ABIJAH POV

My family and I, grew up on the south side of Chicago in the Chicago Projects called the Robert Taylor Homes. It was a terrible place to live but affordable. The four of us, my dad, Josiah, 38, my mom, Leah, 37, and my younger brother, Elijah, 15, lived in a cozy 3 bedroom apartment here.

The buildings were L-shaped and up to 16 floors high, with about 10 apartments on each floor. There was an elevator in the middle, stairs on each end and an incinerator next to it. An incinerator was a garbage shoot, filled with rats & cockroaches; which began on the top floor and making it's way down to the furnace on the bottom floor, that burned or 'incinerated' everything or almost everything that was thrown into it. The mailboxes, building managers office and laundromat were also on the bottom floor.

I've heard of the horror stories about people finding animals and/or other people inside of the incinerator. Also the stairwells.. just imagine any and everything bad that can happen, it happens in there. In those stairwells I personally have seen people living in them, getting robbed, beaten up, drunk, high, raped you name it! And the infamous raperman, its literally a guy stalking females of all ages and sometimes even other males solely for sexual pleasure, eww it's just disgusting!

We lived there since forever and I was so over and done with it. The second I was able to go somewhere else I did and I never wanted to return! I got accepted to a local 4-year college to graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts. I applied for the cafeteria manager position at a school in nearby Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have family living there and it's not too far away from home.

I got the job at Cedar Falls K-12 Academy it's a private school on the south side of the city and moved in with my aunt Sandria, 31. She's 10 years older than me, my mom's younger and only sibling. She lives on the northwest side of the city in a 3 bedroom, one and a half bath home. With her son, D'Leon, 9, and daughter, Monique, 4, my younger cousins.

Her husband, David of 11 years died 7 months ago, from a freak accident at work when an unstable heavy load toppled over and crushed him inside of his forklift. She was waiting on his settlement to be finalized so she could move to a better neighborhood. I moved into her basement and turned it into a fairly cozy living space.

She had allowed me to set up the basement like it was an apartment saying, "It's good experience for when you do get your own place, Abijah."

I had worked part-time as a CNA since my sophomore year in high school so I had some money saved up, not much but enough to have something until I'm able to get paid from my new job. My favorite colors are purple, white, black and grey and that's the color theme I used on the dull concrete block walls and concrete floor of the basement.

I bought a deep purple, gray and white paisley area rug, purple pleather sofa, wooden 3 piece nest of end tables, a glass top wooden coffee table and a 32" smart TV mounted to the wall with my gaming systems in my livingroom area. I also had my office area set up with a full PC, all-in-one printer, wire mesh rolling filing cabinet, glass top desk, pegboard and purple mesh office chair. In my bedroom area a white metal daybed, black zero gravity recliner, purple end tables with a black/white lamp, a smaller purple area rug, purple chest of five drawers and black hanging closet storage. My half bath was decked out in black and purple. Or sometimes white and gray.

And finally my kitchen/dining area, I got blue because they didn't have purple, 3 piece blue glass dining table with blue plexiglas chairs. I had got a black 6ft long wooden table to use as my cooking/prep surface, all purple dishes and cooking utensils, pots & pans, mini fridge, hot plate, griddle, slow cooker, NutriBullet and a tea maker. I love gardening and I have plants scattered throughout all of my areas. Every area was separated by floor to ceiling drapes on tracks or rollers connected to the ceiling, in different shades of purple, black, white and gray, I got everything from IKEA. I LOVE IKEA!

I had been here a week and finally finished all of the decorating. I called my aunt to come see it, her face lit up,

"It's beautiful down here!" she exclaimed.

"Thanks auntie, I appreciate it immensely!" I beamed.

"And yeah you're welcome, but I appreciate the extra help in paying my bills too!" she chuckled lightly.

I love how it turned out and so did my aunt it was amazing. I've always wanted to be an interior decorator so this allowed me to just go wild with my imagination. I had also learned how to crochet so I've made several throw blankets and matching pillows sets that I lay on my sofa and bed, in various shades of light to dark purple. I love to crochet in my down time. So I have a wicker basket full of yarn and hooks near my sofa.

It was late July and we were swinging in the backyard patio swing, sipping iced teas while my cousins played on their trampoline, squealing happily. "So are you excited about the new job?"

"Yes auntie I am, I really love cooking and I enjoy teaching children about healthy nutrition, so it's a win-win for me!" I reply smitten.

"You do know that, it's one of those mixed species schools right?" my aunt says with a mixture of concern and anxiety in her features. I nod looking ahead.

