002

Alethea

Life in the Redwood Pack is nothing like life in the Blood Moon Pack. Selena takes care of me more than I ever thought anyone could. She treats me like I’m her own child. 

Sometimes I wonder if my parents are looking for me… or if they already believe I’m dead. The thought alone makes something squeezes my chest.

Suddenly, my phone starts ringing, breaking my line of thoughts. I glance at the screen, it's Kayla.

I swipe it and answer quickly.

“Are you ready for the interview?” she asks, her voice full of energy.

“Hello to you too, Kayla,” I reply with a small smile.

Kayla is a pack member we clicked like we had known each other in years. I'm not used to having friends and honestly, I’m grateful. It feels so good to have someone who cares as against the life at Blood moon

She reminds me of the vacancy I’m applying for.

“Yes, I’m ready,” I say as I walk into the tall, glass building, Knight Group.

“Good. Remember what I told you. Be yourself. Don’t panic.”

“Okay,” I whisper, then end the call.

The place screams power. Everything is sharp, polished, intimidating. My stomach twists with nerves and my heart beats fast. I don't know what to expect. 

I remind myself, I had the best education in Blood Moon Pack. Top of my class. But without a wolf, none of it ever felt like it mattered.

“Welcome to Knight Group. How may I help you?” the receptionist asks with a polite smile.

“I’m here for the interview,” I say, forcing my voice to stay steady. “For the position of personal assistant to the CEO.”

She nods. “Go inside and wait with the others.”

“Others?” I murmur, startled, but I follow her directions anyway.

In the conference room, my nerves spike. Everyone looks perfect, expensive suits, perfect hair, confidence radiating from them. I slide into an empty chair, trying to breathe.

Then suddenly the door opens. The air instantly changes. 

A man steps inside. The whole room shifts around him, like he’s the center of gravity. Every movement, and his steps screams dominance.

He sweeps his eyes round the room and then finds mine.

His eyes are piercing green, it shifts something within me and it's as if the rest of the world disappears.

My heart slams in my chest. I can't believe it's as a voice whispers in my head. Mate.

I freeze. My blood turns to ice. What? I don’t even have a wolf, how can I recognize him?

He’s tall. Broad shoulders. Muscles shifting beneath his suit. His face is all sharp lines and power. A jaw that could cut glass. Cheekbones carved strong and screams power .

His gaze didn't leave mine, not even for a second. Does he feel it too? 

“You. What’s your name?” His voice fills the room; it's deep, smooth and commanding.

Everyone turns to stare at me, heat rushes to my cheeks. I lift my chin, trying to mask the panic clawing through my chest as I try to see if he feels it too. But his face is unreadable.

“I… I’m Alethea. Alethea Weaver,” I manage, to say with a shaky voice. 

He studies me for a long moment, his green eyes burning into me.

“Follow me.” his voice commands cutting like steel. 

My body jolts at the sound of his voice. It vibrates through me, making my bones feel weak.

He turns and strides out without looking back to see if I'm coming or not back. I hesitate for a while because my legs feel heavy, but somehow I force them to move.

He leads me into a grand office, it's modern and elegant, and I feel his unmistakably alpha aura in the air.

“Sit,” he says, pointing to a chair opposite his desk. His voice leaves no room for disobedience.

I sink into the seat, my hands trembling in my lap.

He presses the intercom, eyes never leaving mine. “Dismiss the rest of the applicants.”

My breath hitches. Just like that, I’ve been chosen.

Adrenaline floods through me. This is my chance to prove myself. 

He leans back, fingers steepled, studying me with an intensity that makes it hard to breathe. He asks questions that are sharp, precise and I answer as best as I can, with a steady voice. His nods from time to time makes me continue talking with his piercing green eyes, not leaving mine. 

“That’s the mindset we need at Knight Group. Welcome aboard.” His lips curve into something unreadable.

I sigh in relief, but before I can even process it, his next words out of his mouth strike me like lightning.

"Pack your things. We’re leaving for a conference in the next city tonight," Asher says, with a firm commanding voice. 

I nod, but I feel uneasy. Something about his offer feels strange, like there’s more behind it.

Just as I finish gathering my things, my phone buzzes with a message from an unknown number:

“Don’t trust Asher. He’s not who he seems.”

My heart pounds loudly in my chest. I glance around the room, suddenly I feel my nerves perking up like I'm being watched.

But I push that aside and I rush home to pack properly, my mind still spinning with questions about Asher and that warning text.

When I’m done, guards help carry my bags to the car. I climb inside, still searching for Asher, but he’s nowhere in sight. 

I try to shake the thoughts of anxiety away, but I can’t ignore the pull he has on me. I’ve seen handsome men before, but Asher is different. His rugged looks, his strong build, the raw power he carries, it makes my pulse race. And my clit throbs leaving me restless.

After hours on the road, we arrive in Northville, a city in the north. Humans, werewolves, and other supernaturals live here together, but rumors say they run shady dealings beneath the surface.

"Stay close to me, Miss Weaver," a deep voice cuts into my thoughts, making me jump.

"Goddess, you scared me!" I clutch my chest, trying to steady my heartbeat as I turn to see who.