19. Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Starting Over

Axel

As Ethan pulls out of the parking lot, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement for what lies ahead. We're heading towards the empty restaurant space, the first step in our new venture.

"I can't wait to see it," Lila says, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Our very own restaurant... it still feels like a dream."

I squeeze her hand, sharing in her excitement. "It's real, Vanilla Bean. We're going to make it absolutely incredible. And the name is perfect, 'The Night Owl Bar & Grill'."

Lila's face lights up. "I absolutely love it!"

As we drive, we start discussing our vision for the place.

"We'll need to be careful though," I say, my tone growing serious. "Running a restaurant while keeping our secret... it won't be easy."

Lila nods, understanding the weight of my words. "We'll figure it out together. Our pack's safety is always the top priority."

As our conversation continues, I notice a car following us at a distance. My wolf stirs, sensing something familiar about it. "Ethan," I murmur, "I think we're being followed."

Ethan glances in the rearview mirror, his expression tightening. "It's Sophie's car," he confirms.

Lila turns in her seat, her brow furrowing with concern. "Sophie? Why would she be following us?"

We pull up to the empty building that will soon become our restaurant. As we exit the car, I hear the crunch of gravel as Sophie's car comes to a stop a short distance away.

Before we can approach her, a commotion erupts from the nearby treeline. Finn bursts out in a panic over the outsider, his body already beginning to shift. In his distress, he's lost control, his wolf taking over in broad daylight.

Time seems to slow as Finn's body contorts, fur sprouting across his skin, his face elongating into a muzzle. Within seconds, a fully transformed wolf stands where the young man had been, his golden eyes wide with fear and confusion.

I hear a gasp and turn to see Sophie stumbling out from behind her car, her face pale with shock. But as she watches Finn's transformation, something in her expression shifts – a fleeting look of recognition, quickly replaced by confusion and fear.

"Sophie," Lila calls out, her voice gentle but firm. "It's okay. Let us explain."

Sophie approaches slowly, her eyes darting between us and the wolf that was Finn. Her breathing is rapid, but she doesn't run. Instead, she takes a deep, shuddering breath and says, "I... I don't understand. But somehow, it feels... familiar?"

I exchange a curious glance with Lila, noting Sophie's unusual choice of words. There's something in her tone, a hint of something more, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

"Let's go inside," I say, gesturing towards the empty building. "We have a lot to talk about."

As we guide a still-shaken Finn and a bewildered Sophie into the future restaurant space, I can feel the weight of the moment. Our secret is out, but somehow, I sense that this revelation will only strengthen the bonds between us all.

Once inside, Sophie collapses onto a makeshift chair, her eyes still wide with disbelief. "I'm sorry for following you," she blurts out. "Jared kicked me out, and I didn't know where else to go. I saw you leaving Axel's office and I just... I needed to find you."

Lila kneels beside her friend, taking her hands. "It's okay, Sophie. You're safe here."

"Sophie, if you need a place to stay, you are welcome to stay with us," I suggest. "I will not be needing my apartment in Millfield so that one will be available for you soon if you want it."

"Oh, thank you Axel that would be great."

"Now, that that is settled we need for you to know what you saw was real. We're all wolf shifters."

Sophie's eyes widen, but she doesn't pull away. "Werewolves," she repeats, as if testing the word. "I... I think a part of me always knew that there were werewolves in the world."

I step forward, my voice gentle but firm. "Sophie, I know this is a lot to take in. But I need you to understand that this is a secret that must be protected. Our safety, our very existence, depends on it."

Sophie nods slowly, her gaze moving between Lila and me. "I understand. I would never betray your trust. You're... you're my family."

Lila pulls Sophie into a tight embrace, tears glistening in her eyes. "And you're ours, Sophie. Always."

As the two friends hold each other, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. The weight of our secret has been lifted, and now, we can move forward with honesty and trust.

I clear my throat, drawing their attention. "Sophie, there's more we need to tell you. I've just resigned from my job as a health inspector."

Sophie's eyes widen in surprise. "You did? But why?"

Lila smiles, squeezing my hand. "Because we're starting a new venture together. This empty space? It's going to be our restaurant - The Night Owl Bar & Grill."

As we discuss our plans, I can see the wheels turning in Sophie's head. "But wait," she says, her brow furrowing. "How will you manage this with your... secret? Won't it be risky?"

I nod, appreciating her quick grasp of the situation. "It will be challenging," I admit. "We'll have to be careful, always vigilant. But we believe it's worth the risk to create a place where shifters can come together."

Lila turns to Sophie, her expression earnest. "And that's where you come in, Sophie. We want you to be a part of this. I could really use your help in making this dream a reality."

Sophie's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and delight dancing across her features. "You want me to work with you? In your own restaurant?"

Lila grins, nodding enthusiastically. "Definitely. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have by my side. We would love it if you would be our front of house manager. What do you say?"

Sophie takes a deep breath, her eyes sparkling. "Oh my gosh, are you serious?! This is amazing! I'm so excited I could burst! You know I've been dreaming about this forever. I can't believe it's actually happening! Thank you so much for this opportunity. I promise I'll work my butt off and make you proud. This is going to be incredible! We totally need to celebrate tonight. Drinks are on me!"

Lila laughs, pulling Sophie into another hug. "Then it's settled. We're going to make this restaurant a success, together." She pulls back, her smile turning apologetic. "As much as I'd love to celebrate tonight, I'm afraid we'll have to take a rain check on those drinks. There's still so much work to do to get everything ready. But I promise we'll celebrate properly once we've got the place up and running. How about that?"

I watch Lila and Sophie excitedly discuss plans for the restaurant and I feel a renewed sense of purpose.

As we stand in this empty space, I can almost see our future unfolding - The Night Owl Bar & Grill, a beacon of unity in a world divided, and a symbol of the family we've chosen.

With Lila's culinary skills, my business acumen, Sophie's friendly presence, and the support of our pack, I know we'll be unstoppable.

As the sun begins to set outside, casting a warm glow through the dusty windows of our future restaurant, I can't help but feel a sense of destiny. This is where we're meant to be, all of us. The Night Owl Bar & Grill will be more than just a restaurant - it will be a home, a haven, and a testament to the power of love, trust, and acceptance.

I pull Lila close, pressing a kiss to her temple. "We're going to make this work, Vanilla Bean," I whisper. "Together, we can handle anything."

Lila leans into me, her scent wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. "I know we will, Axel. This is our dream, and nothing can stop us now."

I can't help but think of all kinds of supernatural things that can try to stop us. Witches, dragons, werebears…