My shift was normal. Diners, coming and going, no wolves to be seen. I started to feel paranoid that some wolf from Milo's pack would show up, ready to eat me. And I started to get scared until I imagined a smearing of pink frosting all over his mouth from the fake cake.

A snarling wolf with pink frosting around his muzzle was not scary.

It was just past eight and nearing dark when I was placing drinks at a table of farmer looking folks. "You Darlins call if you need anything else."

Then I heard what surely sounded like my truck's starting rumble from outside. I finished quickly with a hurried 'I'll be back in a minute!' and ran outside.

It was my truck. And my truck was driving away! It had been stolen!

Then my eyes went red.

WOLVES!

Did they steal my truck?

Those stupid wolves. They stole my truck! I can't believe they took my truck. That was criminal.

I stomped back inside and went to grab my phone. Maybe I was calling the police? I sure didn't have Nate's number to complain. But it was gone, along with my purse and all my personal belongings. "Marjorie!" I yelled, digging around leftover coats. "Where's my things?"

"Huh? Oh! That sweet thing Nate came by and grabbed them. Said it was a surprise." She stepped up beside me and laughed. "You go clock out Darlin. That handsome man-fella of yours is taking you on a date to the city. But don't you tell him I told you that."

"Wwhat?" I asked slowly.

She grinned. "He called and asked if you could get off work early—that he wanted to kidnap you. Well, of course I said yes."

My eyes widened. "He actually said that? Marjorie you're letting him kidnap me? Because that's what he's doing. Oh, I'm definitely going home now."

"Aww, Darlin," she cooed. "You never let loose. Come on, just let him take you out. You're too picky. He's a good guy and wants to take you to a nice place, not some of that fast food silliness we have around here. You need him. Sweetcheeks, you need to finally have a boyfriend."

My jaw came down in disbelief. "I've had boyfriends," I spoke with bitterness. "Jeremy."

She laughed heartily. "Honey, Jeremy was your boyfriend in what? Ninth grade?"

"I've had others," I scowled.

Her stance begged for more.

"Harry," I stated unconvincingly, coming up with the first name I could think of.

She squawked with laughter. "Is his last name Potter?"

"Okay!" I cried. "What if I haven't had a boyfriend? I still shouldn't be kidnapped! I shouldn't have my things stolen. This is criminal. This is illegal! I should call the cops! I should..."

"You should ....check out," she grinned and took my hand, pulling out my index finger and pressing it on the clock's keypad. "Aaaand," she added. "You are now on vacation for a whole week."

"What?" I turned back horrified. "No! Marjorie. I can't leave you here alone."

"Sure you can. You haven't taken a day off in so long, you deserve a vacation. And don't you worry about me. Sarah's taking a few doubles. And I've got my niece coming in for dinner rush every day. She's already agreed." Marjorie started pushing me out front.

"You two are schemers! Schemers!"

"All is fair in love and war, Doll. Now, you go on and wait, he'll be here in a sec. I've got to go take your tables. I bet the hamburgers are ready to flip."

"Marjorie! You can't do this!"

She laughed and started closing the diner door on me. "Have fun on your vacation!"

I turned and glared at the door.

Marjorie. Mistress of Evil!

I was not going to some fancy-smancy hotel paid for by an annoyingly affluent werewolf. Now, I was for sure going home. Steal my stuff!? I full on growled. Maybe I was a werewolf now too. He stole my phone and purse! "Ooh Nate, you are in so much trouble." This was it. I was going home, even if I was walking.

One foot in front of the other.

"It's only a few miles...well maybe a few more than few."

I started walking but only got two blocks away when a shiny black car pulled up beside me. I hung my head and kept going. Stupid werewolf.

"Hey Babe, you coming?"

But it wasn't Nate's voice. It wasn't even Adam's.

I turned, "Jeff?"

"Hey Elise," he grinned. His blonde hair and matching beard poking out from the open driver's side window. "What you walking on your own for?"

"Because your dumb friend stole my things. I'm going home."

He laughed. "Yeah, I heard. Nate can get some pretty crazy ideas sometimes." He nodded to the passenger's side. "Come on. I can't let you walk home alone. Let me take you."

"Good try," I answered rolling my eyes, still walking forward.

