Alpha Conrad’s Little Pet

Five

SAMANTHA

Three days later

“Maybe I shouldn't have decided to work,” I sighed as I stared at the burnt food in front of me.

“I don't think kitchen work is for you,” one of the female cooks said as she eyed the mess before me.

“I should just give up, shouldn't I?” I asked with slumped shoulders.

I had suggested and insisted on working for my own money two days back because I was bored of staying all day indoors and I also felt guilty for always spending Elara's money even though she never once complained about it but still, I didn't want to feel like a liability. She’s helped me enough already. It was time I got back on my feet instead of sitting around and sulking all day.

“Sam, how about you stay behind the counter?” The manager of the diner walked up to me. He was nice enough not to have fired me after all the mess I’ve made in this kitchen.

“Sure. I'm really sorry for the inconveniences I've caused,” I bowed my head slightly as I apologized.

“There's no need to apologize. It's alright to not know everything,” he patted my shoulders. “You know how to use a cash register right?”

“I've only ever heard about it. Maybe I've seen it in a picture before,” I thought aloud.

“You've never seen a cash register before?” One of the other workers voiced his surprise. I shouldn't have said that out but even if I didn't, it would be obvious since I'd be completely lost on what a cash register was.

How was I supposed to explain to them that I've only ever gone shopping for clothes and bags at high-end stores? I use a black card so I've never really had to see a cash register, not to mention that even my shopping sprees were occasional since my dad didn't like the idea of me moving when it wasn't important so I usually had stores deliver whatever I needed.

“Surely, you must know how to serve at least,” another worker tried to redeem me.

“Didn't you see what happened the last time I told her to wash the dishes?” One of the cooks sighed. I broke a lot of plates yesterday. I really might just be better off sitting down at home, or maybe I should just have accepted Elara's offer to work in her boutique at least. Then again, there's no guarantee that I would still know how to do things there. I wanted to find my feet without anybody’s assistance and so far so good, it was not working out well for me.

“I have an idea,” the manager snapped his fingers. “ You could just stay behind the counter, smiling and welcoming customers. You could also take orders,” he suggested.

“ I can do that really well,” I nodded my head in excitement. I was trained how to smile and relate to people so this is something I could easily do.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Weeks later

A month has passed since I started working and there are two things that really shocked me in the one month of working here. The first one was rude customers. I never thought I would actually deal with rude and perverted customers, I thought it only happened in movies.

Then, the second shocker which is even more devastating than the first is my pay. For some reason known to me alone, I assumed I would be paid a huge sum for all that work I've put in but it's less than a fraction of a quarter of my regular allowance from my dad. I couldn't even do anything tangible with the money I earned so I'm still depending on Elara once again.

Now I'm questioning the whole purpose of this job.

“Sam, I made the right decision by putting you out to where customers can see you,” the manager came running like an excited toddler.

“What's going on?” I seemed like the only person who had no idea what was happening as everyone also looked equally excited.

“We got a call from the royal palace to come over today to cook and serve them,” one of their workers answered.

“They are having a family get-together or so,” another chirped in.

“ And the only reason why they contacted such a small diner like us is because of you, Sam,” the manager said.

“But I didn't do anything,” I tilted my head as I looked at everyone, puzzled but my heart was beating hard against my rib cage.

“You didn't, but your looks did,” one of the male workers said.

“I've always admired your beauty from the very first day you came. We all are convinced that you're no child from a middle class family. You're definitely a runaway noble lady,” one of the girls said and the other workers nodded their heads in agreement.

I guess they have been talking about me. Do I stand out way too much? I’ve dyed my hair a new color; blonde after Conrad announced that he was looking for me much to Elara’s disapproval.

“Don't pay mind to their personal conclusions,” the manager said. “Anyway, since you were the reason they gave us such a huge contract, you have to be present at the royal palace,” he said.

“But I can't do anything but smile,” I was finding every means not to go. I was not sure of Conrad would still recognize me now that I was blonde but I was not going to be taking any chances.

“That's not a problem. All we need is your face,” he wasn't easy to shake off and I was not ready to lose this job even if the pay was trash. The manager gave me a chance when he should have fired me, I did not want him to lose this contract.

What's the worst thing that could happen? It's not like Conrad really saw me anyway so I have nothing to fear or so I thought….

***

Standing right in front of the entire royal family of White Claw pack wasn't on my bucket list. I and Elara made eye contact across the room and she looked surprised to see me. I never really told her what diner I worked for specifically.

“What are you doing here?” Elara mouthed to me.

“It's a long story, I'll tell you when we get home,” I mouthed right back to her.

“Weren't you supposed to avoid Conrad at all cost?” She continued to mouth to me as discreetly as possible.

“Can you just pretend not to know me while we're here? They'll definitely catch us if we keep doing this,” I mouthed back and with a worried sigh she looked away from me.

“I was a bit skeptical when Conrad suddenly wanted a diner to handle today's event rather than our regular five-star chefs but I can see why now. You're really pretty, what's your name?” Conrad's mom, Luna Aeliana complimented me. I should start wearing a hideous wig and makeup after this. Dying my hair was not enough.

“Sam, Your Majesty,” I answered with a bow.

“Do you know Sam by any chance, Elara?” Conrad, who had been absent all along, suddenly asked, as he walked in, “You two seemed to maintain eye contact for a while,” he added, making me question how he saw us.

I was unsure of what he was thinking. I couldn't tell if he already knew or just found it suspicious how I and Elara looked at each other.

I cursed when I felt my wolf begin to stir in my head and soon she was screaming, “Mate! Mate! Mate!”

Fuck! I’ve forgotten that he did not have to remember what I look like to know I was the one. His wolf would pick me out in a group of thousands.

I looked at him and saw an evil smirk on his face. He definitely knew what was happening.

Damn it!