Chapter 1

Billionaire CEO Tyson Evans is the alpha to River View pack. The largest and wealthiest wolf pack in Wisconsin and possibly the entire United States. He is a fair alpha, leading his people to prosperity with compassion and strength. However, his life is all about work and his pack. He’s lonely and looking for his fated mate to be his Luna. Many vie for and want the position, but Tyson won’t settle for a she-wolf who isn’t the one the Goddess gifted to him. But Tyson is running out of time. He is one of the oldest Alphas without a mate and the longer he goes without her, the closer he gets to turning feral.

Rose is a single mother, working multiple jobs to pay for her genius daughter, Maddie, to attend a special private school geared toward talented and brilliant children. It is incredibly expensive, and Rose struggles on a daily basis to make ends meet. But she is determined to do almost anything to make sure her daughter has a life that is better than Rose’s has been. And she’s determined to do it all on her own.

Rose knows nothing about the supernatural world around her. Will she accept being the fated mate to Tyson? Will Rose, as a human, struggle to accept the mysterious and dangerous world of shifters? Can Tyson and his wolf accept that Rose already has a child? One not of his blood? How will fate end up bringing them together? Are they strong enough to weather the challenges coming their way? Or will the struggle be too much, leading Rose to reject Tyson and their bond?

Read along and join in the discovery awaiting Tyson and Rose within the pages of The Alpha's Rose.

The Alpha's Rose - Chapter 1

ROSE POV

“Mama, it’s really cold out today.” Maddie says with a puff of frost.

“Yes, baby. It really is.” I reply back through my almost frozen lips.

We are walking hand in hand down the snow lined city street from our one-bedroom SRO apartment toward Maddie’s school. It is below freezing outside, and the wind feels extra biting today. The trees that we pass are all frozen and bare. Their branches are filled with ice, making them sparkle in the morning sunlight. It is quite a beautiful sight. But all the newly fallen sleet and snow during the night has caused the sidewalks to become extremely treacherous, especially considering the tread on both of our shoes is practically non-existent. The snow is piled high from the snowplows clearing the streets, making it difficult to get around, but we are doing our best.

Maddie is bundled into a coat that is a size too small for her and wearing my mismatched gloves, hat, and scarf. I’m bundled as best as I can in a few layers of holey shirts over my work clothes. We only own one set of winter accessories, which I made Maddie wear. I have no issues with giving our warmer things to my daughter; I do what is necessary to give her everything that I can, as any mom should.

“Mama, don’t you need your gloves? Especially since you don’t have a coat. Your fingers are blue.” Maddie asks.

“No baby, you keep them. I’m fine.” I state while trying to keep my teeth from chattering.

“But Mama, you’re so cold.” Maddie argues. “It’s not good for you to be so cold.” She’s such a little caretaker despite her young age.

“Exactly honey. You need them more than I do. You stay warm, I’ll be fine,” I reply back and Maddie just sighs. She knows she won’t get anywhere arguing with me, so it’s really a moot point.

We walk another dozen or so blocks until we get to her school. Zeus’ Academy for the Gifted. It is a private institution that caters to extremely gifted children, be it academic or artistic. Maddie has already exceeded all expectations anyone has ever had for her. She is only 7 but is in her seventh-grade year. My beautiful, kind, caring daughter is a literal genius, and I will do everything within my power to keep her in this school. Yes, it is very, very expensive, but Maddie is worth all the sacrifices I have to make to afford this education.

When we arrive, I walk her inside to the school foyer to give her a hug goodbye. Oh, it feels so nice and warm inside the school. I am not looking forward to my continued walk to work.

“Have a great day, sweet pea. Learn lots and lots. Come home and tell me all about it. Remember, I love you, bigger than Pi is infinite.” I tell her and kiss her cheek. She never gets embarrassed by my affections in public and I love that about her. I hope she never gets embarrassed by me, but I know she probably will. I’m not looking forward to the rebellious teen phase.

“Thanks Mama. I will and I want to hear all about your day too. Love you too, bigger than Pi is infinite,” she replies and kisses my cheek in return. “Oh, here,” she says as she takes off the gloves, “you need your gloves. It’s too cold to not have some. Maybe we can get me a pair soon?” I take the gloves and swallow back a tear before I can answer.

