BLUE'S INN&CAFE

Destiny

Squeezing my eyes shut as the groan of protest escapes my mouth. I’m violently woken up by something wet. Opening my eyes, dark brown ones clash with mine. "Ugh, Demon. What the heck? It's early in the morning." I murmur in slight annoyance after peeking at the clock, which reads 6 am.

Whining, Demon licks my hand. It's the weekend and I had planned on sleeping in today, but it seems that plan is a no. "It's okay boy. Let's go for a run, yeah?" I suggest grinning at him when he starts jumping up and down on the bed, wagging his tail in glee.

Demon and I have always enjoyed our little runs in the morning. He's pretty fast to keep up with me, even while using my werewolf speed. Smirking at the thought, because it makes me feel like the proudest mom, ever. Striding into the bathroom, quickly brushing my teeth and washing my face before finger-combing my untamed raven black hair into a messy ponytail, then finally dragging on a pair of sweatpants, a crop top, and sneakers.

Leading Demon outside whilst running my slender fingers into his very soft brown fur, makes him purr like he's a freaking cat. “Let's go, boy.” I urged, and he jogs ahead of me. Well then, it's jogging this morning. Normally, I'd listen to music, but I forgot my phone upstairs. Grumbling to myself, I follow Demon's slow pace. The sun is peeking out, and the wind's not too bad either, just perfect for a jogging morning.

Returning back to the Inn, we're both relaxed and ready for what seems to be a sluggish Saturday. Sitting outside on the patio, just lazing around with my fingers continuously running through Demon's fur making his tongue hanging out in appreciation. A few minutes later we see Uncle Blue with a tray full of his mouth-watering homemade blueberry muffins for the morning rush at the cafe on full display. He notices us staring and comes outside.

Kissing me on my sweaty forehead he exclaims, "Muffin! My little sweet tooth and Demon, the greatest dog ever! Morning." He exclaims like the man-child he truly is.

"Hey, Uncle Blue. Save me some of those, will you?" I proclaimed smiling.

"Well, of course, my lovely sweet tooth. You know Martha will have my butt if I don't, not to mention that grandmother of yours. Yeish! I'm ruled by women." He grumbles while we snicker at his dismay.

“Kid, I thought you were ready.” German’s baritone voice grumbles followed with a sigh behind me. “Morning dad,” he adds, greeting Blue.

“Morning son!” Blue replies, “what're you three up to for today?” He questions.

“We'll be finding out if I’m getting a niece or nephew today!” I squeal in excitement. “I almost forgot, let me take a shower real quick,” I add, grabbing one of the muffins, leaving Blue cussing up a storm as I made a quick dash to my room while laughing.

Vincent Jefferson, affectionately known as Blue because he accidentally added blue dye in his, then, curly brown hair as a teenager. He owns the Cafe and Inn with his bubbly wife, Martha, who is sweet and charming. They’ve been my aunt and uncle since childhood, even after we moved, they still visited Barbican until five years ago. So it's good to be with them after all that time.

Even though they're werewolves, they were friends of my maternal grandmother, Edith. Apparently, she helped them get pregnant with German when the world told Martha she would never bear a child, after a few miscarriages. She did conceive though, with my grandmother's natural and herbal medicine. German is now married with a child of his own on the way, even though he's like two years older than me, which is not uncommon. I love the Jeffersons, they're really lovely people.

When I had told my grandma Sara that I wanted to leave Barbican and come here to Rosewood, the place where my mother was born and my rightful heritage laid. She didn't argue with me, she just said she would arrange everything, including school. But I needed clearance to leave Barbican lands, which I eventually got.

After our tearful goodbye, with a promise that I'll visit during the holidays. She gave me my mother's necklace which is our family's heirloom. When she handed it over to me, I remember how my hand delicately touched what symbolizes the Hawthorne's. The necklace is made up of entwined platinum hearts. It is said that it holds all the Hawthorne's bloodline, bonding their souls together as one and it's also said that the necklace represents light and beauty.

"I shall protect and guard this with all my heart. I won't let you down.” I had whispered to myself in honor of taking care of our only representation. Enough of the past, I thought as I strip myself naked, before heading towards the adjoining bathroom.

