Chapter 3 Handsome Stranger

Tori POV

Tori heads back to the bar and meets Tammy and Eric at the door.

"Tori! Are you okay? What happened?" She puts her arm around her friend and leads her back inside.

"I found Jonas." Tammy's eyes widened, and she looked behind her to see if he was still out there. "He was... fooling around with another woman in his truck." Tears fell down her face as they found a table at the back, away from most of the crowd. Taking a seat, Eric buys another round of drinks for them.

"Oh, honey, I'm so sorry you had to see that. Did he say anything to you?" She asked as she handed her friend a cocktail napkin. Tori dotted her eyes and shook her head.

"I don't want to hear his excuses! The woman had her head in his lap; that's all I needed to know." Fresh tears fell as Eric returned with the drinks and stood beside Tori.

"Do you want me to go kick his ass?" He asked seriously. Tori raised her head to look into his eyes and saw he was not joking. For a brief moment, Tori saw his eyes flash black, then return to their bright green.

"No!" Her heart raced momentarily, and she realized what Eric was; she didn't need any bloodshed today. "Thank you, but no. I'm done with him! He can do what he wants now." Tammy gave her a sad smile and rubbed her arm.

"Well, let's have a drink and maybe..." Tammy wore a mischievous smile. "...we can do some karaoke!"

"Oh no, I couldn't." Tori shrank in her seat and shook her head.

"Come on! You used to sing all the time at school! It made you feel better. I bet they even have your favorite song!" With that, she jumped up and ran to the DJ. Tori tried to grab her arm, but she was too quick and ran across the dance floor towards the DJ booth.

"I'm not getting out of this, am I?" She said aloud, watching her friend.

"Doesn't look like it." Tori took her shot and tossed it back before turning towards Eric.

"I appreciate your offer, but I don't think that would've been a good idea. Too many people are watching." Eric stared pensively at her before answering.

"I am your friend. I love Tammy, and that means everything to her. You are a part of her life, and now, mine too. If you need anything, let me know." He answered with a small smile. He put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her gently. "Just say the word, and I'll kick his ass back to wherever that slime ball came from!" Tori let go of a bright smile and shook her head.

"I'm good-no more Jonas. Let's have fun tonight." Eric smiled and pulled his arm back.

"Now that's the spirit!" He grabbed his glass and downed his shot as Tammy returned to the table.

"You guys, OK?" She asked tentatively before wrapping her arms around Eric.

"Yeah, Eric was just offering his hitman services," Tori answered with a chuckle. Tammy made a severe face and stared at Tori.

"You let us know, and we'll both do some ass-whooping!" Tammy retorted while punching her palm with her fist. Eric and Tori just laughed and took another shot.

"Well.... are we doing this or what?" Tori shouted while standing up and looking around at the bar full of drunk patrons.

"After this song, he'll call you up, and you can let loose!" Tori nodded and continued scanning the crowd. It was full of people drinking, dancing, and having a good time. Then, she spotted a man standing in the corner next to the bar with his arms folded across his chest. He was staring right at her. Her heart started racing, and her breathing picked up. It wasn't fear she felt, but a sense of... longing or need... maybe? It was weird. She doesn't recognize him, but she feels like she knows him.

Slowly, she stepped towards him, but the DJ announced to the speaker that a guest had requested to sing. The crowd clapped and shouted as Tammy pushed me towards the small stage at the front of the dance floor. She looked at the man, then continued toward the DJ.

She hesitantly stepped up on stage and slowly turned towards the waiting crowd. Taking the microphone in her hand, she nodded at the DJ to start the song. She waited for the intro and took a deep breath.

The music started, and she slowly fell into the rhythm of the sexy and sultry beat. She was swaying her body and rolling her head back and forth in an erotic rhythm.

