Chapter 137
If I thought Tammy’s first day in the packhouse was unbearable, I was woefully unprepared for day two.
She made her presence known as soon as the sun rose, barking orders at anyone who crossed her path. I sat in the kitchen with Sophie, trying to drink my tea in peace, when Tammy’s grating voice echoed through the halls.
“Where is my breakfast? Do I have to starve in this house?”
Fatima, standing by the counter, groaned audibly. “I swear if she calls me one more time, I’ll—”
“Calm down,” Sophie muttered, rubbing her temples. “Let’s just get through this without any bloodshed.”
The door burst open, and Tammy strolled in like she owned the place. Her hair was perfectly curled, and she wore a bright pink dress that screamed *look at me*. She stopped in the middle of the kitchen, putting her hands on her hips.
“Oh, good, you’re all here. Maybe now I can finally get some service around here.”
Fatima’s grip on the counter tightened, and Sophie leaned over to whisper, “I’ll hold her down; you get the shovel.”
I bit back a laugh and focused on my tea.
Tammy snapped her fingers at one of the kitchen staff, a sweet omega named Beth, who was slicing fruit at the counter. “You, there. I need a green smoothie. And make sure it’s fresh—none of that prepackaged nonsense.”
Beth blinked at her, confused. “Uh, we don’t have a blender, Miss Tammy.”
Tammy rolled her eyes. “What kind of backwater pack is this? Fine, just bring me tea. And it better be hot this time.”
Sophie stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. “How about you make your own tea?”
Tammy turned to her with an exaggerated gasp. “Excuse me? Is that how you treat an honored guest?”
“You’re not a guest,” Sophie snapped. “You’re an infestation.”
I pressed my hand to my mouth, trying to suppress my laughter. Tammy huffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “I don’t have time for jealous omegas. Jake needs me. If you’ll excuse me.”
She strutted out of the kitchen, and the moment she was gone, Sophie let out an exasperated groan.
“I can’t take this anymore,” she said, pacing back and forth. “How does Jake tolerate her?”
“He ignores her,” I muttered.
Fatima smirked. “We should try that. Or, you know, just accidentally lock her in the basement.”
The thought was tempting, but I shook my head. “I need to talk to Jake. This can’t go on for a month.”
\---
Jake was in his office when I found him, flipping through a stack of papers. He didn’t look up when I walked in.
“What is it, Ayla?” he asked, his tone clipped.
I closed the door behind me and crossed my arms. “We need to talk about Tammy.”
Jake sighed, setting his papers down. “Not this again.”
“She’s driving everyone crazy,” I said, stepping closer. “She’s rude to the staff, she’s disruptive, and she’s—”
“Ayla,” Jake interrupted, pinching the bridge of his nose, “it’s one month. Calm down. This isn’t permanent.”
“One month with her feels like a lifetime,” I shot back.
Jake leaned back in his chair, studying me with those intense eyes that always made me feel like he could see straight through me. “You’re overreacting.”
I wanted to scream. How could he be so calm about this? But before I could say anything else, Tammy burst into the office, her voice as shrill as ever.
“Jake! There you are!”
Jake’s expression hardened, and he looked at me like he regretted every decision that had led to this moment.
Tammy didn’t seem to notice his irritation as she pranced over to his desk, holding out a piece of paper. “I made a list of things that need improvement around the packhouse. You can thank me later.”
Jake didn’t take the paper. “Tammy, I’m busy.”
“Oh, I know, Alpha,” she said, emphasizing the title like it was a magic word. “But these are urgent matters. Like, the furniture? It’s so outdated. And don’t get me started on the staff uniforms.”
I couldn’t hold back a snort, but Tammy ignored me.
“You know, Jake,” she said, leaning on his desk, “this packhouse has so much potential. With my guidance, we could really elevate things.”
Jake’s jaw tightened, and I could see the faintest hint of a vein throbbing in his temple. “Tammy, I said I’m busy.”
Tammy pouted but finally stepped back. “Fine. I’ll let you get back to work. But don’t forget about the list.”
As she left the room, I turned to Jake, raising an eyebrow. “Still think I’m overreacting?”
Jake didn’t answer.
The twins’ cries echoed through the living room later that afternoon, and I rushed to calm them down.
“What’s wrong, my babies?” I cooed, picking up Liam while Lily clung to my leg.
“They’re probably tired of hearing Tammy’s voice,” Sophie said, strolling into the room.
Tammy was standing by the window, pretending to admire the view. When she turned around, she plastered on a fake smile.
“Oh, the twins! Aren’t they adorable?” she said in a sugary voice that made me gag.
She crouched down, holding out her hands. “Come here, little ones!”
Logan clung to me tighter, and Lily scowled at Tammy like she was an alien.
“Aww, don’t be shy,” Tammy cooed, inching closer.
Lily’s scowl deepened, and I noticed her little hand twitch. The next thing I knew, Tammy’s feet slipped out from under her, and she landed flat on her back with a loud thud.
“Oh my God!” Sophie burst out, covering her mouth with her hand. “Are you okay?”
Fatima leaned against the wall, smirking. “That’s karma, right there.”
Tammy scrambled to her feet, her face red with embarrassment. “I—I must have tripped.”
Lily giggled, hiding her face in my leg, and I bit back a laugh.
Jake walked in just as Tammy was brushing herself off, and Joseph immediately rushed over to greet him.
“Ah, Alpha Jake! Just the man we were waiting for.”
Jake looked around the room, his expression already annoyed. “What’s going on now?”
Joseph stepped forward, clearing his throat. “We were just discussing some improvements Tammy has suggested for the packhouse. She’s very passionate about making this place more… suitable for her role.”
Jake sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose again. “I don’t have time for this.”
“Of course, Alpha,” Joseph said quickly. “But I think it’s important to consider—”
“Joseph,” Jake interrupted, his voice cold, “I’ve entertained enough of this nonsense for one day. I suggest you take your daughter and let me do my job.”
Tammy pouted, stepping closer to Jake. “Oh, Jake, I was just trying to help.”
Jake didn’t even look at her. “I didn’t ask for your help.”
Joseph opened his mouth to protest, but one look from Jake made him snap it shut.
“Good,” Jake said, turning to leave. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have actual work to do.”
As he walked out, Tammy glared at me, her eyes narrowing.