“I’ll see what I can do about that, okay?” She nods and trots off, waving and smiling at me as she goes. As she turns the corner into the hallway that leads to the cafeteria for her breakfast, I let the tears I was holding back silently fall down my cheeks. I try hard to provide for her, but the obscenely expensive school tuition takes all I have in pay every month. My second job at the diner pays our rent and everything else. We just don’t have anything leftover at the end of the month. I even take the free school uniforms and shoe hand-me-downs that a few moms bring in, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to afford to clothe Maddie.

“Rose?” Melinda, the front desk employee catches my attention.

“Yes, Melinda.” I answer as I walk up to her. She is quite a beautiful woman, really tall, in her mid-20s with strikingly high cheekbones and honey blonde hair that flows in gentle waves just past her shoulders. She has kind eyes and a gentle smile for me most days, but the look on her face today tells me that this conversation won’t be a good one. Great. Just what I need.

“I have a notice for you from the school board. I’m so sorry, but it looks like tuition is going up again next term.” She says as she hands me an envelope with my name on it. My heart sinks as I read the notice. Maddie’s tuition is going up an additional $2000 per semester. And this semester is nearly over. I don’t have much time to prepare for the rate increase. Shit! I don’t have another $300+ each month, nor is there enough hours in the day or week to work more. My hands begin to shake, and I know tears are freely flowing down my cheeks. I can’t stop them.

“Thank you, Melinda. Do you know if there are any new scholarships or financial assistance available for gifted kids? Anything else that could help me out? Or maybe a payment plan to extend into the summer?” Melinda has helped me in the past by informing me of scholarships and grants to apply for that I didn’t know about. It is how I managed to handle the last tuition increase. She knows I am a single mom trying to provide the best education I can for my gifted child. We haven’t fully discussed all the sacrifices I make; Melinda doesn’t pry, and I love that about her. But she’s not stupid. I’m sure she’s figured out a lot. Not to mention, she saw me working my second job at the diner last week when she came in with a really young-looking man for a dessert date.

“I’m sorry Rosie, but no. There is nothing new, but I will look into it again for you. Maddie needs to be here; I’ll do everything I can to help. I can submit a tuition suspension request to the board because Maddie is the most brilliant child I’ve seen here in a long while. I’ll warn you though, they haven’t approved one of those in years. Mr. Evans is on the board; he and I are good friends; I will ask him personally if there is anything we can do to help.”

“Melinda, please don’t get yourself into trouble doing anything that you shouldn’t or by giving me and Maddie special treatment.” I say, concerned for her job.

Melinda just waves away my concern and heavily rolls her eyes, “Please, they wouldn’t fire me for going to bat for someone worthy of it. Besides, this place would crumble without me!” she says with a wink. “Oh, and I knew I would see you today, so I brought this for you.” From behind the counter, she pulls out a long, puke green puffer coat with black gloves, hat, and scarf. “I know it’s not great to look at. Well, it’s ugly as sin, but it’s warm and I know you need a coat. I will take it as a personal offense if you refuse.”

I look at her in confusion. Melinda smiles back warmly at me. This woman has been my saving grace on multiple occasions and today is another one. “Thank you,” is all I can say. As a point of pride, I want to refuse her generous offer, but my frozen body says otherwise. I take it and put it on. It is so warm, I might not be able to remove it, I just want to snuggle into it and stay there.

I give Melinda a big hug and turn to leave. As I walk through the doors I turn around and wave at her. I don’t have many people willing to speak up for me or even care about me, but she has proven, on more than one occasion, that she is one of the few and I intend on keeping her in my corner. I’d consider her a friend if I had time for friends.

My additional 30-minute walk to work is much more tolerable with my new coat and winter wear. I get several weird looks from people passing me. This puke green color is really fantastically ugly, but at least I know no one will try to steal it. My last coat didn’t even come close to this one in warmth, but it was black and was stolen by a homeless man last winter during my walk to work. He tried to mug me at knifepoint, but all I had was my coat, so that’s what I lost. It also earned me a black eye and a cut along my cheek from his knife because I didn’t have any valuables. My “punishment” as he called it. I have a large, wide scar along my left cheek that is my daily reminder to be more diligent about my surroundings.

