Wolfsbane: Part 2
Tw: Blood, spiked drink but it's wolfsbane
Part 1
Part 3
Earlier that day.
Anton and his pack were taking a stroll on the streets of Wellington that early afternoon. He was out to book a reservation for himself and Viago that night at a fancy restaurant that just so happened to serve supernaturals, thinking it would be perfect for the both of them to go on a date night to give Viago accommodations since he only drank blood. While he was at it, he thought it was a good idea to bring the boys just so they could blow off a little steam before he went out tonight, Stu agreed to keep an eye on them while he was with Viago, knowing they got pretty restless without him there but they were pretty well behaved when Stu was watching them. So here they were, taking the day for themselves deciding to take them to the park early that morning to go for a little run. After they walked around town looking in all the tiny shops that looked the most interesting to them. Anton even found a vintage tan waistcoat with gold lining in this cool antique shop, thinking it the perfect gift for Viago.
After a few hours of shopping, they all were starting to get a little hungry so they took a moment to decide where to eat. That's where Dion had suggested this new cafe that he heard was witch-owned by others, thinking it would be a good place to grab a bite and something to drink and it just so happened to be not too far from where they were. Only a five-minute walk from their van where they parked. Convinced, Anton rounded them up and started heading that way, getting directions from Dion as they walked.
Just like Dion said, they made it there within five minutes where the cafe stood in the middle of a few other shops, able to see in the window that there weren't too many people in there meaning it wasn't very busy at the moment. They were right in front of the cafe's steps, Anton looking up at the sign and seeing a big cat with a witch hat on reading the big cursive letters right next to it.
"Witch Hazel's cafe," He hummed, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his windbreaker jacket as he arched an eyebrow at the sign before turning to Dion who smiled at him while nodding. "Not very subtle of them, don't you think?"
"Oh come on Ant," Dion chuckled, nudging Anton on his shoulder while motioning to a few humans walking out of the cafe with coffee cups in their hands. "No human suspects anything. They probably think it's just a cool name for a cafe."
"I mean I guess," Anton shrugged, squinting his eyes at the sign, reading the name over once more. "The name sounds familiar but I can't place it."
Dion looked from Anton to the sign. "I mean, it should sound familiar," He began as he looked back at Anton who was still studying the sign. "It's the name of the plant-."
"I know it's a plant Dion," Anton huffed as he looked at the werewolf who just shrugged. He let out a sigh as he looked back at the sign. "I feel like I've heard of that name Hazel before."
"Oooh, I can smell the chocolate and cream Eclairs from here," Declan sighed, causing Anton to grin. He then turned to the alpha werewolf, almost beaming with excitement. "So we eating here then?"
"I don't see why not," Anton shrugged before turning to the others who looked just as excited as Declan and Dion, pointing at them with a stern glare. "But you all better be on your best behavior in here. I don't want another coven being cross with us and cursing our pack. Clifton, I'm looking at you," He then pointed to Clifton whose eyes grew wide with shock pointing to himself in question. He then pointed to Stu who paused looking around before looking back at him. "Stu, you're good. You're the most well-behaved out of all of us."
"Wha- I'm well-behaved!" Clifton snapped. However, he turned to the others who were staring boredly at him. "What? I am!"
"Clif you got the whole pack cursed with the last coven we encountered," Dion argued, receiving a nod of agreement from the others.
"They started it!" Clifton exclaimed motioning behind himself as if the coven was there now. "And all I said was that it was weird that they used seaman to make them look young! How was I supposed to know that would make them-!"
"Alright alright, enough!" Anton interrupted clapping his hands together to get their attention. Once he got their attention he let out a sigh looking between each pack member (besides Stu because what he said about him still stands, he's the best). "Just... Behave, please." He eyed every pack member watching as they gave him a nod. He ignored how Clifton was grumbling but nodded all the same.
"Good," Anton began as he pointed behind himself with his thumb. "Let's go." He then watched as they all began to enter the building, following close behind. However, Stu paused right next to him watching as the others walked in before turning to Anton who just grinned. He gave the youngest werewolf a nudge on the shoulder receiving a chuckle from him before motioning to the doors of the cafe. "Come on. Let's get in there before they fully wreck the place."
So both of them walked up the steps, Stu opening the door for both of them as they walked in, receiving a thankful nod from the other before pausing to take in the room. It was a cozy little cafe, the back wall having a counter where the cashier stood taking orders and to the side of them were long glass display cases, showing off all of the yummy-looking pastries that Declan was smelling from outside. There were a couple of round tables in the middle of the room but only one table in the middle was occupied by two customers who were eating their pastries, drinking their coffee, and lightly chatting with each other. He then looked back to the display case letting out a sigh when he saw his pack members crowding the area looking at all the pastries they wanted.
