Chapter 1: Curved Thoughts

Life can change in a blink of an eye, that for someone that is so closed-minded. Her whole world would be turned in many different directions. With my life, I always had a choice, and where I felt most comfortable was with the lights blinding my eyes as they changed different colors. As the music played and my body moved to each beat. I felt eyes everywhere around me, and I knew in this area I was desired and wanted. I was needed most of all. Bodies collided together as I rolled my hips on his lap with the soft grunt that slipped from his mouth. But same moan, a different man. The music died down, and I felt the linger each time I got up. 

“I hope I see you again soon,” I whispered before I got off my clients. 

I made my way back to the dressing room to switch out of this outfit that’s been used with several men tonight. 

“Hey Calla, you’re up in 3. Cherry is about to end her turn.”

 Looking at Dan who was the club’s manager, I let myself sigh as I rubbed on my knees that were bruised for each time I got on the stage. Being a dancer at a strip club had always made me a target. My thong was so far up my ass, my breast hung as they were seen through the sheer top, and it was just a long night, to say the least. After getting changed, I headed for the front of the house where the song was coming to an end soon. A huge pack was coming out to celebrate so this was specifically closed for just them. I held my phone and my money bag close to my wrist, as many of these women are snakes. An arm draped around my shoulder. 

“Calla, so we want you on center stage in VIP. These guys are paying a lot, so I want nothing but the best. You will be with Star.” 

I looked at him astonished. Anytime there was a new pack in town I was made to work overtime. I was amazing at what I did and he took advantage of that. He wanted more and sometimes it can be draining. My legs were already beyond sore.

 “No, I don’t share the stage with anyone. Especially that bitch Star. You take her off, or I will go back to the general area and make my money there.” 

Dan had looked at me with annoyance. He knew I didn’t share, especially when it came to my money. 

“Fix it now. I don’t share my money with anyone. She’s a new bitch, and I am that bitch.” 

He was annoyed but nodded in agreement. Heading back to the dressing room so I can put on a different outfit for the VIP stage. Pushing my breasts up with a tight corset that attached to my underwear.

Making my way to the stage, there were the men of power that were dressed down. A man that had his wife sitting on him. The rings gave it away, but I am not one to judge. I seductively climbed onto the platform for where I started slowly making it around the pole with tricks that had every man in awe. Money was being flung everywhere, as I began to slowly strip off my top, exposing my breasts. Their beady eyes were staring at me like they can’t wait to have me for lunch. Disgusting pigs, but they pay my rent so I will let them stare. I crawled my way off stage; placing myself on a guy’s lap to where I am straddling him. Rolling my body across his lap. It was never uncommon if I felt their hard-on against me, but it was always safe not to point it out or they think it’s an invitation to want more. His hands reach for my hips causing me to slap them off me. 

“Hands of the prize, or ass out the door big boy.” 

He grinned as I slowly retracted from his lap and made my way over to the married couple. The woman was beautiful with her long blonde hair and porcelain skin. I bent down giving them a little show before propping back up and running my hands through her hair. 

“Threes a crowd don’t you think?”

 I whispered to her which caused her to smile. Taking her hand in mine; I walked her up the stage sitting her on the chair. Her husband was leaned back and was taking in every moment of his wife getting grabbed by a stripper. Causing her to flinch when I placed her hands on my breast and slowly massaged them with her hands. This went on until everyone had gotten enough of me and the night was ending.  I made my way to the locker room to call it a night. A pair of arms slammed me into my locker. 

“You bitch, you are so damn greedy that you couldn’t share the wealth with me as well. I am dying out there.” 

Star was fuming as her white skin was turning red. 

“It’s a dog-eat-dog world isn’t it?” I smirked at her. 

Never apologize for what you have to do, because what is there to be sorry about?

 “Listen Star, I don’t like you. I also don’t share with any bitches. Including new ones. I made what I did because I have tenure and the boss knows what I am working with. Next time don’t piss me off and I may let you join next time. Maybe not.” 

Grabbing my bag from my locker I shoved her shoulder to move her out the way. Did I ever want to be a stripper? No. Did I have plans of being one? Of course not. Did I have other goals? Absolutely. But not everything is according to plan. I had dreams of being something bigger than myself but being a high school drop-out never really got me anywhere. Working 9-5 jobs to find me with no extra money to feed myself. Now I am able to afford more than I can. Yeah, I have to get naked, but it was something that allows me to live the life I want. It was exhilarating to me. I never had to compete because with me, there is no competition.

“Calla, wait up.” 

Stopping in my tracks with my bags, Dan caught up to me.

“It’s only midnight, where are you going?” 

My eyes met the back of my eyes once again. “I danced for an hour straight Dan. I am sweaty and smell like crusty cum. I want to go home after I tip out.” I answered. 

“You can’t leave, you're the talk of the club. I have one more Alpha for you and that’s all.”

 I swear with him it was all about the money.

 “Goodnight boss. I am going home and getting comfortable.” 

One of the guards followed me out to walk me to my car. Ryan was a great and attractive guy. “Busy night?” He asked me. 