The Alpha's Rose - Chapter 2

ROSE

Upon entering the large skyscraper that is owned by Evans Enterprises, the receptionist, Lori, looks up to give me her usual smile and a wave but does a double take at my new coat color. Her face crinkles into a weird frown. I just smile politely back as I head to the stairs to descend to the basement, where my workday starts. I remove my coat and extra shirt layers and hang them in my locker, but leave my gloves, scarf, and hat on. I’m still feeling cold and those are black, so they aren’t against dress code. I know I’ll warm up soon enough.

I head into the mailroom where my mail cart is waiting. Rolando, my supervisor, works the early mornings to sort the mail into our carts, and they are always loaded and perfect upon arrival. Because so many things are sent electronically these days, there isn’t much need for mail clerks anymore, so there are only 2 of us for the entire skyscraper and only Rolando in the mailroom for sorting. The three of us, Me, Rolando, and Monica are a tight-knit little family, always looking out for each other.

“Good morning, Mi bonita!” Rolando hollers out from his office.

“Morning Rolando,” I reply back as chipperly as I can muster.

“Uno momento, Rosie,” Rolando makes his way to me and hands me two granola style protein bars. I look at him confused. “Donna looka me like that seniorita. I know you no eat. You too skinny. How long been since you eat meal?” he asks me in his slightly broken English/Spanish combo.

I roll my eyes, “Rolando,” I begin with a sigh, but he cuts me off.

“NO! La esposa chase me with shoe if you no eat. Eat or I chase you with shoe!” I laugh at his exasperated face. The Hispanic cultural norm of a mom chasing their kids with a flip flop when she’s angry is some of the funniest shit I’ve ever heard, but I guess it’s scary because even Rolando cowers at the thought of Maria chasing him with her flip flop. Honestly, I’d love to see it!

“Okay, okay,” I concede, “I’ll eat the bars.”

“Bueno! Then you come back and eat lunch with me. Maria pack extra for you y Monica. No argumento.”

Mondays and Fridays are always the same, Rolando’s wife Maria packs extra food for me and Monica. Somehow, they know I don’t eat on the weekends, giving everything I have to Maddie. So, they fill me up on Fridays and refill me on Mondays. Sometimes that is all I eat for the whole week. It is such a sweet gesture and I know they care so much for me and Maddie. The coat Maddie has, was given to us by Maria, one of their grandkids had outgrown it and they knew she needed a new one. Sometimes it takes a village.

I kiss Rolando on the cheek and just nod. I grab my cart and head for the service elevator just as Monica arrives in the basement. We wave hi at each other and continue onto our own routes.

The Evans Enterprises building, or The Tower, as everyone calls it, is quite large. 62 stories, most of those are occupied by Evans Enterprise employees or one of their numerous subsidiaries. There is a hotel on the first 15 floors and then there are a few medical and legal offices on the 16-19th floors that aren’t associated with Evans Enterprises, but for the most part the entire building is theirs. Monica delivers the mail for floors 1 through 30. I have 31 through 62.

Delivering mail is not a hard job. I don’t have the education for much. I am quite smart, but no formal education makes it hard to get a decent job. My job is quite monotonous, and it gives me free time to think. Too much time, actually. I wish I had enough money for a phone and cordless headphones because it would be nice to fill some of this time with audio books.

Maddie and I visit the public library every single Saturday morning. We check out the maximum number of books that we’re allowed, and we finish most of them before the next visit. We are both speed readers and enjoy learning as much as we can on almost any subject. But I can’t read on the job, so despite the library having free books on audio, most of my day is spent in silence.

I always start my deliveries with the CEO’s office on the 62nd floor, Tyson Evans. He wants to have his delivery first thing. That way he starts his day off with all the information he needs right at his fingertips. Afterward, I go down to the floors with the individual CFOs and COOs for Evans Enterprises subsidiaries. They get the same treatment as Mr. Evans, priority delivery first thing. There are over two dozen of them. Then I make my way back up to the top floor and work my way down the floors to deliver to everyone else.

As I make my way toward the enormous double mahogany doors on the 62nd floor that lead into Mr. Evans’ office, I see his current assistant, Rachel posted up at her desk. She is such a bitch. Tall with bright red hair and nasty hazel eyes that always sneer at me, like I’m something to look down upon. She guards his office like a fucking hawk when she is here early. I deliver all CEO, CFO and COO mail directly to their respective desks and she knows this. I have permission to enter directly from Mr. Evans, despite having never met the man; those are his only standing orders for me. But she still interrogates me on it when she happens to be at work early. I have noticed she has started making it a point to arrive earlier and earlier this last week. I have no idea why either.

