Page 9 of The Alpha's Chosen Outcast

Chapter 3

HEATHER

It’s another beautiful day in this small town, and I don’t even care that everything is a little predictable.

Okay, it’s alotpredictable. But it’s safe. I know what to expect. I know who’s around me and what their intentions are, for the most part. It’s been five years, and I’ve settled in.

People here know me and care about me. After what happened at home, that’s more than I ever thought I’d have again.

I walk to work, and my “everything is safe and predictable” mood shatters when I see both Jessie and Gretta’s cars in the lot. What are they doing here this early? What am I about to walk into?

A feeling of dread starts to build in my chest. Am I about to be fired? When I get inside, I can hear Jessie and Gretta talking in loud and animated voices in the back, but I can’t tell if they’re angry or not.

I head to the back, and I hear Jessie mention that she can’t believe something. Then they’re laughing, I think. Are they laughing? I really hope this isn’t about me. I’m treading softly, making as little noise as possible. They don’t know that I have wolf agility, and I don’t think they’re looking for me.

Fuck, Jessie sees me, and she’s coming to the door.

“Heather, is that you?”

I give her a nervous smile and peek out from behind the corner I’d tried to hide in.

“Oh, come on, you're gonna love this!”

She takes my hand and pulls me into the studio room, where we work on our projects. The dress I’d finished yesterday is sitting there on the form in all its glory. Jessie is studying it, and I feel like the look on her face is one of admiration.

“You’re never going to guess what just happened?”

Gretta is giddy, and I’m so weirded out. I’ve never seen her like this.

“Oh, wipe that look off your face. This is exciting!” She claps her hands together.

“Okay, what happened? You two look like you won the lottery or something.”

“Well, we kinda did,” Jessie turns around with a grin.

“What are you talking about? Spit it out,” I demand.

“Our sister shop inNew York Citycalled in an order for their most high-profile client!” Gretta practically squeals out the news.

I feel the blood drain from my face, and my knees fall out from under me. I land in a chair, but I don’t know where it came from. Jessie is talking to me, and the words sound like they’re coming from underwater.

She said “New York City,” didn't she? How is this happening? Is the shop near Greenwich Village? If we have a client from there—if they see me—the wolves will find me. I’ll be dead. Well, that won’t happen. I’m just a hired hand. Jessie will go herself. I’m sure of it.

“You’ll have to go there and meet the client, then.”

I snap back to the conversation. What the fuck is Jessie talking about?

“Wait, what? Go where?”

“To New York City.” Gretta looks at me like I have three heads.

“Me? Why do you need me to go? Shouldn’t you go, Jessie, you’re the owner?” I turn to Gretta. “Or you? You’re the head seamstress. I’m barely more than an intern.”

Jessie sighs. “Heather, most of the new designs are yours and everyone knows it. I told this client I’d send our best, and that’s you. Gretta couldn’t go anyway. She has that blood pressure issue, and flying would be a problem.”

Fuuuuuuuuuuck.

“I can’t go back there,” I say, barely above a whisper.

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