He drove the car beside me. "Naw, come on. I'll take you home."

"You'll take me to my home?" I eyed him distrustfully.

"Sure! Whatever you want, Baby."

"You're not supposed to take me to the city?" I asked warily.

"Well," he chuckled. "I'm supposed to, but...." He shrugged. It turned to laughter. "Can't you just imagine his face when you end up back home. That'll knock him down a notch. He'd be so mad."

I smiled, but still hesitated.

"Oh come on. You can't see it? He'll be all '-grrr! You didn't listen to me. This is dangerous!-' and that adorable little lip of his will curl."

I giggled at the thought. But I still wasn't moving.

He waited another minute in silence and then just threw the passenger's side door open. "Just get in." He then said in a super girly voice, "-Get in, Loser! We're going shopping!-"

A full grin blossomed on my face. "Did you just quote Mean Girls?"

"Yes, I did," he laughed.

I shook my head with a smile, "fine." I chuckled and then walked around to sit.

He grinned as I got in. "-Oh hi. Did you want to buy some drugs?-"

I couldn't help the laugh filling the car as I closed the door and buckled my belt. "Shut up. Just drive."

He put the car into gear. "You got it, Babe."

Through the streets we zipped off toward the highway.

He turned a quick glance. "So he really stole your phone and stuff?"

My face got really wide. "Yes! I didn't even see him! I was waiting a table and come back and nope. Everything gone!" I leaned back arms crossed. "The jerk."

"Yeah," he chuckled. "Jerk move. He'll get it back to you though. Or... Maybe you can give him that cute pouty face and announce your undying love! He'd be throwing the phone back at you."

"I might have to throw it back at you." I whacked his arm. "I'm not announcing anything!"

He pretended to rub his arm. "Ouch, Babe. You got a good hook."

"No I don't," I laughed, rolling my eyes. As if I could hurt a werewolf.

He sat straighter with a smile. "No, no. I guess not. You're right. Puny girl."

My mouth came open. "I'm not puny though."

He grinned. "That punch was like a kitten."

"Was not!"

"Was too."

"Well, kittens still have claws." I hissed and held up cute pink fingernails in a threatening hand.

His laughter was boisterous through the car. "Babe. No. That is not scary."

"You won't be saying that when these little kitten claws break into your flesh!" I giggled playfully.

"Elise, you are too much. I can see why he likes you."

I put my hand down and looked out the front. "Well, I am very likeable." I jumped forward in the seat and pointed to the passing road. "Oh, sorry! That was my turn!" I laughed. "I got sidetracked. You can take a U-turn up there, by that big rock. It's a bit wider."

Suddenly the playful air was gone, and a lethal smirk snaked across his face. "We're not U-turning." The locks engaged, and he revved the engine putting a higher gear on. My body plastered back in the seat as the speed increased in barely a moment.

"What are you doing?" I clutched at the seat belt in fear.

He twisted and winked. "I'm taking you to safety. Just not very safely."

"Stop!" I cried as we sped up on another car.

He just raced around it in a fluid motion pulling into the oncoming lane.

"You said you were taking me home."

His head tilted. "I lied."

"You tricked me!" I really did try to punch him. He didn't even have the decency to flinch.

He laughed, dodging cars right and left. The car speeding easily faster. "Sorry Babe. Orders. Plus Nate never lets anyone drive this baby. Isn't it awesome?"

I covered my eyes after a severely close call. "No! Please take me home."

"No can do. We're headed to your hotel."

"Jeff no," my anger pulling into pleading. "I just want to go home."

He nodded. "Yeah, but this is in your best interest."

"Why do you people think you know what is best for me." I pouted, still flinching at every movement of the car.

His smile gained as another gear quickened the speed. "I love this car."

The lights of a diesel flashed a warning. I tucked my head in a panic.

"Oh, come on. You don't need to be scared. I've got great reflexes. We won't crash."

My head pulled up to him. "Oh yeah?! Well what about the police? When they stop you for speeding, I'm yelling that I'm being kidnapped!"

He chuckled. "Guess I better not get caught then." He took it as a challenge and floored the pedal.

"Stop! Gosh! Jeff stop, please!" I cried, clutching the door handle and seatbelt with a grip of death. "I'll, I'll, I'll," I didn't know what I'd do. "I'll go on a date with you!"