They were all talking over each other, naming off all the things they wanted to get or asking each other which one was the best option. Anton noticed that there was a woman with long curly hair that was dark ginger, almost the same red as his own when he was younger on the other side of the bar behind the cash register, able to tell she was the barista/cashier. He was worried that their rambling was bothering her but he was relieved to see an amused smile on her face as she watched the others.
"Man they all look so good," Nathan M said looking between the doughnuts and cake pops. "I can't decide."
"I already know what I want," Declan grinned, looking directly at the Eclairs on the top shelf of the display case. "Those eclairs are calling to me."
"Yeah, those are our most popular," The woman began looking from the eclairs to Declan. "Most buy the chocolate with cream filling but the ones with strawberry filling are my favorite."
"Well, I'll get one of each then." Declan smiled pulling out his wallet.
"Put your wallet away, Declan," Anton said as he walked up, causing the others to pause, looking at him in confusion. "It's my treat."
"Aw, Ant come on man." Declan began sincerely still holding his wallet in his hand.
"You don't have to buy for us mate," Clifton added causing the others to nod in agreement.
"I want to," Anton shrugged, reaching for his wallet. "You've all been on your best behavior today and deserve a treat."
"Hey, cheers mate," Stu whispered, patting Anton on the shoulder.
"Well, aren't you a good friend," The cashier began smiling at Anton who just lowered his head.
"It's nothing," Anton just shrugged, pulling out his card as he spoke. "I'm just looking out for my pac- Friends!" His eyes went wide. "Friends I mean I-," He fell silent, looking at the cashier whose features softened, looking Anton up and down before her eyes grew wide causing him to squint his own in frustration.
"Wait are you-," She paused, eyeing the other customers watching as the last two began to walk out the front door before she leaned in, looking back at Anton as she whispered. "Are you werewolves?"
Anton let out a sigh clutching his wallet and mentally cursing himself for making such a slip. He was usually very careful. If any other person would have asked that he would have scoffed and lied, saying no but since the place was run by supernaturals, he's going out on a limb and assuming that this is a safe space. "Y...Yeah, we are."
"Whoa," She whispered, looking from Anton to the others her smile returning a lot wider. "That's so cool! I've never met a pack of werewolves before!"
"Ah," Anton awkwardly grinned reaching to rub the back of his head as he spoke. "I uh, take it you're a witch then?"
"You are correct," She lightly giggled clutching both sides of the cash register. "Just recently found out I was one on my mother's side and I just joined this coven/cafe recently. So I'm new to this whole supernatural thing, I haven't met that many creatures of the night just yet. I've only met witches and a couple of vampires. But werewolves! wow!" She exclaimed motioning to Anton in excitement before resting her hands on the countertop. "I have so many questions! Do you change every full moon? Can you change on command?" Then her smile fell as she looked at Declan. "Wait you guys can eat chocolate right?" She then looked at Anton while pointing to Declan. "I just suggested Chocolate Eclairs to him, it won't hurt you like a dog, right?" Then her eyes went wide as she gasped holding up a hand nervously. "Wait! I'm sorry, is comparing you to dogs insensitive? I didn't mean to offend!"
Anton only smiled at her enthusiasm at wanting to know more about them shaking his head in amusment. Usually, other supernaturals were pretty judgmental of werewolves and tended to treat them poorly. So this was a breath of fresh air to him. Plus he liked her a lot already, she seemed to have this bubbly personality that reminded him a lot of himself when he was younger. "Nah you're fine. We can eat chocolate don't worry."
"Oh, Oh good," She sighed with relief, a nervous smile forming on her face. "Good because didn't want to give your boys something that could make them sick ya know? It's like giving someone with a peanut allergy a peanut butter muffin which I almost did about a week ago on my first day and today a woman asked for no dairy because she was lactose intolerant and got chewed out and-," She suddenly paused, shaking her head and squinting her eyes. "Sorry, I tend to ramble. Bad habit of mine my boss says," She then placed herself in front of the cash register her hand hovering over the iPad connected to it. "I'm ready to take you guys' orders."
"You're alright," Anton chuckled before looking to the others who were still talking to each other about what they wanted. "Pick out what pastries and coffee you want boys."
"Oh! do you have any vegan options?" Declan suddenly asked getting the cashier's attention.
"Yeah, this guy right here is vegan." Clifton grabbed Stu by the shoulders giving a light shake, causing the latter to grin.
"She said they do mate," Anton sighed, knowing that they were not paying attention to their conversation at all.
She just smiled before turning to Clifton and Declan "Yes we got quite a few options. Everything is on the menu right behind me if you'd like to browse."
