Chapter Four: New Life, Same Bad Luck

BRIELLE's POV

It had been three years since I left my clan, but those words from that alpha’s lips would forever remain my worst nightmare. It had followed me through the years, haunting my dreams and driving me insane.

Even as I sat in this cafe, wondering if I would get this job. It had been over an hour and my client had not shown up yet. Had they rejected me too without any reason?

Amongst all my coworkers, I was the only one who always failed to meet up her target. My application had always been rejected, sometimes even before the clients met me in person.

Why my boss had not fired me yet mystified me. Maybe it was because I was exceptionally good at what I did. The only thing I failed to do was bring in customers.

I absentmindedly watched humans go about their day while jerking my knee anxiously. Everyone seemed to have it easy. Was I really cursed? Even when it looked like my life would embrace something extraordinary, it all fell to shambles and I was greeted with disappointments all over again.

Who would have thought the rejection of a mate held that much power?

My blaring cellphone pulled me out of my train of thoughts. I hoped it was the client calling to tell me she was stuck in traffic and that I should wait a little longer. But when I picked up my phone and saw the name on the caller ID, my shoulders slumped.

“Hi Ava.” I greeted dully.

“Hey Bri. How are you doing today? I see you are not excited I called,” she noted.

I heaved a sigh and raked my hand through my pixie cut. “No…it is not like…” I paused. “Do not get me wrong. I have just had it rough. I actually thought you were a client I have been waiting on.”

“Oh.” Then after a beat, she added. “Or is it because you already know where this discussion is headed?”

My lips gave way to a weak smile. Trust my best friend to pick up on my half-truths.

“Do you have to? I just told you I have a shitty day going on already.” I choked out a forceful chuckle.

“I have to, Bri. Especially since I know it is very hard for you out there. Have you not heard? Werewolves who leave their clans find it hard in the human world.” She reeled out.

I took a sip of the now cold coffee and rested the mug on the table. “You mean rejected wolves. You know, this is the only stuff you believe in that has actually come true. Remember when you said I and Huxley were for life?”

I reminded her about her belief on wolves who met their mates at the lunar ceremony and how it turned out for me.

“There must have been a reason, Bri. A reason you should have tried to find out and not run away from. What made you even think running away was the solution?”

I sighed exasperatedly, massaging my temple. “Ava. Best friends I know call to gossip or talk about boys or talk extensively about life. But you, my friend have chosen to torment me.”

“Come on, Bri. This is important too. And we are talking extensively about your life. Have you been sleeping well?” She asked again.

Unlike her, I stirred at every little noise or sudden change in whatever environment I slept in. It was a habit I had cultivated when my parents were killed.

Five year old me had been out like a light; and when I woke the next morning, I found my parents’ bodies designed with stabs and knife slashes, drenched in their own blood. It was something I could not live down, no matter how much Ava’s parents had put in to help me overcome the trauma. They had adopted me as their daughter since I had no other family members and had been the best foster parents any orphan could ask for.

Not wanting to ruin my already foul mood, I tucked the painful memory away in the back of my mind and rolled my eyes. “Let us talk about your life for a change. How are Nathan and Kayleb?”

Nathan was Ava’s mate. And Kayleb was their three year old pup.

“Oh they are fine. You know how those two are. Running after the next big adventure.”

I giggled happily for the first time today. “What big adventures are they on this time?”

“You know…the usual. Chasing toads after the rain.” She revealed.

Writing, [9/17/2022 4:04 PM]

I burst out in laughter, garnering attention from the tables around me. I quieted down, rubbing my nape. “They are a handful.”

She snorted. “Yes. Like you. Do not think I am dropping that subject anytime soon.”

A dark skinned woman approached my table. She slid into the seat opposite me and signaled for the waiter.

“I need to go now, Ava. I think my client is here. We will talk later, okay?” I told her, thankful for the save.

“Sure. I wish you good luck.” My friend responded and ended the call.

I watched the woman before me speak to the waitress, ordering a cup of cappuccino with extra milk and honey. It was then I noticed her choice of casual clothing and immediately regretted my formal suit and tie wear.

She wore a beige chiffon top over a pair of tight black denims that put out her huge ass on display. Her feet was clad in blue espadrilles and a lone anklet adorned her leg.

“You must be the representative from JB Polymath Ventures.”

I nodded, shifting in my seat. “That is right. And you are Miss Daren?”

She nodded before smiling at the waiter who returned with her order then. “You are aware we seek highly professional interior decorators, right?” She asked as soon as he left.

“Yes, ma’am. I am well aware.”

She took a sip of her order as I did mine. I winced at the taste of cold coffee on my tongue.

“I was impressed with your proposal. It stood out. However, I have my reservations on the type of business your company runs.”

I smiled. We get that a lot so it was no surprise at all. JB Polymath Venture was a company involved in several skill sets and niche. Every employee was dexterous in more than three fields.

“The type of business my company runs should not be a cause of concern. Instead it should be the reason why we should be hired.”

My statement seemed to catch her attention as she cocked her head to the side. “And how do you mean?”

“Because we are skilled in not just interior decor. We would employ our other skill set in order to produce a mind blowing result.” I said.

“What skill set do you speak of?”

I explained how our knowledge in tech and 3D animation could bring our decor to life and how they did not need to spend extra money in hiring carpenters for little nicks and knacks as we had it handled. Plus our services were very much affordable, and knowing the company Miss Daren represented, funding would be no issue.

She nodded approvingly as her stroke her chin and rummaged through the information I shared with her. Deep down, I prayed to the moon goddess to come to my rescue. I needed this one job. Even though it would not make up my target, it would show my employee how enthusiastic I was in the progress of the company.

“Cool. You have passed this stage of the interview.” She announced and I almost jumped out of my chair with joy.

“Thank you…” I gushed but she held up her hand, her dark eyes turning more serious.

“Now, the next phase is tougher. You will be meeting the Chief Executive Officer himself and I need you to prepare very well for it. Understood?” She instructed.

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you so much. I am definitely prepared for it.” I could not believe it. Finally. It seemed like an incredulous dream.

“That is wonderful then. We leave now,” she announced and just like that, she had rained on my parade.

“What?” My eyes widened round like saucers. 

“The interview. It is happening right away. The boss is not always available. He is at the office today and insists on interviewing you today.”

What the actual fuck? I was not prepared for this. This was not happening. I could not come all the way to end up not getting the job because of an impromptu interview. It took me so much time to prepare for this one.

“Shall we?” She demurred, standing up already.

When she sensed my hesitance, she added. “Unless you do not want the job anymore, Miss Levine.”

I gulped and said, “I do.”

It felt like someone had poured cold water on my body and I shivered visibly. Then I stood and followed Miss Daren out my favorite coffee shop to the sleek black sedan car waiting outside.