Chapter 67

Laura POV

I walked into my restaurant, my usual smile spreading across my face like a warm embrace. I beamed at the remaining workers, who were also smiling and gesturing in greeting. "Hey, girls!" I waved at my favorite coworker, but she ignored me, her expression stern. My face fell, but I thought maybe she was just having a bad day.
I shrugged it off and began my shift, taking orders and serving customers with my usual flair. But my mind kept wandering back to my coworker's strange behavior. Had I done something to offend her? Was everything okay?
As the lunch rush subsided, I approached her, concern etched on my face. "Hey, is everything okay? You seem a little off today."
She sighed, her expression softening. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just a personal issue, that's all."
I nodded sympathetically. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."
She smiled weakly, and we continued working together, the tension between us dissipating.
But as the day wore on, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Just minutes before our normal closing hour, the manager walked in, his fancy tattoo standing out like a child's artwork in bold black ink. I stared at him, unconsciously squeezing the towel in my hands.
"Good evening, sir," I greeted, drawing his attention away from the remaining workers. My thoughts snapped back to the present moment, and I remembered that he was supposed to give me my salary. "You were supposed to send in my salary," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
The manager's expression turned stern, his eyes narrowing. "Ah, yes, your salary. Well, Laura, there's been a slight issue with the finances."
My heart sank, and a feeling of unease crept up my spine. "What kind of issue?" I asked, my voice firm but polite.
He hesitated, clearing his throat. "Let's just say that the funds are... tied up at the moment. But don't worry; you'll get your salary. Eventually."
Eventually? My mind raced with worst-case scenarios. Was the restaurant in financial trouble? Was I going to lose my job?
He was about to leave when he suddenly turned back, his expression unyielding. "I won't be paying you a salary this month," he stated boldly, his words dripping with finality. My eyes widened in shock as I stared at him, disbelief etched on my face. "What are you talking about?" I asked, my voice tense and shaky.
"I mean, no salary for you, Laura," he emphasized, his voice low and laced with anger. "If you can't wait for the issue to get resolved, then you can use the door."
I felt a surge of anger and fear, my mind racing with questions. How could he do this to me? I had always been a hard worker, dedicated to my job. I couldn't just leave; I needed this job to survive.
"You can't do this," I protested, trying to keep my voice steady. "I have bills to pay and rent to pay. How am I supposed to survive without my salary?"
The manager shrugged, his expression unyielding. "That's not my problem. You should have thought of that before you signed up to work here."
I felt a lump form in my throat, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. I had always been so careful and responsible. How could he just cut me off like this?
Just then, the door swung open, and Devon walked in, his presence a welcome relief. I sighed, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. "Good, he's here," I murmured to myself, hoping he could help resolve the issue. I drifted my gaze towards him, and he smiled, gesturing his hands towards me. "Hey, Laura, what's going on?" he asked, his voice concerned.
"The manager just told me I won't be getting my salary this month," I explained, trying to keep my emotions in check. Devon's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing.
"That's not right," he said, his voice firm. "You're one of the hardest workers here. I'll talk to him; straighten this out."
I felt a surge of gratitude towards Devon, my heart swelling with appreciation. "Thanks, Devon. I owe you one."
He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No need to thank me." I just needed to talk to him. I nodded unknowingly, my eyes flashing toward the manager; he wasn't even gazing in our direction.
I couldn't hold back my fear and anxiety as Devon walked towards the manager, his eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity. "Did you tell Laura that there wouldn't be any salary for her?" Devon asked, his voice low and menacing.
The manager sneered, his expression twisted with malice. "Yes, I did. And it's none of your business, Devon. You're just an alpha, not a manager."
Devon's eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched in anger. "You're playing with people's livelihoods, manager. That's not right."
I was shocked at the manager's reply to Devon, sensing something was off in their conversation. How could he speak to Devon like that? The boldness was strange and unsettling. I quickly grasped Devon's arms, my hands tightening around them. "Let's go, Devon. I think he's not in a good mood," I whispered urgently.
Devon's eyes flickered towards me, and he nodded slightly. "You're right, Laura. Let's get out of here." He turned to the manager, his voice cold. "We'll settle this later."
The manager's face turned red with anger, but he seemed to be holding back. A mysterious customer watched us with an unreadable expression, his or her eyes gleaming with a knowing light. I couldn't tell the status of the person.
As we turned to leave, I felt a strange sensation wash over me. It was as if the restaurant was shifting, the walls closing in on us. I stumbled, my vision blurring.
Devon caught me, his arms wrapping around me. “Laura, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice tight with concern.
I shook my head, trying to clear the dizziness. "I don't know... it feels like... like the restaurant is…”