“Stop right there, freak,” Rachel spits at me as I try to ignore her and open Mr. Evans’ office door.

“Rachel, we go through this every morning. You know I have permission to enter and put Mr. Evans’ mail on his desk. You know he wants to sort and open it himself. And why do you insist on calling me that name? It is quite rude and unprofessional.”

“What else would I call you? That scar on your face makes you look like a freak. Besides, you’re a nobody. It’s not like I need to be professional to you, you aren’t a professional. You’re just a mail clerk, the office equivalent of the shit I stepped in on my way into work.” She replies with her nose in the air.

I just sigh and step around her without answering back. It isn’t worth my time to explain to her how I got my scar or try to defend myself more. Bullies like her exist everywhere in life, I just do my best to ignore her.

I open the doors to the office, and I deeply inhale as I slowly walk to Mr. Evans’ desk. The whole room smells like coffee and dark chocolate, two of my favorite scents. This is my favorite part of the day, walking in here and smelling his office. When Rachel isn’t here, I linger for a little while, just trying to breathe in enough of this heavenly smell to calm me and help get me through my long day.

I’ve only ever seen Mr. Evans from afar, walking across The Tower courtyard. He is the epitome of sex on a stick, if that was something I actively thought about. He is tall and broad shouldered, with long black hair that is shaved short on the sides. He keeps it neat and pulled into a sleek ponytail or man-bun. He keeps his full beard trimmed short and neat. Even from across the building courtyard, I could see his bright cobalt blue eyes shining out from under his full black eyebrows. He exudes confidence and sex appeal, only the second man I have ever been attracted to.

When I turn around after setting the mail on Mr. Evans’ desk, Rachel is standing at the door, glaring at me. I don’t think much of it since that is all she does when we are near each other, glare. I’ve never even seen another expression on her face. But when I get closer, she steps inside the office and closes the door, shutting me in with her. She grabs my face with her right hand and angles my face up to meet her eyes. I know my eyes go wide, not in fear, but shock that she would touch me, let alone so aggressively.

“He is mine, bitch! Don’t even think about it,” she threatens then literally spits on my face.

“What the hell?! Let go, Rachel! I don’t care who is yours or who you think you belong to; I just want to do my job in peace. LET ME GO AND MOVE OUT OF MY WAY!” She might be bigger and taller than me, but I know how to defend myself. Thanks to the homeless thief from last year, I took some free self-defense classes the city police were offering at the local YMCA. My police instructors were rather impressed with my abilities and quick learning.

Rachel is startled by my yelling, not expecting me to be offended by her assault. I wipe the spit off my face as I move around her easily, thankful I didn’t have to use any defensive maneuvers with her. I’ll need to be more careful when I am alone with her. She’s becoming much more hostile toward me. I’ll also need to mention this incident to Rolando and file a complaint with HR. I don’t care who’s assistant she is or how insignificant my job is. No one will treat me like that or make me fear for my safety while at work.

I emerge from Mr. Evans’ office and quickly head to the service elevator with my cart, not turning back around. I try to ignore the glaring eyes I can feel following me, but the hairs on the back of my neck stay standing at attention.

The Alpha's Rose - Chapter 3

TYSON POV

I look up from my cell phone as I step out of the elevator on to my floor of The Tower. From the corner of my eye, I see the back foot of someone stepping into the service elevator and disappearing from view. Probably the mail clerk going about their day. Excellent. That means the mail has been delivered to my desk already. I have time to review the finalized contracts for the smaller security company I am buying out. I’ve asked Rachel to arrive early for the last week so we can get this nailed down and over with.

As I walk through the open concept office space to my doors, I stop in my tracks as I deeply inhale the scent I’ve come to love this last week during my early mornings, honeysuckle and roses. Zeus, my wolf, has been much more active and agitated this week than normal. When I get a whiff, he starts going crazy and running in my head.

“Dude, what’s up with you lately?” I ask in annoyance.

“That scent. It gets stronger and more desirable for me each time we smell it. I think it might be our mate. But I won’t know for sure until I see her,” he responds.

