[A/N - I chose a series name! "Crescent Woods Chronicles". Thank you to those who gave their input, it was really helpful!]

"And I might never get there, but I'm gonna try. If it's ten thousand hours or the rest of my life."
~Dan + Shay, 'Ten Thousand Hours'

~~~

*Ryland's POV*

{Me}
Hey Landon, are you free today?

I anxiously bounce my leg as I wait for his response. Why am I so nervous? I'm never nervous around guys. I've had no problem hooking up with guys in the past, so why am I panicking over a friend?

Because he's not just a friend. He's your mate, idiot.

Right.

I'll admit, although it's only been two days since we met, the concept of us being friends is already fucking with my head. It's unnatural for wolves to be nothing more than friends with their mates. The Moon designed us to desire each other; to mark one another as our own. I know that I'm the one who suggested we start out as friends, and I have no room to complain, but it's a lot harder than I thought it would be.

I want to be with Landon all the time. I want his scent to cover everything I own, so when I go to bed, my pillow smells like lavender and pine. I want him.

But he doesn't want me. Not yet, anyway. I keep trying to remind myself that's why we need to stay friends... for now. It's not the easiest situation, but I'm going to try to make it work.

He can't want to be just friends forever, right? Eventually, he'll want something more.

...Won't he?

My phone chimes, and I nearly drop the device from excitement.

{Landon}
I'm working today

I frown at that. Who the hell works on a Sunday?

{Me}
Where do you work?

{Landon}
A small coffee shop at the end of 4th street

{Me}
You don't have a job within your pack?

Landon takes a bit longer replying, giving me time to mull over this new information. Wolves usually work within their pack. Our packs are pretty much like mini-towns hidden by the woods; a place where we are don't have to hide our supernatural abilities. Pack members can walk around town in their wolf form and no one bats an eye. It's the most comfortable place for us to be. All our homes are there, and even a few shops. I've heard some packs are large enough to have their own schools, but the Crescent Sun Pack isn't quite there yet. For this reason, we venture outside of our packs for essentials and for the occasional fun that isn't found within pack grounds.

But for work, wolves will have jobs within the pack. Either as a warrior, a scholar, a trainer for the pups, or just working the shops. We also have a lawyer and a doctor, but those jobs usually only have one wolf at a time occupying the position. And of course, there are the higher up positions, like the Alpha, Luna, and Beta. We live in the pack, and we give back to the pack through work. It's just the way things have always been, and it's a pretty good system.

As for me, my job options are pretty limited. Most jobs require the use of our supernatural abilities, which I can't exactly use for obvious reasons. I used to train the younger pups and help them adjust to their newfound abilities, and I was heartbroken to leave that job behind. About a year after the rejection, Ronnie and Lyn finally convinced me to find a different job within the pack. There weren't many jobs to choose from, but I ended up applying to the salon. Doing hair and shit.

I know what you're thinking. Like having sex with men wasn't gay enough, now I'm also a hairdresser.

I don't mind it, though. The work isn't too bad, plus I get to chat with everyone who comes through the salon. It helps me keep track of everything that's happening in the pack. Besides, I'm a sucker for drama. Having to cut the dry ass hair of a middle aged wolf is totally worth it if she has some juicy gossip.

My phone chimes again as Landon's text finally comes through.

{Landon}
It's complicated

I purse my lips, not really liking that response but deciding not to push it. It's still too early on to be digging around in his personal business.

{Me}
What's the shop called?

{Landon}
Blue Moon Cafe

Without texting him back, I close my messages and open my maps app. It doesn't look like Blue Moon Cafe is too far away. I could probably get there in fifteen minutes if I drive.

Stuffing my phone in my pocket, I hop up from my bed and quickly get ready. I throw on a pair of acid-washed jeans and a yellow t-shirt before checking to make sure my deep brown hair isn't too messy.

I hop down the stairs into the living room, where Kai is sprawled out on the couch, playing video games.

"Where are you going?" He asks, glancing at me for only a split second before refocusing on his game.

"To see Landon," I tell him, slipping my shoes on that were by the door. "Keep the doors locked, and if you need anything, get Ronnie."

Kai rolls his eyes, pausing his game and setting the controller in his lap. "I know, Ry. We go through this every time I'm left alone. Goddess, I can't wait till I find my mate. I'd have him mark me right away so I can stop worrying about wolves tracking my scent."

I raise an eyebrow, amused at this new revelation. "Your mate is going to be a 'him', huh?"

Blood rushes to Kai's face, making his cheeks turn bright red. "I— I just meant—"

"Kai, it's okay," I chuckle, waving him off. "I knew I liked guys even before I found my mate. Er... mates. Anyway, there's nothing to be ashamed of. You're free to be attracted to whoever you want. Gender doesn't matter when it comes to how you feel about someone."

Relief floods Kai's face as he releases a heavy breath before smiling at me. "Thanks, Ry."

I flash him another smile before ducking out the door and heading to my car. Climbing into the old yellow Mustang, I quickly settle on a music station before peeling out of the driveway and heading into town.

I'm able to spot the small coffee shop pretty easily. The outside is rust-colored brick, with a cyan awning shading the patio. I grin when I see the canopy; the color reminding me of Landon's eyes.

Heading inside, I notice the shop is fairly busy, yet peaceful. There are a lot of customers, but the environment is relaxed and quiet. The lights inside are dimmed to create a calming atmosphere, along with dark leather couches and chairs for the customers to sit and read as they enjoy their drinks.

