Chapter Twenty-Two Andy

"My barista called in today," I told Josh when he arrived for work with a box tucked under one arm.

After and insanely long day of baking the day before, both of us were exhausted. Josh had even gone back to the hotel the night before instead of staying in my bed because we both knew we wouldn't sleep if he did. Not only that, but he seemed sort of distracted. I wrote it off as exhaustion. Although I was sad not to wake up with his cock stuffed between my cheeks, I had gotten a little more sleep because of it. And I would've gotten more if my barista wasn't down with the flu.

"Don't worry," he said, giving me a small kiss. "I'll get to work."

The show of affection surprised me, especially since the cafe was already full of customers. But, they all knew who I was and none of them batted an eye. Josh patted my butt as he slipped by, ducking into the kitchens to start work on the lunch restock. I wished I could be back there to help him, but with the steady stream of customers coming and going all morning, I couldn't spare even a moment. If I wasn't warming pastries and packaging orders, I was making every coffee drink known to man. It made me realize that I desperately needed to hire another barista.

Also, what was the box for? It smelled sweet and faintly familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. However, as another pair of customers stepped through the front door, it was quickly forgotten. They both needed drinks and breakfast, so I was back at it again getting things out as fast as possible.

The next couple of hours continued that way until the breakfast rush started to finally die back. In fact, I was just about to duck into the kitchens to help Josh when another customer stepped through the door. I put on a smile when I saw him, realizing he wasn't one of my regulars. There were a few people that passed through town, although that was usually in the summer. Still, I'd never turn down business. Something about his dark hair and eyes looked oddly familiar, even though I knew I'd never met him before.

"What can I get ya?" I asked as he stepped up to the counter.

"What's good here?"

"Everything," I replied confidently. "The bakers here are some of the best and the coffee isn't bad either." It wasn't a lie, but it was definitely egotistical of me to say. "You looking for something more robust or more of an experience?"

"Well, I definitely want black coffee," he said, glancing over at the cases.

"Take a minute to look things over. I'll get your coffee."

He nodded and worked his way down the counter. I fetched a cup and began to pour his coffee. Even with the scent of coffee and sugar filling the air, I could still catch the stranger's smoky smell. He was definitely a wolf and judging by the way he kept glancing over at me, he knew I was one too.

"Amarok Cafe, huh?" he asked, taking the coffee cup from me. "After the mythological wolves in the arctic?"

"Yep," I nodded. The shop was mostly empty by that point. "It got its name from the owner's fur color."

He didn't even blink. "I've heard there's quite a few of us here in Shifter Grove. Seems to be a haven for rogues." He pointed toward the case. "I think I want one of those sticky buns."

"Is that what brings you to town?" I asked as I grabbed the tongs and began to plate up his order. "Do you want this warmed up?"

"Sure. And I guess you could say that's why I'm here. Staying at the hotel for a couple of days. My son's been staying here."

I popped his sticky bun into the microwave and turned back to him. "Oh? Just visiting him?" It was better to make small talk than ask personal questions, like why his son was there.

"I'm hoping to take him back home with me," he replied with a sigh. "He's been on his own for a little while, but I think it's time he came home. And I think it's what he wants too. He needs to finish school and get out in the world."

"What's he go to school for?"

"He's a culinary student." I lifted an eyebrow in the man's direction, surprised by his answer. "He's gonna be a chef or a baker I think. The kid's got talent."

The microwave dinged beside me, but I didn't go for it immediately. "What's your son's name?" I asked, my eyes narrowed. "I probably know him if he's a good cook."

"Josh," he smiled. "His mom named him. It was her favorite name."

My heart sank to the pit of my stomach.

"I surprised him a couple of days ago, so I figured I'd stay and let him get things in order before he came home. He said he had a job or something that he probably needs to quit. But I think the chances are good he'll come home with me." He smiled, taking a sip of his coffee. "No offense, but this little town doesn't have much to offer for an upcoming chef."

I just stared blankly at the man. He… He couldn't be talking about Josh, right? Not my Josh. The one that I was mated to, that told me he loved me only a handful of days ago. No, it had to be someone else because the Josh I knew would've told me the moment his father showed up in town. He would've told me if he'd been offered the chance to go back home. And he definitely would have told me if he planned to quit the cafe and leave me behind in Shifter Grove.

Right?

Suddenly my chest was icy cold as memories flooded back to me. Memories that I did my best not to think about. Josh promised me he'd never make me relive them, but now I was starting to doubt.

"Uh…" The man I'd been staring at was starting to look uncomfortable. "Can I have that sticky bun?"

