8. Spike/ Gray

8

SPIKE/ GRAY

SPIKE

As Gray and I stood side by side in the kitchen, attempting to cook breakfast together, I couldn't help but chuckle at my own attempts.

It was clear I wasn't much of a cook, but I was trying my best.

"Maybe I should stick to making toast," I joked, poking at the scrambled eggs with a doubtful expression.

Gray grinned and nudged me playfully. "Hey, at least you're trying. That's what counts, right?"

We continued to banter and tease each other as we attempted to salvage the breakfast.

Despite the burnt toast and slightly overcooked eggs, it was a fun and lighthearted moment.

As we sat down to eat, I couldn't believe that a week had already passed since Gray arrived in Moon Burrow.

Time seemed to fly by when he was around, and I found myself enjoying every moment spent with him.

But lurking in the back of my mind was the knowledge that Venom hadn't made a move yet regarding Jack's pursuit of Gray.

It was both good and bad news. Good because it meant we could continue to enjoy each other's company without interference.

Bad because I knew Venom wouldn't let it slide forever.

"How's your job?" I asked.

Gray was currently working as a short-order cook at a diner. He was a jack-of-all-trades and had worked a number of jobs over the years, but he claimed he enjoyed cooking for others the most.

"Pretty good. I have a day off this Saturday," Gray said.

A mischievous idea formed in my mind.

"A day off, huh? Is this your way of asking me out?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.

Gray chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Are you free on Saturday?" he countered, turning the tables on me.

I acted like I was considering it, but honestly, I'd change my plans right away if it meant I could spend the day with Gray.

"I can push my schedule around, no problem," I replied casually.

In reality, I had a delivery job scheduled with a crew that day, but getting to know Gray sounded far more appealing.

Perhaps I could convince Nitro to trade shifts with me. After all, a day with Gray was worth bending the rules a bit.

"Then it's settled," I said, watching Gray walk into the diner.

As I observed him, I decided to make our upcoming date a little more special. So far, we'd only kissed and held hands.

I'd never taken things slow with someone before, and it was... an interesting experience, to say the least. A test of my control.

But in the end, I mused, Gray was worth the wait. If I didn't screw this up, there was a chance Gray would begin seeing me as... mate material.

I hesitated at the thought of using the word "mate" in any sentence, as I never once believed I was worthy of being someone's soul mate.

Memories of conversations with Austin about this particular topic flooded my mind, casting a shadow over my thoughts.

A sadness overcame me as I recalled how I left things in Haven Brook.

Perhaps, once matters were settled with Olaf, Jack, and Gray, I could try reaching out to Juan. See if I could visit Austin again.

I returned to the MC clubhouse to meet up with Nitro, as we were part of the same crew on patrol duty.

Enough time had passed since the incident at the Dirty Stallion, and I had somewhat forgiven him for questioning me about helping Gray.

Our crew assembled in the back of the MC clubhouse, and Arrow, our team leader, grouped us into pairs and assigned sections to patrol.

"Nitro and Spike, western part of the Moon Burrow Woods, watch the roads," Arrow instructed.

After Arrow gave us our duties, Nitro and I headed to our area. We hadn't spoken much since Gray decided to stay in Moon Burrow, so there was some awkwardness between us.

Nitro and I walked a few miles into the woods, the silence between us thick and palpable. I felt relieved when Nitro chose to be the bigger man.

"Did Venom talk to you about Gray?" he asked, his voice cutting through the quiet of the forest.

I shook my head, grateful that he brought it up.

“Not yet. He’s holding off on taking action for now. I suspect he’s been a little busy with other matters,” I said.

Nitro let out a breath, seeming to relax a little at my response. "That's good. Gives us some time."

I nodded in agreement, glad that we were on the same page about Gray's situation. Despite our differences, Nitro and I always managed to work together when it mattered.

“You seem a lot happier than I’d ever seen you, which surprised me, considering the rough road trip you’d been on recently to forget the past,” Nitro said.

I couldn't help but smile at his observation.

"Yeah, Gray has a way of brightening up my days," I admitted, feeling a warmth spread through me just thinking about him.

Nitro raised an eyebrow, then grinned when I gave him an annoyed shove. "Looks like you've got it bad, huh?" Nitro asked.

I shrugged. "Maybe I do."

“So what’s been going on with you and Gray lately?” Nitro asked.

I couldn't help but share the latest updates about Gray settling in Moon Burrow. I told him how Gray had found a job at a local diner and managed to secure himself an apartment in town.

"He seems to be doing alright," Nitro commented, nodding thoughtfully.

"Yeah, he's adjusting pretty well," I agreed, feeling a sense of relief that Gray was finding his footing in our little town.

It was good to know he was safe and starting to build a life here.

As Nitro and I continued our patrol, I couldn't shake off the nagging question that lingered in my mind: Would Gray decide to stick around in Moon Burrow, or would the allure of the open road beckon to him once more?

