This is the edited version of Thorn part1 and Thorn part 2. I hope you enjoy it now it has a bit more depth. I still think I can improve it more, but look forward to your feedback. I will be working on editing part 3 and 4 this week and also on continuing the story from the part 5 I posted last week. When all the chapters are edited I will delete (I think I have this ability?) the original versions. In the meantime to help readers and myself keep track the originals are parts 1-5, the edited versions are titled in chapters. This, being the first 6 chapters. Please continue to give feedback, with thanks JM
THORN
Chapter One
Thorn watched her walk into the restaurant, having felt her presence before she even came through the door. Sensing her near had already put him on high alert. Some of his staff had reacted to his change instantly, becoming more in tune with him. Initially unsure what had caused the tension in his body, the sudden lift of his head. A breeze ruffled her hair as she crossed the threshold. Inhaling her sweet vanilla fragrance he fought the urge to jump the counter and claim her. His fingers gripping the bench, knuckles white, as the surge of need rippled through him. He admired her small frame, the long silver-blonde hair. The soft feminine sway of her movements. Her tiny build bringing out the desire to throw her over his shoulder on one hand, and play bodyguard on the other.
He had always wondered what it would feel like when he found her. It was one thing to witness someone else finding their perfect mate. The one they would spend the rest of their lives with. But to experience it for himself. The instant knowledge, the hope and the need rocked him.
He watched her move slowly through the busy room. Take a seat at a small table. She adjusted her hair behind her shoulders. A male server headed in her direction, sexual interest in her evident. "
No
" his singular word making no sound but forceful in its command. The one word meaningful enough that nearly half the room now recognised the reason for the hum of energy coming from him. The server lowered his head slightly sending a silent apology, then exchanged a brief word with her, letting her know someone would attend to her shortly, before barely stopping as he passed.
"You okay Thorn?" He turned to see a cheeky face beside him. She of course, one of the many that had worked out already, what was in the air.
"Gem, go and look after her, and try to resist pushing my buttons." Thorn directed.
"Then I won't mention the big marks you have put in that bloody counter then. And I certainly won't mention the fact you actually 'growled' when she walked into the place. Animal"
At his furious look she bowed her head and almost backed away. "I'm going."
Thorn listened to Gemma gently get the facts on her. He found out she was looking for work. That she had not had any luck so far, few places even taking her details. He learned her name caused her some sort of embarrassment, so she went by her initials, LJ. He watched her blush at Gem's antics and then smile at the woman's attitude and energy. He knew exactly how she felt there was something about Gem that just drew everyone in.
The most recent member to his family, Gemma, had been through a lot. He admired her plucky spirit, but knew there was a world of conflict under that upbeat mask. He worried about her, and wondered what the next step to dealing with some of the burden she carried on her young shoulders would be. There was a chance like all things, time was the only cure, but the wait was causing confusion and pain, for more than just herself. The unsettled situation meant he feared for her, and his family.
He looked around the busy room quickly taking in the entire scene. Today was going to be a life changer and yet it all looked like just another busy afternoon at a café. His staff took orders, cleared tables and laughed with each other. Below that there was now a low hum of excitement. The sweet scent of hope and expectation. He finally let go of the bench, lightly tracing eight new crescent shaped marks in the wooden top. He began to plan his approach, he could not let instinct take over. With this he needed to take it slow, just be casual and friendly. He could not order everyone to get the hell out, and then take her over the table she sat at. No this was not going to be that easy. But he'd never found easy all that rewarding anyway.
"Hey Boss," Gem spoke slightly louder than required "I'm just grabbing a jug of juice for the blonde over there" helpfully pointing out his prey she continued "She wants the job, so I said you would pop over and give her a quick interview."
"She's really sweet Thorn, maybe too sweet for an old grump like you."
Gem gave him a huge grin
.
"Great, thanks Gem, it will give me a chance to work on my waiting skills" He spoke in his regular voice, a tone that held calm authority according to his sister, keeping his back to the girl of his dreams.
"I hear I'm a bit rusty.
In fact I also heard you were doing a double shift today, an old grump insisted. After that Lucas is going to teach you what it means to respect your 'boss', had you heard that?"
He shared silently.
"Thorn, I'm sorry, you know I just kid around" she spoke quietly as she passed him the jug of apple juice, and attempted to look chastised.
"Sorry Thorn, please don't get me in trouble with Lucas. I know you're a little wound up right now, but she'll love you, I was helping I swear. Please don't think I was causing trouble. Crap Lucas always thinks I'm causing trouble, but I'm not, well I don't try to. I honestly don't know how I end up in half the trouble I get in. God I only just got back in his good books after the whole Damon..."
"I do not want to hear about that. We all hear far too much about that. I have an interview to do
,
but just a tip if you don't want to piss of your boss, and your alpha, don't call him an old grump and hint that his woman won't want him. And if you don't want to piss Lucas off, don't return to that bloody place, and certainly do not contact Damon or anyone else connected to him."
