Chapter 2 - Marian
Diana had everything at the supermarket handled, which left me with nothing to do.
She no longer worked full-time to split her time between being Luna, and although she didn’t need to keep working, she wanted to retain her identity and independence outside of the pack.
Still, she took care of everything as she used to while full-time.
The supermarket was stacked, and invoices were already prepared for new orders. She updated all payment slips for the staff, and inspections were already done. She deserved a raise, and although she’d turn it down, saying that it wasn’t necessary, I fully intended to offer it.
She was incredible.
As for dinner at the Silvermane Pack last night, it wasn't as big a celebration as I thought it would be. A few wolves had joined, like Diana's father, alpha of the Bluedawn Pack, the second pack living just outside Wolfcreek.
Killian kept things mellow for once, but it had been fun, and I'd slept over to see Diana, Kaleem, and Hope off this morning.
Afterward, I spent the day here at the supermarket, not wanting to be home alone.
I helped out wherever I was needed, including helping customers, because that was all there was to do. Being the owner didn’t mean I couldn’t pitch in outside of office work.
"Bye, boss!" One of the cashiers yelled while I threw my handbag over my shoulder.
Rummaging through my bag for my phone, I yelled back. "See you tomorrow!"
The automatic doors opened, and the second I looked up, I walked into a man’s chest. It was like I slammed into a cold wall, and strong hands grabbed my shoulders when I was thrown back.
“God, I’m so sorry,” I apologized and then froze, staring into the most pale-blue eyes I’d ever seen.
“It was my fault entirely,” the man replied, his English accent too thick to go unnoticed.
He released my shoulders, and the doors closed behind me, but he didn't move away. We stood there, staring at each other, until I cleared my throat.
"No, trust me, it was my doing," I stepped to the side, and still, he didn't walk away. His eyes only followed me.
He was gorgeous.
No, that wasn’t even close. He didn’t look real.
He was 6'4, perhaps, with light blonde hair tied behind his head and a straight face. His nose was perfectly pointy without being overly so, and he was dressed in black, the long sleeves of his shirt hugging his arms.
He was slim but very clearly toned, and then I noticed something else, he was far too pale.
"You're a vampire," I blurted out, and one of his brows arched.
I laughed awkwardly, and instead of being offended, his lips curved ever so slightly. How was it possible for something to look this perfect? He was pale, but his skin was flawless and looked healthy.
"I am," he answered, then pointed at the door. "Does this supermarket cater to my kind?"
I looked toward the supermarket, clearly seeing everyone through the glass doors. No one was looking our way to see that a vampire was casually standing at the entrance.
This town welcomed all species, but I didn't doubt a few sideway glances would be sent his way.
"No," I mumbled with a frown. "It doesn't, unfortunately. We don't have any vampires living in town so that supplies would go bad." My eyes drifted back to him, and he was still staring at me. It wasn't in an unnerving way. His eyes were so inviting. “You’ll have better luck in the town an hour or so drive from here, Nor Valley”
He frowned, and the expression looked a little out of place. There was barely a crease between his brows.
I’d seen vampires before during my time at college, and I'd seen a few passing through town in the past, but I'd never spoken to any. This man, whoever he was, was clearly a tamed vampire, and thankfully so. Tamed vampires could control their thirst for blood and lived an everyday life among humans and supernatural creatures.
Those who were untamed were considered dark creatures and highly dangerous. Their hunger for blood was all-consuming turning them into monsters.