Page 20 of Gray

“Thanks, Gray,” Simon said as I gave him the hazelnut latte. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“Busy morning so far?” I grabbed my peppermint mocha from the carrier and took a sip. The espresso energized me, and I lightly bounced on my heels, taking another, bigger drink.

“Very.” Simon adjusted his glasses, a tic of his when he was flustered. “People are out for blood today.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Galen said, wrapping his arms around Simon from behind. My brother was like nine inches taller than his mate, so it was kind of funny to see the height difference.

Not that I had much room to talk, being the shortest of everyone at a whopping five foot nine.

“Dramatic?” Simon scoffed. “Tell that to the screaming kids that were just in here climbing all over my shit. They almost broke my vase. It’s from the Ming dynasty. Do you know how valuable that is? You can’t find them anymore.”

“I bet I’d be able to find more.”

Simon fought a smile. “Go drink your coffee.”

“I’m gonna go for a walk,” I said, backing up toward the door. “Simon’s scary when he’s mad.” I grinned at him. “See you guys later.”

“Gray,” Galen called after me. I hated his tone. It reminded me of a parent warning their child to behave or something. “Be careful. If you start feeling tired, call me.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I waved him off and left the shop, sipping more of my latte as I strolled down the sidewalk.

Main Street was always busy on Saturdays. People—humans and non-humans alike—shopped with their families and visited the cafés.

I passed Bane, the alpha of the local werewolf pack. He held hands with his mate, a beautiful she-wolf with flowing red hair and a face full of freckles. Their four-year-old son sat on Bane’s shoulders, bundled up head to toe.

“Morning,” Bane said with a nod.

“Good morning.” I smiled at them and continued on my way.

That’s how it was between all of us. Werewolves, vampires, and other paranormal beings lived peacefully together. At least there in Echo Bay. Sure, some were bad eggs and caused trouble, but they were swiftly dealt with. Rules had been put into place long ago, and the supernatural locals upheld them.

I guzzled more coffee, letting the strong espresso revitalize me a bit more. It wouldn’t last too long, but it helped ward off some of my sleepiness.

A sudden flutter went through my chest.

I stopped on the sidewalk and glanced around, confused. It was the same feeling I’d had a few nights ago when meeting that human. Mason Hawk. Sloth had forced me to fall asleep during the fight with the shades, and I hadn’t woken up until after Galen carried me home and tucked me into bed. I hadn’t been able to say goodbye or anything. Why I even cared so much stumped me. But something about the human called to me. I couldn’t explain it.

And his eyes… rich cognac. Warmth flooded my system as I remembered them.

The tingly feeling came from the café across the street. I downed the last of my coffee and dumped the empty cup into a trash can before entering the café, the bell above the door announcing my arrival.

“Morning,” a waitress carrying a full tray of food greeted me. She looked exhausted but still smiled. “Sit anywhere you like. I’ll be right with you.”

“Awesome. Thanks.”

I spotted him instantly.

Mason sat in a booth in the corner of the café, the wall at his back and a window beside him. He sipped coffee and scrolled through his phone. His light brown hair stuck up a bit in the front, the rest too short to style.

“Hey, stranger,” I said, sliding onto the seat across from him.

He looked up, alarmed at first but then calming once those warm eyes fell on me. “Gray.”

“You remembered my name? I’m flattered.” The light feeling in my chest became even more so. “It’s been two whole days since we met. What have you been up to? You staying with friends? Family? You aren’t a local. I’d know if you were. Where are you from?”

Mason blew out a breath. “That’s… a lot of questions.”

“Uh-huh. Best thing to do is start with one and work your way down the line.”