He shrugs it off as he offers me a job at the cafe and my eyes have stars in them as I think of the possibilities. I could do what I wanted to, watch him cook and make hot chocolate for everyone and then get to serve it to the people of this city. I've always wanted to help out so I think I'd be pretty good at it. I'd have to get used to talking to people of course since I'm sure that will be required. He gives me pause when he throws out a title though, my brows furrowing in question now as I lean in a little and whisper as if we're in a crowded room.

"What's a Barista?"

He looks at me in a way that makes a slight blush rise to my cheeks before he looks away again with a shrug, saying he thinks I would be good at it. When he says that I make people warm up to me, I find myself laughing softly as I shake my head in doubt.

"I don't know about that. I think I mainly make people want to stalk me. Or hurt me."

The last words fall like a whisper from my lips as my gaze drops to the floor at my feet, my weight shifting in discomfort as my eyes turn sad with untold memories.

He listens carefully as I tell him about my village and the fire that took it all away from me. He doesn't seem surprised at all and he doesn't give me a look of pity which makes me feel relieved. He continues to give me intelligent glances throughout my story as if wanting to know more but stopping himself. Finally he asks about Raven. That earns him a smile and I nod my head.

"Yes, she's another were, only a wolf. She took me in and protected me, gave me a place to stay."

I don't mind at all talking about Raven. She's a feeling of comfort to me, a feeling of security.

When he brings up traveling, I can't help the curiosity suddenly bubbling up inside me as I draw closer. If he's uncomfortable, he doesn't show it so I hold my ground for now, listening with rapt attention as he tells me of the different places that he's been. I nod in agreement when he brings up panthers and jackals. I don't think I've ever seen a jackal but I certainly know what a panther looks like. I wouldn't want to face one of those either. The thought makes me shudder.

At his sudden question about cooking, I stiffen a little if only in uncertainty, my brows rising in surprise as I twirl a bit of hair around my finger and duck my head.

"Me? I'm sure I'd fail miserably at it. I'm too clumsy."

When he adds in the soft assurance about the fire, I can't help the soft smile that tugs at my lips though, my gaze slowly lifting to his, twinkling with that naiivety that's gotten me into trouble so many times before. I find myself wanting to trust him, wanting to believe that every word he says is true.

As he breaks off the candy bar, I gasp in awe, watching the bars melt in the milk. I don't even notice at first that he's holding a piece out to me but when I do, I reach out, tentatively taking it from him and bringing it to my lips. It would be a lie to say I didn't take a whiff of it first as if to test the waters before I take a ginger bite of the chocolate. Instantly my eyes light up and I give him a look of surprise and approval. I put my hand up to my mouth as I speak, knowing about manners such as speaking with your mouth full.

"It's so good!"

I exclaim with eyes shining.

He looks confused by my question about which animal the chocolate comes from, shaking his head as he says they come from a plant. Now it's my turn to look confused, my head tilting as I try to contemplate this new fact. Plants can make things? He looks a little guilty though I don't know what about. I shrug it off, giving him another smile once I swallow the bite of chocolate.

"That's okay. Maybe some day you can show me this cocoa plant that you get your chocolate from."

alexis wilde