I spot Landon behind the counter, taking someone's order. I slip into the line, not wanting to distract him from his current customer. I wait patiently until it's my turn to order, not able to suppress the smile on my face when I'm finally only a few feet away from Landon; the only thing separating us is the formica counter.

"Welcome to Blue Moon Cafe, how can I help—"

Landon looks up from the register, his words getting caught in his throat as his blue eyes widen in surprise.

"Ryland?" He asks, shocked to see me.

"I'll have an iced mocha, please," I causally order with a grin.

"S-Sure," he stammers. I hand him my card, which he quickly swipes before handing it back to me. I point to an empty couch, letting him know where I'll be sitting. He wordlessly gives me a small nod, and I step aside to let him help the next customer.

From my spot on the couch in the back corner, I take my time studying Landon. The first time I saw him, he was disheveled and scared; completely different than how he is now. Now, I can see his hair isn't dirty blonde, but is in fact a beautiful golden color, swept away neatly from his face. He has a bit of stubble along his jaw, accenting his defined jawline. His light pink lips pull up into a relaxed smile as he talks to the customers, giving each one his full attention.

His light brown apron ties around his waist. Landon's not as slender as I am, but he's not exactly ripped, either. He's pretty much... perfect. The perfect amount of toned muscles create a very drool-worthy figure.

I knew he was beautiful the moment we met, but looking at him now, I'm floored by how absolutely stunning he is. Light practically radiates from him, reminding me of how a sunflower blooms and flourishes under the sun.

A few minutes go by before Landon turns and whispers something to another barista, who nods his head and takes Landon's place at the register. Landon grabs a drink and walks around the counter, over to where I'm sitting. I smile at him as he places the iced coffee on the table in front of me, before sitting down next to me.

"You didn't say you would be stopping by," he comments with a raised brow.

I freeze as I'm filled with worry that he might not want me here. "Is... is that okay?"

Landon hesitates before nodding. "It's not that I'm not happy to see you, but my job typically keeps me pretty busy. Next time, send a text or something beforehand so I'm prepared. It kind of threw me off to see my mate walk in without a warning," he chuckles, scratching the light stubble on his jaw.

"Sorry," I mumble, blood rushing to my cheeks. Why didn't I think to text him first? Of course I should've given him a heads up. He's working. He can't just drop everything for me. How could I be so inconsiderate—

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Landon places a hand on my leg when he notices my internal panic. I mentally face palm, remembering he can feel my emotions through our bond. "I'm not upset. But there might be a time when you stop by and I'm too busy to take a break and talk to you. If you tell me ahead of time, I can rearrange my schedule to make time for you."

My blush deepens at the idea of Landon rearranging his schedule just for me. I'm suddenly hyperaware of his hand on my leg, sending shockwaves throughout my limbs. Goosebumps arise on my skin as his simple touch lights my entire body on fire.

If just this small touch can make my body feel this way.... I wonder what it would be like to have sex with him?

My pants suddenly feel a little too tight, and I cough to try and cover up my rapidly deepening blush.

Landon smiles and removes his hand, and I feel embarrassed that he was most likely able to sense how aroused I got from his innocent touch.

"Er...." I cast my eyes to the ground and try to change the subject. "Is it okay that you're sitting here with me? Won't you get in trouble with your boss?"

Landon blinks before chuckling. "No. I won't get in trouble. I own this cafe."

My jaw drops. "You what?? You own this place? How? When? Wait, why were you behind the register then?"

Landon laughs harder, and I reel in the rest of the questions that are sitting at the tip of my tongue.

"One question at a time," Landon says, still smiling. "I bought this venue about a year ago. I worked as a barista for a few years before that at a different shop. With the money I saved up, plus some help from my family, I was able to buy this building and start up a coffee shop of my own."

"So do you always double as a barista?" I ask, referring to him working behind the register just now.

He shakes his head. "No, one of my employees called in sick, so I filled in. I do it from time to time, it's not a big deal."

"What made you decide to buy your own shop?"

"Lucca said working in a coffee shop wasn't a real job, and the stubborn side of me wanted to prove him wrong," he smiles to himself, his blue eyes sparkling.

"Who's Lucca?" I ask, and Landon immediately stiffens.

"A friend," he answers curtly. I can tell that's not the full truth, but by the way he quickly shut down, I know it's not a subject I should push.

When he's ready to tell me more, he will.

"What do you do for a living?" Landon asks, turning his eyes up to meet mine. Gleeful butterflies erupt in my stomach over Landon taking an interest in me.

Goddess, I'm hopeless.

"I'm a hairdresser at our pack salon," I answer, taking a sip of my neglected iced coffee.

"Do you enjoy it?"

I shrug. "It's not bad. Not as fun as when I used to train pups, but it's a living. I get to regularly chat with pretty much everyone in the pack, so I guess it's worth it."

"Why don't you train pups anymore?"

My lips still around my straw when I realize my slip-up.

Shit.

Shit, shit, shit.

What should I say? I'm not ready to tell him about why I can't use my wolf abilities. He wouldn't possibly be okay with my wolf being feral. No one wants to force their wolf to mate with a feral wolf. Landon would reject me to protect his wolf.

"It's okay if you don't wanna talk about it," Landon says quickly. "I won't force you to."

I let out a breath of relief. "Thank you," I say, offering him a small smile. "You're a really nice guy, Landon."

Landon returns the smile, his budding happiness seeping through our bond. My heart flutters with the most dangerous emotion I could possibly feel.

Hope.

~~~

Ryland is such a soft bean and must be protected at all costs

Do you think Ryland's fears are justified?

Comment and vote!
-Gumbie