As she started singing her favorite song, "Ignite," she felt herself calm down and relax a little. She was never afraid of public speaking or being in front of groups, but she hadn't done it in a long time. She looked out onto the dance floor and saw people slowly beginning to dance to the music's rhythm. She placed the microphone back in its holder and started dancing, slow and seductive, her hips and legs moving. Losing herself in the music and the words, she belted out the chorus in her firm, confident voice. Closing her eyes, she could feel the music running through her, relaxing her even more, becoming one with the words. She lost all sense of her surroundings until a warm, comfortable presence appeared. She smiled to herself, expecting Tammy to be up there with her; she opened her eyes. To her surprise, it wasn't Tammy. It was the man from across the bar. He stood at the back of the dance floor, staring up at her with his arms at his sides as if restraining himself from approaching her. As she continued, she stared into his eyes and was lost in the ocean-blue orbs before her. She quickly noticed the rest of him as he towered over everyone there, his broad, muscular chest tapering down to long, sturdy legs that hinted at power beneath his dark jeans. His face, oh, that face was created by the Gods themselves! Solid and gentle features, but screamed power and authority. High cheekbones that bowed down to a sharp jawline, with firm and sensually tempting lips. His dark hair landed in waves just below his shoulder line. He had a powerful aura about him, one that made her feel safe but cautious. The man screamed sexy and dangerous all in one. A gorgeous specimen of a man, much like a rugged mountain man. He was too beautiful, way out of her league. Yet, here he was, staring at her without thinking of the outside world. But the look in his eyes almost made her stop and forget what she was doing. He showed no emotion on his handsome face, only eyes of determination and... longing? Does this man know her from somewhere? Tori was sure she'd never met him, and yet...

The song was coming to an end; in the final chorus, she sang as if singing to him with a hint of sexy need while swinging her body and hips around to the last beat.

When she was finished, he took a small step forward as the crowd around her clapped and whistled their approval of her talents.

"That was amazing! Well done! Miss Tori, everyone!" The DJ blared across the speakers as Tori's cheeks blushed, and she gave a small wave. She returned to provide the DJ with a thumbs-up before playing an upbeat techno track. Turning around to step off the stage, Tori noticed the beautiful man was gone. Looking left and right, she saw no sign of him and felt disappointed. Carefully stepping off the stage, she returned to her friends and sat.

"That was fantastic!" Eric shouted while handing Tori a mug of beer. She gracefully accepted it and took a large swig.

"Haven't lost your touch, amazing as always!" Tammy gushed as she tapped her mug against Tori's.

"Thanks, guys, that felt awesome!" Taking another swig of her beer, she glanced towards the door and saw the eyesore from before. Going entirely still, frozen in her chair, she stared at the man and his bimbo.

"Tori?" Tammy asked, concern filling her voice. "What's wrong?" Turning her head, she saw what Tori was staring at and immediately became angry. "That son of a bitch!" She slammed her mug down on the table and was going to confront the guy, but Eric grabbed her arm before she could take a step.

"Babe, calm down." Flaring her nostrils and trying to control her anger at the man who so profoundly hurt her friend, she stood still.

"Eric...." She mumbled low, and they all turned to see Jonas facing off with a giant man. Eric swore quietly under his breath.

Tori gasped as she saw the beautiful man from before glaring at Jonas. They had words, and their body language made them unfriendly. The man towered over Jonas. He was enormous and gorgeous! Jonas was six feet, so the man must be at least three or four inches taller. Tori couldn't help but admire the man standing square with Jonas. His arms were at his sides, and his fists were balled tight. His hair flowed wildly down his back, and he stood tall and proud, unafraid of anything. She so desperately wanted to rub her hands up and down his chest and through his hair and....wait, wait, wait. "Where the hell did that thought come from? I don't even know him! Oh, but I want to...." Tori shook her head and turned towards Tammy.

"Who is that guy?" Eric looked nervously at Tammy, then at Tori.

"He's a friend of mine. Nice guy." The girls looked at the man, their eyes wide.

"You know him?" Tammy asked.

"Yeah, we work together." Tori slowly turned to face Eric, her eyes narrowing. He shrugged slightly and looked down.

"His name is Victor." Tori returned to the scene before them and watched the man converse with Jonas, who was trying to step around him, his bimbo cowering behind him.

"Victor," Tori said breathlessly. She didn't think anyone could hear her, but Victor turned his head towards her and caught her eyes as if he did. Tori felt her heart racing and her breath slowly escaping. Those gorgeous eyes were looking right at her again. Not knowing what to do, Tori looked away and grabbed her mug of beer. He had caught her checking him out, and she couldn't face him.