“I wish. We’ve looked everywhere for her. Don’t you remember me checking all employees a few years back? I also meet all new female employees in person to be sure too.” I stop walking again as something dawns on me, “Oh shit! What if our mate is male? I haven’t checked any of them, anywhere, at all!”

“Calm your tits, Ty. We aren’t gay. If we were interested at all, I would have had you checking them too.” Zeus reassures me, but with an eyeroll.

“I know I’m not interested, but that doesn’t mean the Goddess wouldn’t give me a male mate. I’d never reject my mate, I just… dunno, never thought about checking the males out. Was that short sighted of me?”

“No, like I said, you aren’t gay. I’m not gay. Being gay is fine, look at Thomas. We accept him and his mate, Adam. So does most everyone else, but we haven’t looked because that’s not for us. Now focus. Follow that scent because SHE is the one for us, I’m almost positive.”

I do as Zeus demands and follow the scent. It leads to my open office door; I’m almost pleased until I see Rachel going through the mail on my desk. I’m angry now.

“Rachel! I have told you repeatedly to not go through the mail on my desk.” I growl out at her. Once I enter my office the honeysuckle and roses smell is gone, drowned out by Rachel’s overwhelming scent of chemicals from her nasty perfume, makeup, and hair products. I can’t even smell Rachel’s natural scent over all the fake she has on. It’s frustrating as all hell because that is all I can smell now.

“Sorry, Tyson. I was just checking that the mail freak did her job correctly.” Rachel responds with a tilt of her head in a show of submission, but I caught that gleam in her eye. I made the mistake of fucking her, once, years ago, and it has given her an overly inflated sense of self-worth when it comes to me. She thinks I will choose her as my mate and Luna. She is quite wrong.

“Rachel, I will not remind you again after today, you WILL refer to me as Mr. Evans when in the office and Alpha when among the pack. If you even think of disrespecting me again by not using the proper title, you will be removed as my assistant. Am I clear?” Rachel just nods in response. “Now, go to your desk and do your work. Tomorrow, you will not wear that perfume and you will use less makeup and hair products. Your entire body smells of chemicals and now, so does my office.” Rachel’s face turns scarlet as she quickly shuffles out of my office, closing the door behind her.

“Fire her, I don’t like her,” Zeus grumbles in my head.

“You’ve never liked her, Zeus.”

“I’ve never trusted her. She’s trouble. Besides, she sucks at her job,” he says simply in reply as he goes to sulk in the back of my mind. I just roll my eyes and get to work for the day.

The Alpha's Rose - Chapter 4

ROSE

I am beyond angry at what Rachel just did to me. Instead of heading to the CFO and COO offices on the other floors, I return to the basement to see Rolando to give him my official complaint for HR. As I exit the elevator, I can hear Rolando and Monica talking. As I get closer, I realize it is about me. Crap.

“Rolando, I wasn’t trying to snoop. It was on the locker room floor. I picked it up just to see what it was. Honest. How will she afford this? Maddie needs the school, but Rose is killing herself already to pay the tuition. What do we do?”

“You’ll do nothing,” I answer her question as I enter the room and take the tuition notice from her. Both sets of eyes snap over to me and widen in surprise at getting caught. “I’ll figure something out, I always do. It isn’t for you to worry about.”

“But…”

“No buts, Monica. I have someone helping me look into scholarships and other assistance. Everything will work itself out, you’ll see,” I say with a halfhearted smile.

“Mi bonita, we raise money, si?” Rolando says with a nod. I just sigh.

“I’ll think about it, okay?” I relent, simply because I just don’t have the energy to fight them. They love me and I love them, but this isn’t their concern.

Monica crosses her arms, and she gets that stubborn look in her eye that I am all too familiar with, “We aren’t letting this go, Rose. We will brainstorm and figure it out. You’re not alone, why do you always act like you are?”

“As much as I care for you both, you need to realize that I am alone. I’ve always been alone. Monica, you have your own school to deal with and pay for. Rolando, you have Maria and her health issues, plus all the grandkids. I am not either of yours’ responsibilities, neither is Maddie. So please, I beg you, don’t fight with me on this. Now, Rolando, I need to speak with you about an incident and place a complaint with HR please.” I say, trying to end this embarrassing conversation. I hate not being able to provide everything Maddie and I need.