"Cheers," Anton nods his head before looking up at the menu as well. "Now whose going first?"
After a long wait of going through everyone's orders, and others making last-minute changes, it was finally Anton's turn who had his order. After looking at it while the others ordered, he quickly figured out what he wanted. "And I'll just have a hot pumpkin spice latte, please."
"Ah good choice," She smiled putting in the order. "Will that be all?"
"Yes, I think that's everything. Uh Oh-," Anton quickly said causing the cashier to pause. "Sorry, do you have any uh," He looked around making sure that the place was still empty. Once he was sure it was empty he turned back to her, leaning in. "Food options for vampires?"
"Oh yes we do," She answered, pulling out what looked to be a secret menu with blood options, sliding it toward him. "There are many flavor options of donors that had drunk coffee plus blood type. Though AB Negative is out of order right now. You know how it is." She ended with a chuckle.
"Yeah I do," Anton grinned, looking the options over before pointing to the one he wanted. "I'll take a blood bag of Mocha with Hazelnut. B positive, please."
"You got it," She then began to punch in the order. "If you don't mind me asking, are you getting this for a vampire who can't come out right now?"
"I am," Anton grinned pulling out his card from his wallet. "It's for my boyfriend when I see him later."
"Aww, that's sweet," The cashier whispered smiling when Anton lowered his head bashfully. "What's his name?"
"His name is Viago," Anton then pulled out his phone turning it on, before facing the phone toward her, showing her a picture of him sitting next to Viago who was in his usual Victorian attire, setting that as his lock screen, always ready to show him off to strangers if the topic is brought up. "This is him right here."
"Well, isn't he fancy?" She said with a smile looking from the phone to Anton. "You two look adorable."
"Well, thank you," Anton couldn't help but get red in the face at the comment as he put his phone away. "He would like this place."
"Well, we're open at night as well, so feel free to bring him here at any time," She offered. "I'd love to meet him. I got a ton of questions about vampires also but not as much as I do about werewolves."
"Well if you want a history lesson on werewolves," Anton grinned before grabbing Dion by the shoulders and pulling him toward the counter, keeping both hands on the confused werewolf's shoulders as he spoke. "Dion here knows a ton of facts about them."
The cashier looked from Anton to Dion, her eyes lighting up slightly as her smile grew wider. "Really?"
"Uh," Dion's eyes grew a little wide as well as he cleared his throat, straightening his jacket before stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Y-Yeah, I do uh, and other facts about... pretty much anything as well."
She just smiled at that before looking down, noticing a pin sticking out on his jacket causing her eyes to light up with excitement. "Oh, I love your Tartarus pin!"
"Oh?" Dion blinked, looking from her to his pin that he had forgotten about before looking back at her with a smile. "Thank you. You like Dr. Who as well?"
"One of my favorite shows," She answered resting her hands on the counter and leaning forward as she spoke. "Whose your favorite Doctor?"
"The tenth, easy."
"Mine too!" She exclaimed, lightly hopping with excitement.
The other pack members looked between her and Dion, all of them looking confused except for Anton who just grinned at the two fangirling slightly.
"And I uh, like your glasses chain." Dion complemented, pointing toward her glasses.
She blinked before smiling bashfully at the comment, reaching up for her glasses chain that had two little flowers hanging off the end of her round glasses. "Oh thank you. I had these silly things for a bit."
"They're pretty-," Dion smiled but his eyes went wide when the cashier paused causing him to continue with a cough. "Good! uh, they look pretty good on you."
"Oh, stop," She giggled as she lowered her hand back on the counter. "Yeah, I got them because I keep losing my glasses. So I thought the chain can help me keep track of them you know?"
"I get that. I've lost these dozens of times," Dion then took off his glasses looking at them for a second before smiling at her. "Might have to get me a chain as well."
They both let out a small chuckle at that, failing to notice the growing smiles on the others' faces the longer they watched the interaction.
"I think you could definitely pull them off." She grinned, watching as Dion lowered his head nervously. She stared him up and down with a smile but she did pause however when she noticed the other pack members staring at her which made her remember that she was on the clock causing her eyes to go wide before typing away on the iPad in front of her. "Oh shoot! Sorry, let me finish your transaction."
"You're alright," Anton reassured her, nudging Dion on the shoulder, grinning at the confused look on his face.
"Okay, you're total will be-."
"Miss Opal," A woman suddenly interjected rather harshly, walking out of a doorway next to the counter that looked to be the back room, looking at the cashier known as Miss Opal with an annoyed expression. "I thought I told you to empty the-."
Anton froze when he looked at the woman's face, his smile falling completely when he reactionized her. She looked directly at him, stopping right at the door entrance and going silent as she looked at him with equal shock. His face hardened into a scowl as he felt a growl begin to bubble out of his throat. "Fuck me," He whispered to himself, receiving shocked glances from his pack.
