Game of Destiny by Dripping Creativity novel Chapter 6

Game of Destiny

Chapter 6-1

The usual calm of the diner vanished the moment the Alpha returned the next morning for breakfast. He chose a seat at one of my tables again, but this time, it wasn’t the same one he’d occupied at lunch the previous day. To ensure Dora would serve him, I ended up taking nearly all of her tables, urging her to handle his. I pushed myself hard, juggling the workload while trying to keep track of him from across the room. My heart sank when Dora stumbled, sending a large spill of hot coffee right into his lap. Mrs. Jones hurried out, apologizing profusely, and I silently prayed to every deity I could think of that she wouldn’t force me to take over that table. Thankfully, one of those gods must have been listening—Mrs. Jones took the Alpha’s table herself.

“Poor guy, getting scalded with hot coffee right where it hurts,” she remarked with sympathy after he had left.

“Yes,” I could only manage in response, still shaken.

“And such a handsome, kind man, not even a hint of anger or offense. He even left a generous tip,” she added with a warm smile.

“Probably because you charmed him,” I teased.

“Oh, stop it,” Mrs. Jones replied, blushing as Rich chuckled nearby. “Maybe hiring Dora wasn’t the smartest move after all,” she mused.

“Maybe not, but we’re stuck with her for now. I’m confident we can survive the season,” I assured her.

“You’re right. Let’s just watch when she goes for the coffee pot next time,” Mrs. Jones agreed.

We all nodded in agreement. Dora seemed oblivious to the chaos she’d caused, happily noting she hadn’t had to manage as many tables as usual. Luckily, she wasn’t scheduled for the lunch shift. CeCe arrived, and together we tidied up the diner. She filled me in on the latest town gossip—without her and Mrs. Andersen, I’d be completely out of the loop.

In the thick of the lunch rush, the Alpha returned once more, choosing a different table in my section again.

“CeCe, please, can you take that table?” I begged.

“Why? I won’t unless you tell me why you’re so determined not to serve him,” she replied firmly.

“I don’t know. I just don’t like his vibe,” I admitted.

“His vibe? Come on, Amie, there has to be more to it,” she pressed.

“I can’t explain it. I just have a bad feeling. Please, will you take him? Pretty please?” I pleaded, giving her my best puppy-dog eyes.

“Fine! But only because men like him don’t come around often, and he tips well. Plus, after what happened this morning, he deserves decent service,” she relented.

“Thank you! I’ll be forever grateful,” I said, relieved.

“If you really want to thank me, could you keep an eye on Jessie?” she asked. I noticed Jessie had just sat down at one of her tables.

“Sure. Is something wrong?” I inquired. I knew CeCe and Jessie had a history—a month of flirtation in high school that led to a one-night stand, which fizzled out without hard feelings. They remained friends.

“Well, um, I might have done something I shouldn’t have the other night,” CeCe confessed.

“You slept with Jessie?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes. I didn’t mean to. It just sort of happened.”

Right. Like you just tripped, unbuttoned your pants, and accidentally ended up on top of him,” I said, nodding knowingly.

“Shut up! And who says ‘meat sausage’ anyway?” CeCe retorted, googling the phrase.

“Okay, you take Jessie’s table, I’ll take mine, and everyone’s happy,” I suggested.

“Deal,” she agreed.

I approached Jessie, who was glancing toward CeCe.

“Hi, Jessie,” I greeted.

“Hey, Amie. Looking good today,” he said, but his usual charm sounded flat.

“Don’t worry, she’s just a bit freaked out right now. Give her a day to process it, and everything will be fine. Then you can ask her out properly,” I reassured him. He looked at me as if I were some alien.

“What?”

“I’m talking about CeCe. Don’t pretend with me, Jessie. If you don’t stop playing games and start acting like the adult you are, I might have to kick your ass,” I warned.

“Right,” he said, cheeks reddening. “So, a couple of days?”

“Yes, no more than two. Bring her a nice bouquet and be sweet,” I advised.

“I can do that,” he nodded.

“Of course you can. Want your usual, or ready to try something new?” I asked.

“No, I’ll stick with my usual. Thanks, Amie,” he replied.

Chapter 6-2

“No problem,” I said, handing the order to the kitchen. I made sure my tables had everything they needed while keeping an eye on the Alpha. I needed to come up with a plan for dealing with him. He didn’t seem like the type to give up easily, yet he hadn’t approached me directly, leaving me clueless about his intentions. Once again, he left the diner without so much as a glance in my direction. Maybe I was overthinking things. Perhaps he was just a tourist passing through. I wasn’t even sure if my lack of wolf traits and years living among humans had masked my wolf scent. To be safe, I went straight home after work and stayed indoors until just after lunch the next day.

I had the late shift and was glad to see CeCe chatting with Mrs. Jones when I arrived.

“A Coke, please.”

“Coming right up,” I said, grabbing his menu and disappearing to place his order in the kitchen. I brought him his Coke, then his food. We exchanged polite smiles, but he didn’t try to spark a conversation. I felt relieved, thinking I had overreacted. Nothing was going to happen.

That was until I brought him his check.

The dinner rush had ended, and the diner was nearly empty except for a few locals sipping coffee. I approached his table and set down the check. Just as I was about to leave, he mumbled, low enough not to be overheard but loud enough for me to hear, “Amie, wait a moment.”

I froze and turned back to him.

“I think we need to talk,” he said.

“I don’t think we do,” I replied, matching his low tone. A smile tugged at his lips, but it didn’t make him any less intimidating.

“I don’t mean you any harm, little wolf. I just want to talk,” he said.

I scoffed inwardly at the nickname.

“So talk,” I challenged.

“Not here. Too many ears. Somewhere private.”

“Yeah, I don’t meet strange men—especially strange wolves—alone. I’m not looking for a death wish.”

“I promise you’re safe with me,” he assured.

“Said no predator ever,” I remarked, making him chuckle again.

“I guess you’re right. Is there a public place where we can talk, then?” he asked.

I sighed. I didn’t want to talk to him, but I had a feeling he wouldn’t leave me alone until I did. I could tell the sheriff or Jessie that Finlay was stalking me. Either way, they’d try to run him out of town. The key word was try. There wasn’t much they could do against an Alpha.

“Fine. Behind the library, there’s a trail leading to the lake. Some picnic tables there. No one uses them before noon,” I told him. He nodded.

“When can I meet you?”

“I have tomorrow off. Meet me at ten in the morning.”

“I’ll be waiting for you, Amie,” he said.

“Okay, that’s not creepy at all,” I muttered, walking away. I could hear his chuckle behind me. He left shortly afterward, leaving a generous tip. I sighed deeply. It felt like I had just sealed my fate.