It was a thought that weighed heavily on me, knowing that Gray's future in our town was uncertain.

I hoped that he would choose to stay, that he would find a sense of belonging here among us. But I also understood the pull of the unknown, the desire to keep moving forward, never settling in one place for too long.

Only time would tell what Gray's decision would be, and until then, I could only hope for the best and support him in whatever path he chose to take.

As our patrol came to an end and we made our way back to the clubhouse, Nitro said, “I had misjudged Gray and I do want to know him better.”

It was a rare admission from Nitro, and I appreciated his honesty.

"Sure thing," I replied, feeling a sense of relief that Nitro was willing to give Gray a chance. "I think Gray would appreciate that."

“Gray and you should come over to Tommy and my place for dinner sometime,” Nitro said.

It was a kind gesture, and I could tell that Nitro was making an effort to mend the rift between us.

"I'll ask Gray," I promised, genuinely touched by Nitro's invitation.

GRAY

I wiped the sweat off my brow, feeling the exhaustion from the morning rush finally catching up with me.

Tossing aside my apron, I informed my co-worker that I was taking my lunch break.

Grabbing the plate containing my burger and fries, I made my way to the back door, which opened into a narrow alleyway.

The alley was quiet, a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the diner. I found a secluded spot and settled down, the cool air providing a welcome respite from the heat of the kitchen.

Taking a bite of my burger, I savored the familiar taste, enjoying this brief moment of solitude.

After finishing my meal, I pulled out my phone and couldn't help but smile when I saw a text from Spike, asking how my morning went.

It was a simple gesture, but it meant a lot to me. Just a short while ago, I had been alone, with no one to talk to.

Now, I had an amazing boyfriend who genuinely cared about me. But could I really call Spike my boyfriend?

The thought made me flush, my heart fluttering with nervous excitement.

We had been spending a lot of time together lately, and our upcoming date on Saturday felt significant, like a turning point in our relationship.

It felt like a step towards something more, something deeper.

As I sat there, contemplating Spike's text and the growing intensity of our relationship, a wave of uncertainty washed over me.

The prospect of being in a real relationship with Spike, of truly allowing myself to care for someone and be cared for in return, was both exhilarating and terrifying.

What if I wasn't good enough for him? What if I made mistakes or hurt him unintentionally?

The thought of losing Spike, of ruining what we had built together, filled me with a sense of dread.

But then I reminded myself that Spike had shown nothing but kindness, patience, and understanding since we met.

He had accepted me for who I was, flaws and all, and had been there for me when I needed him.

Maybe, just maybe, I could find the courage to trust in our connection, to embrace the uncertainty and take a leap of faith.

With my break over, I returned to the kitchen. The next hour passed by without any excitement. Then Gary, a waiter, entered the kitchen, looking ashen.

He glanced towards me, and for a moment, my heart stopped beating. What if my worst fears had come to life, and Jack had managed to track me?

Then I realized how silly that was, because Moon Burrow was Grizzly Reapers MC territory, and Spike's MC brothers monitored who entered the town closely.

"What is it?" I asked, my heart rate quickening.

"A customer wants to thank you for his meal," Gary said.

"What?" I asked, confused.

Things like that only happened at a restaurant, not a diner.

"Just speak to him, please," Gary pleaded, and the fear in his eyes made me pause. I took a deep breath and nodded.

With trepidation, I left the kitchen. The booth Gary indicated gave me a glimpse of a single diner, wearing a leather jacket.

Half of me hoped it was Spike, surprising me, but it wasn't. The closer I drew to the grizzly shifter, the more agitated my wolf became.

It wasn't like this shifter was purposely flaunting his aggressive aura. In fact, it was shut down, which only indicated he had excellent control over his beast.

"Gray, have a seat," the grizzly alpha said. He had dark hair, scars, and those eyes... I involuntarily shuddered.

Only one grizzly alpha in Spike's MC had gold eyes like that, like his beast was permanently on the surface.

"Venom," I whispered.

"You know who I am? Good," Venom said.

I swallowed hard. "Spike described you to me, told me you were going to talk to me, to us sooner or later,” I said.

Venom's gaze bore into mine, intense and assessing. "You've caused me problems, Gray," he said, his voice low and gravelly.

"I... I didn't mean to," I replied, feeling the weight of his scrutiny.

Venom leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms.

"I know you didn't," he said, surprisingly calm. "But your presence here has implications, ones that need to be addressed."

I nodded, feeling a knot of apprehension tightening in my stomach. This encounter was far from what I had expected when I left the kitchen.

"Should I get Spike?" I asked, a little desperate for some backup.

To be fair, Venom had been nothing but polite to me, but I was well aware that he was Spike's boss.

Venom had the power to boot me out of Moon Burrow if he chose, or even to punish Spike as well.

Then I recalled Spike telling me that Venom might be a bastard sometimes, but he was fair and looked after his own.

"No, I want to talk to you without Spike hovering in the background," Venom said.