A Beta Before An Alpha
Chapter 7

Zac's Point of View Paul and 1 walk into Peggy's, and right away, I catch a werewolf scent, only I don't recognize it as anyone in my pack. 1 lool around and see Peggy has a new waitress, and she's serving some girls at a table. My breath catches in my throat. s**t. She's drop-dead f**g gorgeous. Everything about her is perfection. Paul mind-links me, “Is that her I smellz- I nod to him. “She's hot too; I wonder if I can get more than just drinks from her tonight?" he says. “Don’t,” I warn him. For some reason, it really bothers me that he’s talking about her like that. She makes her way back to the bar, and then she spots us. I swear I think she froze momentarily when she first saw me. “Hey guys, I'll be with you in a minute,” she says with a cheery smile. Her hair is tied up, showing off her gorgeous neck. I've never appreciated a neck before, but hers... I'm drawn to it. She starts making drinks, and then suddenly, her head flings up, and she’s staring at us. Those eyes. Wow. I can't help but smile; she definitely just realized we're werewolves too. She returns my smile and then finishes getting drinks for the women she was serving when we walked in. I wonder if she’s the one Peggy was talking about protecting from another werewolf last night on the phone. I watch her as she serves the woman; I notice the curve of her hips with her tiny waist. She walks back over and smiles. “I wasn't expecting to see anyone... quite s0..” she pauses. “Charming, handsome?” Paul asks. She smiles, and our eyes lock, and I feel my heart pounding. “I was going to say, Lyk minded,” she says. I chuckle. Lyk means wolf in Greek. “So puny,” I say. She smiles again, and I do think I have ever enjoyed anything more in this life than seeing her smile. I extend my hand, “'m Zact” She reaches her hand out to shake mine. I know it's proper etiquette to let someone's hand after you shake it, but it's the last thing I want to do. “I'm Lauren,” she smiles, and her attention moves to Paul. “Paul,” he says, and Lauren lets go of my hand to shake his hand as well. You'd think with the way she has me completely captivated, that she'd be my mate, but there were no sparks when we shook hands. I'm disappointed. “You from around here?” I ask. She smiles and shakes her head. “You guys?” she asks, and I just smile and nod. “Cool, well, what can I get you guys?” “I'll have a Bud,” Paul says. “Me too." “Sweetheart, can I get another one of these?” A man asks her. “You got it, Jerry!” She says. She seems like she’s very friendly, and everyone seems to like her. “You remembered my name already!” Jerry beams. She leans into the old-timer, “It's because you're my favourite," she says quietly. He smiles ear to ear, and so does she. She has a way with people; I can't deny that. I feel jealous. I really wish I were on tt receiving end of that affection. “Hear that, Peggy? I'm Lauren's favourite too!” Jerry says to Peggy as she comes out with hands full of plates. Peggy smile: proudly, “Ym not surprised,” she says with a wink. Tonight is crazy busy in here. Both Peggy and Lauren are constantly moving. It makes me wonder how Peggy managed to handle doing this on her own. “Hey, guys!” I hear, and Paul and I turn to see two ladies standing behind us. “Hello, Ladies,” Paul says. I can tell just by his tone; he’s going to make a move on at least one of these women. They're beautiful, and Paul and I came here for that exact purpose, but for some reason, it just feels wrong now. I give a tight-lipped smile and nod. Laurer comes back to the bar, and for some reason, the last thing I want her to think is that I am sleazy or taken. I swivel my chai around towards her, and now my back is to the woman. “Lauren, do you get a break soon?” I ask. “Yes! Take a break, darlin’" Peggy intervenes. “Peggy, it's crazy in here. I can't take a break” “Lauren, I usually handle this alone. Go take 15 minutes, and when you get back, I'll take 15," she insists. Lauren looks at me. “I guess I am having a break; why? What's up?” “I thought maybe we could talk I ask. Maybe we could talk? That's the best I could come up with? Dammit. She smiles, “Sure, let me get my coat, and we can go outside. I could use some fresh air." She heads to the back to get her coat, and I just happen to look to my left, and 1 see Paul glaring at me. s**t, I