cozy, add some nice things so it’s not so, stark.” I looked at the plain white walls.
“Emmett,” I called to him, he was busy running around the kitchen and living room, “Want to see your room?”
He halted before rushing to me, “I have my own room?” His eyes were bright.
“You do,” I nodded holding out a hand that he took immediately, “It doesn’t have anything in it yet but I thought that you could decide what you liked. Maybe even paint it.” His eyes were wide and it made me feel like I was doing something right.
I was excited for my first shift at the restaurant, diner, whatever, but also annoyed that it took me from furniture shopping. My parents were taking Emmett around to find some thrifted pieces to fill the space. I didn’t care what it looked like, but it felt like a moment that I should be there for.
“Ding dong,” Cali knocked at my open apartment door.
“How did you even?”
“You texted me your address, and you left the door unlocked” She smiled walking it surveying the place with her hands on her hips, “Great space, really big for this area.” I couldn’t tell if she was joking.
“Come on,” She nodded her head to the door, “Don’t want to be late for your first shift,” She sauntered out in front of me. I grabbed the keys fumbling with the unfamiliar lock.
The diner was a few blocks away. Cali showed me where she lived a few blocks further past it, where Emmett would go when I was at work. She had a sitter for the summer and her daughter ended school already. Splitting the cost would be way cheaper than daycare if I could have even found one with an opening.
I took it as a sign, Cali was my fairy godmother, a bit of a dark fairy godmother maybe, but she came in and not only offered a job but a solution for Emmett. I hoped that this was maybe The Moon Goddess was telling me that didn’t completely forget me, and I wanted to believe that she hadn’t.
It was a miracle everything was within walking distance. My college was about thirty minutes, the diner, ten, and Cali another ten after that. Public transportation was great to an extent, but Cali warned that it wasn’t always reliable and I didn’t mind walking anyways.
My first shift at work was a whirlwind. I didn’t think it would be that hard to keep up with everything. It was a lot of running around, and then running back, and trying to carry things and remember everything. I felt physically and mentally exhausted after it.
“It’s not always like this, during the week we have a breakfast and lunch rush, but besides that, it’s pretty dead.” Cali dumped some plates in the kitchen as I brushed past her, “Go ahead and sit down I’d say you’re done for today.”
I took off the pink apron, thankful that I was allowed to wear anything black underneath. Cali wore a knee-length black dress but I was nervous something like that would ride up my a.ss so I fished out a short sleeve shirt and black jeans that I packed away another lifetime ago.
“Here,” Cali slid over a brown envelope and I opened it up my eyes wide. She leaned back on the counter in front of me, “It’s not much, part of my tips for helping out, and technically you get paid hourly training but,” She shrugged.
“Thank you,” I shoved it into my pocket. The money, even if she didn’t think was a lot, was more than I expected.
If I could keep this up for five or six shifts at least then I could afford the apartment and my classes. It would be tight but I could do it.
“Our shifts will be the same for now, I made it a requirement with the boss man. Most of them are during the day after the breakfast rush. Drop Emmett off at mine and we can walk here together.” I nodded but looked away.
“Look, I get it. It’s going to be hard to have him away from your parents when it’s all he’s known, but he has to get into a routine.” My eyes snapped back to hers as I chewed my lip. She was right.
It would be hard, harder than I think I ever thought it would be. But I was doing this for him, for us, and that would make it all worth it.
I tumbled into bed, well the couch.
My parents surprised me with new mattresses for Emmett and me. I was elated, honestly. Sleeping on Goddess knows who mattress didn’t sit right with me, especially for my son.
Emmett was fast asleep on his, and they were sleeping in my room, I insisted but my mom still set up the couch with fresh sheets and new pillows.
I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
(Alpha Dracos)
Atlas, my wolf, was getting more restless by the day. We still hadn’t found our mate yet and at this point, I had been to most of the packs for hundreds of miles around Centuri City.
I was beginning to think mine wasn’t in this d.amn country or I hadn’t been given one. But I was determined to find her if the Moon Goddess didn’t forget about me.
If I wasn’t an Alpha and technically a Prince I would have made it my life mission, but unfortunately, I had other duties and a lot of them.
S.ex was losing its appeal, no matter the partner I just couldn’t find the r.elease that I had been looking for. I scrubbed my hand over my face hoping it would push away those thoughts.
“Mr. Dracos,” My secretary came through the line, f.ucking perfect.
“What?”
“Mr. Daniels is requesting a meeting, he’s following up on an email he sent.”
“Now?” I asked.
“Yes, your schedule is clear for the next hour,” I sighed, “Mr. Dracos?” She asked again.
“Send him in,” I sat up and adjusted my tie.
“Mr. Dracos, I won’t take much of your time.” He stood in front of my desk, I gestured for him to sit.
He nodded once, “The girl, woman, that you wanted us to keep track of in our system, she just appeared.”
I sat forward, the wariness leaving me immediately, he had my full attention.
“It seems that she rented an apartment that we own in the Lower West Side,” He slid a paper over to me with a lease in Willhemia Balfour’s name.
I grabbed it from my desk too fast.
“Thank you, anything else?” I asked not looking at him.
“That’s all for now, it just came in. I’ll keep you posted if anything else comes up.” He stood up and I nodded toward him dismissing him.
My wolf seemed to settle in my mind for the first time in ages.
(Willa)
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