After the much needed warm shower, I stare at my half naked slender-ish self in the mirror. I'm not a bombshell, beauty like my mom was, I consider myself average enough. I love my butt though, it has the right curve. Having a few tattoos seems rebellious, but it's not. They include; angel wings with my mother's name engraved in one of the wings, the infinity tribal mark completely surrounding my hips along with a large wolf and pup paw print on my shoulder blade, that grandma Sara made a huge fuss about when I was fifteen. Giving myself a last look over, I stare at my damn birthmark, the ghost-like head of a wolf.

Touching it, I can't help but feel a little resentment, along with anger towards it. This journey means so much more than just my family's legacy and my birthright. It’s about finding out more about me, and getting what's rightfully mine. I promised my mom that I would rebuild our family's name and honor before she died and I intend to keep that promise. But I also intend to get even. When I’m done, the name Hawthorne will be cemented and never again to be removed.

“DESTINY!” German half yelled with a growl.

Damn it! That's what happens when I take a trip into my thoughts. “Ten more minutes, I promise bro!” I hollered my reply. Shuffling through my drawers, I make quick work of a simple, flowy, white dress, along with a pair of wooden sandals from my closest. Not bothering to comb my hair, I just throw it into a sloppy ponytail while racing downstairs as I lotion my skin.

“Took your damn time there princess,” German complains with a huff.

Scoffing, “relax. Demon let's go, boy!” I call out, already heading out behind Mr.Grump. German's jeep is already parked out front, engine running idly. Without wasting any more time, we huddle inside. “I'm so excited!” I squeal with my fist inside my mouth.

Chuckling, “I know, me too!” German agrees, his own excitement is hard to miss.

----------

Before German can even park the jeep properly, I'm out of my seat like a flying bullet, waltzing my way inside the hospital where the precious baby mama awaits us.

“Hey, Casey!” I yell, hugging the much taller blonde who's older than German by four years.

“Ugh, I feel so huge Destiny,” she whines, hugging me back.

Smacking her on the arm, “you're carrying a life inside of you Casey. It's natural to be huge since your body's producing for two,” I state matter-of-factly.

“Gosh, I love you so much kid,” she sniffles, wiping her eyes.

“What's wrong honey? Are you okay? Is it the baby?” A frantic German rushes to his mate's side, panicking slightly.

Holding onto his shoulder, “calm down baby, everything's okay.” Casey says, reassuring the idiot.

“Then why are you in tears?” he questions, frowning.

“Oh! Never mind me,” she says. He doesn't get to ponder on the topic any further since it's their turn for the check up.

“Mr and Mrs. Jefferson, Dr. Francis is ready for you now.” The petite nurse informs us. “I'm sorry Miss, but you're not allowed.” She muttered once I started walking behind the couple.

“Listen-” German begins.

“It's okay, go on ahead.” I interrupt him.

“No Destiny, it's bad enough we had to leave Demon outside,” Casey defends. “She's coming with us,” she growls at the woman forgetting Casey's not your average warrior she-wolf. She's got some beta blood coursing through her veins as well on her mother's side of the family. “Come on Destiny,” she clasps our hands together, pulling me along with her and I fight the urge to stick my tongue out at the nurse childishly.

“Ha, good morning sir,” Dr. Francis greets German. “Now, who's this other beauty?” He teased.

Chuckling, “Destiny,” I reply.

Casey runs through her routine like a pro, and before you know it, we're all dying for the doctor to start up the ultrasound machine. It only takes a few minutes for the heartbeat of the baby to echo throughout the room, and I already suspect what they're having, thanks to my weird abilities. But I keep my assumptions to myself.

“Annnnnd, it's a BOY!” Dr. Francis hollers. “Congratulations, you're having a boy,” he adds with a bow.

German captures Casey's lips in a short, and swift kiss. But the love in their eyes shines so brightly making me swallow the envious bile that's trying to creep its way into my mouth. “YES, I'm getting a nephew!” I exclaim. “Thank goodness, I've got zero clues about dolls and tea parties,” I mumble to which the three of them burst into a fit of laughter.

“Yy-you've made my day, never have I laughed so much in a long time.” Dr. Francis chuckles, trying to sober up from his laughing fit.

Grinning. “Always at your service!” I tip my imaginary hat.