The woman's shocked expression returned to an annoyed glare once more, only this time it was directed toward the alpha werewolf. She proceeded to cross her arms looking Anton up and down. "Anton," She finally said, her voice laced with obvious disgust.
"Hazel." He said back with equal disgust now clutching his wallet pretty tightly.
The pack members looked between the two in shock and slight confusion, Clifton being the one to voice it as he walked up to Anton placing a hand on his shoulder before looking at the witch he called Hazel. "You know this lady?"
"She was the lady I was seeing on a blind date for supernaturals before Vi and I got together," Anton answered, his eyes never leaving Hazel as he crossed his arms. "I knew the cafe sign sounded familiar."
"Yes, he's right. We met on a blind date thing a few years back," She concurred placing her hands on her hips before looking Anton up and down once more. "And I must say my experience with you was for the lack of a better term. A god awful experience considering you were choleric the whole evening."
"You didn't even want to meet me for the date!" Anton snapped as he uncrossed his hands, trying to walk forward but Clifton had a hold of his shoulders. "You weren't even interested in getting to know me! You only went on the date to ask me questions about being a werewolf just so you could make me a guard dog for your coven!"
"I only did that because I could never get a pack's attention!" She snapped, waving her hand up in the air. "It was the only way I could get a werewolf to listen. They would either try to kill me or rather rudely turn me down!"
"Gee, I wonder why." Anton snarked wiggling his head slightly as he spoke, causing Clifton to stifle a smirk.
"Now I don't need werewolves," She shrugged, crossing her arms as she glared at the pack before her. "You and your pack of mutts wouldn't be good guard dogs anyway."
"You leave my pack out of this!" Anton snapped as he pointed at her his eyes glowing bright gold as Stu joined Clifton in holding him back. "You do not get to call them names when they've done nothing wrong! And we're much more than a bunch of guard dogs! We are people too!"
"Hardly," She scoffed, looking down at his form with a grin. "You're a furry timebomb of destruction waiting to happen. Can't even control your human form with that temper."
Anton stopped trying to pull from Stu and Clifton, looking at her in confusion before looking down to see fur begin to sprout on the top of his hands and his claws begin to sharpen. His features softened, slowly turning to Miss Opal who was looking at him in shock, making him feel guilty. Not wanting to frighten her and cause a scene he took in a deep breath closing his golden eyes to calm himself. As he was breathing in, he felt Stu and Clifton let go of his shoulders, both knowing that he was soothing himself. Once he was calmer, he opened his now hazel brown eyes looking at Hazel.
"Look," He began watching as she just glared at him. "What happened is now in the past. We aren't here to cause trouble. All we want is to order some drinks and food here and once we're done, we can get out of your hair, okay? I got to feed my pack and we already put our order in."
Hazel scoffed as she glared at him in disdain, about to send Anton and his pack on their way and refuse service but she paused, looking from her to the cashier, who was looking between her and the pack in shock and waiting to see what happens. A small eerie smile formed on her as she looked back at Anton, shrugging as she spoke. "You know what, you're right," She began, watching as Anton blinked in surprise. "No need to get riled up over something that happened a few years ago. Let by gones be by gones. You and your pack can sit at our big table and enjoy what you order. And to show there is no ill will, it's all on me. Free of charge."
"Really?" Anton asked with an arched eyebrow, looking from her to his pack who just gave him a shrug, before turning back to her. "You sure? Because I can pay-."
"Oh hush, I insist," She grinned looking at Miss Opal who also looked surprised at this. "It's the least I could do after saying some rather awful things to you and your pack."
"Well uh," Anton looked between the others then back at her, placing his card in his wallet and back in his pocket. "...Thanks."
"My pleasure, now go to your tables and we'll get everything for you made shortly." She watched as they all hesitated, before heading for the table. Her eyes never left Anton as he took a seat with the others his back turned to her so he couldn't see the growing scowl on her face. She then walked behind the counter where Miss Opal was beginning to make the drinks.
"Miss Opal a word?" Hazel questioned watching as she paused looking up at her mid making a drink, waiting for her to speak. She just grinned at her, pulling out a pouch of purple dust. "You see this powder? It's crushed up Wolfsbane. I want you to put this in all of the drinks."
"Wolfsbane?" She questioned looking from the powder to Hazel who gave her a nod. "Why?"
"Policy dear," She grinned, motioning to the werewolves sitting down. "It's a sort of powerup for werewolves. Regular coffee won't give them enough energy so they need a little perk."