I startled like I'd been scared awake. "Oh… yeah. Sorry."

As soon as I turned toward the microwave, I heard the door to the kitchen swing open. Josh stepped out carrying a sheet pan full of fresh pumpkin scones made from Ace's produce. However, as soon as his eyes fell on the stranger, the pan slipped from his hands and crashed to the floor.

"D-Dad?!" he balked. "What are you d-doing here?"

"I'm getting coffee," he replied nonchalantly. "And a sticky bun. What are you doing here?"

"I…" Josh glanced over at me, pure panic written across his face. "I… uh… work here."

"Oh. I should've known you'd make yourself useful in a little place like this. It seems right up your alley. Although, a little small for a man of your talents."

I turned back with the sticky bun in hand and slid the plate across the counter to him.

"Dad," Josh said, putting a hand on my shoulder. "This is Andy." I could feel him shaking. "He's my… my–"

"Boss," I finished for him. "I own the cafe."

"Oh," he replied, reaching out to shake my hand. "So you're the wolf this place is named after."

"That's right." I shook his hand begrudgingly, trying to tamp down the panic rising inside me. "I picked him up as soon as he got into town." I glanced back at Josh. "He didn't mention you'd come to collect him though."

"I was going to," Josh replied in desperation. "Today. I… I was just trying to find the right words."

"I'm sure your boss understands," his father said. "You've got the chance to go home and finish culinary school. You're gonna be a big chef! Can't give that up for some little nowhere town." He glanced at me. "No offense."

"No, I understand," replied coldly. "Going home and getting everything you want is a big deal. Who would want to stay here with those kinds of options. You and I both know nobody comes to Shifter Grove on purpose. Most here would jump at the opportunity to get their old lives back."

With every word that left my lips, I saw Josh shrink a little further. What had started as panic quickly turned to anger. Why hadn't he told me his father was in town? Why was he keeping secrets from me about going back home and starting school again? If he wanted me to go with him, he would've told me. But if he was having second thoughts… well, he might not be so forthright. And I wasn't sure I wanted to be a second thought. I'd already done that before and it blew up in my face.

I should've known it was too good to be true. Getting the things you want always comes with a price. And I was the one that had to pay it every single time.

"Well," I said at last, holding my hand out to Josh. "Better turn in your apron. I'm sure you're already packed since you've got this all planned out already."

"Andy–"

"It's fine," I lied with a shrug. "I'm not upset. You have to go after your dreams and it doesn't sound like they're here in Shifter Grove." I looked him dead in the eye. "How could they be? This is the last place you wanted to be from the beginning."

I watched something within him break as my words landed on his ears. The once proud Alpha snapped, his shoulders dropping at his sides. Without saying a word, he took off his apron, handed it to me, and stepped around the counter.

"Can I get that sticky bun to go?" his father asked, glancing nervously between the two of us.

I packaged it up and handed it over. "It's on the house."

"Thanks."

He grabbed his son by the shoulder and led him toward the door. Only at the last second did Josh turn around and lift his tear-filled gaze to me.

"Goodbye," he mouthed, but no sound came out.

The moment the door was closed, the emotions overwhelmed me. I kicked my way through the kitchen door, crying out in fury. I threw Josh's apron at a nearby shelf, sending several metal pans clattering to the ground. Cursing, I kicked one of them across the floor, putting a massive dent in the bottom that made it unuseable.

I felt so fucking broken. Words couldn't even begin to describe how angry and sad I was. I couldn't believe, after everything we'd been through, that Josh not only didn't tell me about his father, but walked out with him in front of me. He didn't even try to defend himself or correct me when I said I was only his boss. It was just like last time, except I didn't make a scene. At least I didn't until they were gone.

I glanced around the kitchen, desperate for something to do to get my mind off things. If I didn't distract myself, I was going to fucking explode. On one of the far benches was the box Josh had brought with him earlier that morning. Like a bull on a rampage, I charged toward it and ripped the lid off, hoping there was something in it I could destroy to make myself feel better.

What I found was a small bag filled with five onion-like brown bulbs. Lying next to them was a small white card with my name written on the front in Josh's handwriting. I snatched it out and tore it open, furious and desperate to see what it said.

Andy,

On our first market day, you said that Hyacinths were your favorite flowers. Ace was right, they're impossible to find at this time of year, so I got you these bulbs instead. At least this way we can watch them grow together, no matter where we are, and our love will grow alongside them.

Maybe that's cheesy, but I mean it. I love you.

Love Always,

Josh

With the card still clutched in my hand, I fell to my knees on the bakery floor and began to cry. I'd been so close to being happy.

And now, once again, I was alone.