"Yeah, I understand, and I respect them for even considering me for the position. I know that they have started merging the schools together, to end the segregation of the species. I think it's a great idea if it works out for the good of all." I said truthfully. She warily sighed and nod.

Cedar Falls K-12 Academy is an ancient private school and has been around for centuries maybe even a millennia. And it was werewolf only up until about 30 years ago. The Supernatural Council(SC) which has been around for the last 350 years, had made this decision. The SC consists primarily of ten male and ten female representatives from each species of humans, dragons, vampires, witch/wizards, werewolf/lycans, fairies, merpeople and humans in which the world is governed. They are elected every 10 years by their respective species, they go around campaigning and everything. Nearly anyone can participate as long as there are enough votes. Its not like a hierarchy, where you are born into it.

I start my new position in a little over a month, I start my manager training tomorrow. After that it's, one week to meet and greet my crew, and order & organize my kitchen. I have to go shopping today also because the uniforms are scrubs, why you ask? Because we work with a lot of water and food and they are really easy to clean and quick to dry.

So me, my aunt and my cousins hop in my aunts' sedan and head to the mall. After I bought me enough scrubs to last for 3 weeks, I decide to go to the spa. My aunt took her kids to Chuck E. Cheeses to have some fun, I told her I'll call her when I'm done with my spa. I got a 90 minute full body deep tissue massage with the exfoliating & essential oil treatment. Also a mani-pedi and a silk press for my hair, it was down pass my shoulder blades now and I felt amazing afterwards.

While getting my nails done I met this pregnant woman that had lots of people fawning over and bowing to her. Then I learned why by hearing her title and name being called,

"Luna Latoya?" said one of her servants, bowing, holding a tray of snacks and juices in front of her. She smiled looked over and chose one. She was beautiful, tall maybe 6'3", smooth chocolate skin, hazelnut eyes and short curly black hair with highlights of purple in it. And she was absolutely glowing in her pregnant state. I pray I look that awesome whenever I get pregnant.

But that's awhile away, I've never been allowed even a boyfriend growing up. Mainly because my parents were teenage parents and didn't want me to follow in their footsteps. But after I got settled in at work I would love to at least start dating guys.

First day of my training, I wake up around 5a.m. and make a quick breakfast, get dressed and head out to catch the bus. I don't have a car, because I never learned how to drive, so I take public transportation.

The manager training course is Monday through Friday from 7a.m. until 3p.m. I recieved my itinerary, map, history & info of the Cedar Falls pack, cooking schedule, curriculum, badge and also the allergic list of students. There were over 1200 students, staff, faculty and volunteers of all species that attended the building on a daily basis. And that I will be responsible for having enough food available for them all.

I will also be responsible for providing catering during special events like holiday festivals, prom, homecoming, balls, certain birthdays etc. It seems like there's at least one event every month. That sounds like fun! I wonder if I'll be able to help decorate for any of them? Because decorating is kinda my thing.

The month went by quickly and smoothly and it was finally time to meet my crew of 30. They were of different species and ethnicities as well, I loved diversity. And everyone was very laid back, no drama types which was even better. I came to work, not to gossip or cause drama!

"Good Morning Everyone! I'm Abijah your new manager and it's a pleasure to meet you all. If there's anything you feel the need for me to know, please don't hesitate! I pray we all have had an awesome and restful summer. And that we have wonderful new school year. I made some treats and drinks for y'all, please enjoy!"

I had announced to my crew, several of them came up to me immediately and I enjoyed the attention. I had no idea how anyone was going to react to me, being the new face of the kitchen and all. But they were respectful and pleasant to be around. I was looking forward to starting this new adventure in my life. Little did I know, I was in for a surprise in the form of a little future Alpha named Zavier.

Abijah's POV

So during the meet & greet week I learned all about my crew. Besides me there were only two other humans that worked in the kitchen, Beatrice and Timothy. The reason was so that each species can prepare its own cuisine for it's own kind. So the vampire crew cooked for vampire students and staff. Werewolf crew cooks for the werewolves and so on.

So I learned the names and species of my crew, I was literally the only new face. There were three merpeople, Star, Waverly and Dirk. Two vampires, Erivik and his daughter Eri. Four dragons, Zaire, Roxi, Asher and Jed. Two Fae, Zachary and Tsporah, two wizards, Sedrick and Alfonso. Five witches named Pearl, Diamond, Jewel, Gemma and Monae. And nine werepeople because the school was still predominantly werewolf and also they ate way more than the regular individuals they were named, Caleb, Marco, Jacob, Marlena, Tyeisha, Sashay, Emily, Aylah and Halima.