Miss Opal looked from the bag to the pack of werewolves, watching as Clifton snatched Dion's glasses trying to keep them out of his reach before Anton scolded him causing him to lower his head before returning the glasses. "Are you sure?" She questioned looking back at Hazel.
"Trust me. You're new to this but I've been doing this for years. They'll need it dear."
"Well," Miss Opal looked from her to the bag taking it from Hazel as she looked it over before meeting her eyes once more. "Okay then."
Hazel just smiled watching as Miss Opal went back to making the drinks before that sweet smile turned vile, looking back at the pack. Her eyes are still directly on Anton.
Anton sat quietly at the table, ignoring the others joking around and laughing as he was deep in thought. The alpha werewolf couldn't help but feel uneasy the longer he was there in that cafe. Hazel's sudden switch-up seemed very suspicious and he was starting to wonder if it was a good idea to eat here. He didn't want to keep his pack in such an unwelcoming environment but then again, he thought that she wouldn't publicly try anything to cause them any harm. That would be absurd and dangerous if there were any humans around. So maybe they were safe for now.
"I can see the gears turning in your head so fast, theirs smoke coming out of your ears, Ant," Clifton began causing Anton to jump, pulling him out of his thoughts. "What's on your mind?"
Anton looked around the table noticing that the packs' eyes were on him, waiting for him to speak. He went tight lip before lowering his head, crossing his arms on the table, and resting his weight on his elbows. "It's nothing."
"Come Ant," Declan tried with a grin, watching as Anton looked up at him. "Talk it through, Mate."
The alpha werewolf watched as the others nodded their head in agreement, causing him to sigh. He knew they wouldn't let it go until he spoke his mind so he just clasped his hands together motioning behind himself. "I just can't help but feel a little uneasy. One second she was insulting us and now she's offering to pay for our meal? It feels fishy."
"Do you want us to leave?" Stu suggested, looking right at Anton. "We can eat somewhere else if you're having second thoughts."
"Oh I don't know," Anton sighed turning around to see Miss Opal preparing a large tray of pastries and drinks causing him to turn back around, motioning his head behind him as he spoke. "She's almost finished anyway and I don't want her to have to throw it away after spending time making it."
"Yeah, I'd feel really bad if we just up and left when she's halfway done." Dion frowned, watching as Miss Opal almost dropped one of their cups but catching it before it did so, her eyes wide with shock before letting out a sigh of relief.
"So we're not leaving?" Declan questioned, looking at Anton. "It's your call boss."
"Nah, we can stay," Anton answered before letting out a sigh. "But I don't think we'll be coming back," He then looked over to Dion giving him a knowing grin. "So you better go get Miss Opal's number or give her your own before we leave."
"Wot?" Dion asked his eyes growing wide as he looked at Anton's big grin before looking at the others who began to snicker. "Why-why would I-?"
"Come on Dion," Clifton interrupted, nudging him in the shoulder. "It's fairly obvious that she liked you... And something tells me you like her~." He said in a sing-song voice grabbing Dion's shoulders and giving him a light shake.
"Oh piss off," Dion scoffed, shrugging Clifton's hands off, causing the other to grin but he couldn't help but grin as well looking back at Miss Opal but his eyes grew wide when he saw her coming their way with a big tray. "Oh shit, guys she's coming. Act cool!" He whispered harshly, looking away and leaning back in his chair.
Anton only grinned, shaking his head before he turned around giving Miss Opal a grateful smile as she walked up.
"Okay, boys," She grinned setting the tray down right in front of them. "Here's your orders, I hope you enjoy!"
"Thanks, sweety." Anton grinned, though his smile fell slightly. He sniffed when a weird smell began to fill the air, only he couldn't pinpoint where it was coming from.
"It was my pleasure," She grinned but she awkwardly looked behind her to make sure that her boss wasn't listening then looked back at Anton who was now looking at her. "And I'm sorry about Hazel, I've never seen her react to customers like that."
"It's alright. It's not your fault," Anton reassured, before pulling out his wallet once more and reaching for a hundred-dollar bill. He then held it out to Miss Opal, who looked from him to the bill, her eyes going wide. "Here, this is for you."
"Oh!" She gasped, shaking her head. "Oh, I couldn't possibly-."
"Please," Anton interjected with a grin. "You've been nothing but accommodating. So take it. You deserve it."
She just smiled, taking the hundred dollars from him with a grateful nod. "You're too kind. But I take it you won't be coming back?"
"Afraid not," Anton sadly grinned before eyeing Hazel who had her back turned. "Don't feel like we'll be very welcomed next time."
"That's a shame. I think you and your pack are amazing to talk to," She sighed, before looking to Dion and giving him a huge smile, beginning to talk to him "And I really enjoyed talking to you as well."
