I’d only just started, and I could already tell it was going to be a long shift.
Chapter
Twenty-Two
The first half of my training passed in a haze of barked orders and snickering laughter when I screwed up. Bradley, thebastard, apparently expected me to walk in understanding how to use their ordering system and to know the menu off by heart.
“As I’ve already told you, I’ll take the menu home and study it. There’ll be no mistakes next time.” I’d been at this all day and was sweaty and pissed off. My reading levels were too poor for me to keep up with Bradley without prior study, which shouldn’t have been a problem today as a trainee who wasonly fucking shadowing.
After the lunch rush and a few hours before dinner, Bradley decided that I was done for the day, finishing my shift with a full rundown of everything I’d screwed up. One of the other servers standing nearby—a curvy female around my age—shot me a commiserating smile. At least I wasn’t the only one who thought he was a prick.
I was tempted to let Hunter know about how his manager treated his staff, but I wasn’t sure if the alpha would take my word for it or call me a whiner unable to hack a day of work. Bradley faked an excellent personable persona and was an evenbetter gaslighter. He’d easily made me look like an idiot today, even when it was actually his fault, and I refused to give either of them the satisfaction of being the bad guy.
Back in the locker room, I stashed the menus in the pocket of my coat and grabbed my phone to check the chat thread. There were a bunch of notifications, and in my weariness I almost didn’t open it up. I wasn’t mentally prepared to handle more assholes today.
Slumping on a chair, I decided it would be worse to ignore them, and still needing a ride home, I pressed the app. The first message was from this morning, and I felt bad that I hadn’t responded to Kellan sooner.
Golden Boy: Rise and shine, sweet shifters. It’s a glorious morning in Casa Reeves.
There were a few hours’ break before Hunter chimed in.
Daddy Alpha: Keep pushing, Kellan, and we can turn that glorious morning around very easily.
*Slade has left the chat*
*Grouchy Bear has left the chat*
I loved to see the ways I grew on them.
Daddy Alpha: Annoying pup, are you still picking Emme up from work?
Golden Boy: I’ve been sitting out the front for two hours. Pretty girl, whenever you’re done, let me know. Also, check out Grouchy Bear.
*Image attached*
I clicked the image that Kellan had sent through, and chuckled at the sight of Finley sprawled across the ice, his massive arms spread like he was using them to drag himself along.
Golden Boy: Someone had a big day today. You’re going to have to tuck him in tonight, Daddy Alpha.
*Daddy Alpha has changed his name*
Alpha Hunter: If you knew the many ways I can murder you and dispose of your body, you’d shut the hell up, Kellan. Some of the options even involve spiders.
Golden Boy: Eeekkkk! *sad face emoji* *scared face emoji* I trusted you all with my deepest, darkest fear. I feel betrayed.
Alpha Hunter: It’s my job to ensure no one outside of our pack fucks with you. I never said anything about members inside our ranks.
Golden Boy: Aye-aye, Captain. I’ll be a good boy. Promise.
I might not know Hunter well, but I’d bet a butt load of cash that he’d gritted his teeth through all of these messages. The chat thread ended twenty minutes ago, so I quickly typed out a message.
Pretty Girl: Just finished work. Thanks for waiting around, Kellan. I’m sorry it took so long.
Within a few seconds he responded.
Golden Boy: I’d wait forever for you, Shortcake. You don’t ever have to thank me for being your alpha. It’s a fucking honor.
Golden Boy: Also, don’t leave the restaurant. I’ll be right in to collect you.
