Bikers and Bakeries

Hogs and Haystacks

Teddy’s POV

Teddy always enjoyed cruising the open roads. It gave him a sense of freedom that he could never achieve as an Alpha. As the leader of the Grave Hounds biker gang; the atmosphere was more relaxed. He could party as much as he wanted; and cause as much mayhem as he wanted. Screw rules he scoffed to himself as the wind buffered his face.

“Hey boss!” His second in command shouted from beside him. Normal people probably couldn’t hear a voice over the hum of so many Harley’s; but most of the gang were rogue werewolves who did not want to be tied down by a pack.

“Yah, Chip?”

“The next town over is Richmond, and Bertie’s bar is there. We should stop for the night for a good time.”

“Great idea, I’ll call the alpha of the area and let him know to expect us so there is no trouble.” Teddy hated politics- but sometimes it was needed; especially to keep his gang safe. “You all ride ahead, I’ll pull off here to gas up.” Teddy held up his hand with his middle finger and his thumb out, signaling to the gang to follow Chip. He pulled to the right and slowed down for the gas station. He was only half full; but at least he would be good to go all the way to the destination.

If I remember correctly, Teddy mused, it’s Alpha Scott for this territory. He took out his simple flip phone and searched his contacts. Most of his gang laughed at the sight of his phone; but he did not care. The Nokia could last almost any wipeout he had on his bike- so the joke was on them for their delicate smartphones.

It has been four years since the last time the gang had been through this territory, so hopefully Alpha Scott was still amicable with them stopping for a while. The line rang a few times before a deep voice answered. “Alpha Scott here.”

“Hey Scott; it’s Teddy Grave- leader of the Grave Hounds”

“Oh, Hey Tedd- what can I help you with man?”

Teddy sighed and relaxed. I guess we left on decent terms last time, good. Teddy thought to himself. “The gang and I will be cruising in; and want to stop and recoup in your territory for a bit if it’s alright.”

Alpha Scott did not answer right away, making Teddy tense again. After a few seconds, Scott finally spoke. “Same rules apply as four years ago, man. No shifting in city limits, no causing public nuisances, and one week is all you got.”

“One week? It was a month last time we strolled in there.”

“Times are changing Tedd- the humans start to get suspicious of people with more strength than them. Plus there is a pack war going on right now. My people are antsy with outsiders at the moment. I can tell you the moment any of your gang steps out of line; you’ll have to move on for the sake and security of my pack.”

Teddy cringed. This is why he hated packs. Always fighting over the stupid s**t like land and hunting rights. But he could understand it for this city; lots of green spaces surrounded by farms with a few nature preserves and lots of woods- all with a decent city to boot too.

“I get the message man, I’ll pass it to my men as well.”

“See you at your bar then?”

“Sure; you’re more than welcome to party with the big league Scott.”

Teddy hung up the phone and gassed up. Hopefully his gang followed orders this time around. Lately they had been burning bridges left and right with law breaking and stirring up trouble. Alpha Scott was one of the few places they could turn to now and, although they all enjoyed the open road and nomad lifestyle, it was nice to stop every now and then too to enjoy more modern amenities.

Teddy mounted his Harley and kicked it into gear; Richmond, here he comes.

******

It was a couple hours before the gang entered the city limits. They had to skip off the back roads to onto a major highway to get there. They could see the red barn of the local fireworks store; marking their exit.

Chip gave up the lead for Teddy; making sure the higherarchy was prominent for all who saw them. A few miles into the small town; their favorite bar sat on the main street. The gang of thirty-plus men pulled into the parking lot, trying to get all the bikes to fit without causing a crash. Teddy directed his men around him, signaling them all to wait a bit.

“I want you all to know that the same rules as last time apply for the area. All those who oppose and cause trouble get the same punishment as before.” Audible groans were heard all around. Their punishment wasn’t harsh; just very demeaning for a wolf. Two weeks of wolf form and the doggy protective wear for bikers. Plus letting any human who asked to pet them do so. It was so humiliating that it worked for most people in the gang for keeping them in line. “Also; our stint here is a week, trouble in the area.” There were a few grunts and groans at that. Most of the guys preferred the month stop over, they usually had to fix bikes and wanted to stock up on supplies.