Dion felt Clifton nudge his shoulder causing him to glare at him, but the werewolf ignored his glare, motioning to her with his head. So Dion just turned back to her with a smile. "You know uh, If I give you my number maybe- I don't know- We can talk more... Only if you'd like!" He added quickly, waving his hand nervously before turning to the others, who were giving him a thumbs up.
Miss Opal only smiled at that, pulling out a pin and a notepad from her apron. "I would like that," She said as she sat the pen and notepad down, sliding it toward a shocked Dion. "You can write it on here if you want."
Dion blinked at her in surprise, looking from her to the others once more, watching as they silently motioned for him to write his number down. He then looked at Anton, who gave him a grin before nodding his head. Taking that as permission, Dion looked back at the cashier with a lopsided grin, fixing his glasses before reaching for the pen and notepad. "Gladly," He whispered, before writing out his number for her. "Here it is. Text me anytime."
She just grinned at that, watching as he shakily wrote his number on the top of the notepad before setting the pen down on top of the paper and sliding it back toward her. Once it was in her reach, she grabbed the notepad and read the number over, a huge smile on her face before tucking it back in her apron pocket and giving Dion a sweet smile. "Can't wait," She said, watching as Dion's face turned red before lowering his eyes causing her to chuckle before turning to the others. "Enjoy your pastries, boys."
Anton gave her a nod before turning back to Dion who looked to be in shock. He smiled as the others began making cooing noises while patting Dion on the back and shoulder. However, that smell was back, causing him to frown slightly. He sniffed the air, beginning to look around for the scent anywhere else but it was only at their table. He then looked over at the casheir counter where Miss Opal began to clean up her station. He then noticed that Hazel was there and her eyes were directly on him. This made him feel pretty uneasy but before he could voice it, he heard the others laughing causing him to turn back to them blinking in surprise.
"Good job, Dion," Declan grinned ruffling the werewolf's head. "We knew you could do it." He then began scarfing down one of his eclairs, making a mess.
"Slow down, Declan." Anton scolded, holding both sides of his latte to warm his hands. "And stop teasing."
"Oh come on, it's just light ribbing," Clifton argued before grinning at Dion. "Plus we're proud of him."
"Well, I agree on that," Anton sighed as he lifted his drink, looking at Dion whose features softened, causing him to grin. "We are pretty proud."
Dion couldn't help but feel touched by that giving Anton a warm smile before lowering his head. "Thanks, Ant."
Anton only gave him a nod, before bringing the coffee close to his mouth. Though he paused a minute, watching as the others began to eat their pastries, surprised that none of them touched their coffees yet. He then got the scent of pumpkin spice from his drink causing him to sigh though his brow furrowed when that weird smell returned. He was starting to wonder if it was just a fragrance that was used for the cafe so he just shrugged before bringing the coffee to his lips and taking a big drink of the hot liquid. However, his brow furrowed once more when the coffee tasted surprisingly bitter despite having creamer in it. He was about to take another drink when the bitter taste suddenly began to burn slightly, then a little... then a lot until the burning began to feel unbearable making him choke slightly.
"HMM!?" His eyes went wide as he pulled the drink away from his mouth before letting out a cough, the leftover coffee falling out of his mouth and onto the table before him.
The others jumped at the sound of Anton coughing, all of them turning to him in shock. They watched as Anton harshly sat the drink down before grabbing at his chest, and continuing to hack up a lung. Stu looked at him in worry, resting a hand on his shoulder but Anton didn't seem to notice, too busy having a coughing fit.
"Ant, you alright?" Stu asked, worriedly looking around for anyone but he paused when he noticed Hazel looking directly at them, that same vile grin on her face as she watched Anton having trouble.
Anton wanted to reassure Stu that he was alright, but he was far from it. The burning sensation was not only in his mouth or throat, but it felt like his whole body was on fire and his stomach felt like it was in knots. His throat wasn't closed but he couldn't seem to catch his breath. It almost felt like he had been-.
The alpha's eyes grew wide, slowly looking down at the coffee he was still clutching. Dread washed over him as a terrible thought crossed his mind causing him to turn around to see the same vile grin on Hazel's face that Stu had noticed. Fearing the worst, Anton grabbed the black cap of his coffee cup before yanking it open and looking inside. Just as he feared, he saw little specks of purple dust floating around in his coffee making his blood run cold despite the burning sensation he felt through his veins. He was wrong to stay there, she did do something dangerous.
"Went down the wrong pipe, Ant?" Clifton tried to joke, bringing his coffee to his mouth and about to drink it.
"NO!" Anton finally managed with a shout before shooting across the table, spilling his own coffee all over the wood surface. But he didn't care about that as he slapped Clifton's coffee out of his hands sending the drink flying and causing the others to pause in shock.