They are to inform me of what I would need to get 2 weeks in advance normally. So we can be prepared just in case of delays. The kitchen was enormous, but I guess it has to be considering the amount of food that needs to be cooked and for so many different types of individuals. There's a whole wall aquarium that connects to the outside that's fully stocked weekly with fresh seafood for the merpeople.

Cold storage of blood packs for the vamps. A huge meat locker for fresh raw meats for the dragons. Lots of pantry space for the dry foods and fresh baked breads, a huge walk-in cooler and fridge for all perishables located in the back. There's even a daycare here in the school so we have storage for breastmilk and baby food.

We got our first truck today, our driver, Jimmy, is something else. The ladies already warned me that he's married but is a huge flirt, but he means no harm. But I was still surprised when I heard a long wolf whistle, I turned around to see this tall built man in a navy blue short sleeved button top and matching cargo shorts with steel toe work boots staring at me, leaning in the entrance of the delivery door with his arms crossed, holding some papers checking me out.

"Well hello, and who might you be gorgeous?" His voice was silky smooth and deep. He was caramel colored, with grey eyes, thin eyebrows, hooded eyes, long lashes, a broad nose, wide juicy off pink lips and a long chiseled face he was handsome. I see some tattoos running down his arms and legs and he had long wavy black hair that came to just pass his shoulders.

"I'm Abijah, the new kitchen manager, its a pleasure to meet you" I walk towards him with my hand extended, he grabs it turns it and plants a kiss on my knuckles while looking me in my eyes! 'Gasps' 'Gulps' 'Shiver' Are they sure he doesn't mean any harm? "I'm Jimmy and the pleasure" he smirks looking me up and down, "is All mine!" I chuckled nervously trying to take my hand back. He let's go after a long while.

I heard a noise behind him and seen three people coming towards us with dollies full of boxes. We moved to the side, "This is Timmy, Tammy and Jamey my triplets and assistants." They all nod as he announced their names. "They are your kids?" I asked a bit confused, they didn't look that old enough to be grown and he didn't look old enough to have grown kids!

"Yes! Why they don't look like me? I swear I'm the father!" he says in mock dramatic shock, then laughing. I grin he has a sense of humor, cool. "I didn't mean it like that Mr Jimmy, just that you look too young to have 3 grown kids!" He beamed at me showing his pearly whites and said, "Why thank you ma'am and its just Jimmy, my wife calls me Mr!" he winked at me and kissed my hand again. I chuckle shaking my head, he is something else. They continue bringing in my order, he passes me the paper and I check that everything is here.

While they finished with the delivery, I admire the kitchen some more. It was very state-of-the-art, elegant and efficient. The decor was modern and classic colored in pack colors of deep purple, teal and gold throughout the kitchen and school. For it to be such an old school building it's kept up quite well. So once we had everything stocked, stored and dated from the truck we received, we sanitized the kitchen and with the third day done we all left to go home.

Abijah POV

On my way walking to the bus stop this lime green and black Dodge Charger pulls up along side of me and the window lets down. I stopped walking, eyeing it cautiously, bending down I see this gorgeous man smirking at me, "Hey beautiful, I'm Shawn and you are..?" he asks looking me up and down, my breath caught in my throat, whoa he was fine!

"Abijah" I say a bit shy at him openly checking me out. He licks his lips tantalizingly slow then slowly repeats my name. I felt wildly aroused by this action and gulped.

"Where are you going, would you like a ride?" he asks me in his deep sultry voice. I can hear a Spanish accent but it wasn't thick.

"I'm on my way home and I have a bus pass but thanks anyway." I say kindly, turning to leave, he chuckles.

"Are you single?" He asks, my eyebrows rose and my mouth popped open with a little pop noise. I blinked, nodding slowly.

"I'd like to go out with you, if you'll have me?" he said looking arrogantly hopeful. "Sure, I'd like that!" I grinned at him. "Well can I give you a ride home now?" he asks more confidently I nod getting in the car. We talk and get to know each other on the drive, I live a good 35 minutes away by car, over an hour via public transportation.

I told him about myself which wasn't really much and I learned that he's a widow with an 8 year old daughter. He's 32 yrs old and is a crane operator at the local recycling center its literally 4 blocks away from where I live. He's also from Chicago but moved to Milwaukee after his older brother, Javier, got gunned down in a case of mistaken identity. He is half Puerto Rican and Italian, whoa no wonder he's hot! He has hazel green eyes, short medium brown hair, huge muscular build and he is about 6'6". He has a slightly chiseled face with minimal facial hair and tanned skin.

