Mated by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 37

Rebecca's POV

I stood before the full-length mirror, adjusting the crisp silver and black uniform Steve had provided. The blouse pinched uncomfortably across my chest, and the pencil skirt restricted my movement with each step. I slipped my feet into the black flats, exhaling with relief.

At least I won't have to wobble around in those ridiculous heels all day. Small mercies.

My reflection stared back at me—eyes betraying anxiety I desperately tried to hide. My stomach knotted as I smoothed down the fabric. This job meant everything to me now. It was my chance to stop being a charity case, to contribute to my family's needs without Dominic's constant support.

Diana knocked softly on the door. "Miss Brown? Breakfast is ready downstairs."

In the kitchen, she had prepared toast, fresh fruit, and coffee. "First day at your new job," she said, pouring me a cup. "Raymond can drive you there if you'd like."

"No, thank you," I said quickly, too sharply. Softening my tone, I added, "I'd prefer to take the bus. I want to do this on my own." My fingers tightened around the coffee cup. The last thing I needed was to arrive at my new workplace in Dominic's luxury car with his personal driver. The other employees would immediately label me as someone's pet project.

The morning air bit at my cheeks as I walked to the bus stop. As the bus rumbled through the city, I pressed my forehead against the cool window. Look at all these people heading to work. Normal people with normal lives. Not people caught between human and werewolf worlds. Not people sleeping in mansions they don't deserve.

Dominic's face floated through my mind. What would he think seeing me on this crowded bus? Would he laugh? Feel pity? I bit my lip hard enough to hurt. At least now I can contribute something—anything. Dad's treatment is covered, but Mom and Jason... No. I'm not asking him for more.

Silver Collections looked imposing in the morning light. My heart hammered against my ribs as I pushed open the glass door, my palm slick with sweat against the handle.

Steve was arranging a display case. He looked up as I entered, his small eyes moving from my face down to my shoes, then back up again in a way that made my skin prickle.

"Ah, Rebecca Brown," he said. "Right on time."

He led me through the store, pointing out different sections. I followed dutifully, desperately trying to memorize everything he said.

"This is where our most valued clients are served," Steve explained, gesturing to an elegant area with plush seating. "Only certain staff members are allowed to assist customers here."

Two women entered from the back room. One was tall and willowy with straight blonde hair—immediately my body tensed, recognizing a werewolf from her confident stride and the dismissive glance she cast my way. The other was shorter with curly brown hair—human, like me. My shoulders relaxed slightly at the sight of her.

"This is Vanessa, our senior sales associate," Steve introduced the blonde woman, who gave me a cold once-over. Her nostrils flared slightly as she took in my scent, and her lips curled downward. Does she smell him on me? Dominic? Shame heated my face.

"And Emma, who's been with us for about a year," he continued.

Emma smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you, Rebecca. It's good to have another human face around here." Her genuine welcome made my throat tighten unexpectedly.

Vanessa's eyes narrowed at the exchange. She waited until Steve walked away before leaning close to me, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Let's get one thing straight," she said. "I've worked here for three years. This is my territory. Don't get in my way."

Throughout the morning, Vanessa intercepted every customer before I could approach them. My fingernails dug crescents into my palms. This is ridiculous. How am I supposed to make sales when she's practically tackling clients at the door? When an older human woman came in looking for a gift, I finally stepped forward, only to have Vanessa slide next to me.

"Let me help you," she said to the customer. "Rebecca is new and still learning our inventory." Her voice dripped with false sweetness while her eyes flashed a warning at me. Back off, human.

By lunchtime, I hadn't served a single customer. Not one. Zero commission. Zero chance of making my targets. Zero chance of helping my family. I stared at my untouched sandwich in the break room, appetite gone.

Emma found me there, sitting down beside me. "Don't take it personally," she said. "Vanessa does this to every new person, especially humans. She thinks werewolf clients prefer to be served by werewolves." Emma lowered her voice. "She's scared you'll take her commissions."

"And Steve doesn't stop her?" I couldn't keep the bitterness from my voice. Of course he doesn't. Another werewolf looking out for his own.

Emma shook her head. "Steve's a werewolf too. He pretends not to notice." She leaned closer, giving my arm a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry. The first day is always the hardest."

---

The next two days followed the same pattern. By the end of my third day, I had only sold a few small items—a keychain, earrings, a card holder. Three hundred dollars in sales. I'm going to lose this job before I even really start it.

Steve called me into his office. My legs felt like lead as I walked, already knowing what was coming. Judgment day, after only three days. That must be some kind of record.

"Miss Brown," he began sternly. "I've been reviewing your sales figures." He showed me the chart—my name at the bottom with a pitiful $300, Vanessa's at the top with over $5,000. Each number was a nail in my professional coffin.

"This is unacceptable," he continued. "Do you know what our minimum weekly sales target is? Three thousand dollars per associate."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "Mr. Johnson, I've been trying, but Vanessa intercepts almost every customer—"

"Stop," he interrupted, his hand cutting through the air. "I don't want excuses. This is how the world works. The strong survive, the weak make excuses." His eyes narrowed, and I felt two inches tall under his gaze. "This is a werewolf-owned business in a werewolf-dominated market. Adapt or leave."

"I understand, sir. I'll try harder." My face burned with humiliation, blood roaring in my ears. The words tasted bitter on my tongue.

As I was gathering my things, my hands still trembling, I heard the store's front door chime. Three elegantly dressed women entered—with Elizabeth Collins at the center.

My blood turned to ice. Elizabeth stood there in a designer outfit, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against her leather handbag. Vanessa rushed forward, practically tripping over herself.

"Ms. Collins! What a pleasure to see you again. How may I assist you and your friends today?" Her voice had risen an octave, syrupy with deference.

Elizabeth's cold eyes swept the store before landing on me. I watched recognition dawn on her face, followed by something calculating and cruel. A slow smile spread across her perfect features. My stomach twisted. She's going to destroy me. Right here.

"Actually," she said loudly, "I want that human girl to assist us. The one in the corner."