Chapter Five

CARTER

"There's been complaints from the elders and shareholders about you, the company and the pack." My father sat opposite me in my office. After he handed over the company to me, he rarely ever visits the company except for pressing needs.

I wouldn't say this case was the same because I personally didn't see this as something important. Once again, he's become the voice of the elders who constantly nag and question my matelessness.

But this time, I'm not listening to him. Infact, my thoughts are on a certain dark haired and blue eyed feisty little lady. She's got my mind occupied, her offer I mean, the whole morning and I've barely been able to get any work done.

Not one person knew of Alanna's disappearance because I kept it a secret and by that means, I haven't been able to get any lead on her whereabouts. So naturally, Hailey's offer interested me. I loved my pride but I loved my mate more.

"Carter" My father's voice woke me up from my reverie. "Are you with me?"

Though I didn't hear half of what he said, I nodded nonetheless.

"What do you have to say, then?"

"There's nothing I have to say." I frown, tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. "I've run this company all these years perfectly without a mate and I see no reason why a mate would help me run my company and pack"

"I'm afraid that I'd have to disagree with you on this one, son." My father began. "A mate and Luna will help you take care of the women and children's affairs."

"Well, I'm not the moon goddess who assigns mates to wolves." I countered.

"You've got to search for a mate because unfortunately, the elders have agreed that without a mate, they'd have to transfer ownership of the pack and company from you to someone more suitable." 

"And someone more suitable is someone with a mate? Can you hear yourself, father?" I scowled.

"That's all I've got to say, son." My father stood from his seat and walked to the door. "Hurry and find your mate." with that, he walked out.

I've always known that a day like this would come. That's why I've tried everything possible to find Alanna. I'm aware that the elders have every right to take the ownership of the pack from me and there's nothing I can do about it, except I find a mate. Where on Earth would I find Alanna?

'Why not form an alliance with Hailey and let her pose as your mate till you find Alanna. That way, you can secure your position as Alpha and CEO' My overly quiet wolf, Zedd suggested.

I won't lie to say that I haven't considered that idea but my pride wouldn't let me go back to her. The way I left her the other day made it seem like I'd never give her suggestion a second thought and now if I go back to her, she'd surely mock me.

'Then keep holding onto your highly valued pride and lose your positions' Zedd said and shut me out.

I frowned but my mind was already made.

**********

In deep water pack, I see Hailey speaking with a sentry guard and though I wanted to walk up to her and get things sorted out, I decided to stand by and watch her.

If I would be patterning up with her, I needed to know that she had little to no flaws. I didn't want a situation where along the line, I'd discover she had a  skeleton in her cupboard.

She ended her conversation and began walking towards my direction. When she was close enough, I called. "Hailey!'

"What the fuck! You scared me" Hailey screamed and placed her hands on her chest, a gesture which I assumed was meant to calm her racing heart.

"Pay attention to your environment next time." I cautioned and the way she nodded to my advice made me realize that it struck her.

"Alpha Carter," Hailey smiled widely and I could tell she was hoping for some positive news, "It's good to see you"

She loved to divert attention from herself, I took note of that. I couldn't help it, I was observant, a trait I possessed and love to gloat about.

"I've given your offer a thought" I paused and let out a deep sigh forcing my pride to give way for the sake of my mate, I'd do anything for her, anything to get her back. "I like it"

Hailey raised her brows, studying me. "What's the catch?" She placed her hands on her waist and continued, "you rudely rejected me the other day and now you're back? It's quite fishy, Alpha Carter"

I hate to admit, she's too smart for her own good. I knew she'd act this way but unfortunately for her, I didn't have time for her games. I can placate the elders and find my mate on my own. I'm supreme Alpha Carter.

"Hey, take a chill pill" she called out with a smile just before I turned to leave. "I'm joking, alright."

There was one thing Hailey didn't understand, it was that I didn't waste my time.

 "There's a condition." I paused, studying her expression and when she didn't do anything to show her refusal.

"I knew it!" She laughed happily as though she'd passed the FBI entrance examination.

"Marry me." I divulge.  "A contract marriage between the both of us to achieve our goals."