The Masked Wolf

Stay away from those rooms

Ava’s point of view

Gloria took hold of my hand, guiding me out of the secluded back room and back into the main bar area. As we re-entered, my eyes were immediately captivated by the mesmerizing gold and black design that adorned the space. Gloria gestured towards the magnificent centerpiece - a bar made of elegant golden wood with sleek black counters showcasing an impressive array of alcoholic beverages. It was a sight to behold.

The bar stools, adorned in shimmering gold, boasted plush black cushions that beckoned patrons to take a seat. Surrounding the bar, the tables exhibited the same exquisite combination of gold and black, their surfaces glistening under the soft glow of the room's lights. Matching the allure of the bar stools, the chairs surrounding the tables completed the ensemble flawlessly. And to add a touch of grandeur, mirrors adorned each wall, reflecting the beauty of the entire space.

"May I ask who the regular patrons of this establishment are?" I inquired, delicately running my finger along the sleek surface of the bar. This was my first foray into the world of bars, and now that I would be working here, I wanted to gain a better understanding of what to expect.

"The identities of our patrons are intentionally concealed. They all wear masks, and there's a powerful enchantment in place that prevents them from recognizing each other's scents or engaging in any supernatural activities. This means no shifting allowed, so nobody can 'wolf out' here," Gloria replied, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she casually flipped her long black hair over her shoulder.

"Wow, that's truly fascinating! So, no one can ever recognize each other?" I questioned, a gleeful smile spreading across my face. I was already captivated by the concept of this place.

"Yes, it's quite intriguing. Now, you have two options: tend the bar or serve the customers. Bring their orders to the bar, where the bartender will prepare their drinks. You have to start as a server, but once you learn the drinks, you can move up to being a bartender later. Just be mindful to steer clear of the two back rooms," Gloria cautioned, pointing towards the doors labeled "Private Rooms" and "Playrooms."

"What's inside those rooms?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued. Why would you need separate rooms in a bar? I wondered.

"Well, the playroom is where you have the potential to earn a substantial amount of money. It's an adult-oriented space where people let their imaginations run wild. However, we don't want to compromise our dignity by observing what goes on in there. The other room is reserved for those who pay for overnight stays or rent a room on a monthly basis, depending on their needs. Private rooms are mostly locked and don't require any additional services. We don't want to be treated as maids either," Gloria explained. I fully agreed, not wanting to end up with a second job serving someone in a private room like Alpha Ace.

"Thank you for the heads up," I replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I'm grateful that I inquired about those specific areas before committing to work there. Gloria's guidance was truly valuable, and I could feel myself starting to calm down a bit.

Suddenly, the room became crowded with a group of individuals. It was clear that they were all employees since none of them were wearing masks. Three individuals took their place behind the bar, unmistakably the bartenders. Around twenty muscular men entered the room, likely the establishment's security team. They all had a striking appearance. Ten others joined Gloria and me, and I assumed they were servers. Eventually, Bart made his entrance, following closely behind the rest of the group.

"Attention, everyone! We have a new member joining our server team tonight. Please welcome Ava," Bart declared, directing everyone's attention towards me. "If she needs any support, I expect all of you to be there for her. Remember, it is crucial that we respect our customers' privacy. Never tamper with anyone's mask, no matter the circumstances. If a situation becomes tense, seek assistance from a security guard and avoid handling it independently. Additionally, if interactions go beyond kissing, kindly tap the person on the shoulder and suggest they move to the playroom or consider renting a private space. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir!" the entire room echoed in unison, their synchronized response providing a comforting reassurance. I couldn't help but feel grateful that Bart had emphasized the support I could expect from my colleagues. This place had an unnerving effect on me, and the mere thought of the playroom sent shivers down my spine as someone inexperienced. And I dreaded confrontation, preferring to avoid it whenever possible.

"Alright, Ava, are you ready for your first night?" Bart asked, his face lighting up with a warm smile.

"Yes, it sounds kind of exciting. This place is truly unique," I replied, taking a moment to soak in my surroundings. Nervousness fluttered in my stomach, but there was also a sense of anticipation as I prepared to embark on this new adventure.

"That it is. Things can get a little wild at times. If someone flirts with you, it's okay to flirt back, but remember, no one is allowed to touch you. If you ever feel uncomfortable or need assistance, simply say 'help' into this earpiece," Bart explained, handing me the device. He pointed to the small button on it. "Just press this button to activate it and speak into it."

"Wow, that's a great safety measure. Thank you," I said, feeling grateful for the added security as I carefully placed the earpiece in my ear. It provided a sense of comfort, like a security blanket.

"You're very welcome. We always prioritize the safety of our staff. Do you have a clear understanding of the rules, or do you have any questions before we open the doors?" Bart inquired, leaning against the bar counter.

"I don't have many questions. Just one - would you mind clarifying how often we receive our pay? Is it on a weekly or monthly basis?" I asked, conscious of the fact that earning money sooner would help me pay off my debts faster. I hoped I didn't sound too desperate or impolite. In the past, I had always put all my earnings from my job at the pack house towards my debt.

"You will be paid on a nightly basis, and we handle the taxes for you, so there will be no deductions. Being situated on neutral pack land means that the laws regarding taxation are different here. Any tips you earn are yours to keep, and since your job is not within your pack, you won't have to pay any taxes to your pack either," Bart explained, nonchalantly brushing a speck of dust off his shoulder.

"Oh, so we receive our pay every night? That's incredible! Thank you so much for providing me with this opportunity," I exclaimed, a broad smile forming on my face as I glanced up at Bart. The prospect of receiving my earnings immediately meant I wouldn't have to wait to see how much I had earned, making it easier for me to plan and work towards paying off my debts.

"Alright then, I'll unlock the doors. If you require any assistance, feel free to use your earpiece or approach another staff member. The earpiece should be used only in cases where you can't find anyone or require immediate help. We value open communication. Should you feel overwhelmed or in need of a break, don't hesitate to ask. We are quite flexible and want you to feel at ease," Bart instructed.

"I completely understand," I responded, feeling a surge of excitement and satisfaction bubbling up inside me. I was already developing a deep affection for this place.