My Hockey Alpha Neighbor

I sit across from the host – Will Wilson, a famous local talk show personality and try my best to keep my expression polite and put-together. I’m thankful for the fact the bright lights make it so I can’t make out the faces of the audience members without really squinting.

I brace myself for another round of questions as Wilson runs through a series of introductions. He gives Daniel a second to give a run-down of what our company does. All I can do is dread the invasive questions I know are coming.

Quickly, the conversation turns toward me. Wilson flashes me a shockingly bright smile. “Well, Ms. Miller, the world wants to know-how has your work-life balance been recently?”

The audience begins excitedly chattering. It’s obvious that he’s asking about Aiden already. I force a friendly smile. “Oh, I’ve been managing. Work is busy, as always. Our recent projects have been difficult, but it’s rewarding work.”

Wilsons grin broadens. “Come on, Miss Miller, I think you must be well aware what exactly we’re all wondering about.”

To my surprise, I feel Daniel elbow me from his seat to my right “Yes, Carol, there’s no reason to keep the audience in suspense,” he says with a thin-lipped smile. I suppress a grimace 1 decide I can keep my answer polite, but informative.

“Aiden has been a very b

busy, too,” I say. The audience immediately begins to react positively just at the sound of the name

“What, you didn’t even have some time to… Celebrate his recent victory?” He asks, wiggling his eyebrow suggestively. The audience whoops and wolf whistles in response.

I feel a stab of discomfort. I knew that Wilson was always one to search for drama, but prying into my personal life in such a suggestive way seems like a bridge too far. “The Stafford freeze, earned their victory with hard work and dedication. Although they’ve taken some time to celebrate, they’re all hard at work again.”

Daniel elbows me again. I can feel him shooting me ameaningful glare. I bite the inside of my cheek. It seems I’m not divulging enough personal information for his tastes think with discomfort. My stomach twists. Wilson continues to push. “Well, you can’t say that you don’t get to spend any time together In fact, many of the fans want to know – are the two of you already living together?” There is a spark in Wilson’s eyes at the idea of a tantalizing story.

I feel my skin prickle with discomfort. Still, I figure I can answer the question without divulging too much personal information. “I still have my own place. The two of us met as neighbors, actually. That doesn’t mean I don’t visit Aiden plenty, though” The answer is a bit evasive, but I don’t see why I would need to share something like that.

“That means you’re there when he comes home from practice, Wilson prods more. The audience ‘oo’s with delight. I swallow my frown.

“Unless I’m working late,” I say, desperately trying to steer the conversation back toward something more professional. Wilson persists.

“Oh, we all know how werewolves are and Aiden is an alpha, no less. I’m sure when he gets home, he puts you thre some thing even more exhausting than training, am I right?” Wition jokes boisterously.

My face burns with embarrassment and irritation. The audience bursts into chaos at the clear sexual implication. Fans out excitedly or gasp at the scandalous question. I have to take a moment to collect myself in order to not show how perturbed I feel

There will always be rumors, Mr. Wilson.” 1 tried to keep my answer short and mysterious to not seem as disgusted as I feel Daniel unfortunately, is not satisfied by my answer.

“She’s being coy, Mr. Wilson,” my boss declares. “Carol here has been dodging out on work nonstop for Aiden. It seems she’s had plenty of romantic getaways to keep her busy.” He trails of meaningfully. The audience immediately bursts into an

exited fervor

My heart drops into my stomach. I feel even my cars start to burn with indignation. I feel myself becoming more and more worked up by the moment. At last, I snap. Words tumble out of my mouth before I can filter them.

“How dare you accuse me of such a thing.” I say suddenly. The audience’s chaos immediately cuts off. I stare at my boss with a fire in my eyes.

“You know that I am one of the most dedicated employees in our entire company. I would never allow something as frivolous as my partner’s celebrity status distract me from my work. You, however, clearly cannot say the same. I refuse to allow you to use Aiden’s fame to promote my hard work anymore.

Adrenaline pumps through my system as all eyes in the room are glued to me. My ears are ringing – even I can’t believe my own bravery. The audience gasps, but they otherwise remain silent.

Daniel’s expression is frozen in shock. My heart is thundering in my chest. Despite my mounting nervousness. I refuse to back down. Even if I wanted to, after what I’ve said, it’s far too late. Since Daniel doesn’t seem to know what to say, I

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“I will no longer be complicit in your unethical behavior,” I say with as much dignity as I can preserve. “I have been at dedicated employee for the years I have worked at your company. Regardless of my loyalty, I refuse to compromise my

morals.”

To my shock, I hear a ripple of applause pass through the audience. I’m honestly surprised I’m not being booed off stage for depriving them of their celebrity gossip. I finally turn to face Wilson. He looks equal parts surprised and delighted- apparently, even though I wasn’t able to provide him with gossip about Aiden, the drama I’ve incidentally stirred up is just as exciting

Woah there. Ms. Miller, Wilson says, “are you quitting your job Right now, live on television” His eyes dart toward the camera, as though ensuring they’re catching this sensational news

I feel another spike of frustration. I really don’t want my refusal to boost my boss’ publicity to backfire by only giving him more attention. I decide that I need to get off the stage as quickly as possible.

“That’s right. With all due respect, Mr. Wilson, that means I no longer have any reason to speak on this talk show. Please feel free to continue the interview without me.”

muster. Only once I’ve begun moving is Daniel

I get to my feet and smooth out my pantsuit with as much dignity as I can m shaken from his stupor

“Wait – Carol, come on, this silly drama isn’t worth losing your job over!” He splutters. I refuse to acknowledge him beyond a polite nod and quickly make a beeline for the backstage area,

A number of crew members swarm me as soon as I step off stage. I can hear Wilson and Daniel discussing the developments on stage, but I tune them out. I school my expression into a polite smile and brush pass the crew members.

As soon as I return to my changing room, I quickly switch back into my own clothes. I catch one of the stage managers looking at me with a mixture of sympathy and concern. Now that I think about it, even the rest of the crew didn’t see upset with me.

Maybe that wasn’t as much of a disaster as it felt like it was, I think dryly. I don’t bother to explain myself as I search fo exit, slipping out of the first side door that I see. I’m desperate for a deep breath of fresh air to clear my head.

I find myself in the alleyway beside the studio. In comparison to the front entrance, it’s much darker and less ostentatious bury suy head in my hands and take a deep breath, trying to collect myself,

I’ve never done something so courageous, especially so publicly in my life. Even if I did the right thing, it’s hard to believe that everything will be okay.

I check the time. Aiden should be by to pick me up soon. I should probably call him to let him know Ilitched early, I think I almost numbly Still, I need a few more moments to recover before I think I can speak without my voice shaking.

I eventually manage to slow my breathing. It’s going to be okay, I try to remind myself. As rash as the decision was, it wasn’t a bad one. I’ll go home tonight and everything will be just fine. At last, the rhythm of my heart returns to normal. I let out along sigh.

I lift my head from my hands. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the darkness of the alleyway. It’s so dark that I don’t notice the man lunging at me until his hands are around my throat.

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