Claimed By Her Alpha by J.E. Cluney

4

Everly.

* * *

Ibustled around, tending to my tables and keeping an eye on Ethan and his friends.

Dray.

I liked his name, and when I’d first locked eyes with him, something had sparked inside me.

That man was just like the rest of them—fine as all hell. But he drew me to him unlike the others. There was just something about him that kindled a heat deep within me, something I didn’t quite understand.

When I’d walked over, he’d been unable to look away, those deep chocolate eyes dilated and focused solely on me, his mouth quirked into a wicked smile. He had such a strong jawline, and the short brown beard only added to his attractiveness. His chestnut hair was cropped, and yet he still looked like a rugged mountain man. Hell, they all did in their own way, despite their business-like personalities. I’d always felt there was something else beneath the surface, something I couldn’t pinpoint, but they had always respected me so I’d never tried to dig.

But now, I wanted to know all about Dray.

About the man who I could feel watching me like a hawk until Ethan took him outside.

When I’d placed their burgers down, I’d felt a strange unease and tension in the air, all of them staring at Dray as he gazed at me like I’d just granted him the world.

It was the strangest look to receive from a stranger, but it ignited a fire within me. I’d dropped my gaze to those soft looking lips, wondering what he’d taste like.

But why? Why had he looked at me like that? What was he thinking? And why on earth was I having such thoughts about him?

Ethan had practically commanded me to leave, and I knew something weird was up. Was everything okay with them all? Was there something going on with the new guy?

I’d hurried off, only to return to find Ethan and Dray had stepped out.

“Sorry about that, Ethan just wants to have a chat with Dray. He’s not feeling himself,” Jayden apologized.

“Is everything okay?” I asked as I set the pitcher down.

“Yes, it’s fine, don’t you stress. They’ll be back shortly,” Kyle spoke up, holding his burger before him. “Tell Jimmy his cooking is fantastic as always.”

“Will do,” I said with a nod, wondering what he’d meant about Dray not feeling himself. Was he sick? He hadn’t looked sick.

Then again, it was not my place to worry and ask. Hell, all I could think about was if he was single. After my shitty relationship coming to a welcome end, I could definitely use a fun one-night stand. And Dray had looked like he could certainly give me that.

I turned away and hurried off to continue tending to my tables, but I couldn’t push Dray’s face from my mind.

Just who was that man? And why was I so interested in him? Sure, he looked like he could be fun, but this was something more.

I smiled as I spotted Ethan returning with him a few minutes later, and my stomach fluttered with butterflies as Dray looked my way as soon as he entered.

I smiled at him, and he returned the expression before Ethan ushered him back to the table.

I longed to go over and chat with him, finding my odd little schoolgirl crush fascinating. It’d been so long since I’d felt this way about a man, and my heart kept skipping beats each time I flicked my gaze over and caught his eyes.

Too bad we’d gotten quite busy now. I had to focus on serving everyone and remaining cheery as I hurried around. I’d find a moment soon to speak with him, especially since their second pitcher of beer was nearly empty already.

The minutes ticked by before I found my way back to their table, and I smiled as I strode over, my heart fluttering as Dray locked onto me once more with a devilish smile.

Damn, that smile would melt any woman, not to mention that heated gaze would spark a fire downstairs.

“Can I get you anything else?” I asked, noting that Dray was the only one who’d barely touched his burger. I gathered up the other plates quickly and stacked them up to carry to the kitchen.

“Everly, right?” Dray said, and I nearly dropped all the plates at the sound of my name rolling off his tongue. His voice was so deep and smooth, and my name sounded perfect on his lips. The quick fantasy of him saying my name in bed had my core aching instantly.

What the hell? Pull yourself together. You’re not some horny teen anymore.

“Yes, Everly Jane. And you’re Dray?” I managed to say back, impressed with my ability to even respond. I regained my composure as I gave him a nod.

“That’s me, Dray Ashford. How long have you been working here?” Dray continued; those dark eyes boring into mine with such intensity that I struggled to maintain his gaze. He had a powerful air about him, but I was not about to let him intimidate me, whether he meant to or not. I’d worked behind the bar most nights, and I’d grown one hell of a backbone.

“About a year now,” I answered.

“Do you like it here?” he continued, one eyebrow arching slightly.

“Yes, it’s good work, the people are great,” I said as I broke my gaze away, noting how Alex was giving me a glance from the bar. My other tables needed tending, and I knew that he was hinting at it without saying anything.

“Good, good,” he said with a gentle nod before he cocked his head at me. “What time do you get off tonight? If you don’t mind me asking.”

My heart skipped a beat at his question, and I swallowed down the sudden dryness in my mouth. Those eyes flickered with amusement, like he could sense the way he was making me feel. Like he was enjoying making me squirm.

“Ten,” I answered as I set my shoulders, knowing Alex was practically glaring at me now for wasting too much time at their table. I wouldn’t let this fine ass man make me puddle before him. I was better than that.

Although it was definitely weirding me out. I hadn’t reacted this way to a man in a long time.

He gave me a charming smile that made my stomach flip before he nodded towards the bar. “I best let you get back to work before your boss gets upset.”

“Thanks,” I said quickly as I hurried off with the plates, my heart hammering away.

How could one man have such an effect on me? All he’d done was just look at me really. With a hungry look that made my body react.

Fuck, who was this guy anyway? And why was he getting me tangled in knots?

