I simulated setting drinks on a table and sashayed to the other side after doing a swivel. I gave men just enough that if there were any wolves in the group, they would order more drinks to see it again. If a girl gave them too much of a show, they’d lose interest.
Rosie applauded quietly. “You need to teach me that little move. I’ll show you something that’ll get you a few tips if there are any leopards in the house. We don’t get them often, but they don’t play around when they tip.” She curled her finger for me to come closer, and I did. “I’m sure you know the game, but don’t tell anyone your animal. They want the illusion that we could be one of them and it drives them crazy when they aren’t sure. Bear, wolf, deer, leopard, mountain lion, eagle… whatever. I have a hunch what some of the girls in here are, but we don’t even tell one another. Just watch and learn the best moves and work what you can in your section. No table-hopping; Jake doesn’t like that.”
“We talked. He told me. I think I’m going to like it around here. But do me a favor and don’t give me any nicknames because of my hair. That gets old really fast, and it sticks with some of the regulars. Just call me Izzy.”
“You got it, hon. You have a boyfriend?”
“I sure do. Why?”
“Keep him out.”
I laughed and sat on the barstool next to her. “I know. We already had the talk.”
“I’m just saying. Nothing will kill your action in here faster than a regular knowing you’re hitched up with someone. We get a few men who drop serious cash; the regulars are our bread and butter.”
The Breed had money to burn and some tipped over a hundred percent. Howlers was a Shifter club, but since it wasn’t marked exclusive, other Breeds were allowed. Immortals had fat pockets, and plenty of Packmasters lived high on the hog. They liked to flaunt that money and believed in paying for services rendered. Chitahs were also big tippers, but I was uncomfortable around them. Maybe it was the way they looked at me with those predatory eyes, but I preferred being around my own kind. I knew what Shifters wanted and fell into conversation more easily with them. While waiting tables brought in good money, I’d never been able to put away much of it with all my traveling. Not to mention I’d found out a few lovers in my past had been dipping into my stash.
“How are the bartenders?” I asked, knowing I’d have a close working relationship with them.
“Fabulous,” Rosie said, sipping her cola through a tiny red straw. “They’re flirtatious as sin, so don’t fool around with them outside work. Jake doesn’t like the drama.”
“I said I had a boyfriend.”
Rosie set down her short glass and giggled with closed lips. “I don’t judge.”
***
Six hours into my shift, my heels were attempting first-degree murder on my feet. I had made the fatal mistake of not breaking them in, and every trip to the bar made me want to drop to my knees and crawl.
“It looks as though you have your hands full,” a formidable man sitting in my section remarked.
I sensed a strong alpha vibe, and he looked like one of the ancient ones. What stood out were his multicolored eyes—brown and sapphire. His dark hair was neatly pulled back in a ponytail, drawing all the attention to his chiseled face. He possessed a powerful inflection in his voice that signaled he was an alpha. They often came from strong genetic lines and lived more than a few hundred years.
“I’m Izzy,” I said, placing a paper napkin on the table for his draft. “Can I bring you something to eat? I’ve tasted the burgers, and the cook is on fire tonight.”
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You must be new,” he said in a silken voice, glancing at his watch. “No one ever recommends the chef on this shift.”
Shit. Fatal error. The guy who made my burger had left an hour ago.
When he saw my cheeks flush, he sipped his beer and then folded his arms on the table. “Why don’t you bring me one of those hamburgers, and I’ll let you know.”
Not wanting to ruin my tip, I cocked my hip in a way that caught his eye and gripped the chair, allowing my hair to cascade over my shoulder. “How about I order you a supreme pizza from the Italian shop up the road? On me. You look like a man with an appetite, and one of these burgers probably won’t tide you over. I’ll arrange it real nice on the house tray so no one will know I ordered it special.”
He laughed handsomely, and I shivered when I felt another wave of energy. “I’m Prince.”
“Charmed,” I said with a sly wink, making my way back to the bar.
Close save. I had a feeling this guy was a regular, and I wanted to stay on his good side. Men like him were generous with gratuity.
I was pretty sure alphas had psychic powers and knew who the wolves were. Female wolves go into heat once a year, and I’d once met an alpha who could sense it coming before anyone else.
Talk about embarrassing. I’d never known a man powerful enough to scent it more than a week in advance, but it still unnerved me. Alphas were too serious for my taste, and I was a girl who liked a man with a sense of humor.