A Beta Before An Alpha
Chapter 8

Lauren's point of view

Zac just left, and it's kind of weird that I felt as comfortable with him as I did. It's also strange how attracted I am to him. It doesn't make sense; I shouldn't be attracted to anyone. I'm supposed to be partially connected to Nathan still. Maybe it's the emotional abuse or the distance combined with rejecting him, but I feel nothing for him. Nothing good anyway.

I feel pain thinking about it the whole situation because it hurt me so much to go through that, but none of that pain is because I miss Nathan. I guess it's hard to miss someone who has never said anything nice to me. He never spoke to me before we found out we were mated, and he was only cruel to me after. I keep wondering why Moon Goddess would pair us together.

I don't want to see Nathan ever again, but Zac... that's a different story. It was weird; when he was holding my hand and rubbing it, I liked it. I didn't take my hand away, I told myself to a few times, but my body didn't cooperate with my brain. I can't believe I gave him my number too. I chickened out with my last name, though, because I didn't want him to look me up or go poking around and alerting Nathan to where I am. Although by now, I'm sure he's dealt with his bruised ego, and he's moved on to wedding preparations with Blair, and it feels so good that I'm okay with that.

The rest of my night went well. I met lots of people. In this small town, this is the gathering spot. I even met a guy in his mid-late 20's, named Mark; he said he recently opened a gym in town. I promised him I would check it out, and I fully intend to too. With how welcoming everyone is, I can see myself fitting in just fine here. By the time 1 am comes around, and Peggy locks up, I'm exhausted. It's easy to feed off of everyone's energy, but as soon as the bar cleared out, so did my energy. Peggy does the cashing out while I wipe down the bar and all the tables.

"So, how did you like it? You were a natural tonight. You have great energy, and customers loved you," Peggy says.

"I actually did like it, and everyone was so nice!" I admit.

"So, can I keep scheduling you in?"

"If you'll have me, Id love that," I smile.

"Oh, I'll have you alright. You were great tonight. I need help around here. We sold so much more alcohol tonight, too, because people could get drinks faster, so they drank more. Some of the men might have been drinking more so they could get a chance to talk to you too," she smiles.

"Here, Darlin', your share of the tips tonight," Peggy adds. I look down at the stack of cash.

"Wow! How much is here?" I ask.

"Just about 200 dollars. Don't get too excited; Saturdays are our best

night so that you won't make that every night," she smiles.

"We're closed on Sundays, and you can have Mondays off too because it's so slow. Tuesday - Thursday 6-10 pm, and Friday-Saturday 5 pm-1 or 2 am. How does that sound?" Peggy asks. "That's great! I really appreciate this, Peggy. Thank you so much!" I wrap

Peggy into a hug and give her a big squeeze.

I wake up, and the sun is shining through my window next to my bed. I feel so rested and good. I look at my clock; it says 11:23 am. I am shocked. I never sleep in like this. I reach over and grab my phone; I didn't check it when I got up here last night because I was too tired. I see my mom called, Julien called seven times, Sadie called twice, and I have a text from a number I don't recognize.

The text reads: It's Zac SLADE, the Alpha everyone adores. D

I burst out laughing. His last name is in caps too. It must have driven him nuts that I didn't give him my last name. Should I text him back? Part of me wants to, but what would I say? I can't think of anything clever or cute to respond to, so maybe I'll just leave it. I decided I'd call Julien.

Julien: Hey Lo.

Me: Hey!

Julien: Wow, you sound good.

Me: Thanks. I am doing good. I feel a lot better. I think with severing the bond and getting some distance from him; I don't feel any pull to him anymore, so I feel really great.

Julien: Really? Well, I'm glad to hear it. I have to be honest; I wasn't expecting you to be this good.

Me: To be honest, me either. It's a welcome surprise. So anyway, how's everything going over there?

Julien: I haven't seen him. Blair went home with the intention to pack her

things and move here, but he's been locked in his room ever since. I think he's accepted it? I don't think he's going to come and look for you and drag you back here so you can watch him get married.

Me: Well, it sounds like he's moving on; that's good news.

Julien and I talk for a little, and when I get off the phone, I give a quick call to my Mom and Sadie. Then I get up and make myself some eggs and toast. Then I get ready. I put on some navy blue leggings, a white tank top and put my hair in a bun. I grab some gym shoes, my bag, and a water bottle. First things first, I hit the gym. I follow the directions that Mark gave me, which is not difficult. It's about a 2-minute drive from Peggy's. It's in a strip mall, and right beside it is a laundry mat. How convenient is that! I can run back and forth to change loads while I work out. That'll come in handy.

"Lauren, you made it!" Mark says, surprised.

"I said I would," I smile.

"A lot of people tell me they are going to come to check out my gym, but they don't end up actually showing up. Especially not the next day," he explains. The gym is bright, and there's a lot of good quality equipment. There are 5-6 guys working out. "Well, I actually love coming to the gym. I'm surprised at the quality of this place, considering it's such a small town," I admit.

He smiles with pride and looks at me funny.

"Thank you. Yeah, it's been my dream, but business can be a little slow. I'd like to be able to get more people in here, but it seems like a lot of people think this place is just for really buff dudes."

"Really? Well, maybe you could try catering to different demographics. Like maybe do a circuit class or a spin class? Maybe yoga or kickboxing? If you can get more women in here, your average Joe might be less intimidated to come and work out here too?" I suggest. Mark is nodding his head and deep in thought. "That's not a bad idea," he muses. I pay for a membership and then get to work. I'm listening to music while I work out, and I hear a ding. I check my phone.

Zac SLADE: I'm starting to think maybe you gave me the wrong number?

I smile, and I feel excited that he's texting me, but I also can't miss the opportunity to mess with him.

Me: New phone. Who dis?

Zac SLADE: Zac! Who's this??

[I wish I could see this face. ]

Me: Zac who?

Zac SLADE: Are you serious?

Me: No.

Zac SLADE: ??

Me: hahaha I was just kidding.

Zac SLADE: Lauren?

Me: Yes?

Zac SLADE: I don't know if I even believe it's you right now

[I take a quick selfie. Oh, not that one. I take one more, and then send it to him. ]

Zac SLADE: You had me for a second. Where are you? Looks like a gym.

Me: 'Mark's Total Fitness Centre'

Zac SLADE: It's nice to see you are immersing yourself in the town. I just wanted to make sure you really had my number in case you needed it.

Me: Thank you very much. That's very kind of you! Such a gentleman.

Zac SLADE: I have you fooled already!

Me: Haha, I was just being polite!

Zac SLADE: Ouch!

Me: LOL Just kidding!

I replace myself laughing as I put my phone away. There's something about him that I am drawn to. There's a level of comfort with him; like I've known him for years. I replace myself thinking about him a lot. Too much.

When I'm done with my workout, I head out and explore the town. Every store is in the centre of the town. I see a local store called "A little bit of everything." I go inside and look around. I pick up a couple of towels, a big white fluffy down duvet, a few throw pillows, and I also pick up a plant. The blankets are okay in my place, but I love feather duvets, and I want to be comfortable in my tiny home.

Then I head to the grocery store and pick up some things. By the time I get home, it's 5 pm. I get all my purchases in my place, and put away everything, then make myself some dinner. I end the night by talking to Sadie and watching a movie on my laptop in bed.