"I think he's taking care of the problem." They all spun around to see Victor grab Jonas by the arm and lead him outside. They could hear shouting and... growling?

"What the hell was that?!" I shouted before taking off towards the door. Although she knew what it was, she didn't want any bloodshed here where others could see, and trying to explain would be even worse.

"Tori, wait!" But she ignored the calls for her and kept going outside until she found the two men squaring off, trying to intimidate each other. By the looks of it, Jonas was not doing an excellent job. Victor towered over him by a good three or four inches.

"It's none of your business, man; back off!" Jonas yelled at Victor. Jonas tried to walk around him, but Victor grabbed his arm again and pulled him back in front.

"It is my business! You need to take your sorry ass out of here before you regret it!" Jonas looked up and saw Tori standing there, wide-eyed, with anger on her face.

"Tori!" He yelled before skirting around Victor and running up to her. Grabbing both her arms in his, he started shouting in her face.

"Did you send him after me, huh? Are you trying to get rid of me by scaring me? Or having someone fight me?" He was shaking her, and he was so close she could feel his breath and spit from all his yelling. "You're such a bitch! I never did anything to you!" Before she knew it, his hand came across and slapped her cheek. She flew back onto the ground, hitting her head on the pavement. She felt him kick her in the leg before the sounds of pounding feet got louder. It all happened in a matter of seconds. She turned her head to see what was going on. That's when she heard the most deafening roar ever. Everyone froze. With her one eye now swollen shut, she could only see from the other eye, but it was fuzzy at best. Through the fog, she saw a prominent figure fighting with a smaller one in the distance. A moment later, it was quiet, and she lay her head back down and focused on her breathing. Her face was throbbing, and her leg was hurting as well.

A few moments later, Tori slowly sat up enough to look around and see that Victor had grabbed Jonas's shirt and was ready to punch him in the face. Anger raced through her soul and fire in her veins. Raising herself, she limped over to the two men and was ready to reveal her feelings. She placed her hand on Victor's arm and stared right at Jonas.

"I'm done with you, Jonas. I never want to see or speak to you again. Stay away from me." She spoke slowly and low through gritted teeth.

"Yeah? Or else what?" He asked with a ragged breath.

Tori tilted her head at him, then looked up at Victor. A slow, evil smile came across her face as she turned back to Jonas. Staring at him, she flashed her fiery amber eyes and returned to normal. His eyes widened as he realized what she was. He wasn't afraid, just shocked.

"You want to find out?" She dropped her hand from Victor, and he released his hold on the man's shirt. Jonas backed up and straightened his clothes. Shaking his head, he glared at Tori as he walked away towards his truck after grabbing his woman.

Tori watched as he started his truck, backed out of the spot, and drove away, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake. Taking a deep breath, she turned to find Victor gone, and Tammy and Eric walked towards her.

"You, okay?" Tammy asked, slipping her arm over her shoulder and rubbing her arm with the other one. Tori glanced around, but Victor was not in sight. Sadly, she turned to answer her friend.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Tori gently patted her face where he had slapped her and winced. "Eric, can you take me home, please?"

With her arm still around Tori's shoulders, Tammy guided her back to their SUV. Eric opened the doors for them. After they were all in and buckled, he started the engine and pulled out of the lot.

During the ride home, there was a comfortable silence as Tori leaned her head on Tammy's shoulder, soft music playing over the speakers.

When they arrived at her house, Eric helped her out of the truck and through the front door. She slumped on her couch as Tammy went into the kitchen to get ice for her face and hand, which had now become swollen and slightly bruised.

"Where did Victor go?" Eric glanced at her, then down at his feet. He slowly shook his head before answering.

"I don't know." Tori glared at him, telling him she didn't believe him. He sighed heavily and then turned towards her.

"Look, Tori, he wasn't supposed to show himself. Not yet, anyway. He is a friend of mine, so you don't have to worry about him. I can't explain anything right now, but I can soon. I promise."

"Does Tammy know?" He looked at her funny.

"Does she know about you?" Giving him a pointed look. He twisted his face like he didn't understand why she didn't know.

"Of course she does; she's my mate. I had to tell her. She's bound by the oath to keep the secret." Tori just nodded, took a deep breath, and slowly released it.