“That’s an understatement. If I have to feel one more boner against my lady parts. I am going to vomit my heart out.” We both laughed in sync. 

“I get off in a few, are you looking for some company?”

 “You know where I keep the key,” I smirked as I entered the car door, he opened for me. 

“I will right be behind you, literally.” He joked.

 I turned my car on when Dan appeared at my door.

“Calla, you aren’t leaving. He’s a strong Alpha and I promise you won’t have to tip this one out. We will only take the dance f*e.”

He pleaded with me which caused me to groan.

 “Looks like you’re going to have to wait for me.” 

I looked at Ryan who chuckled at me. I like to stand my ground but there were times where I just couldn’t say no. It came down to money. It will always be about money and if I can make more I will. This is the life that I signed up for and to be frank, I really have nothing else I do when I get home. I don't have some hobby that eventually turns into a career. I'm not paying off college or in some relationship that makes this a break. I personally am just someone whp enjoys my quiet time. Ryan just so happens to be someone who makes my bed less lonley every now and then. He's just my best friend who helps that loneliness.

“Twenty minutes, and that’s it. I don’t share my booth with anyone.” Dan agreed with me.

 But the worst part about this is knowing that some things are meant to happen. Right? I've never been a true believer in that but sometimes life just falls together in ways that are unexplainable. Ryan lifted my duffle bag in his arms and followed me back into the club. It was busy and looks to be that every girl was getting their money. Even that Star bitch who was crying to me was getting a piece of the pie. Maybe a great time to stay and profit from it. 

“Save a dance for me please?” 

Ryan had kissed my cheek right before he handed my bag to me in front of the dressing rooms. He earned himself an eye roll. My clothes smelled like sweat, and the only thing I had left was a pair of lace underwear with nothing to the imagination and my bralette.

 “I guess this will do.” 

Quickly changing and putting on my black platforms once again. I made my way to the VIP section, where the bouncer had led me to the private room which is only used for high-profile people. When I walked in, I didn’t expect what I saw. A man only a few years older than me was leaning back on the booth, completely zoned out. He didn’t even realize I came into the room as he stared at the wall. I have never been in this position before. I went over to him and leaned in front of him, resting my hands on his legs. 

“I am yours for the next 20 minutes,” I whispered.

 His head finally snapped up so now our eyes were connected. But his stare was blank. I see the yellow specs in his eyes that told me he was important and even I was intimidated. Something was going on in his mind. But even with him looking directly at me, I could also see that he wasn't mentally there. I've seen this look way to often but I am not a therapist and it's my advantage.

“I didn’t order you, so you can go.” 

His words came out like venom as he pulled back causing me to flinch up. I walked behind him resting my hands on his shoulders, where I bent down to his ear. 

“I am a present, not merchandise. Enjoy it.” 

I slowly began to massage his shoulders, which made him whole body tense. Circling my way to his lap where I was now straddling him. I felt something on his neck that showed me he was mated. Mated wolves who were in love wouldn’t be in here. Only the ones with issues. The tension was so thick and he was tensed up the entire time.

“Marriage issues?” I questioned. 

Which his eyes were now red like I struck a nerve, but his eyes had never left mine. Alpha's are always power hungry and hate to be questioned but to be fair that's why they're Alphas.

 “How do you know it’s marriage issues?” 

Grinding my hips on his lap for a bit to try to fill in the awkwardness that this room carried. He didn't want to be here and I had to guess I am sure he was as confused as to why he was.

 “The mark on your neck and the discoloration on your ring finger tells me either you’re mad at her, having trouble, newly separated, or divorced. So which one is it?” 

Standing up I slowly unclipped my halter top where I was exposed in front of him. 

“How do you know I just didn’t lose it?” 

It seems I piqued his interest. When it comes to clients sometimes they just want to talk and vent and my dancing is just something to pass the time. It also tells me someone forced him to be here.

“A mate wouldn’t dare lose his ring, and sure as hell wouldn’t be here if everything was great.” He remained quiet for most of the dance and I hated when it was too quiet. I quickly took my bottoms off too. I was fully bare and climbed on his lap again. Inhaling his scent and how it smelled like the many colognes I smelt. But his mate probably smelled something different and was completely head over heels.

 “I am pretty sure 20 minutes are up, you can leave.” 

Reaching for his hands as I cupped them around my breast causing an uprise that met my bare privates. I didn’t like being dismissed. I leave when I want to and if he didn’t enjoy just a tad bit maybe just maybe it’ll make staying later worth it.

“I think I can spare a few more minutes until you’re distracted. So, either talk to me, or I will keep going until you do.” 

He broke the silence with a laugh. It was more condescending than anything but it was a reaction.

“Alright, Fine. I will play your game. Are you married?” He asked. 

His hands rested on my hips causing me to stop moving and now I was only sitting there. 

“Stop moving. Sit and talk to me. Now tell me are you mated?”

 I rested my arms on his shoulders.

 “I am a stripper love. If I was mated, I wouldn’t be working here.” I answered him.

 “So, you never answered my question. Are you newly separated or divorced?” 

