Plans were in motion.

Best trackers and high leveled wolves were put on task to find the rogue, half on foot, the other in their wolf form. While the human formed ones roamed the intricate town, not raising suspicion whatsoever, the others roamed the various woods that they had surrounding the small town.

Garret and his father roamed on foot together, partnering up with one another to prove each other wrong. Garret still held true to the fact that there wasn't a rogue because he would've felt it along with his pack, but yet when his father gets here that's all he can feel. It didn't make sense. No ounce of distraction can make someone not feel someone crossing the border, it would've shifted the atmosphere.

But nonetheless, to get his father off his back, he engaged with the search. Throughout the pack mind link, everyone was saying that they haven't spotted or smelt anything and that it was a waste of time. Obviously, Darryl had his barriers up because he remained quiet and to himself. He was so sure of himself, having carried this pack for years and have been on this said territory for the majority of his life.

As they roamed the town, no scent was picked up and the pack was growing irritable. Garret was soon to call off the hunt but Darryl made one last stop in a small diner before the hunt was over. It was a small diner that was always crowded with people. At this moment that was hours after the lunch rush and was about to transition into dinner, the diner was idle.

With walking in, there was a feeling that came over Garret. He suddenly became warm and his insides began to churn, not in an uncomfortable state but one that made him think of butterflies. Like he was working up the courage to talk to his latest crush which had never been the case for him. Having looked over at his father, he noticed that his father didn't share this feeling which made him confused.

Before voicing his opinion, the boss of the diner walked out looking tired but having plastered a smile on her face nevertheless. Her stature read exhaustion but having the company that had walked in, she was surprised and delighted.

"Darryl Johnson," she says grinning. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

"Just out and about with my son," he says vaguely. "Thought I'd stop by and see my first love."

This didn't surprise Garret. Everyone in town knew that Darryl and Rhoda were high school sweethearts. Those who knew about werewolves believed that they were destined to be soulmates. But when Darryl turned sixteen and no sign of the mate bond came from Rhoda, he was seemingly disappointed and vowed that the Luna had made a mistake and that Rhoda was destined to be with him whether it was true or not.

But as time went on and they continued to date, Rhoda eventually went away for travel. One of her dreams was to see the world and interact with different people of different cultures. While Rhoda and Darryl dated they had told each other that they would travel the world together, that much in love that they wanted to spend every ounce of time with each other. But when it came time for Rhoda to leave, Darryl was given the responsibility of his alpha duties and couldn't leave.

Rhoda didn't know about the life of lycanthropy and soon left heartbroken and upset, saying that maybe the separation is what they needed. And how true she was. When having gotten to England she met Cyrus who she vowed not fall in love with but seemingly did so because of his charm and his love to cook. One way into a woman's heart was through her stomach and he practically fed her into loving him and she never regretted it.

On Darryl's end, he had found his mate within the year of being broken up. Though he felt guilty, the bond of his mate and him overcame that feeling and made him happy. And when Rhoda returned after five years of being away, two of them traveling, three of which she stayed in London with Cyrus, she returned married to the chef himself.

Neither one of them were bitter, both knowing that if fate had it for them to stay together they would've. They both found love within in their species and remained close friends.

"What a charmer you are," she said, shaking her head at his antics. She would always have a sweet spot in Darryl's heart and now with his mate being dead for years now, it seemed right for them to be together. But he knew he couldn't for the sake of Cyrus. "Garret it's been a while since I've seen you!"

Garret, who still felt weird, smiled nonetheless and made his way towards her. With open arms, they embraced and he got a whiff of her perfume that was throughout the entire diner and still made his insides warm. When his mother passed away he had spent many nights here so that he wouldn't go to the bar and try to drink away his sorrows. Not that he could get drunk in the slightest but he was so angry and upset that something could've potentially come from his feelings. Unexplainable actions. What Garret felt for Rhoda was one like a son and mother relationship. She looked out for him in ways his mother did and he wouldn't mind it any other way.

"I'm sorry Rhoda," he says, "I've been busy."

"Mhmm," she says pulling away, her arms still wrapped around his waist. "Still haven't settled down hm?"

He internally rolled his eyes because he knew that his father was smirking at him. "I'm in no rush to settle down," he says.

"You're not getting any younger champ. Though I don't know what is in your genes because your father here doesn't look a day over thirty-five."

"Oh please, you still look like you did in high school Rho," Darryl interjects.

"Oh hush you," Rhoda says, waving her hand at him. "I know you boys are hungry, go ahead and sit and we'll catch up before the dinner rush."

Heeding to what she said, that sat down in a booth and sat in silence. Garret still felt uneased and looked around the diner to find the source of it. It was a weird yet delightful feeling and he wanted to see what or who it belonged to.

Again, before he could voice his feeling to his father, Rhoda came by with what looked like chicken sandwiches and fries. Placing the plates in front of the boys, she sat down next to Darryl and engaged in conversation.

"So tell me boys," she starts. "What really brings you here?"

"Has there been anyone new you've seen around here lately?" Darryl voices, having not bitten into his sandwich yet.

"New how?"

"Out of place. Haven't grown up here. Doesn't know anyone in the town, just... new."

"No," she says. "Can't say that I have. Is there a problem?"

"Just a weird feeling I've been having since I've been back," he answers vaguely.

"Oh, those random gut feelings. Let me know if they work out for you."

"I'll have you know that I am usually right with these feelings."

"Mhmm, eat your sandwich."

And with they dove in. The different but appetizing taste flooded their taste buds and they both groaned in delight.

"What is this?" Garret asks fully delighted.

"A chicken sandwich that our chef made me today. I doubt it's as good as they did but it's definitely going on the menu. I tried to make it as best as could from what I tasted. You two will need to come back when the recipe is finalized."

"Don't have to tell us twice," Darryl said with his mouth full. After swallowing, he turned to Rhoda. "Tell me if you see anyone out of the ordinary, will you?"

"Why would I-"

"For your protection," he interrupts.

Rhoda sighs and nods her head nevertheless. "Enjoy, free of charge," she says while standing up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get home to Cyrus."

"How is he?" Garret asks, having known that he was sick.

Darryl looked at Garret than Rhoda in confusion. Rhoda smiles sadly, avoiding Darryl's gaze. "As could as he can be in this condition. Have a good one boys."

When they were finally alone, Darryl turned to Garret to ask about Cyrus but Garret beat him to the punch. Having wanting to discuss his feeling for a while, he interjected. "Do you feel that?" he says while biting into his remaining sandwich.

Darryl stopped short. "Feel what?"

"I can't... I don't know. Something feels off."

"Like what?" When Garret didn't respond right away, Darryl continued. "Do you think that Rhoda was lying? About not seeing anyone?"

Garret shook his head. Rhoda would have no reason to lie and he would've picked up on it due to her heartbeat. It remained calm and steady the whole time they discussed it. "No, I don't think so. But ever since Cyrus has been sick she hasn't been on the floor much, she's cooped up in the office majority of the time with paperwork. She wouldn't have known if the rogue was here or not."

"So you believe me now?"

"I don't know but I have an unsettling feeling is all."

"Hm," his father says as they finish their meal. "Now tell me about Cyrus."