“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
None of the girls knew what Chance did, only Char had access to that information and she was tight lipped. All we knew was that he made Ocean Side a lot of money and I was expected to give him the royal treatment. What Chance wanted, Chance was supposed to get. After he first reserved a session with me, Char had asked me if I was interested in going to the sex club downstairs with my VIP clients and I refused. I had a feeling he asked her to see if I would change my mind. Gabe had been so pissed when I told him. He told me if Chance so much as stepped out of line, he would gladly stalk him home and “take care of him.” After I calmed him down, I told him I would handle it.When Chance came in the next day, I made it clear that sex was off the table and Char hasn’t bothered me since. Char leaned back against the counter, her eyes scanning the floor.“You’re still not going?” Char asked. The hint was clear and I really didn’t care for it. She’s my manager, not my client’s.“No,” I said.“
Shane’s words are a shock to my system. Silence stretches between us, and I don’t know how long we sit there. I watched as he ran his lips against my knuckles before kissing the back of my hand. I can’t keep my eyes off of him, and as I stare at the side of his face, anger bubbles inside of me.What the hell is he thinking?Unlike the night I met him in this life, there’s no hate there. Shane emits love and patience, and if I hadn’t already spent the time that I had with him, I would have thought I was dreaming. His lashes are unfairly curled, his nose sharp, and as he straightens, I sigh as he runs his fingers through his hair. I don’t need memories of my past life to know that’s always been my favorite thing.Shane’s walls have come crumbling down, and now that I’ve got the man I love marked, and in bed with me, I can’t help but wonder why the fuck he’s here. His eyes meet mine and the corner of his lip pulls back until he flashes me with that panty-dropping smirk. Meanwhile, I’m st
Shadow ~ LivingstonCry ~ Benson BooneAdeaSilence. Absolute silence. I couldn’t even hear his breathing. One glance at his chest proved he hadn’t taken a breath since the words left my mouth. I waited for his answer, but his next breath was all I got before he lifted me up. Supporting my weight, he turned and walked to the sectional. With him leaning back, it felt good being in his arms for this conversation.“Of all the things you could ask…”“You said you’d answer anything,” I reminded.“I did.”“But not this?” I asked curiously.“I will. Just… give me a minute.”“Okay,” I breathed.Lowering my gaze, I gave him a second. My fingers danced along his defined abs as I waited. His chest rose and fell and I glanced up as he ran his hand through his hair. My favorite curl rebelliously dropping back into place on his forehead. His jaw ticked, and I wondered if it was that big of a deal for him to appear, what I would call, pissed.“You had come to stay with me. When I heard you were home
AdeaShane’s heat vibrated against mine. He fit perfectly. Everything had been going so well and now it felt like the ground beneath our feet was shaking. My natural instinct was to look at his lips, to reach out for him, to beg him to make it go away like he had in the truck on the way here. But the time for running had past, and this was a hurtle I couldn’t avoid.There was nothing that could make me feel better about this situation. Images of Shane fucking a multitude of faceless, hot, nameless women flashed one after the other through my mind. No one could make me question my self worth, but when it came to him, Goddess, it was impossible to see how I could ever be enough. Beka walking into the space that’s supposed to be mine set flame to the gasoline that lay at our feet. But, of course, instead of making it better, Shane outright admitted he’d been with women. I wanted to laugh. Knowing he’d probably never turned anyone down until today left a bitter taste in my mouth. It didn’
As soon as I came from the high Shane gave me, the anger came flooding back. And the bastard had the audacity to smile. I don’t know how he did it, but he saw everything. Well, I guess if we’d live multiple lives, he’d know everything about me. I didn’t understand why he could remember, while I couldn’t. His smirk turned into a shit-eating grin, pulling at both corners of his mouth, and my stomach flip-flopped. My pussy still spasmed in the aftermath of my orgasm, but Shane dropped his forehead to mine and laughed. I pushed against his chest, but with a twist of the wrist; I moaned and jerked against him. His shirt was soaked, and I spat it out. It was warm and wet where it fell against my thigh.Bastard.“What’s so fucking funny?” I snapped. Quickly, I swiped at the drool on my chin. The two parts of me waged a war; the one that loved him and the one that resented him. One second I was gushing for him and the next I wanted to punch the ass. His shoulders shook as he pulled his fingers