"Does she know about me?" she timidly asks, eyes down low. Eric looks at her with a sad face.

"Yes, I do," Tammy answers as she returns to the room with the ice. Sitting next to Tori, she places the wrapped ice bag on her hand and hands her another to put on her face. "I've known for quite a while." She says with a light sigh.

Speechless, Tori gapes at her in question.

"How? Why didn't you...?"

"Say anything?" Tammy finishes with her eyebrows raised. Well, I'm bound by oath not to reveal the secret, right? I only assume that means for all, not just Eric." Tori stares at her friend while holding an ice bag to her face, eyes wide. A million thoughts run through her mind about when and how she found out.

"Do you remember when you got that respiratory infection back in our second year?" Tori nods. "You were put on a ventilator and were in a coma for a week. They had no idea how to treat you. You weren't responding to normal methods or medicine. So, I contacted your dad, and he, in turn, called Dr. MacDonald to help. The hospital gave him privileges to treat you, and he gave you some super pill or something, and you got better. The point is, I didn't leave your side that entire week. I learned some of your history from your dad. Of course, he left the heavy stuff for you to tell, but since I wouldn't leave, he thought it best to tell me the basics and make me promise not to tell your secret, or it puts you in danger." Tori had tears in her eyes and sat quietly, listening to Tammy. Eric approached the couch, sat beside Tammy, and held her hand.

"All this time, you knew and didn't say anything...even to me." Tori closed her eyes as tears fell, then just shook her head.

"Why?"

"It was a secret. "She whispered, leaning in towards Tori. "I figured you'd tell when you were ready. I got the gist of it all from your dad, but when I met Eric, I couldn't deny it anymore. They are real. You are real. Eric is real. I love you guys more than anything and would never betray you like that." She sat back, smiling at Eric, and gently grabbed Tori's hand. "I'm pretty open-minded, so with the evidence right before me, I chose to accept it." Eric leaned over and placed a soft kiss on Tammy's head as he squeezed her hand. Tori nodded in acceptance of her answer.

"Who was that guy at the bar?"

"Victor? A friend of mine. Yes, he's a wolf too. You don't have to be afraid of him; he won't hurt you." Eric gave her a mischievous smile. "Besides, I think he kinda likes you." Tori snapped her head towards Eric and scrunched up her face.

"Puh-lease! The man is a God himself; why would he even......" Tori stopped short, realizing what she just said.

"A God, huh?" Eric answered teasingly. Tori just hid her face in embarrassment. Tammy chuckled at Tori and grabbed her hand.

"...And why not! You are beautiful, smart, sassy, and sexy! Everything a man could want and more!"

"Not," Tori thought back to her time with Jonas, when he had gotten up and left her without notice; she felt abandoned and humiliated. Tammy shot her a sad, knowing look.

"Oh, sweety, don't think about him. That douchebag wouldn't know a good thing if it sat on his face!" Tori screeched at this and covered her mouth with her hands.

"Tammy!" Eric laughed out loud beside Tammy, who just smiled with a determined nod.

"Well, he wouldn't! It's his loss."

After a few minutes of laughing and good-natured shoving, Tori's heart felt lighter, and her tears had dried up. She looked down at her hand and inspected it, slowly moving her fingers to see if it was broken.

"That was one hell of a punch you gave that fender. Did you see the dent you left?" Eric chuckled.

"Yeah, now I'm paying for it. I don't think it's broken, though. It'll certainly leave a mark in the morning. Speaking of which, I need to get some sleep. I have a busy day tomorrow. Dr. MacDonald asked me if I wanted to do private home care for his friend, and I need to answer him by tomorrow."

"What?!" Tammy spun with an incredulous look on her face. Tori sheepishly smiled before answering.

"Yeah, his friend has a nephew who was in a fire and is having trouble assimilating into the real world. He was caught in a fire and is struggling with the recovery process."

Tammy let out an exasperated breath and shook her head. Eric grunted in mild disapproval before speaking.

"Tori, who is this friend?" He gave her a knowing look, arms crossed.