Rolando moves back to his computer and opens up his HR link. I turn to Monica, “I appreciate the concern, Mon, I really do. Maddie and I are lucky you all care for us like you do. But I’ll handle it. You need to get to your route before you have your own HR complaint about laziness.” Monica just rolls her eyes at me and leaves.

I place my complaint and go into details about the incident with Rachel. Rolando is concerned about this coming back to bite me in the ass, but I don’t care. No one will make me feel unsafe at work. I’m totally screwed if it costs me my job, but staying quiet is how more bad things happen to good people. We have to let those in charge know when power is being abused, so changes can be made. Even if I’m not taken seriously, the next person might be because I started the ball rolling.

I finish up my route with no other issues. My mind is reeling though. The conflict with Rachel floating to the back of my mind, it is less important than the tuition problem. How will I afford this? I think about it all through the day and I have come up with zero solutions other than stripping and prostitution, both of which, are completely out of the question. I sigh as I change into my uniform for my second job and don my winter wear at the end of my shift. I head out to pick up Maddie from school, still chewing on the problem at hand, but with complete awareness of my surroundings.

Maddie is a bundle of bouncing energy when she emerges from the school building, like she always is after her day. She adores school. She had a pop quiz in Algebra that she aced, of course. She gave her presentation in English and the teacher loved it. Her fellow students apparently calling her a kiss-up, but she doesn’t care. She loves the praises from her teachers and seeing those big red As at the top of her papers.

I know the situation could change at any moment regarding her classmates though, so I listen intently, making mental notes on any kids she mentions and file them away for later. We walk hand in hand to Patty’s Diner where I wait tables until 9pm during the week, 10pm on weekends. We come through the doors and Patty, the owner, just beams down at Maddie.

“There’s my little genius Mad Hatter! Come give Patty Melt a big hug!” Patty has a thing with nicknames which I find adorable. Plus, she always finds a way to comment on Maddie’s brilliance and sweet personality versus beauty and that pleases me so much. Beauty fades, but a sharp mind and kind nature stays with us forever.

Maddie runs around the counter and engulfs Patty in a monster hug as I make my way to the back to put my things away and get my apron, waving hi at Stanley who’s manning the grill. I see Maddie settling into her little 2-person booth as she pulls out her homework and Patty sets chocolate milk and a fruit yogurt parfait in front of her as her snack. Maddie is chatting excitedly to Patty, telling her all about her good day and it makes me smile. I have to keep her in that school. She doesn’t have many friends, but the education she is receiving is top tier. Public school can’t come close to giving her what she needs.

I roll my shoulders back, pull out my notepad and greet my first table of customers for the night.

The Alpha's Rose - Chapter 5

ROSE

“Hi, welcome to Patty’s Diner. I’m Rose, and I’ll be your server today. Can I get you all something to drink?” I ask with a small smile as I look up at my table.

“I don’t want a drink, but I’ll take your number, gorgeous.” A male voice on the right says with a snicker and his friends chuckle along with him.

“Sorry, I don’t date customers. Drinks, gentlemen?”

“Oh, I don’t want a date, just a quick fuck will suffice. Getting a break soon?” He replies lewdly at me, and I sigh in frustration. At least he didn’t say it loudly and catch Maddie’s attention. I don’t need her to overhear overt sexual comments directed at me.

“Sir, I am going to have to ask you to leave if you keep saying things that are inappropriate.” I say as I look the customer in the eye. I know my face is set grimly and coldly. The guy who has propositioned me couldn’t be older than 18 with dirty blond hair and light brown eyes. He’s a big guy but with no real muscle definition. Still, he could easily overpower me, so I am keeping my guard up.

“Oooh, did I strike a nerve? I like the feisty ones. Why don’t you just give in? I know you want it,” he says as he licks his lips in satisfied anticipation. What is it with some men? Thinking if they give you just the slightest bit of attention, you’ll drop your panties and bend over for them. Ugh. Gross.

I sigh in frustration. This is not how I needed my night to start. I turn to holler for Patty when an angry voice sounds out behind me, “Colby, I know your mother taught you better. She taught you to treat ALL women with respect.” I turn to see a lean dark headed man standing next to me; someone I recognize as a regular. He’s dressed in mint green scrubs and he’s staring daggers at my table of customers.

