16

Viv POV
Ozzy leaves me alone again. I sit here thinking for a moment. I cannot do this to myself. I should move on and not think about him or his pull on my soul. There is something about him that makes me want him in ways that is not normal. I should not even be considering going to see him after work, but I want him. Something about him pulls me into his circle and makes me want to just be with him every moment.
I have made it without him these few weeks. Surely if I stay away, I can forget him and move on with my life. I can put him behind me. His kind does not like my kind. The wolves are afraid of us and what we can do. They think we will put them under a spell and lead them around like pets.
Knock Knock!
"Come in," I say softly.
"I wanted to check on you," Conrad says.
I wipe the tears from my cheek.
"I am fine. I have a decision to make, and I need to make it fast," I say.
Conrad comes into the room and shuts the door. He walks over to me. He looks down at me like a father would like at his daughter when he is worried about her.
"This is none of my business, but you know that I care a lot about you. I would never have agreed to allow him back here after he hurt you, but he is the Alpha King, so he has me by the balls on this. Personally, I think Ozzy is not good enough for you, Viv. You deserve someone who will love you and be proud of you no matter where you came from or what you are," Conrad says.
Conrad's words make me smile. I am happy he is not only my boss but my friend. Conrad reaches out and takes my hand. I get up, hold my head high, and follow him out of the basement.
When I get back to the bar, Travis is waiting for me. He looks disappointed in me for talking to Ozzy. I know he is worried. He has been a great friend over the last few weeks.
"How did it go with the Alpha Asshole?" Travis asks.
I touch his arms softly and smile at him. He smiles back. Travis has the sweetest smile.
"Get Tony to watch the bar, and let's take a break together," I suggest.
I walk out the back of the bar to the side door. I sit down and lit up while I wait for Travis. It only takes him a few moments before he is coming out of the back to sit with me. He takes a seat beside me on a wine crate.
"Are you okay?" Travis asks.
I look up into his eyes. "I think so. I think I will be fine," I answer him.
"What did he want, if you do not mind me asking?" Travis asks.
I shift around on the crate. "He wanted to apologize, and he asked me to see him tonight," I answer.
"Are you going to see him?" Travis asks.
"I think it would be better if I do not see him again," I answer.
Travis takes my hand, out eyes meet. He tilts his head slightly and moves in to kiss me. Our lips touch. It is nothing like kissing Ozzy. Damn, I am hung up on Ozzy. I cannot even let another man kiss me without thinking about Ozzy.
"I am sorry, but I have wanted to do that since the first time I saw you," Travis says.
I do not know what to say. I am not sure how I feel about Travis kissing me. The side door opens.
"Hey, Tony needs help," Jules, one of the waitresses, screams from the door.
"I got this. Enjoy your break," Travis says.
I sit on the wine crate, thinking. I should give Ozzy a chance to show me he is not an asshole, but here is Travis, who is so kind. What if he is just like Ozzy? How do I get myself into these situations?
I lit up another cigarette and smoke it. I need to think. Fuck, I cannot do this here. I put my cigarette out and go back into the bar.
When I get back to the bar, Travis has everything under control. Tony is following his direction and helping get the drinks out perfectly. I start doing my paperwork. I look up from my paperwork every now and then to watch Travis. He catches me looking and smiles.
After a while, Travis comes over to me and sits down beside me. I am almost finished with everything, and we might actually get out of here at a decent hour tonight.
"I thought I would get Tony to stock everything while I take the orders. That way, we can leave on time," Travis says.
"Sounds good," I say without looking up from the paperwork.
Travis leans into me. "I thought I could take you to dinner after work," Travis says.
I look at him, smile, and nod my head. "You know what, I think I would like that very much, Travis," I say.
"Okay, then, it is a date," Travis says.
"There is not much open when we get off work; I could cook for you," I say as he begins to walk away.
The thought of us being out and running into Ozzy is scary for him and for me. I do not know how Ozzy would react, to be honest. He might flip his shit.
"I do not want you to cook after working so hard all night," Travis says.
"Fine, then you can cook, and I will watch you," I say.
"I would like that. My place then?" Travis asks.
"Your place, I can agree to that if you are a gentleman," I say.
"I always am," Travis says.
Travis goes back to the bar and gives Tony directions. The two work their ass off the get everything done so we can get out of here. I finish up my work right as the bar closes. I count down the money, turn it over to Conrad, and head back to the bar to meet with Travis.
As I make my way to the bar, I see Ozzy's car out front. He thinks I am coming with him. I continue to the bar. I double-check everything and get ready to leave. I grab my bag and walk out the back with Travis. I have made up my mind, and I cannot be toyed with by anyone, not even the Alpha King.