His eyes turned to me unreadable.

"Yeah," I tried to sound confident. "Let's go right now. If you promise to take me home right after, let's go somewhere."

He laughed and turned out to the freeway, tires squealing. "No can do. I struck out remember. Besides, Nate has something good with you."

I groaned. "He's getting his friends to kidnap me. That is not something good."

He shrugged, smiling back to the road, loving the purr of the engine as we dodged through traffic. "Don't worry. It is good."

"Ugh!"

Stupid werewolves.

"You stop this car right now, or I'll..." But what would I do? Roll out of a speeding car? Call the police on my nonexistent phone? Punch him? Pull the parking brake?

"...You'll get your kitten claws all up in my face?" He prompted.

"Yes. That!"

He laughed, glancing back to the road. "Don't you want me to have eyes while we're speeding down the freeway?"

"Grrr!" I then flinched at another heavy swerve.

"Aww, come on Babe. Why don't you just sit back and enjoy the ride." He winked my way. "It won't take long at this speed."

I clenched my teeth and tucked back into the seat.

Stupid kidnapping werewolves.

After a dozen tight turns and brake and speeds, we were in the city and parked in front of a large bright hotel. My heart had just about had enough. I'd pass out with a heart attack in just a moment. My breathing heaved as I looked up to a golden sign that announced J. W. N. Prince Inn. Figures it would be some upscale thing, not just the corner Motel 6.

Jeff got out of the car and strode around to open my door. Not that he was being gentlemanly, I just hadn't moved.

"Come on Babe. The sooner you get out, the sooner this mess will be done."

"No." I folded my arms childishly, ready to stay put.

"You're fun, you know that?" He chuckled and then went to open the trunk, leaving my door open.

I eyed the open door and took my opportunity. I unbuckled the belt and started running down the street. And by down the street I meant four whole steps. I knew I wouldn't get far, but I had to try. Four steps against a werewolf. Good job Elise.

I giggled being swept up into his arms bridal style.

He snorted. "Did you just giggle after you got busted trying to bail? You're funny."

One of his hands held my back and I noticed the arm at my knees carrying my purple suitcase.

"Is that my bag?"

"Well, what did you expect?" He started walking us into the foyer. "Nate wasn't going to make you stay in work clothes all weekend."

I was a little annoyed about Nate packing my own suitcase, probably going through my unders even, eek!, but the more pressing issue, "all weekend?" I bent up at his shoulder, horrified.

He placed me down at the register with a grin. "Maybe. At least tonight."

I was ready to be angry when the giant chandelier over his head caught my eye. Layers and layers of crystals glistened in the light. It was dazzling.

"Just enjoy it for now." He turned to the front desk attendant, an attractive brunette in a royal blue suit. "Room for Elise Winters."

She seemed delighted and smiled to me. "Oh Miss Winters! We're so happy you have joined us."

I smiled back at her genuine welcome, until I figured Nate must have just paid her off.

She handed me two key cards. "You've got suite 334. Take the elevator over there, third floor, and to the right. Breakfast is served from six to ten." Then she handed me two tickets. "And Cindy Carrol is your masseuse. She'll be up in about fifteen minutes."

"Masseuse?" I questioned.

She smiled a full white smile against her red lipstick. "Your in-room massage. Mr. Odin said your trip would be so hectic that you requested a massage right away."

"Oh, did Mr. Odin?" I eyed Jeff irritated. Odin. Was that Nate's last name? Alpha Odin. I nearly snorted.

"And," she continued. "Your massage scheduled for ten tomorrow morning, includes a hot stones session and reflexology."

I kept glaring at Jeff. "Is Nate bribing me? To stay here?"

He shrugged with a knowing grin. "And it's working. Isn't it?"

I sighed defeated. "Probably." I'd never had a massage or any kind of pampering like that before. Not on a waitress salary. One massage. Just one massage and then I'd go home. I turned back to the attendant with a plastered smile. "Thank you."

Jeff snickered as he started toward the elevator without me.

I raced to catch up and smacked his arm again. "You can leave now."

"I will. After I take your bags and help you to your room."

It better be the gosh-darned greatest massage ever. I pressed the button for the third floor and noticed my smile in the elevator's mirrored walls.