“Come on you weirdo, we're eating out today.” German states and I'm about to protest because I rather eat at home.

“What he means is, we're having lunch at my house, outside,” Casey says rolling her eyes. “I'm making burgers,” she tells me with a smirk.

“Why didn't you say so, come on!” I reply, dragging her along with me.

As much as I like Casey's big, luscious, green backyard garden. I love her cooking much better, especially her beef burgers. Saliva pools in my mouth just from the thought of chomping down into the succulent divine of those burgers.

“Will you slow down,” Casey mutters a bit out of breath.

“Sorry,” I grin, not realizing I started speed walking, and already outside.

“That's just how she is babe, a Squirt with a bottomless pit of a stomach.” German comments with a shrug.

Huffing, I cross my arms and glare at the jerk. “I do not,” I protest.

“Right, because you weren't planning on declining until burgers were mentioned.” Casey's the one to reply.

“What! No, I wasn't, I swear.” I insisted, pouting when they started laughing at me. “Jerks!” I stomp my way towards the car.

******

Blue's Inn and Cafe has been mine and Demon's home since the beginning of summer and so far Rosewood is not that bad. The moment I arrived here, I had felt a strong sense of belonging. I'm yet to meet him and I pray to the ancestors, that it won't be anytime soon. I've grown from the child who's always curious about her dad into someone who just doesn't give a damn, well, that's what I tell myself. Apparently, Alpha DeLuca is well respected, it's his mother that the people hate.

I've got a score to settle with her, but it's all in due time. I smirk to myself as I continue to sit and look out my bedroom window, enjoying the lovely music the wind is providing. I can't really explain it, but it's as if the wind and I have a personal connection. Then again the past few years has been a bit lonely, and my mind tends to imagine crazy things at times.

Being here, however, I'm not that lonely.

Jefferson's are like my blood family. Martha always checks on me if I need anything and fusses about my health like my mom did. Blue's just, Blue. He has been the man I hoped for in a father. I tend to help him bake on weekends since pastries are my weakness, then we'll watch football matches together afterward. Love my football. It's one of my top favorite things I enjoy.

I’ve got a short list of things that mean everything to me. Family, loyalty, cars, football, food and surprisingly heels. I may be a tomboy somewhat, but I love my heels. I mean I've got a closet collection full of them.

Then there's German, who always checks up on me. When I say he checks on me, all he's really doing is seeing if I'm in trouble. He's the annoying, overprotective, big brother, but I love him to bits.

"Demon! Get down off of my tables for goodness sake!" I hear the screams of an angry Blue and chuckle while shaking my head. That dog understands that Blue hates him on the tables but he does it sometimes just to piss him off. I found him when he was just a pup, so small, and fragile. He just called out to me for some reason when I was two years old. I remember pouting at my mom and grandma Sara to nurse him back to health. They didn't think he would make it, but I did. With time and a lot of patience, he eventually trusted me completely to get him healthy.

My mom always wondered why I named him demon. It was because he protected me one day at the park back in GreenBay. I was pushed by Tommy Hendrick's older brother because I had defended Derek Sawyer. Demon barked at him then went on to biting his friends when they tried to push me again. It was as if he was possessed and I felt honored. Since then, he's been my rock, best friend, and my training partner.

"Destiny!" Martha yells, startling me in the process.

“Huh,” I mumble.

"I've been calling you for about five minutes now. Are you okay honey?" she asks softly, her annoyance quickly vanishing.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just zoned out a bit is all." I replied beaming, not wanting her to fret.

"Good. Now, I've got all your books here and utensils that you're going to need and etcetera." I nod my head in understanding.

Damn, I totally forgot I have school in a few days, ugh. "Do I get a car?" I ask hopefully. Grandma Sara knows just how much I love my rides.

Smirking, she makes her way out of the room, and I follow like a lost puppy. Reaching the garage she smiles from ear to ear, walking over to a covered vehicle. Lifting the cover, a brand new sleek silver Audi is revealed.

I think I'm in love.

"From the twinkle in your eyes, I'm guessing you love it."

All I do is nod like a kid, high on way too much sugar. My words get lodged in my throat as I keep gazing at my brand new car, tentatively caressing it. Excited at first, then screaming my head off, I exclaim in pure joy, “HELL YEAH!"

___________________________