The eye contact we held was different and strange. He wasn’t one with a hard shell, because right now he is uncomfortable with me being here and not with his wife. The regret in his eyes. But I was unsure what was going through his mind. Contact had not been broken but it seems we were playing a game of chess and it's about winning and not about having fun. 

“Neither. Just complicated with my mate. I am processing it.”

 We sat there in silence as his eyes drifted past me. He was zoned out again and for the first time, I felt guilty that he was here. Like he had a love like no other and this could make things worse.

 “I can tell you one thing that won’t fix things. It’s being here with a naked girl on top of you.” Checkmate apparently, because his demeanor had changed to anger so he sat up forcefully which caused me to almost lose my balance. I struck a nerve and I wanted him to realize it’s time to face things. Which is weird because it wasn't my job to do that and it's not like me to care. 

“The last thing I need is a low-graded, unmated, stripper giving me mate advice.”

 He reached in his pocket and threw a bill at me as he exited the door. I probably would’ve slapped him, but I was too tired to care. I reached for the bill and walked out the door to find Ryan waiting for me. 

“How’d you manage to piss him off?” He laughed. 

“Issues with his mate, but I got his mad hundred for us to order something. It's like a reward.” We both laugh at that before he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and followed me to the dressing room to get changed. Ryan wasn’t my boyfriend. He was far from it. But he knew how to make a girl curl her toes and we just listen to each other as if we were together but we both know that's all it could be. He was not someone who can be tamed. Sadly, he has a lot of demons he's fighting that I don't even know. But he puts on a smile and is the kindest person you will meet. 

After changing and walking to my car. I decided to stop at a liquor store to get some more wine. Grabbing my bottle and heading to the cashier, I noticed a familiar face. It was the hot, angry, Alpha who threw me off him. He was heading for the liquor area. Makes me wonder how much trouble he was having with her. He was behind me, but of course, he probably doesn’t recognize me one bit. Taking out the infamous hundred and handing it to the cashier.

 “Cover the guy behind me, and keep the rest for yourself.” 

Taking my bag with my wine in it, I got a slight look from him as he noticed I paid. Maybe he needed it more than me at this moment. My parents always told me that it’s best not to get upset because you never really know what someone is going through. Just smile and show kindness. But can’t I just be a little mean? Was kindness the best revenge? I climbed into my car and hurried home to meet Ryan right outside my apartment complex. After grabbing my duffle bag and walking upstairs I scurried over into my room. 

“I am going to shower real quick, and we can drink and enjoy the rest of the night off.” 

He laid back on my bed and grabbed the wine bottle from me. 

“Don’t take too long, you still owe me a dance.” He joked.

 I took some time in the shower to scrub off all the nastiness from tonight. Men were ruthless sometimes and it made me sick to my stomach when they forget to respect a woman. Quickly changing into my cotton romper, I headed for the living where Ryan was sprawled out waiting for me.

 “I went ahead and opened the bottle for you, and poured you a drink.”

 He said while flipping through the channels. This is what I like. Friends with benefits and not having to worry about someone getting hurt. It was not always about sex but it sure was a benefit on a day of boredom. I hate when I have to use my rose but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

“Hey Ryan, can I ask you something?” 

Ryan had turned to me and it showed that his full attention was on me now.

”Why is it men react such horribly when their character is in question?” 

The facial expression he was giving was showing that he was in deep thought. 

"Are you asking because of what happened with that Alpha?” 

I reached over and picked my wine glass up and took a long drinl before placing it back down. “He told me he was having marriage issues, and I told him that being here with me wasn’t going to make it any better. He had stood up and it nearly knocked me on my ass.” 

Ryan finished the rest of his drink and slowly began to move closer to me. 

“Men with pride don’t like being told things they already know. They want to forget for a second rather than wallow in self-pity. I like the way you are but that’s because I know you.”

 He tucked my hair behind my ear which gave me some comfort.

 “You can’t expect a man with a broken heart to be reasonable.” 

Ryan leaned closer placing a kiss on my neck. Sending chills up and down my spine.

 “Now enough about him. You owe me a dance.”

 My knees were throbbing as they were still recovering. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him. 

“I think I have something better.” 

I slowly tied my hair up in a pony and lowered myself in between his legs. He got comfortable when I reached for his pants and unbuckled them so now he was exposed. “I bent down and wrapped my mouth around his cock that was slowly pulsating. Tightening my hand around him I began to move up and down causing him to moan and entangle his hands in my hair. 

“Fuck Calla, You’re going to have me finished before I started.” 

He said under his breath. I quicken my pace and was feeling his body tense up to my mouth. His hand had tightened and began to move my head for me so he was hitting the back of my throat. Eventually filling me with his semen. Taking in every bit I stood up and unzipped my romper before climbing on top of him and sliding down on his dick making his sensitive member twitch from the inside.  Bouncing my hips onto his cock where it was full of love and passion. I didn’t need it fast and hard. I really just craved skin-to-skin contact with someone who isn’t paying me. Maybe, he will be able to change my perspective on men.