By the time we arrive at my aunt's house we agree to go on a date this Saturday. I was overly excited, it's my first date woohoo! I couldn't wait to tell my aunt. I saved his cell number in my phone and he kissed my hand before I got out. I waved him goodbye, checked the mailbox and went inside. I passed her the mail and kept my own saying, "I met a guy today and we're going on a date this Saturday!" I squealed excitedly. She looked at me surprised, "What? Really? Gurl is he fine, how old is he, is he working? Gimme the details!" she was as excited as I was lol. So I told her about him.

"I'm so happy for you niecy poo, just be careful k, you never know what species people are these days!" she says sincerely, giving me a hug. "So how was work?"

"Cool, I've finally started remembering folks names now so that's good." I chuckled taking off my shoes and opening up my mail. It's an invitation to the 'Back to School Ball' at the Alpha & Lunas' palace! WOW! I'm invited? That's freaking awesome! Oh no, it's Saturday, this Saturday! Maybe I can reschedule my date with Shawn? I don't want to be rude to the Alpha and Luna. So I dial Shawns' number.

"Miss me already beautiful?" I giggled, jeez he's cocky. "Umm, I just got an invitation to the ball being held by the Alpha & Luna, and its gonna be on Saturday.. did you want to reschedule our date to Sunday or another day?"

"No, I'm gonna go with you!" he sounded kinda pissed. "Oh um.. ok" I checked the invite it does allow for a plus one, great he can come. "Okay that'll be perfect! We only have two days to prepare and I have no idea what I'm going to wear... hmm I'll do the pack colors. Purple, teal and gold I'll go today and look for something." I say.

"How about I come pick you up and we go get our outfits together." he suggests, but it doesn't sound like he's asking. "That's a great idea, well I'm ready. I'll just be here waiting for you." I tell him.

"Ok let me turn around, I'll blow my horn when I'm outside, okay sweetie?" I giggled, sweetie. "Ok"

I hang up and let my aunt know what's up. She was excited because she was gonna be able to see him. Five minutes later he honked and she nearly raced me to the door lol! I put on my shoes and head out to see him opening the door for me. "He's a handsome gentleman Abie, buy something sexy!" she whispers to me while I make my way down the stairs. I gasped, swatting at her playfully giving her a amused look. "Hi, I'm her Aunt Sandria!" he waved, "Nice to meet you I'm Shawn." "Thank you for opening my door." I say smiling, walking towards the car.

I gasps because he startled me by wrapping an arm around my waist and planting a kiss on my cheek. I was so stunned, my face was a billion degrees! He had a huge smirk on his face when he let me go so I can get in the car, he closed my door and came around to get in. I was nervous the whole drive to Mayfair Mall. He turned on some music, I love singing and I have a great voice so I sang along to the songs I knew. It helped me calm down a bit, that was until he put his hand on my thigh.

We arrive at the mall and park, he comes around and opens my door holding out his hand for me to take. I do and he pulls me into another kiss this time smack dab on the lips, I moan, and was a bit dazed afterwards. Holy crap my first kiss! I smiled from ear to ear at him. He licks his lips and smirks, chuckling. "Let's go."

"So where to first darling?" Shawn asks me. I'm not sure so we walk around for a few until we arrive at Francesca's Boutique. After looking around, I find a deep purple, high neck, back out, minidress that had a gold chain dangling down my back. "Turn around let me see it from behind." I turn and he says, "Mm, mm, mmm! I'm loving what I see, baby!" And paired it with a teal waist sash, teal wedges, teal & purple thick wooden bracelets and a teal headband. Shawn loves it! We go to Nikavonni's and he gets a teal suit with a deep purple button up shirt, hat and shoes. Our outfits match perfectly!

"Ok where to next baby?" I felt a little shiver down my spine at this new name of choice for me. I smiled, "Make-up? I guess.." he spins me around, I giggle I had no idea having a boyfriend was this much fun! We stop at Sephora's and I explain to the clerk my situation. She says, "I suggest you go with a light teal glitter eyeshadow and matte dark purple lipstick. It'll really compliment your chocolate skintone." I try it on and love it. I was never one to wear makeup. "Thank you it's perfect!"

While I paid for my purchase, Shawn wrapped his arms around me from behind making me jump. My eyes went wide and my breathing increased as I felt him press himself against my butt. Whispering, "You're gonna look so damn sexy in that dress, I'm not going to be able to keep my hands off you!" his hands slowly found themselves going down to cup my upper inner thighs right outside of my... gulp! My legs started trembling lightly.

"Y..you can't seem t..to keep them t..to your..self right now!" I say whispered back breathlessly, horribly aware of my hardened nipples pressing against my scrub top. I hear him chuckle near my ear sending chills down my neck. "It's a problem I've had for awhile and can't seem to get over, I hope you can forgive me?" he said that last part with his lips pressed into my neck and collarbone then kissed it, I can feel the moisture between my legs leaking and I couldn't hold my moan back. And the clerk looked up confused then grinned.