Shane’s eyes held mine and I tracked the movement of his tongue as it slid along his bottom lip. His head dipped as he lowered himself, as if he couldn’t get close enough. And I watched as he ran his hard, flat tongue up my spread lips. I fought the urge to close my eyes and throw my head back. The need to revel in the pleasure Shane gave me was strong, but I couldn’t. His eyes darkened as he closed his mouth and his throat bobbed. And I was thankful I kept my eyes on him. His lashes fluttered as he savored my taste. Shane was more beautiful than the paintings hanging on the wall. He was a work of art and I could stare at him for hours, days, weeks; however long I could.“More,” I demanded.A rumbling sound sent goosebumps down my arms. My lips parted as his mouth opened and his pink tongue darted out. My thighs shook as I watched it flick over my clit. I widened my legs; needy for more, so much more. My fingers curled against his scalp and I pulled on his hair. Willing him to give me
Aphrodite ~ Sam ShortInstinct told me I needed to protect myself. The need to wrap my arms around myself was strong, but Shane was everywhere. He lifted me and I wrapped my legs around his waist. My hands rested on his chest. He pressed a kiss to my hair, my forehead, my nose. Even as I wanted to escape this wretched feeling in my chest, I couldn’t help but burrow closer. My lashes fluttering to a close as he murmured my name. I swallowed the lump in my throat and let my hands fall as he placed me on the table.The sweet happiness that made me so giddy I ran from him was gone. And in its place a small hole. Pettiness, anger, and jealousy clawed at my chest. His shirt had ridden up less than an inch more and I would be on full display. My gaze trailed up the ridges and dips of his abdomen. Beneath the light, I noticed the light markings of scars on the back of his biceps and arms. Muscles turned to broad shoulders, but my gaze locked on my mark.Shane is mine.Always has been.Always
Go to Hell ~ LetdownAdeaThe silence was deafening. It was so still, you could hear a pin drop. Just an arm’s length away, his slow breaths filled the silence as Shane hovered behind me. I refused to look at him just yet. My emotions waged war within me. Did I want to yell or cry? I needed a moment. Closing my eyes, I took several deep breaths, trying and failing to calm myself down.Breathe in.1…2…3…4…Hold.1…2…3…4…Exhale.1…2…3…4…The damn breathing thing thing wasn’t working. Back when Gabe and I first came here, he taught me this breathing technique to help with my panic attacks. Instead of pushing thoughts of him away, it did the opposite. Every time I inhaled, I got lungfuls of Shane, his presence surrounded me. Demolishing the wall of safety I tried so hard to build up. As if he heard the wall come tumbling down, he stepped closer. The heat came off of him in waves, cutting through the short distance and caressed me. It was so hard to be mad at him, but my mind and
My skin heated, and it felt as if my blood were boiling. I don’t know which part I was more angry about. This woman being here in my space, the supposed plan to remove her from the premises, or the way Shane called her name. Was it a nickname? Maybe it was all the above that truly pissed me off. My gaze locked with Gabe’s and I gave him the ‘Am I the only one insane here?’ look, but he just shook his head reassuringly. So either I wasn’t, or the two of us were both equally crazy. Turning my focus back to Beka, I waited impatiently for what she’d say. My lip curled as she softened her eyes and pouted.“When you didn’t come back, I was worried. On top of that, you didn’t answer any of my texts.” She hunched her shoulders, making herself appear smaller. We’re taught this at a young age to show an aggressive male we were weak and meant no harm. My skin crawled as she leaned into him, invading his space. I bit back the whine in my throat as my insecure thoughts swirled through my mind.Is s
I am not okay ~ Jelly RollAdeaKorra caught her scent before I could, and she was seething. Alarm bells were going off. There was a female in our mate’s suite. I didn’t know when it happened, but we had claimed not only Shane, but this area as ours. Only those we allowed were permitted to be here, and this woman wasn’t supposed to be here. My wolf snarled and snapped her fierce jaws at the uninvited guest. Normally, I can keep her under control, but right now, it felt like we were one and the same.Her anger, her hate, her pain, her need to draw blood—all of it was mine.My eyes trailed up from her red Jimmy Choos, along her thin yet muscular legs, to the white skirt that left nothing to the imagination, past her breasts that were barely covered by an uncountable number of diamonds. Red-kissed lips with a perfect cupid’s bow jutted out in a pout that matched her heels, blue eyes that instantly zoned in on Shane, and too-straight princess blonde hair flowed down her back.Still, she wo