1
Blair
“Mrow.”
“Absolutely not.”
Piercing expectant green eyes stare impatiently at me, but I’m not having it.
“You’ve already had three treats,” I say, not caring that the cat doesn’t speak my language.
Maybe Alvin does, based on the way he cocks his head and lets out a dramatic yowl, so loud that a chuckle sounds from next to me.
“He can have one more, Blair,” Piper chides. “He’s been a good boy today.”
The tabby cat plops his butt on the counter in front of my computer, engaging in a stare down with me.
I won’t be the first to blink, though.
“The vet said he’s overweight—we have to watch it with him,” I remind Piper.
Our resident tabby cat finally moves to lick his paw, begging forgotten, and I grin in triumph.
“Buzzkill,” my best friend mutters next to me as I subtly move the glass jar of treats off the counter and into the desk drawer.
It’s tempting to spoil Alvin, whose portrait hangs on the wall next to the front door of Furs and Purrs, the cat rescue Piper and I run. He’s always happy to greet new people and knows exactly what to do to manipulate people into giving him treats.
I, however, am not so easily persuaded.
It’s the end of the day, and he’s been spoiled enough, even though it’s hard to say no to a pair of handsome eyes.
“Do you want to come over tonight?” Piper asks. “We’re all doing a movie night. I bought way too much wine.”
I smile to myself. It’s been a year since my best friend finally found her pack, and as fun as it can be to hang out with them, it’s a little tiring at times.
I’m the…fifth wheel, so to speak.
Even though Piper insists I’m not, and her Alphas Poe, Maddox, and Avery do everything they can to make me feel welcome, it’s still a little awkward for me to sit with four people who are absolutely obsessed with each other.
I love seeing my best friend happy, but sometimes, it’s a bit much.
“Nah. I have a shift tonight.”
“You work there every night, now,” Piper admonishes. “And I thoughtIwas the workaholic.”
“Not every day, thank you,” I say. “Besides, the tips areinsane, the job is great, and I like my coworkers.”
I realize my mistake as soon as I say it, and Piper gives me a smug, toothy grin.
“Oh, stop it,” I hiss. “You know what I mean.”
But my face flames, and even Alvin stops his bathtime to stare at me.
I’m not lying, though. Bartending at Scents is demanding but fun. There’s a lot of quick thinking, multitasking, and energy that is required to do well at the Omega-themed bar. I leave every shift with a ridiculous number of tips, and my coworkers are great.
And yes,everycoworker is wonderful, not just a particular one.
But Piper’s expression doesn’t change, and I know she sees right through me.
