Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

Book 2 Chapter 16

Trevor's hands raise in surrender, shaking his head. "No, Beta, if you want her, take her

There's no charge. I don't want any trouble with Alpha Zayn," he stammers, backing away slightly

Vance nods once, satisfied, tucking his wallet away as he grabs my arm, pulling me toward the exit. My feet are reluctant, dragging slightly as the real fear of losing my job settles in

Outside, he walks me to my car. "T'll follow you home," he announces, not a suggestion but a statement

Frustration and a hint of fear mix inside me. "It's my job, Vance," I snap, desperation creeping

into my tone

"Not tonight, it isn't. And you'll be finding a new job or I'll have to inform Zayn," he threatens, his voice low

Defeated, I unlock my car and slide in, the tears I've been holding back burning my eyes. I start the engine, my hands shaking as I back out of the parking lot

It doesn't take long for Vance to catch up. His car looms in my rearview mirror. Pulling into my driveway, I sit there for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts, but Vance is immediately there, opening my car door

He doesn't say a word as he pulls out a wad of cash and throws it onto my lap. "I have to go pick up my friend I left at the club, but take this

It should cover your lost tips for tonight," he

says, his voice softer now, but still firm

"I can't accept this," I protest, trying to hand it back, but he's already walking away. "I already owe you for the car." I call out to him as I hastily climb out of my car

"Don't let me catch you working there again," he calls over his shoulder before climbing into his car and speeding away

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Staring at the cash in my hand, I sigh heavily

Counting quickly, I realize it's more than I would've made tonight. Certainly enough to cover some pressing needs that have been weighing on my mind. The possibility of getting the power turned back on flickers through my thoughts, what I would do for a hot shower

There's also the overdue property tax bill that's been gnawing at me, threatening the last piece of stability I have this dilapidated mansion, the

only thing left from my father that I cling to

The money feels heavy in my hands. It's enough to buy groceries for several weeks, maybe even splurge on something other than two minute noodles. I could upgrade to canned goods if I really budget it out to last a couple weeks. Or maybe I should replace some of the broken window panes before winter fully sets in, sealing off drafts that turn the mansion into an icebox

But first, hunger gnaws at my stomach, I still haven't eaten today. With Vance's cash, I make a decision, something I haven't done impulsively in a long time I decide to drive back to the local gas station. It's late, but they sometimes keep hot food available for stragglers and night owls

As I pull into the gas station, the bright

fluorescent lights are a stark contrast to the dark road here. I step out of my car, stretching my legs, and head inside. The familiar chime as I open the door signals my entry, and I'm greeted by the faint smell of greasy food that's both comforting and nauseating. I approach the counter, where a few lonely pieces of chicken rotate slowly on a warmer that's seen better days

"Anything fresh?" I ask the attendant, a young guy who barely looks up from his phone

He shrugs, glancing at the warmer. "That's it, not sure how old it is though, I only just came on shift ten minutes ago. Half price if you take the lot," he offers, sounding as tired as I feel

I nod, pulling out a couple of the notes Vance gave me, and handing them over. It's an indulgence, this greasy meal, but right now, it

feels like a feast. With a small paper bag of food in hand, I return to my car, the warmth from the bag seeping into my chilled fingers