Not My Alpha

Chapter 18 ‘First Day Done’

Keira’s POV

The rest of the party was pretty uneventful. I met so many people, hopefully I can remember everyone’s names. I set my alarm for 5 am, and when I wake up it’s still dark outside. I sit up and turn my alarm off. Gosh it’s so early. I begrudgingly drag myself out of bed and into the bathroom. I splash my face with water in an attempt to try and wake up more. It helps, a little. This is too early, hopefully I’ll get use to it. I brush my teeth and get dressed. I slip my shoes on and head out the door. I turn on the lights and stretch. Please let me get use to this. I unlock the door and walk down to the bakery. I knock on the door. Nat opens it.

“You look like crap.” She says. I can’t help but laugh.

“5 is a bit early for me, but I’m sure I’ll get use to it.” She opens the door wider and lets me in.

“Here, this is for the shop. And this is for you.” She hands me two bags.

“Me?” I ask.

“Yeah, some food will wake you up.” Oh how sweet. She is nicer than I thought she’d be.

“Thanks so much.” I say.

“Now get a move on, I’ve got more baking to do.”

“Oh, of course.” I head back out the door and make my way back to the coffee shop. The streets are so still and quiet compared to last night. Memories of Beta Shepard and Alpha Theo play through my mind. I walk into the shop and start brewing the coffee. Then I check to see what Nat made me. I pull out a breakfast sandwich. It smells delicious. I take a bite and it’s just want I needed. I finish my sandwich and started setting out all the food in the display case. I do some more prep work before I officially open the doors at 6 am. I had two people come in right away. They are omegas on their way to work. They both order lattes to go, I make the espresso shots and steam the milk. I even attempt some form of latte art, but it just looks like a blob. The omegas make a point to compliment me on their drinks, although I think they were just being nice. It picks up at around 7am, with more members of the pack of all different ranks. At 8 I’m flooded with a bunch of warriors, they must’ve just gotten out of training. I do my best to keep up with their orders, the chart really comes in handy when I’m juggling multiple drinks at once. Luckily a lot of the warriors just get black coffee, and most of them avoid the complicated sugary drinks. I guess they’re watching their weight. At around 9 Talia comes in.

“You’re early.” I say. She’s supposed to work 10 till 4, while I work 5 till 10.

“Yeah, I just wanted to make sure you were doing alright.” She says.

“Awe how sweet.” I ruffle her hair.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. You look like you’re doing good so far.” She looks around.

“The milks could use a refresh.” I tell her.

“On it boss.” She grabs the containers from the fill station and takes them back to the kitchen. I wipe down a few tables when the bell from the door jingles.

“Welcome.” I say and feel little arms wrap around my leg. I look down and see Vivian.

“Well good morning Miss Vivian. How are you today?” I ask her.

“I’m good. I wanted to come see you at work.”

“Is that so? Well I’m greatly honored.” I look up and see Shepard too, his lemony scent fills the shop.

“Morning.” He says.

“Good morning Beta.” I keep my eyes down. Vivian tugs at my shirt.

“Do you have any cake pops?” She asks.

“Actually we do.” I walk to the display case, pull one out and hand it to her.

“For you.” She takes it and smiles. She walks over to a table and sits. There’s only two other people in the shop and they are sitting away from the register.

“Is there anything I can get for you Beta?” I ask him.

“Just a medium French roast coffee please.”

“Would you like room for cream?” I ask.

“No, black coffee for me.” I pull a medium cup and fill it for him.

He looks a little nervous, I wonder why. I turn around and hand him the cup with a sleeve.

“Here you are.” I say.

“Lily, can I ask you something?”

“Okay.”

“Did I do something to offend you?” He asks.

“What? No, you haven’t done anything.” I say.

“It’s just I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve done something. This is the longest you’ve looked me in the eyes.” He says. I guess in my attempt to be forgetful, I’ve actually just stood out more.

“I’m sorry. In all honesty, it’s not you. It’s your position. I like it here and I just want to be respectful.” I tell him.

“I see. I was also worried it might be an issue from your old pack. I’m not going to pry or anything like that. I just want you to know, we aren’t all bad guys. Thanks for the coffee, and the cake pop.” He says and walks over to Vivian. She takes his hand and they head for the door.

“Bye Lily! I’ll see you later.” She waves at me. I smile and wave back. I watch them leave.

“He’s right you know. They aren’t all bad.” Talia says I look over at her.

“I know. But the bad ones, can be worse than you imagine.” She looks at me.

“I’m sorry, I think I’m going to get some air.”

“You can be off the rest of the day. I got this.” Talia replies. I just smile and take my apron off. I head out the back door and start walking.

“Maybe a run will be helpful.” My wolf Harper says. It’s been awhile since I let her out. She must feel cooped up.

“We’d have to go deep in the woods, and it can’t be for too long. We can’t let anyone see us.” I tell her.

“Yes, yes, yes!” Harper is jumping around in my head with excitement. Yeah, yeah I know. I walk to the end of the street and into to woods. I walk for at least thirty minutes before taking a look around.

“This is good.” I say and get undressed.

“Now, just a short run. Okay?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Harper says. I shift into my wolf and let her take over. She stretches and digs her paws into the dirt.

“It’s been too long Keira.” Harper says. She takes off running through the trees and lets the wind whip through her fur. She’s having a great time. I let her run around for thirty minutes before she goes back to the clothes. I shift back and get dressed. I look around, good no one is here. And I don’t smell any one. Good, first run attempt successful.

“Does that mean we can do this again?” Harper asks.

“Yes, we can do it again.” She jumps around in the back of my head. First day done.