forgot he w even here. I mind-link him, sorry I couldn't be your wingman. More for you, thought - He finally lets up a small smile. I see Lauren walk out with her brown leather coat. I can't get over how much I'm drawn to her. How much I even want to just talk to her. I get down from my stool, and the ladies seem annoyed with me. Oh well. get the door for Lauren, and we walk outside. It's actually a beautiful October evening, and not too cold. “Do you want to sit?" I ask and point to one of the picnic tables. I am suddenly nervous. I don't think I have ever been nervous with a woman before. It's odd. “Sure” We sit. “So... Alpha is it?” She asks with a cheeky smile. I can’t help but smile with pride. I wasn't always an Alpha, and the fact that she had me pinned as one feels really good. “How did you know?” She raises a single eyebrow, “Are you kidding me? Your size alone is a good indicator, but you have this presence about you. A strong confidence. Something I've only seen in Alpha's,” she tells me, and then she looks down, deep in thought. “Do you have an Alpha? Are you part of a pack?” I ask. She doesn't strike me as a rogue. Her eyes look a little sad, but she still smiles. “Nope. Not anymore." I nod. “since when?” I press. “Oh... about 24 hours now,” she lets out a small chuckle. “Wow. So what's your story? Why did you leave your pack?” She looks up and wines. “Oh, pass!” She says and then gives me a weak smile. “You have to tell me something. Where are you from? People don't usually come to Red Riverview? Of all places, why here She pauses. “I'm from the west coast. Peggy is an old friend of my Mom's, and I heard the pe-“I cut her off. “I've heard you use that line on everyone tonight. Give me something real... Please,” I ask gently. Our eyes are locked, and she’s studying me. “Are you in danger?” I ask. After Peggy's conversation yesterday, it sounded li it. 1 have a strong urge to protect her and keep her safe. “I don't think so. Not today, anyway," she answers. “Are you possibly in danger tomorrow?” I ask. She chuckles, “How could I answer that? How could anyone answer that? Maybe?" “Fair enough... How long are you staying in town?” “Ym not sure. Hopefully, for a while? Okay, now my turn. Hmm. Cake or ice cream,” she asks. I burst out laughing. “Should 1 take this as a hint? Looking for a lighter topic?” 1 ask jokingly, and she smiles. “This is possibly a character flaw. I feel like I should know this before we proceed to get to know each other” She bites he lip, trying to hold in her laughter, and damn if it isn't the cutest thing I've ever seen. “Geez... No pressure... Probably cake?” I answer-ask while wincing. “Oh, good answer,” she beams. I sighed in relief; even though the question was playful, I didn't want to disappoint her. “What's your favourite kind of cake?” “What's with all the tough questions tonight?” She jokes. “I love all the cakes equally. What about you? Wait... don't tell me. I'm going to guess... You look like a chocolate cake kinc guy," she states, brows furrowed and lips pursed. Those damn Lips. I can't help but stare at them. I shake my head and smile. “Nope. Cherry cheesecake!” “Aww, I was so close,” she says. “What? How was that close?” I chuckle, and she lets out a hearty laugh, and I swear I would do ANYTHING to get her to do that again. She catches me smiling at her like a total fg creep, and I can see her cheeks turn pink. So fg cute. “You know, you're different than most Alpha's that I've met. No, that's a lie. You're different than every Alpha I have met." I smile, “Go on?” I press. “Well, it's weird you have this authoritative presence about you, and you're obviously physically intimidating she adds while using her hands to motion to my body. There she is, blushing again. “but you're also approachable and easy to talk to. Does your pack just completely adore you I can't help the cocky smile on my face. “Why? Do you completely adore me?" I ask. She rolls her eyes and swats my hand on the table playfully. “Stop fishing! I just mean, most Alpha's aren't so approachable. They must enjoy that they can talk to you,” she concludes “Maybe they can't? Maybe I'm just approachable to you?” I question. “I don't think that's true," she adds and gives me a funny look like she’s trying to figure me out. “My 15 minutes are probably up; I should get back in,” Lauren