Page 4

With all the praise Angelle had given Oliver Creek, my decision for the next place to roam was easy.

I pulled over on the side of the road where a whimsical sign had a welcoming message burned into the wood, along with flowers and vines.

Welcome to Oliver Creek. We hope you find what you’ve been looking for.

“Huh,” I said, processing the greeting. “Am I looking for something?” I pulled back onto the road, even more eager to see this town everyone raved about both in person and online.

I parked my car near a cute park with a large metal sculpture in the middle. There weren’t many cars on the street, which wasn’t surprising, given I only saw two four-way stops and no stoplights. There were, however, an abundance of food trucks and people walking, some hand in hand, others chatting, most smiling.

Grabbing my wallet and keys, I got out and decided to walk around the place. It was early. The morning sun graced the sky with its golden hues. Shops opened the doors to their business. Several bells tinged as owners unlocked the doors and flipped the closed signs to open. If Norman Rockwell had been a modern-day artist, he would’ve surely had Oliver Creek as his inspiration.

A few puffs of smoke caught my attention from a truck with the words Dragon’s Breath painted across the side. So many smells filled my senses all at the same time. My bobcat, of course, focused on the scents of smoked meat coming from Dragon’s Breath, but I had other intentions.

The bold, caramelized nutty smell of freshly ground and brewed coffee hung in the air, along with pastries and muffins, if I wasn’t mistaken. My bobcat could save his cravings for later. I doubted the smoked meat he craved was even ready to be served.

“Excuse me,” I asked a man who looked pleased as punch to have a fresh baguette in his hand. “Where is the coffee shop?” No point in asking if there was one. My senses hadn’t steered me wrong, not once.

“One block that way.” He pointed. “Oliver Creek Brew.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re new here?” he asked, clutching the loaf of bread close to his chest. I kept my chuckle to myself. This town must’ve had a great bakery as well.

“I am.” I reached out to him. “My name is Pike.”

He nodded. “Andrew. It’s nice to meet you.” The male was an omega with pale-blue eyes and a killer smile.

“You as well.”

“I’ve got to get back home, but welcome to Oliver Creek. Hope I’ll see you around.”

I nodded my goodbye, not explaining that he probably wouldn’t see me around. Oliver Creek was nice and all, but only meeting my alpha might anchor me to one spot, and a part of me feared that not even my mate would be able to keep me grounded.

Perhaps that was because I hadn’t found him yet.

I wanted it to be everything a mating should be. The fluttering heart. The longing to never leave each other’s sides.

But I’d seen my fill of couples who didn’t make it. Mates. Fated Mates, even. Fated mates were supposed to be together forever, but I was a realist.

Expecting nothing was probably the way to go. Tell that to my overly eager bobcat.

I took the directions Andrew had given me and found my way to the Oliver Creek Brew. There were several little round tables out front, along with daisies and plants outside. The place had large windows with fresh, modern signage. Inside, there was a small line of customers. The floors were spotless. A case in the front held fresh pastries and baked goods.

I waited my turn in the line and while I did, paid attention to the people. Everyone said hello to each other, and even the baristas were chipper and smiling.

This place might’ve been too good to be true.

“Good morning. What can I brew for you?” the young man behind the counter asked.

I chuckled and looked at the menu. “I’m a pretty boring guy. What do you recommend?”

“Iced or frozen?”

“Hot?” I responded.

“I think I have the right one for you. Name for the order?”

“Pike…” I trailed off, smelling something new, a scent that overpowered everything else in the place.

Mate. Coffee. Chocolate. Caramel. Mate.