Scheming werewolves.

The elevator dinged open, and Jeff stepped out, forthright wording in his voice. "It really is better for you here, Elise."

I sighed and put the key card in the door lock. "I know."

He gave me a side squeeze. "Just a day, Babe. Buttons will be fine for one day."

I was brought back to laughter at the mention of my goat and moved into the room.

Okay, so it was decent. It wasn't some presidential suite like I was expecting. Just a king bed with lots of fluffy soft looking pillows, a cream-colored couch and matching chair pointed at a large tv, and a fireplace. Fancier than anything I'd ever stayed in before, but not costing a thousand dollars a night, either.

"Is it okay for you then?"

I nodded in compliance.

"Alright. Well you go get ready for your massage. I've got to head back." He gave me another side squeeze. "See you around, Elise."

"Bye Jeff."

He closed the door behind him, and I stared around the room for a minute more before I went to get ready.

I placed my suitcase on the bed and opened to find perfectly folded clothes, and all well matching outfits. I was still annoyed he went through my personal drawer, but I think he picked the sets off the top so at least he didn't dig through the items.

I took a quick shower to wash the diner smell off, then I put on black stretch pants and a loose top. It wasn't too long after that my massage therapist showed up.

"Hi, I'm Cindy," she shook my hand, and I invited her in. She rolled her bag and table in and then looked around the room. "Mind if I set up there?" She pointed to an empty point near the fireplace.

"Sure."

She was pretty. Dark skin and black hair, nice smile. Definitely human. I was wondering if my masseuse would be a pack doctor type and meant to keep me there. She placed on some relaxing music while she quickly set up her table. She then made pleasantries about the clear beautiful night and handed me a robe. "Go ahead and change while I finish here."

"Okay," I took the robe to the bathroom and quickly undressed.

She had some pretty earthy scent filling the air and motioned for the table when I returned.

"I've never gotten a massage before," I stated hesitantly, holding the top of the robe together.

She smiled, "no worries. Head there. Body out this way. I'll step into the bathroom a minute so you can drop the robe, and then use this blanket to pull over your back."

"Got it," I nodded a bit more excited.

The steps went as she mentioned and when I felt the blanket was secure, I called her back.

And then...

I was in heaven.

Stinkin' werewolves were the best creatures on the planet heaven.

A whole forty-five minutes of me counting the ways I loved werewolves, heaven.

I knew what that second massage was now. Bait. It was dangling like a fresh worm in front of a fish. And add some hot rocks massage or something new too? I just had to remind myself about the big old nasty hook ready to stab into my cheek.

Still, I pondered the idea of maybe not going home after all.

No! I was going home. It was just a massage and I'd feel great enough after one. I wouldn't need another.

Adam's right. I am a dang liar.

After the time was up and I felt light as air, Cindy excused herself to the bath so I could get into my clothes.

"I'm ready," I called after my clothes were back on.

She came out with a smile and then started packing up.

I took a deep breath in to center myself. Sending her away was going to be hard to do.

"Hey Cindy,"

"Yeah Girl?" She placed the small radio back in her case.

"Uh, I need to cancel tomorrow's massage. You don't need to come."

She looked up, "oh, did you not enjoy it? Did I press on your arm too hard?" She looked at Adam's bandage. "I'm so sorry!"

"No no, it was excellent! Super excellent," I contradicted. "Just... plans have changed, and I won't be here at ten."

"Oh," she smiled. "We could reschedule. Need earlier?"

"No, it's okay. You just keep the payment as tip and take the time off."

"You sure?" She stood, pulling the case upright.

"Absolutely. That was awesome. Thanks."

She smiled. "You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it, Miss Winters." She grabbed her table and case and started rolling the pieces out of the room.

Phew. Now I wouldn't feel so bad about leaving. No big worm dangling to keep me in bed all night.

I turned to the nightstand to call for a ride and noticed there was no phone. I guess hotels didn't keep phones for guests anymore? Everyone does have cell phones now.

I squinted my eyes angrily thinking of the thieving wolves. Except for me.

I grabbed a keycard and headed down to the front desk.

"Miss Winters," the receptionist greeted. "What can I do for you?"

"Hey, yeah hi. Um, there's no phone in my room. Mind if I use the one here?"