says. “Wait 1 grab her hand. She looks at our hands and then looks up at me, but she doesn’t pull away. “Why don't 1 give you my number, and if you do find yourself in danger or trouble, you can give me a call” I find my heart rate quicken, and I want so badly to reach over this table and kiss her. I don't want to scare her off, though; she's special. Too special to rush anything too, and if I wanted more, which I do, tonight wouldn't be the time for it. “That's really not necessary. I can take care of myself. It's really kind of you to offer, though,” she says and looks back dow at my hand, still holding hers. She hasn't pulled away, so I definitely won't. “l insist. Please, Lauren,” I basically beg. She smiles a little and nods. “Okay, Um, I don't have my phone with me,” she says. I rub my thumb over her knuckles before finally letting go of her hand, which goes against all of my natural instincts. I pull out my phone and click “add a contact” “Add your number, and I'll send you a text right away, so you have my number," I explain and hand it to her. She grabs it and adds her information. She hands it back, and she just wrote “Lauren’ for the first name, and for the last name, she wrote “waitress’ “Is your last name waitress?" I ask, one brow raised, smirking. “Well, I want you to know who's potentially calling you for help,” she smiles. We get up and head back inside. “So, what's your actual last name?” I ask “Hal Nice try," she jokes as she playfully nudges into me. Dammit, I want her. She's so funny and playful; I love it. I'm thoroughly confused by my feelings for her. Actually, no. That’ not true. I'm not confused about my feelings; I know exactly how I feel about her. I am confused about how strongly I war her; it doesn't make sense. I don't just want her body, but f**k do I want that too. I also want her smile, her laugh, her smell, her time, and just everything. Not just for a day either, or a month. I don't think I could ever tire of her. Maybe I nee to get some rest. I'm losing it. I can't believe 1 am even considering pursuing something more with a woman who isn't my mate. Not to mention, she probably wants to wait for her mate. There is no way she feels the same way that I do. She has feel at least something for me, right? There is no way that this is completely one-sided, is there? I had caught her looking at me and blushing, and she didn’t pull away when I held her hand, but then she also wouldn't give me her last name, but she seemed so comfortable with me. Most people take at least a little while to realize I am “approachable; as she put it. My size and tattoos tend to have people making a gut reaction that I'm not. Even knowing I was an Alpha, she felt comfortable enough to open up and joke around with me right away. I need to get out of here. I see Paul is sitting at the women's table with another two guys. They are all laughing and havin a good time. I mind-link him, -Paul, I'm taking off. I'm suddenly exhausted. Stay and have fun.- I say Are you sure?- -Definitely- I head to the bar and pay our tab. “Listen, Darlin’, I think you're wonderful. Really, one of my favourites, if I'm being honest. I know I see you come and go wi women in here once in a while, you're a grown man, and I won't judge you,” she pauses and looks me square in the eye. “But if you're just looking for something casual and fun, leave Lauren alone. She's been through enough, and she deserve better,” she whispers. I nod. “she’s different. That wasn't my intention," I assure her. “I know that she’s different. 'm glad you know it too,” Peggy adds. “What... what kind of stuff has she been through?” I ask quietly. “It ain't my place to say, but just know that she’s had a rough go of it lately. It's a damn shock the girl's still standing, let alone dancing” she points and starts to chuckle. ol Jerry is dancing with her, and she’s full belly laughing as he spins her, then dips her. Even though Jerry is about 85 yea old, I still don't like his hands on her. He is a perfect gentleman, though, and I love seeing her laugh. “Oh, look, you are grinning like the Cheshire cat; maybe I was worried about you for nothing. You've got it bad, don't you? Peggy laughs, pats my shoulder then walks away. s**t, is it that noticeable? I need to go home. Am I losing it?

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