I dumped the dishes in the kitchen before rushing back out and tending to my tables.

I continued to flick my eyes to Dray as I bustled around, and he never seemed to have his gaze off me.

Some would think it was creepy, but I didn’t. He gave off a whole other vibe, something that set me alight inside. Something primal and wild, and a little dangerous.

Dangerous was bad, I’d known dangerous, but this was different. This was not something that felt dangerous to me specifically.

I wanted to chat freely with him, but I could feel Alex keeping a closer watch on me. He was a good boss to me, so I did my best to be an incredible employee, working as hard as I could. Not to mention the tips helped me pay my bills.

The last thing I wanted was for Alex to start doubting my work ethic.

As the night dragged on, I noticed that Ethan’s friends left, although he and Dray remained as the patrons started to slowly disperse. Things were getting a little rowdy with a few drunks at the pool tables, but nothing we couldn’t handle.

Alex had me take over bar duties once my last table had finished up, and I inwardly pouted. I’d hoped to go and chat with Dray in a free moment, but Alex had other plans for me.

Not that I blamed him, I knew he wanted to go and get the other business stuff sorted like stock and orders, while April managed the last few tables. He wasn’t deliberately trying to cock-block me.

I spied Dray and Ethan heading to the bar, and I couldn’t help the smile that broke across my face.

“Always this busy?” Dray asked as he sat down, those wicked eyes taking me in. They rolled over me fully, pausing only briefly on the cleavage I showcased. It was a sure-fire way to garner extra tips, and I wasn’t beneath showing a bit of skin for more money.

“Not always, but being busy is good. Means the time passes quicker,” I answered as I wiped down the benches, focusing on keeping my cool. This damn man was wreaking havoc on me.

“So, Ethan tells me your boss may be thinking of selling this place, do you think it’s a good investment?” he asked as Ethan sat down on the stool beside him, although he seemed more interested in his phone than chatting with us.

I suspected he was trying to allow us a moment to talk, knowing him.

“It’s on the edge of Roselake, which is a modest town. But the locals love it here, they trust they get a good meal and downtime after a hard day’s work. Are there better investment places? Yes, but Conner’s Bar and Grill is still a good investment. Alex gets a return each year that he’s happy with,” I stated. I’d helped him with the books a few times, and he got a modest profit from it. Which honestly surprised me with it being such a small, close-knit town.

“Is it because he’s a local you think?” Dray asked genuinely.

“Probably. He was born and raised here, and the town likes to support their own. Where are you from?” I asked, curiosity winning out. I knew Ethan was from the town over, whereas I’d never seen Dray before. The other guys were all from further away too, driving at least an hour or so to get here each week.

“I’m from a town called Bronman. Small as well and close-knit,” he answered with a shrug. “What about you? You a local?”

“Nah, I only moved here a few years back for a change. Started off in the grocery store and switched to working here,” I answered as I moved down the bar to where two women had sat down. I didn’t want to move away from Dray, but I was still on duty. I wasn’t about to let a tempting man ruin my work ethic. I was saving well now, and I intended to buy my little dream home somewhere and enjoy my freedom.

I took their orders and served their drinks, noting how they were making eyes at both Dray and Ethan. Typical women. They weren’t locals, so chances were they were here looking for a fun night away from home. I could certainly use the same thing.

I turned around, finding Dray was still gazing at me with an intrigued look, while Ethan was scrolling through his phone, oblivious to the women.

Poor things, these two men were completely uninterested, although I found it comical.

“Why’d you move here?” he continued, and I felt the deflation of the women at the bar as they scurried off after not even being given a sideways glance. They’d have more luck over by the pool table in my opinion.

“Needed a change,” I admitted as I took in his bulging biceps as he took his light-brown leather jacket off and hung it over his shoulder. “My mom died, and I just wanted a fresh start,” I said as I frowned down at the bench, forcing myself to not ogle him.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I lost my father a year ago too. Were you two close?” he said softly with a sympathetic look, catching me off guard. This man was certainly interesting, giving off a powerful, dominant vibe, and yet something tender underneath.

Definitely a man who would have most women swaying after five minutes of conversation. He could probably pick up any woman in here if he so desired.

“Not really, she had her problems, but she was still my mother. Can’t beat cancer though sometimes,” I said as I pushed all thoughts of my mother from my head. She’d not been the greatest mother growing up, but she also hadn’t been the worst. She’d struggled with alcoholism and drugs, and came clean a few years back and reached out. We’d started up some kind of relationship, but we certainly weren’t close.

Then she’d been diagnosed.

“What about you and your dad?” I asked, wanting to learn what this devilish man was hiding. Despite his easy-going conversation, I got the feeling there was something he was keeping from everyone around him. He sat with his shoulders drawn and muscles tense, like he was constantly at the ready for anything. I’d seen the same posture in a marine who’d come in once and had served. Had Dray served?

“Yeah, he taught me everything, loved my mother, took care of us,” he said blatantly as he gazed at his now empty glass. “But things happen.”

“I’m sorry,” I murmured as I gave him a small smile, and he just shrugged but gave me that charmingly wicked smile.

“Don’t apologize. He was strong right until the end, he lived a good life, but it was his time,” Dray said as he straightened. “We all die someday.”

I nodded, knowing he was right. Death was inevitable, it would find us all one day. I just hoped I could have a long, fulfilled life.