“Mind your own business, fag,” the kid who’s name I have deemed is Colby sneers at the man. The rest of the guys snicker at his comment while I gasp at the inappropriate derogatory dig. But before I have a chance to say anything in defense of this gentleman, I hear a low growl and I can feel anger radiating toward me.

“WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO MY MATE?!!” I look behind the first guy and see another man standing up from their booth. He is exceptionally tall with linebacker shoulders, biceps as big as my waist, honey blond hair that is cropped short and big brown eyes. And those brown eyes are flaming in anger toward my table of just barely adults.

I take in a sharp breath and step back from him, afraid to be within his warpath. Looking back at the table of teenagers, they are all cowering and have their heads down and to the right, not making eye contact. “I expect all four of you in my office tomorrow at 4am, do I make myself clear?” The new angry guy says to them, authority flowing from his words. I almost feel like I need to report to his office at 4am tomorrow as well.

“Yes, sir,” they reply in unison. I am a little shocked at the submission I am seeing in front of me. Not one of them meet his eyes or argues back. I look over at the man they just spoke to, and he doesn’t spare me a glance. He does grunt at the boys though. They in turn pull out their wallets, each putting a $20 bill on the table and quickly exit the diner followed by the big intimidating man stomping after them. The first man, the one who defended me, walks up and gently gathers the money, he turns and hands it to me with a kind smile.

“For the trouble and disrespect, Miss…” he looks at my nametag, “Rose.”

“Thank you for defending me, but the money isn’t necessary.” I say as I try to hand it back.

“Nonsense, Rose. They disrespected you. This won’t make up for it but maybe go and buy your little girl something nice,” He suggests with a smile and gestures to Maddie. I look behind me and see Maddie quietly doing her homework with her back to us. Usually, no one knows she’s mine. I look back at him with confusion, wondering how he knows, but he has already exited through the door, throwing his coat on as he goes. Well, that was weird, I think to myself. I sigh and pocket the unearned tip, but don’t complain. This can be our food money later this week.

The rest of my night at work is uneventful. I make decent tips at the diner, nothing extravagant, but it takes care of most of what we need. I would find a better paying waiting job, but no one else will let me bring Maddie with me, no matter how well behaved she is. I can’t afford a sitter. Patty is truly a saint.

After my shift, I go to gather Maddie up. She moved upstairs to Patty’s apartment hours ago and fell asleep on the couch while reading a supernatural thriller. I don’t know how she reads those books and not have nightmares, but she doesn’t. She loves the stories of all the crazy fictional creatures, ghosts, vampires, witches, fairies and even werewolves.

First, I gather her things into her school backpack and strap it on my back. Then I put my work duffle bag, where I already stuffed my purse, over my head and right shoulder in a cross-body position. I put Maddie in her coat and winter wear, then I pick her up to carry her home. She’s still sound asleep in my arms.

The walk home is so tiring. Fifteen blocks carrying my daughter and all our things, in the snow and cold. By the time we arrive, I am beat, but I trudge up the four flights of stairs because the elevator has been broken for the four years we’ve lived here. Getting out of the stairwell, I see Mr. Newsome, the building’s superintendent knocking on my door.

“Can I help you, Mr. Newsome?” I ask as I approach, digging for my keys.

“Ms. Landers, you haven’t paid rent this week,” he says politely, but with a slight frown.

“I didn’t have time to go to the bank this weekend for a cashier’s check, so I paid in cash. I let you know on Friday that I would do that on Sunday, and I did put the envelope in the drop box Sunday evening.” I tell him, confused. I’ve definitely paid our rent this week.

“I’m sorry Ms. Landers, but there was no cash in the box. I need your rent, or you and Maddie will have to move out by Wednesday night.” He says with a sigh. Mr. Newsome is a good and kindhearted man and understands my situation. After all, he is breaking the rules by letting us both live in the tiny apartment. But I don’t understand how my rent could up and disappear, unless his bitch of a wife stole it. I also don’t have any extra other than the tips I received tonight, which is exactly enough for this week’s rent. A tear slips down my face as I reach into my pocket and pull out the money I have on me, and hand it over to him. Mr. Newsome nods at me and wishes me a goodnight after he counts it. I guess I won’t be eating this week. Again. At least we still have a roof over our heads that isn’t the women’s shelter. I sigh and go inside to put Maddie down for bed.