The Hidden Mate: The Alpha's Sweetheart

Chapter 1 Hera's pov “Your ice tea, scones with pancakes” I said with a delightful smile dropping their order on the table. “Thank you so much” the customer beamed up enjoying my charisma, “here” she handed me a tip. “Thank you” I appreciated then left the table to handle another order. “Looks like someone is working hard for that raise” my co-worker Emily said grinning. “Well I don't want to be late for that interview” I sighed tucking the dollar neatly in my back pocket. “You getting a new job?“ Emily announced loudly drawing a few gazes our way which I smiled patting her hand gently to show there was no trouble. “Yes” I whispered through my smile. “You already working three jobs, your makeup is doing a poor job hiding your eye bags, Emily you going to wear yourself out” she said genuinely concerned. I knew she was right but there was nothing I could do about it, my income combined didn't make a dent in the debts my mom owed, our rent was due, and electricity and water bills were piling not to speak of the local bars that had banned her and demanded she paid for every bottle she drowned trying to forget my dad. I couldn't blame my mom but the weight was too heavy to carry, I had barely any time for myself working like my life depended on it. “Earth to Hera… Emily called out snapping me out of my daze. “Just pray I get it” I said smiling to cover the pain I felt. “You will” Emily said sadly looking over my shoulder her smile grew back. “Table seven have been checking you out all day” she said then c****d her eyebrow and I rolled my eyes not bothering to see who it was. I looked like a mess, my red hair was pulled in a messy bun, my sleepy green eye bags were heavy, dressed in a white shirt and black covered in stains no thank you. She must be mistaken if I was honest Emily was the type that felt being delulu was the only solulu. No guy would want me. “Are you girls going to stand here and gossip all day get back to work” our boss yelled with a scrowl. “Yes sir” we said in unison then burst out laughing as he walked past. “Let's keep working before we get fired, and keep your eyes on the food not the patrons” I warned. “They all look like food to me and hey if you don't want him I'm going to shoot my shot” Emily said losing a button from her blouse, she ran her hand through her hair then grabbed a notepad with a wink she left to what I guess was table seven. While I continued my job I headed to the back to help the chef. "Table three needs extra ketchup," a voice shouted from the kitchen. I scribbled down the request and rushed toward the designated table, offering a friendly smile to the client. “What do we have here!“ a baritone voice blared boldly I turned to see a group of hefty young men, I sensed an uneasy tension in the air. Their arrival had disrupted the harmony of the restaurant, and their demeanor sent shivers down my spine. “Let's fix this place up” a burly man with a menacing scowl, barked orders at his companions, who scattered like roaches, knocking over chairs and sending plates crashing to the floor. Panic swept over me, but I tried to maintain my composure. Screams rippled through the air as customers ran helter-skelter trying to protect themselves. Their leader stood enjoying the chaos I had to stop this before it got out of hand taking a deep breath I approached him. "Excuse me, gentlemen, is there anything I can help you with?" I asked, my voice quivering. “We are looking for Hera” he announced taking in my appearance. I blinked back wondering if he was mistaken I had no business with these thugs why the hell would they be looking for me? “You must be Hera," he said with a cruel smirk taking in the shock registered on my face. "Your mother owes us thirty thousand dollars and we've come to collect you seem worth the price if you ask me follow me and we'll leave the restaurant alone" My heart sank like an anchor, I knew about my mother's gambling addiction, but I never imagined it would lead to this. “No you… you can't take me” I stuttered stepping away from him. “Well then this is a warning carry on boys make sure you don't stop till every last bit of it is destroyed” he barked smiling menacing. The men continued their rampage, overturning tables and smashing glassware. The once lively atmosphere had transformed into chaos and fear. Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched my workplace crumble before me. The restaurant owner was devastated when he saw this disaster. Just then, the door to the kitchen swung open, and Mr. Johnson stepped out his face scrunched in disbelief as he took in the scene before him. Plates lay shattered on the floor, chairs were strewn about like matchsticks, and his glasses were shattered all over. "What the hell is going on here?" he bellowed, his face flushed with anger. The intruders turned their attention to him, and for a moment, the chaos ceased. "We're here to collect a debt your beloved employee owes and we're giving Hera here five days to come up with the money her mother owes us. Or else..." he smiled at me. “Please leave my business out of this, I don't have to suffer for her shenanigans” he pleaded. The man considered his words for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well but we'll be watching. Five days, Hera. Don't forget." “Let's go boy” he orders then they left the restaurant. I scoured the messy environment till my gaze landed on my boss' face contorted with anger. I gulped hard trying to find the words but my tongue felt numb. “You're fired!“