"Umm... his name is Colton. His nephew, Ronin, was caught in a house fire. It's the same fire where he lost his father. Eric became stone-faced and dropped his arms. Glancing at Tammy, he questioned further.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm supposed to stay at their... "She closed her eyes and winced as she said the word. "...Packhouse." Tammy jumped to her feet and stared at Tori. Eric stood silent with wide eyes.

"Tori! Can't you be serious? That could be dangerous! You don't even know these people."

"They are friends with Dr. MacDonald. They can't be that bad."

"Tori, Colton is friends with Dr. MacDonald. I bet there is a lot that he doesn't know about him. Is the doctor aware of... "Tori slowly nodded her head.

"Yeah, he knows about them." Tori carefully stands, walks to the window, and stares outside. "This is what I do. I heal people. At least, I try to. Everyone deserves a chance to heal. I have made up my mind. I will talk with my dad about it tomorrow at lunch, but I will take him up on his offer. If he is coming to me, then it must be bad." Eric and Tammy looked at each other and then sighed. Tammy walked over and grabbed her hand.

"I know. I want you to be safe. Don't take any unnecessary chances."

"Don't worry. I'll do my research before I go." Tori turned and hugged her friend. Looking at Eric over her shoulder, she felt uneasy under his stare. It looked like he knew something but wasn't going to say it. She decided to worry about that later. Her head was pounding, and her leg was throbbing.

"Alright, sweety, we'll talk again tomorrow. You get some rest." Tammy pulled away and smiled sadly at her friend.

"Thank you both for being there tonight. I did have fun... "she shrugged her shoulders before slightly chuckling. Tammy chuckled with her, but Eric was quiet.

Tori walked them or limped to the door and said their goodnights.

Tori closed the door behind them and sighed. She still had many questions about what happened at the bar with Victor. Who was he? Why was he here? Why does he feel so familiar? She was too tired to dwell and would figure it out later. Right now, she wanted to sleep. But first, she tried calling her father to ask him to lunch. Even though it was late, she knew he would still be awake.

She picked up her phone, dialed her father's number, and let it ring. He answered after only two rings.

"Tori, honey? You, okay?" She chuckled to herself.

"Yeah, Dad, I'm okay. I was calling to see if you wanted to have lunch tomorrow, " she said as she curled up on her couch.

"That would be wonderful! You thinking dinner?"

"Yeah, we can go to George's Diner if you like."

"Sounds good." He hesitated for a moment, then continued. "You got something on your mind?" Tori sighed and quickly thought about saying anything. He always supported her decisions and guided her through the tough ones.

"I need to bend your ear about something."

"What is it?"

"I have to decide on a temporary job I was offered." She heard him sigh from the other end.

"What kind of job?" He asked skeptically.

"Dr. MacDonald asked me if I would help a friend of his. It seems his nephew is having trouble getting back to normal life."

"That doesn't sound so bad."

"His nephew is the future Alpha of the Hidden Falls Pack." She heard dead silence on the other end.

"They want you to heal him?" He asked abruptly.

"Sort of. He is struggling to return to mainstream life mentally. As far as I know, he is healed and attending physical therapy."

"Are you sure that is something you want to do?"

"I have no idea. That's why I would like to vent my pros and cons. You were always a good listener." He chuckled a little.

"You know I will always help. We'll talk about it tomorrow."

"Thank you, Dad; I'll meet you there at noon?"

"Sounds good, see you then. Good night, sweetheart."

"Good night, Dad. I love you."

"Love you too." She hung up, sat back on the couch, and sighed. Her hand and the side of her face started to throb a little. Slowly, she got up and headed into the kitchen to get a bottle of water and two painkillers. Tossing the pills in her mouth, she washed them with a gulp of water, replaced the bottle in the fridge, and headed towards the stairs.

Tori retreated to her bedroom to begin her evening routine before sleep. Removing her dress and shoes, she grabbed her green plaid pajama pants and a loose white tank top and disappeared into the bathroom. After brushing her teeth, washing her face, and combing her hair, she dressed in her pajamas and headed to bed. Crawling under the sheets and comforter, she set her alarm early the following day, lay her head down, and closed her eyes. The painkillers finally kicked in, and she was drifting off to sleep. The image of Victor came to mind, and she smiled. She was going to have some charming dreams tonight!