With that; the gang dispersed to the bar. Teddy stayed back to check on bikes and make sure everything was locked down before heading in. After about a half hour, he started to head to the door. The breeze picked up from the east and caressed his face, making him pause. That’s new he thought to himself. A bakery had opened up in the space next to the bar. Confections lined the window; tempting would be customers. His stomach gurgled at the thought of a sweet to eat.

Most werewolves shied away from sweet candies and confections; opting for more of a savory pallet. Teddy was one of those rare few who enjoyed a good cookie or even a slice of cake. Deciding the bar could wait; he noticed that the sign on the door told that the bakery closed in ten minutes. Plenty of time to grab a snack he grinned to himself and headed on over. The smell was getting stronger as he pushed open the door to the bakery and a little bell chimed his arrival. Every confection available was lined up and organized. This displays made his mouth drool, and his stomach rumble louder.

“Be right with you!” A melodic voice called from the back of the store.

“Take your time; I’ll be a minute to decide.” Teddy shouted back.

He scanned the cookie display, deciding that he was in the mood for something with chocolate. The last shelf in the case caught his eye. Chocolate Haystacks the sign read. he hadn’t had one of those since he was a pup. The simple chocolate and lo-main noodle mix had always been a favorite that his mom would make him. Being a Luna, she never really spent any time in the kitchen. But when Teddy begged her for cookies, they were something she could whip up in a second.

He decided it was time to indulge in the memory and he would get the dozen or two that was there.

Still waiting for the voice from the back to appear, he tried to put his finger on what had smelled so divine when he was outside. It had a scent of vanilla to it; but it definitely wasn’t the cookies he smelled. The other cases had cakes and cupcakes, fancy dessert bites, and other confections; but none of them had the vanilla smell mixed with smokey caramel and rum.

“Sorry that took a minute sir, how might I help you?”

The voice made Teddy jump. He had gotten lost in the smell and forgot where he was. Turning around, he saw the most breathtaking she-wolf he had ever seen. Her brown hair was tied up tightly in a bun; the color of pulled toffee. Her features were round and delicate in the face, giving her a classical renaissance maiden look. Her eyes the color of melted milk chocolate which the slightest hint of red. She was about five foot eight or so and curvy in all of the right places.

“All of the haystacks.” Teddy managed to spit out after a second. His tongue seemed to be fighting him when it came to talking to her.

“Alright Sir; since we’re closed this weekend, they’ll be half off.” Her voice sounded musical to his ears as she packaged the cookies. Placing them on the counter and turning to the register, she typed in the code for them. ‘Is there anything else I can get for ya?” She inquired.

“Your number?” Teddy tried to sound flirty for the girl. If he was going to stay here for a week, he definitely would make some time for some fun with this girl.

She smiled sadly to herself and blushed. “Thank, but no thanks. I have plans this week. The alpha already gave us pack members a heads up about you lot and I don’t really have the need or time for any trouble right now handsome. The total is eight fifty sir”

Teddy visibly bristled then shuffled his feet awkwardly. He wasn’t used to being shut down so quickly. He pulled out his wallet and gave her exact change. He scoffed to himself about Scott already warning his pack away. So much for hospitality he thought. “Can I get you to at least join me for a drink next door then?” Not one to give up easily, Teddy hoped the goddess would change her mind.

“Again, I’m good. I need to finish closing up. Plus like I said, I have plans. Good evening.”

She gave Teddy a shooing motion to the door, obviously trying to get him to go.

“Can I at least get a name to go with the beautiful face of yours?” He pleaded.

“Melody” she said simply, “now please scoot.”

He smiled to himself as he headed out the door. Melody, a name fit for the beautiful song she is he mused. As he exited the door, he heard a click behind him as the girl locked it quickly and flipped the sign from open to close.

He opened his box of cookies and stuffed a haystack in his mouth as he shuffled to the bar, pausing when the flavor hit his taste buds.

God dammit he thought they must have put crack or something in these to be this simple but addictive. He was definitely going to be making a stop again to this bakery come Monday. If not to see if everything tasted this great, but also to try and tempt Melody out for some fun.