"Hey, what the hell?! Why did you do that Ant?" Clifton snapped looking at Anton in slight anger. However, that anger died down as he watched Anton clutch his chest once more his body beginning to tremble as he stared ahead in shock, trying to breathe. Clifton's features softened as he slowly sat up, looking Anton over in worry. "Ant?"
The others looked from the fallen drink to Anton, their worries growing as well as they watched him try to breathe squinting his eyes shut before he suddenly fell chest-forward on the table sending drinks, pastries, and plates sliding and falling to the ground. However, the fallen food was the least of their worries as they got up with a gasp reaching for their alpha.
"ANTON!" Clifton shouted, helping the others turn Anton on his back. Fear went through him as Anton began clawing at his chest staring at the ceiling with wide eyes as he gasped for air. He reached for his friend, resting a hand on his head frowning at how hot he felt. "Anton?" He questioned, as he grabbed his shoulders lightly shaking them to get his attention. "What's- What's happening? What's wrong?"
"Don't... Don't. drink," He managed to wheeze out, turning to his side while the others' eyes grew wide. "...P-Poison."
"Poison?" Clifton blinked, looking from him to the table of food. "What-?"
"Wolfsbane."
Clifton froze at Anton's answer, looking down at the spilled coffee on the table. His eyes grew wide, noticing the same purple specks of dust floating on top of the coffee that Anton had noticed. First, he felt shock, then fear, then anger, and all those emotions at once as he glared at Hazel, who was still smiling at the sight of Anton struggling. "WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
"Gave him what he deserves." She answered with a shrug, grinning wider at the anger in Clifton's eyes.
"YOU GAVE HIM WOLFSBANE?! THAT SHIT'S POISONOUS TO WEREWOLVES!" Clifton's voice boomed, the other pack members beginning to sit up from their seats pushing their cups away. "WHAT KIND OF MONSTER WOULD DO SUCH A THING?!"
"What?" Miss Opal whispered with a gasp, fear going through her as she dropped her spray bottle looking from them to Hazel who just glared at Clifton.
"You've made a mess of my table," Hazel began ignoring Clifton's question as he crossed her arms. "I knew having you mutts there was trouble. You can leave now and you and your brute of an alpha are banned from here."
Clifton's eyes began to glow yellow, a growl bubbling in his throat as he clenched his fists. "You fucking son of ya-!"
"Clif," Anton gasped, grabbing the arm sleeve of his friend's shirt, getting his attention. "Don't. Home. Now."
Clifton's growl died in his throat as he frowned, looking at Anton who had a pleading look in his eyes. "But Ant-."
"Please," Anton's eyes began to fill with tears, as pain shot through his body once more, causing him to let go of Clifton's arm, curling in on himself. "Can't hold on."
Clifton was confused at this, but as he took in Anton's form he froze, beginning to notice fur sprouting on his hands and behind his neck, his ears growing to a point. "Shit," He whispered, placing his hands on Anton's shoulders before turning to the others who were in a state of shock. "Guys, help me get him to the van now!"
The others jumped out of their shock before springing to action. Each of them got a hold of their friend and hoisted him off of the table. Once he was upright, Clifton placed one of his arms over his shoulder while Stu held the other, both beginning to drag him toward the door while the others rushed to open it.
As they passed, Clifton glared at a smug Hazel growling at her as they headed for the door. "This isn't over." He warned her, but she only scoffed at his threat.
"It is over if you know what's good for you," She snapped, watching as they walked out, slamming the doors behind them as they left.
Miss Opal watched the whole ordeal in shock, jumping when they slammed the doors. She watched as they left but froze when Dion paused at the door, giving her a frown that made a lump form in her throat, watching as he quickly caught up with the others.
"Good riddance," Hazel huffed, before turning to Miss Opal and throwing a rag to her. "Clean up that table will you?"
She stumbled to catch the rag, her eyes wide with shock as she looked from the door to her. "Wh-Why would you do that?!" She whispered, watching as Hazel paused, letting out an annoyed sigh. "You said that it would boost their energy! You made me feed them poison-!"
"Werewolves are not allowed here dear," Hazel interrupted before snatching her notepad from her apron pocket and ripping the paper with Dion's number on it looking it over before back at her. "They are nothing but a nuisance and if you want to continue to be in this coven, then you better avoid them as much as possible."
Miss Opal gasped as the paper suddenly burst into flames in Hazel's hands burning the number completely. She looked from her hand to Hazel with hurt in her eyes but her boss ignored it as she shoved the notebook back into her hand and walked away and back into the back room. Once Hazel was gone, Miss Opal clutched the notepad tightly as she looked back at the messy table where the werewolves were sat, guilt beginning to eat at her. Anton had been nothing but nice to her, showing her his boyfriend and subtly helping his friend to hook them up. But all of that was squished because of Hazel's vendetta against him and his pack.
