The new girl’s long black hair was tied back in a high pony tail and she wore our uniform of black pants and a white t-shirt. Her posture was straight, but her shoulders were tense as she walked. She stared at her phone in her hand and her perfectly manicured fingers flew over the screen angrily. When she looked up, gray eyes locked on mine. All signs of hostility I spotted a few seconds ago was nowhere in sight.I’ve never seen this girl before in my life, but there was something familiar about her. I felt drawn to her and that made me irritable. Two years ago, I started working here with Gabe. I have not once in my life been late. Gabe had always been popular with people. This job fit him like a glove, or a second skin. His kindness, joking manor, and bubbly personality made him the perfect barista. It was hard not to like him. I don’t have any of the qualities that Gabe has and I’m definitely not fun.It wasn’t easy, but I have since perfected the smile and the customer service voi
“Till… swing shift.. okay! I think I’ve got it. Thanks for dumbing it down for me,” Mave said.“I’ve checked this one already, but since you haven’t done it before I think it would be a good idea for you to recount it. It’ll help you get familiar with the process,” I said. I put the paperwork back in the register and put the till back in before closing it shut.“I’ll get on it,” she said. I watched as she pressed tender and the register opened up again. A car drove up and I left her. “Let me know when you are done with that and then I’ll show you how to make the specialty drinks.”She didn’t answer as she started counting and I opened the sliding door to help the customer. I worked quickly to make their Americano, it was the easiest drink. It was gross, but very popular. By the time I checked her out, there was another customer in line. I peeked over my shoulder to find Mave still counting. After I cleared the line and accumulated about forty dollars in tips by the time she was done c
“Hi,” Mave said. Gabe flashed her his best customer service smile.“He’s on the swing shift with Beka,” I said.Gabe walked to the register Mave just finished preparing and signed in. When it popped open, he pulled the paper out, and started counting the till.“Is she here yet, or is she on her knees sucking dick somewhere?” Gabe asked.“Gabe,” I warned. When he put a dash down next to the ones, he lifted his head and look over his shoulder at me. He flashed me a smile and feigned innocence.“Sorry, has she been dropped off?” He asked, his gaze going to the bathroom.“No, she hasn’t,” I said stubbornly. Gabe groaned and turned back to his till. I sighed as he started on the fives.“Who’s Beka?” Mave asked. I glared at Gabe’s back and he blew me a kiss even though he couldn’t see me. The last thing I liked to do was gossip and he knew it. I wasn’t going to start today.“You’ll meet her sometime this week. She’s a good worker,” I said. Gabe snorted and I fought the urge to flip him off.
“That’s real exciting, Gabby, but we both know that rumors can’t be trusted. When we first moved here, people thought I was your wife,” I said. Yes, they were humans, but still. “The politics of packs doesn’t concern me. He isn’t our alpha and if this alpha is as dangerous as they say, we should not be indulging in rumors,” I said. He rolled his eyes and waved me off.“It’s been two months. Don’t you think he’s found her?” He asked.“I fail to see why this all matters,” I laughed.“Why else would he settle down here? I think he’s found her, but isn’t approaching her. Tell me, Ady, why would an Alpha do that? Hmm? Especially one who takes what he wants, when he wants and just… not take it? Why wouldn’t he make a move? Hmm?” Gabe asked.“This need for answers is going to get you in trouble Gabe,”I said. He gave me a look and I huffed. “Is this the part where I ask why?” I asked.“I’m glad you asked. I think he’s found her, I think he knows who and where she is. I think he’s watching her
The last thing I liked to do when I left my morning shift was stop anywhere other than home. The probability that I would run into someone I knew from work was high. As much as I wanted to go in and get stuff for dinner and some snacks, I didn’t want to chance it today. I felt edgy today with the change in my schedule. Plus, when I ran into customers, there was no time limit or excuse about having to ring up the next customer and they would take that as a sign that we could talk for hours. I wouldn’t chance it today. I stepped on the gas pedal and the car sped forward as the apartment buildings came into view. Twenty minutes later, I was parked in our parking spot, in the elevator, and speed walking toward the door to our apartment. I pressed the key fob to the door and it beeped.Home, sweet home.The door unlocked and I pushed the handle down. I pulled the door open and stepped in. It clicked as it locked behind me and hooked my key chain on the wall mount. I yawned and stretched as
*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*The sound of the alarm fills the room and blares in my ears. I blink as I fight off the blanket of sleep that whispers that the next alarm will wake me. I’ve learned that promises made when the alarm is going off are lies, sweet lies. I groan as I sit up and lean over to shut off both the alarm and the sound machine. I tap my screen to check the time and automatically fall flat on my belly. It’s 9:30, that was my last alarm. I set six to ensure I woke up, but I somehow missed the first five. Had I turned off the alarm and waited for the next one, I could have either been very late, or slept my entire shift.Ugh.My phone vibrates on my bedside table and gives me a heart attack in the process. I try not to whine, but I guess I need to get up. Exhaling, I get up, grab my phone, cross my legs and sit back on the bed. I stare at the picture of me and Gabe on the table from the first birthday we celebrated in Auburn. When I peer down at my screen, Gabby flashes a
Gabe gushed about my new outfit and demanded another picture of my stilettos. After I sent him one, I grabbed my go-to black Trench Coat that buttoned at my rib and fell to the floor, even with my heels. The last thing I wanted was to be seen walking around the apartments in my night clothes. At our last apartments, I was confused as “a lady of the night”. I’ve had enough experiences with creeps to know they’re everywhere. Unlike at Ocean Side, there’s no security or bouncers here. Unlike some werewolves, Gabe and I try to be discreet about what we are. So unless they try to hurt us, I’m not fighting anyone.My heels click as I walked out of the elevator. Instantly, I searched the surrounds as I made my way toward the car. I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching. The headlights flashed as I unlocked the door and my heart was pounding in my ears. The first thing I did when I hopped into the car was lock it. Not much a locked door could do against a werewolf attacker, but
Music blared from the club and I wave at some of the girls as I made my way toward the door. The smell of leather and sex hits my nose as I pushed open the door. The lights are low and the room buzzes with excitement. On my left is the bar where we have Randy working alone for a few hours before the second bartender arrives. A large crystal cluster meant for decoration is what separates the bar area from the the first VIP room.The VIP rooms line the walls all the way down to the other side of the club. The walkway runs through the middle of the club, but it’s the wall that separates the entertainment area from the VIP rooms. On the right of the wall, there are tall black pillars that swirl up to the ceiling. A small chandelier dimly lights each seating area. In between the pillars there are half moon extra large comfy leather seats that have curtains for those who would like more privacy. Each seat is separated by a large pillar and the seats are all strategically placed around the s