Page 21 of Half Wolf Mate
“You’ve been here one week. The people that come in at certain hours are…” She sighed. “I just prefer that you stay hidden.”
My eyes narrowed to slits. I was more convinced than ever that most of the diners that came in when the sun went down weren’t totally human. I was thinking Macy operated a supernatural hangout hot spot in the night. I was almost sure that if I told her about my werewolf lineage, she wouldn’t call me crazy. However, she had yet to tell me anything about what went on here at night, and I decided I’d give her time to trust me enough to tell me later.
“I get that the nighttime customers are weird. I don’t mind it at all.” As long as they kept their hands…or paws, claws, and teeth to themselves, and as long as they continued dropping huge tips, I didn’t care what species they were. “I’m a weirdo myself, so I’d be perfect for the night shift.”
Macy laughed. “You’re not a weirdo.”
I snorted. If only she knew. “Come on, Macy.” I pressed my palms together and gave her a beseeching stare. I pouted as hard as I could. “I need this. I won’t disappoint you, I promise. I’ll work harder than anyone you’ve ever hired. You’ll get a much-needed break. I see how much you work at night. I’ll take on the brunt of the work so you can stay in the kitchen.” She’d been working overtime because she hadn’t hired a new chef yet.
Macy gazed at me with mild annoyance until she laughed. “Okay! Stop giving me the sad puppy face. You’ve got the night shifts. You can switch with Shannon starting next week.”
“Yes! Thank you. I’m going to get to work.” I backed to the door, pointing at her. “You’re the best.”
She rolled her eyes.
Backing into the hallway, I closed the door and let out a happy squeal. This was good. I’d have my own apartment in no time. Macy was right, and things would fall into place. As long as there were no hunters in sight, I’d stay here and try to have a semblance of a normal life.
Now that I had my lack of money and living arrangement issues solved, I could focus on reaching out to Cole. I had a right to know why he and the pack hated me. Plus, what he’d said about my mother being a traitor caused a few sleepless nights. I’d read and re-read my mom’s and Aunt Lydia’s letters searching for answers. I’d get them from the Alpha. If he thought I was just going to go away, he was mistaken.
***
When I walked into The Apex, the receptionist that greeted me last time didn’t look at me with pity or disgust. This time, when she gave me a once-over, her smile was one of approval. I didn’t look like a bum this time around. I looked like I belonged in the posh environment in my slacks, silk blouse and blazer, and high heels. The tops were loans from Macy. I couldn’t splurge on nice clothes yet since I was saving every cent to rent an apartment.
“Hey, welcome back,” she said.
“Hello.” Before she could ask how she could help, I said, “I’m heading up to Mr. Grayson’s office.”
She nodded, and I headed to the elevator. I squared my shoulders. I meant business this evening, and I was dressed like it. I even had on lipstick. Aunt Lydia always put on makeup when she was about to face something difficult. She always said, “When I put on my war paint, I feel empowered, like I can kick anyone’s ass.”
The memory made me laugh out loud, but it also brought up a pang of pain. I missed her so much. Lydia was quite the character. My spunky, smart-mouthed, courageous aunt taught me to be strong like her, and that’s why I was back in Cole’s territory to face him.
When I got out of the elevator, I marched to Moon Guardian Private Security with purpose. Violet was behind her counter, tapping away at her phone. She inhaled when the door opened, and her head snapped up. My guess was she knew it was me before she saw me. Now that I knew what she was, I knew she probably memorized my scent.
“Violet,” I greeted.
Her eyebrows snapped together. “Sydney, what are you doing here?”
“I think you know.”
She nibbled her lower lip and then sighed. “He’s busy.”
“I’ll wait.”
Looking skyward, she said, “He doesn’t want to see you.”
“Tough. He owes me an explanation. I’m his mate.”
Violet stepped around the counter; her expression was stormy. “You showed up at our compound to see the Alpha, and you brought a weapon.”
My shoulders sagged. “I know it looked bad, but that dagger wasn’t mine. I stole it from someone who tried to use it on me.”
The accusation in her eyes lessened slightly. “How do I know you’re not lying?”
I held her gaze. Maybe if I were transparent with her, she’d help me once again. “You’re one of two people who helped me out when I arrived in this city. You’re a nice person, and I can see that. I’m in trouble, and that’s why I came looking for my mother’s people. I wasn’t expecting to find a mate. I just want to survive, for Christ’s sake! I thought I’d get help from the Moon Guardian pack.”
She completely deflated with her heavy sigh. “Even if I get you an audience with the Alpha again, I doubt he’ll change his mind about…accepting you.” Her gaze lowered to the floor. If she felt bad about her Alpha being an ass to his mate, I felt worse. I was the one he turned his back on.
“I have to try. He owes me answers. Us girls have to stick together, right?” That was what Macy had said to me. Hopefully, it worked on Violet.