I felt as if I was on autopilot, just going through the motions. Being deprived of one’s mate after finding them left one feeling out of sorts for a while. Perhaps forever. I was learning about the ways of werewolves day by day from research and personal experiences, and there was a chance I’d never recover from my mate’s rejection.
Since that fateful day of discovering Cole existed and essentially losing him instantly, I had felt cold inside. That sensation left me constantly feeling chilled. Even now, on a warm night, I’m wearing a sweater to ward off the cold. I wondered if Cole suffered as much as I did. He deserved it.
Whenever I thought about his treatment of me, I hated him. I felt like I did, anyway. Maybe despising him completely was impossible. Something inside me still desired him—my wolf. I sighed, feeling her sadness. It was so strange feeling another entity sharing my mind and emotions.
“If that counter gets any shinier, I’ll be able to see myself in it.”
I started as the deep, amused voice penetrated my thoughts. The sounds of the diner filtered back in. I’d zoned out and had been wiping one spot of the counter rigorously. I stared at the newcomer.
“Good night. I’m sorry I didn’t notice you come in.” I hadn’t heard the bell above the door signal a new customer. “Welcome to Dupart’s Diner.”
The man stared at me, his champagne-brown eyes seemingly drinking me in. His assessment was intense and went on for a little too long. It was hard to determine his age, but the look in his weary eyes indicated he was much older than I was.
Starting to feel uneasy with the man’s unwavering assessment, I shifted from one foot to the other. “Um, may I take your order?”