I bit my lip embarrassed, my eyes darted towards him then back to her and I mouthed 'I'm sorry', she just shook her head and passed me my card and bag. I tried to pull myself away from Shawn but he wasn't having it. He growled and pulled me back into him. We stayed smashed together like that until our next store, "Why don't you go get your nails done while I get a haircut." I was about to protest that I didn't have enough money but he said, "It's my treat, baby. Go get a mani-pedi ok!" It wasn't a question more like a demand. I sigh defeated, nod and went inside of Polaris Nail and Spa, while he went to Mr. Dino's to get his haircut.

I get an exfoliating scrub and massage for my hands and feet. It feels so good I almost dozed off. I yawn while choosing alternating colors of purple and teal with gold confetti. I actually did doze off and was awakened by soft smooth lips on my own. I moaned then opened my eyes, he released my lips. And I found myself caged in by his body. His hands were resting on the arms of my chair and his legs on either side of mine.

"Did you enjoy your spa, baby?" He asked looking me dead in my eyes. I was mesmerized by his eyes they were swirling kind of. Green with bits of hazel floating around it was beautiful. I nod absentmindedly. He smirks, standing up straight holding out his hand for me. I blink taking his hand. He paid saying, "There's two last stops we need to make ok." He says while holding all the bags in one hand and wrapping the other around my waist.

We stop in front of Jamba Juice and he asks, "Would you like one?"

"Yes please, thank you!" We get our juice and stop in front of Victoria's Secret? Umm.. wth?!

"Shawn why are we here?" I asked confused. He turns to look at me, "Well unless you're going commando, you're gonna need some underwear right?!" Then his voice boomed with laughter.

"I have underwear already thank you." I say embarrassed and I planted my feet in the ground.. or at least I tried to. He literally pushed me into the store, he is very strong. He asks me my size I tell him and he gets me almost one of every color and type! OMG! Then as if I'm not embarrassed enough he asks my bra size! I was stunned into silence, my mouth and eyes agape. He looked like he was growing impatient and said, "You know if I grabbed them, I'm sure I'll know what size you are." GASPS! IF HE WHAT!?

"40DD!" I squeaked as I seen his hands raised moving towards me expectantly.

"Good, I'll be back!" This man is too much, I chuckle shaking my head. He returns grinning with a plethora of bras, I am speechless. He also has a few lotions, bodywashes and body sprays. He pays for everything and then we make our way to our last store Kay's Jewelers?

What the..? "Ok now I know that I can not afford anything in here!" he cups my face, "That's why it's my treat baby." he says soothingly, and kisses me, I sigh. "Fine." I'm really not comfortable with him buying me all these things. He ends up buying me a gold necklace that has 5 diamonds on it with a matching pair of hoop earrings. I had to admit that I loved how they looked on me. "Are you hungry baby?" he asks, I nod, "Yes."

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Something quick, I'm kinda tired." I say.

"How about Potbelly's? They've got great food." he suggests.

"Sure!"

We go order our food, I take a seat while here runs the bags to the car. Our food's ready by the time he returns. And he drives me home, opens my door and carries all of my bags in.

"Would you like a quick tour of my room?" He nods. I asked him to take his shoes off, he does. I show my kitchen and dining areas. He nods in approval. Then we move over to the living and office area. He sits on my sofa and takes up the entire space!

"There's no room for me now!" I say in mock disapproval, he grabs my hips and makes me straddle him while rubbing my thighs, butt and up my back, causing all types of sounds, flutters and goosebumps to explode out of me! "You can always sit like this! I don't mind it one bit!" he smirks and grinds hisself into me! I'm moaning involuntarily loud..

"ABIJAH! YOU LEFT THIS FRONT DOOR OPEN!"

He stopped and let me go, with a irritated huff. Thanks auntie you saved me, because I had no idea how I was gonna get outta this. I shakily stand and led him to my small bedroom area,

"Where's your bed?" he asked confused. I point to my twin size daybed. He scoffs,

"We can't do anything in that! I'll buy you a king sized bed." he says dismissively.

"Do anything..?" I'm thinking out loud..

"Um.. this is my half bath here and that's it!"

He says he likes everything and I'm yawning like crazy, so he kissed me passionately and says he'll contant me when the bed is to arrive and that he'll see me Saturday evening then leaves. I show my aunt my stuff and tell her about our adventures, take a shower and I'm so exhausted I think I went to sleep before my head hit the bed!