Game of Destiny by Dripping Creativity novel Chapter 5

Chapter S

There was still that familiar dull ache nestled deep in the pit of my stomach, but strangely, the sharp sting it once had seemed to have dulled. Perhaps I had simply grown accustomed to the discomfort over time. Whatever the reason, it no longer consumed me as it had in the early days. Instead, it served as a quiet reminder that I was alive—a survivor, a fighter. I had painstakingly pieced together my life from the ground up, and despite having little, I took pride in what I had managed to build.

“Have you noticed the handsome guy who just sat at your table?” CeCe asked, her voice cutting through the lunchtime bustle. The diner was packed, a mix of locals and tourists filling every corner. I cast a quick glance toward the only vacant table in my section—the one she must be talking about. My body stiffened when I saw him. He was unmistakably a werewolf; my instincts screamed it. And to make matters worse, he was an Alpha. My mouth suddenly went dry, and my legs felt like they’d turned to stone.

“CeCe, could you please take that table for me? I’ll cover two or three of yours in exchange. I’ll even swap you the one with the family of four kids,” I said, my voice betraying the desperation I felt inside.

“Are you sure, Amie? Have you seen him? Total yum,” she teased with a grin.

“All yours,” I replied quickly. She wasn’t wrong. The Alpha looked exactly like one—broad-shouldered, strong, and radiating confidence. His blond hair seemed to have a mind of its own, tousled in a playful way, and his deep blue eyes were captivating. But Alphas were trouble, especially for someone like me. He was the first wolf I’d encountered since leaving my pack, and I had no desire to attract unnecessary attention. I knew he already sensed what I was. If I could pick him out in a room full of humans, then with his fully developed Alpha senses, he would have no trouble noticing me.

CeCe approached him to take his order. I watched as she flirted subtly, and he returned her smile with polite charm. I did my best to ignore him, to keep my distance, even though he sat right in my section. It was tough, but I think I managed. When he finally paid and left, a wave of relief washed over me—he hadn’t tried to speak to me.

“You missed out on a good one. Handsome, nice without being creepy, and a generous tipper,” CeCe said with a wink. “Want me to split the tip with you?” she offered.

I shook my head. He had definitely earned it, and although the family with four kids hadn’t left a huge tip, they weren’t stingy either. I was more than willing to give up the tip just to avoid any interaction with him. For the rest of the day, I stayed on edge, jumpy, constantly scanning the diner to make sure the mysterious Alpha wasn’t lurking nearby.

“Are you okay, dear?” Mrs. Jones asked gently as I prepared to leave.

“I’m fine, but thank you for asking,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“You seem a little… I don’t know,” she hesitated.

“Skittish,” Rich chimed in from the kitchen.

“Yes, that’s the word,” she agreed with a knowing look.

“I’m fine, just didn’t get enough sleep last night. I was going to stay home and take a nap. That should help,” I lied smoothly.

“Oh, poor dear. You do that. Want me to send Dara over with some dinner?” Mrs. Jones offered kindly. She truly was a wonderful woman.

“No, thank you, Mrs. Jones. I appreciate it, but I was looking forward to the dinner I planned to make,” I said, feeling the weight of so many little lies in one day. If I kept this up, I’d end up with a stomach ache for sure.

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