Hate Mates (The Alpha Shifter)

Chapter Six

The sound of another plate falling to the floor had Alexa cringing. She knew this was going to happen, but she had hoped it wouldn’t be as bad as it actually was. First, several customers complained they got the wrong order. She prided herself in never getting an order wrong, and yet, that was exactly what was happening.

Landon was in a uniform, and they had to work together. She’d nearly pushed him over, and her strength had started to slowly return.

This was a nightmare, and she was so close to crying.

The dropped plate earned a round of applause.

She had to clean it up, and she led Landon to the cleaning closet. With the door closed, she leaned up against the wall, trying to compose herself. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes when she felt Landon close.

“I don’t know what is happening,” she said.

“I do. We’ve got this, Alexa.”

“I have never messed up an order. I have never dropped a single dish. What is wrong with me?” she asked.

“We’re being challenged.”

She took a deep breath. “I … this is … a nightmare.”

“No, it’s not a nightmare. We’ve got this. We need to hold our head high, and just, be ready, you know?” He grabbed her hand, locking their fingers together.

Landon’s touch was comforting. She felt a welcome relief from being close to him.

With the dustpan and brush in hand, they headed out, along with the mop. Together, seeing as their hands were cuffed together, they cleaned up the mess, taking their time.

She knew people watched them, judging them, and she was so annoyed with everyone. No, not with them, but with their alpha, who she knew was the reason they were making their lives difficult.

As with the previous day, she was sent out of the diner with Landon following close behind her. She didn’t even make it to the dinner shift.

They left the main town square and headed toward their home.

“How about a swim?” Landon asked.

“Huh?” She tucked some hair behind her ear.

“We’ve had a shitty day, and I know the steaks last night were for me. I think it’s only fair we do something for you. I know you love to swim. It helps to clear your head.”

She smiled and glanced down at her uniform. “But we can’t get changed.”

“Who cares? It’s not like anyone is going to be able to stop us.” He took her hand. “Come on, let’s go.”

She gave his hand a squeeze, and they took off, heading toward the lake.

No one was around, and for that, she was relieved.

Landon didn’t stop, and they both ran into the lake. The moment the water hit her legs, she felt calmer.

They both swam out to the center, and she followed his lead. It was a little difficult to swim at first, but they soon found a pace that worked with each other.

After an hour of playing and splashing around, they simply floated on the water.

“This is … soothing,” Landon said. “There’s no, like, sharks here or anything is there?”

“Not unless your girlfriend has planted them.”

“Cheryl’s not my girlfriend. She never has been.”