Alpha Ruby

Napkin

Max

After I gave the cooks the food orders for my tables, I got called into the office by Travis. "What's going on man? Everything okay?" I ask him as we walk back to his office. "Everything is better than okay! I just want the owner to meet his employees one by one. This pub was always my baby and you guys are all considered family." I nod my head at him, "Okay."

Walking in was the male wolf that entered with Ruby and her friend. Wait a minute... this guy named the pub after MY mate? "I hate him already." My wolf growled in my head. "Me too." I agree with him, feeling possessive about a woman who won't even acknowledge me.

"Xander, this is Max, my number one waiter, but don't tell the others that." Travis says with a chuckle. Xander. What a douchebag name. He sticks his hand out and I shake it, but pull apart rather quickly. "Nice to meet you, Max. I have heard all good things about you. I hope you know that I have no intention of breaking apart this company. I can tell from the way Travis talks about all of you, that you guys are a family, more than just co-workers. That's something I deeply appreciate and value." Well, yeah asshole. You legally can't anyway as it's written in the contract you signed, I think to myself. I resisted the urge to rolls my eyes at him.

"Thanks, so mind if I ask you a question?" I had to ask the number one question on my mind.

"Of course, please feel free to ask me anything, anytime."

"Why did you rename this place to Ruby's?"

Just the mention of her name had this jerk smiling like a fool. I had to control my heartbeat. I didn't want him to sense how angry I was becoming.

"Ruby is the name of my love. She's actually the red head that I came here with. Today is her birthday, and this pub is her gift from me and my family. Along with her other friend, Gabby, and Gabby's family."

"You gifted her a business to run? Does she not have a full-time job?" I asked, trying to sound casual. Travis shot me a dirty look for asking personal questions. Honestly, what a horrible f*****g gift. She's an alpha with a pack to run. When would she have time for this place? I seriously hate this guy more and more with the words that flow from his stupid mouth.

"You're very bold, I like that." He says to me. "To answer your question, yes. Ruby does work full-time. This pub is her gift, but she won't be the one running it. Part of the revenue we make from here will go to her though."

"Interesting. That's a very generous gift for your... love you said?"

"She's more than just my love. I would give her the entire world if I could." He had a dreamy look in his eyes and I want to punch him so hard in his perfect damn face.

"That's so sweet. I hope to find a love like that one day." Travis says, sounding intrigued with every word Xander was saying. Traitor.

I can't stand to hear anymore of this s**t. Standing up, I stick my hand out this time. "I should be getting back to work. Pleasure to meet you." Xander shook my hand and gave me a smile. "The pleasure was all mine."

That jerk has put a damper on my entire mood, but I don't want Ruby to see that. Returning to her table, I offer a smile. However, when I looked at her, I kept thinking of Xander holding and kissing her and whatever else lovers do. f**k! Get it together man. "Is there anything else I can get you ladies? Dessert perhaps?" I give a wink to Gabby, just to see how Ruby would react to me flirting with her friend.

She doesn't know it, but I can hear her heart speed up and her knuckles cracking under the table from clenching them in a fist so tight. Hmm, interesting. She is attracted to me, but is being stubborn. Is it because she's in love with Xander?

"I think we are good here. We'll just take the check now. Thanks." I held back my giggle at how quick Gabby said that. She can probably tell how pissed I am that he is flirting with her and just wants to get out of here.

"Being you are the birthday girl and this place is now yours, there is no cost." He didn't bother waiting for a reply from either one of us before leaving our table. "Want to go tell Xander that we're ready to leave?" Gabby asks and I simply nod my head. "I'll be there in a second, I want to leave a tip for Max."

Gabby

I took out my wallet and pulled a hundred dollar bill out. I also grabbed a pen and wrote Ruby's cell phone number on a napkin. I got up and looked for Max. I had to do this quick before Ruby saw me. That woman can be scary at times. I spotted him walking to the bar section of the pub to most likely make drinks for one of his customers.

"Excuse me, Max?" I quietly asked as I waved him down. He looked at me skeptically before making his way over. "Some wine to go?" He asked. I shook me head with a grin. "Not quite." I handed him the tip and napkin. His eyes widened with surprise at the amount I tipped him.

"I can't accept this."

"You can and you will. Also, that's Ruby's number, not mine. She's... stubborn, but is worth it. She totally has the hots for you and by the way you looked at her, I can tell you are into her as well."

The look on his face at what I said confirmed everything I needed to know.

"Have goodnight, Max."

He waved the napkin at me. "Oh, I definitely will, now that I have this."