After a grueling five minutes of what Anton felt like an eternity of torture, they finally made it to the van. Clifton threw the doors open and motioned for them to hop in. He felt as the others gently got him into the van and placed him in the back seat where he could lie down. Once his back hit the cushion, another wave of hot pain shot through his core causing him to stifle a yell. His whole body felt like it was on fire, his bones felt stiff, and could swear he could hear his joints cracking. But that was surprisingly the least of Anton's worries. What worried Anton was the sudden feeling of anger beginning to bubble up inside of him, his already scorching blood feeling like it was beginning to boil as he clenched his jaw, causing him to shift in his seat.
"Come on let's get this van rolling!" Declan snapped watching as Clifton quickly climbed in the driver's seat.
"On it," Clifton said as he grabbed the key putting it in the keyhole and starting up the car. He then placed it in drive and slammed his foot on the gas causing the car to hastily drive forward leaving the others off balance.
Declan huffed at the harsh send-off, checking the others over. Once he noticed they were okay, he turned to Anton to see if he was alright but he frowned when he noticed Anton turn his back toward them hugging himself tightly. "It's okay Ant," He began as he reached for him failing to notice Anton pause from his trembling. "We'll be home in-."
"Stay back." Anton suddenly whispered, causing Declan to pause watching as he curled in on himself in the seat and holding his own shoulders tightly as he trembled.
The others paused at this as well looking between each other in confusion. But before any of them could question him, they froze as a deep rumbling sound filled the air, slowly turning back to Anton, eyes going wide at the sight of him.
The fur at the nape of Anton's neck and hackles on his shoulders began to stand on end, poking through his shirt. His claws sprouted through his fingers and began digging into his arms so tightly that it was drawing blood, slowly leaking and pulling downward staining his shirt, and his jacket to the side when he became too hot. Stu frowned at this slowly scooting closer as he softly spoke. "Ant? Ant, you're hurting yourself. Sto-."
"Stay. Back. Stu!" Anton warned, his growling becoming louder in octaves, clutching his arms tighter.
Stu ignored him, his worry growing as Anton was practically stabbing into his own arms making the marks worse. Gently, he placed a hand on Anton's back causing him to fall silent. "Ant, you have to-."
Anton didn't let him finish as he suddenly snarled, turning around with lightning speed before snatching Stu by the front of his shirt pulling him forward, and growling in his face. His golden eyes bored into Stu's frightened one, too angry and in too much pain to control himself as the wolf reared its ugly head, snarling at the pack member. "WHAT PART OF STAY BACK DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?!"
"Ant! Stop it!" Declan snapped grabbing a hold of Anton's wrist that still held tightly to Stu's shirt. "Let him go!"
Anton snarled at him as well but Declan didn't let up, still clutching his arm when a burst of hot pain shot through him again causing him to yelp, shoving Stu away and snatching his arm away from Declan in fear that he'd lash out at them even further, trying to reel the wolf back in but was finding it very difficult at the moment.
Declan and the others watched in shock as Stu's back in the back of Dion's chair harshly before falling to the floor of the van, his frightened eyes still on Anton. Declan didn't waste any time before kneeling next to him, frowning as Stu began to tremble, his eyes leaking with tears as he clutched his chest. "Hey," He whispered, his hand hovering over him as Stu's frightened eyes turned to him, another tear leaking down his face. "It's okay. You're okay, he didn't mean it." He whispered now resting his hand on his shoulder, rubbing a comforting circle up and down his arm to calm him.
The others joined in, placing a comforting hand on Stu who began to breathe in and out. Once he was calm they all froze at the sound of whimpering, turning their heads to see that Anton had his back to them once more one arm wrapped around himself as the other was clutching the back cushion of the seat, his claws digging into the fabric before pulling down, leaving a giant claw mark as he whined in pain.
Clifton frowned at this, watching his hurt friend through the rearview mirror. He had never seen Anton in such a state and he didn't like it one bit. So he began to focus on the road, driving faster. "Don't worry," He began out loud to both Anton and the others. "We're almost home."
Stu began to lift himself from the floor, his eyes still leaking tears as he sat in his seat, unable to keep his eyes off of Anton who was curling further in on himself. He noticed that the others were also keeping a fair distance from Anton, giving him weary looks. Stu and the others have never seen Anton react so harshly and in truth, it hurt Stu a bit. Anton never had done that to him before and he couldn't help but feel terrible that he was in the crossfire. But deep down he knew it wasn't Anton. He and the wolf were just in pain and he prayed that whatever was happening to him would end soon.
