All Chapters of Inevitable Red Flag: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The opulent lobby of the skyscraper didn't calm the frantic fluttering in Willow’s stomach. She was still holding out a shred of hope that this was some bureaucratic error—that once she spoke to someone in charge, they would realize a mistake had been made and send her back to the safety of Manhattan.With a deep, steadying breath, she stepped onto the polished dark marble. The interior was breathtaking; a blend of sleek contemporary glass and rich, dark wood ceilings that made the space feel more like a modern fortress than an office.Before she even reached the desk, the receptionist was on her feet, a radiant, practiced smile fixed on her face as if she had been tracking Willow’s approach via satellite."Welcome to Lanka Textiles, ma'am. How can I assist you this morning?" she asked with a crisp, polite nod."Hi. I’m Willow Grant. This is my first day. I was told to report here for my new assignment."The receptionist’s nod was almost too eager. "Yes, of course. May I see your dire

Willow stepped out of the vehicle, her gaze catching on the massive iron gates of the estate. They were heavily adorned with red and white blooms, a stark contrast to the dark metal. A banner stretched across the top: The Felicity Charity Gala. In the world of the Redwood Bay packs, these events were dual-purposed—a genuine effort to fund the local orphanages and a stage for Alphas to flaunt their dominance.Robert and Evan followed her, their presence a steadying force. For a decade, the Grant family had been patrons of this foundation, a tradition Willow had participated in since she was a pup."Let's move," Robert said, guiding them toward the red carpet. They moved with practiced grace, bypassing the flashbulbs of the local press and the press of the crowd.Inside, the hall was a sea of elegance. Shifters in high-end formal wear drifted between displays of fine art, their heightened senses likely catching the subtle scents of paint and expensive champagne. A soft, classical melody

Liza practically shoved Willow out the door, already turning to the copier. "I'll handle the printing. Go, before the Alpha gets here!"Heaving a frantic sigh, Willow rushed to the gilded VIP lift. She expected a struggle; surely there were sentries guarding the private ascent to the Lanka Alpha’s lair. They knew Blair, but Willow was a ghost from the past. Would they even let a junior designer through?When the doors slid open on the fiftieth floor, her instincts were proven right. Two massive Enforcers stood like statues outside the lift. But to her shock, as soon as their eyes landed on her, a flash of recognition crossed their features. They straightened instantly, offering respectful, submissive nods."Ms. Grant," one murmured.She offered a small, bewildered smile and hurried past them. The corridor was vast, but she hit a second wall: a biometric scanner glowed crimson beside the heavy oak double doors."Damn it," she whispered. She should just turn back and try to scrub the te

This time, the Alpha’s whims directed them to hunt for a formal gown.Willow attempted to protest, pointing out that her sister’s style was worlds apart from her own, but Roman wasn't listening. "I have absolute faith in your eye, Rosebud," he murmured, his voice a low vibration that seemed to bypass her ears and go straight to her skin. "Whatever you choose will be perfection. Don't fret—I'll be right here to help you finalize the kill."Willow frowned, the phrasing unsettled her. What did this predator know of her choices?To her immense relief, the attendant at this high-end boutique was a seasoned professional. Unlike the women in the previous shops who had looked at Roman as if he were a prize kill to be claimed, this woman remained poised and focused. After Willow described the silhouette she had in mind, the woman produced two dozen shimmering gowns fit for a high-ranking pack celebration.Willow ran her fingers over a delicate pink satin, admiring the intricate floral embroide

The collision had been violent. It was a miracle that neither of them walked away with anything more than superficial wounds. Willow had escaped with a minor graze on her shin, but Roman’s sacrifice had cost him. The whiplash of the impact, combined with the way he had surged across the console to anchor her in place, had resulted in a severe tear in his shoulder muscle.In the chaotic aftermath, Willow had been so undone by the near-death experience that she had allowed him to pull her against his chest. He held her there for nearly thirty minutes, his heartbeat steady against her ear, until her trembling finally ceased. She despised the vulnerability of it—the raw terror of the crash, and the even deeper terror of imagining a world where his light went out.She shook her head, forcing the dark memories back into the shadows of Redwood Bay. Everything was fine now. Tonight was Blair’s engagement, and that required her complete focus.She looked at her reflection. This gown... should