The bar was lively that evening, the air thick with the chatter and laughter of the patrons. Seline moved deftly through the crowd, her tray balanced with practiced ease as she served drinks and took orders. It was just another busy night, and she was determined to focus on her work and keep her mind off everything else.
When she glanced toward the corner booth near the back of the bar, she spotted the warlock from the lake. He was seated alone, nursing a glass of some dark, amber-colored drink. His presence was a stark contrast to the boisterous energy around him, but he seemed perfectly at ease, observing the room with a quiet curiosity.
Seline hesitated for a moment before deciding to approach him. Something about him felt safe—his demeanor, his kind eyes, the way he had spoken to her so gently by the lake. After everything she had been through lately, the thought of even a fleeting connection with someone who didn’t seem to want anything from her felt like a balm to her bruised spirit.
“Hey,” she greeted as she stopped by his table, her tone casual but friendly.
The warlock looked up, his expression brightening when he saw her. “Ah, Seline,” he said warmly. “Good to see you again.”
She offered a small smile, setting down a fresh drink he hadn’t ordered but she thought he might like. “You’re becoming a regular,” she teased lightly.
He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that reminded her of a fatherly figure—something she had never truly known. “It’s a good place,” he replied. “And you’ve got a knack for making people feel welcome.”
The compliment caught her off guard, but she quickly recovered, brushing it off with a shrug. “Just doing my job.”
They chatted for a few minutes, their conversation light and easy. He told her about his travels, his stories laced with humor and wisdom, and she found herself smiling more than she had in weeks. His kind words and gentle affection felt strange but comforting, like the embrace of a family she had never had.
By the time she walked away to tend to other tables, she felt a little lighter, the weight of the past few days not as crushing as before.
---
Later that evening, as Seline worked in the kitchen, the juveniles from Austin’s pack who were helping out noticed her bruises before she could properly cover them. She caught one of them staring at the dark discoloration on her cheek, their wide eyes filled with concern.
“Miss Seline,” one of them ventured hesitantly, “what happened to your face?”
She paused, caught off guard by the question. The concern in their young faces was genuine, and she realized that, despite everything, she had grown fond of them.
“It’s nothing,” she said quickly, brushing off their worry. “Just a little accident. Nothing to worry about.”
“But it looks bad,” another one pointed out, frowning.
Seline forced a smile. “It’ll heal,” she assured them. “Now, back to work. The dishes won’t clean themselves.”
The juveniles exchanged uncertain glances but didn’t press further. Still, she could feel their eyes on her throughout the evening, their concern lingering even as they went about their tasks.
---
The following afternoon, as Seline prepared to head to her waitressing job, she opened her front door to find a small package sitting on the porch. She frowned, glancing around to see if anyone was nearby, but the street was empty.
She crouched down to examine the package, her sharp nose picking up multiple scents. Among them, one stood out—Austin’s.
Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she was paralyzed, unsure of what to do. Slowly, she unwrapped the package, revealing a bottle of healing potion. The sight of it stirred a mix of emotions within her—anger, confusion, and a small, treacherous flicker of hope that she quickly extinguished.
She straightened, holding the bottle in her hand, and her sharp eyes caught movement at the edge of the forest.
A large wolf stood there, its fur a familiar shade of brown, its piercing eyes locked on her. Austin.
Seline’s jaw tightened as she held his gaze. She could feel the unspoken tension between them, the weight of everything that had been left unsaid. Slowly, deliberately, she raised the bottle to her lips and drained it in one go, the bitter liquid burning its way down her throat.
Then, without breaking eye contact, she dropped the bottle to the ground and crushed it under her foot.
The message was clear: she wouldn’t be manipulated by him.
The wolf’s ears flicked, his body tensing for a moment before he turned and disappeared into the trees.
Seline stood there for a moment, her chest heaving with the intensity of her emotions. Then she turned and walked back inside, slamming the door shut behind her.
---
At the restaurant where she worked, two female shifters from Austin’s pack showed up later that evening. Seline spotted them as soon as they walked in, their eyes scanning the room before landing on her.
She approached them cautiously, her smile polite but guarded. “Can I help you?”
One of them, a tall brunette with sharp features, spoke first. “We’re looking for work,” she said. “We heard you might know of some opportunities.”
Seline raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request. She studied them carefully, noting the tension in their shoulders and the way they avoided looking directly at her.
“And why would you think I can help?” she asked.
The brunette hesitated, glancing at her companion before replying. “You seem... resourceful. And we could use the work.”
Seline could tell there was more to their story, but she didn’t press. Instead, she nodded toward the kitchen. “The restaurant is always looking for extra hands. Talk to the manager and see if they’re hiring.”
As they turned to leave, the brunette paused, glancing back at Seline. “Thanks,” she said, her voice softer this time.
Seline nodded, her expression unreadable. She didn’t miss the way the brunette’s companion muttered something under her breath about “Austin’s mate” as they walked away, but she chose to ignore it.
---
When Seline returned home that night, she was exhausted, her body aching from the long day. But as she approached her front door, her heart sank.
Another package was sitting on the porch.
Her hands trembled as she picked it up, the familiar scent of Austin mingling with others wafting toward her. She didn’t need to open it to know what was inside.
Tears of frustration burned in her eyes as she clutched the package tightly. She didn’t know what Austin was trying to accomplish with these gestures, but she wasn’t going to let him toy with her emotions any longer.
Setting the package aside, she leaned against the doorframe, her head tilted back as she took a deep, steadying breath.
She wouldn’t let him win. Not now. Not ever.