Karen rushed into the elevator just as it was about to shut. She pushed her way in, saying her apologies as she did. She exhaled softly once the doors shut and it started moving.
Today was the day. The day she would meet the general manager and get the full details of her promotion. Karen felt excitement bubbling inside her, unable to stand still.
The elevator arrived and dinged. The workers rushed out and Karen followed suit. She walked briskly down the halls, not paying attention to the conversation that floated around her till she heard the word CEO.
Paying a bit more attention she was able to grab a bit of what was being said.
“Really? Today!”
“Yes. I heard from someone. They’re coming today.”
“Wow, can’t wait.”
“Can’t wait, I’m terrified. I’ve heard a lot of stories about them.”
Karen walked to her desk, the conversation hummed in the air. Apparently, the CEO was going to be visiting today. And Karen thought it couldn’t be a more perfect time. She hoped that she would get to meet him or her and make a good impression.
“Karen,” Mr Woods called her attention as he walked into the office. Karen turned to him.
“Yes sir.”
“There’s been a change of plans.” Mr Woods said, leaning on the demarcation of her desk. “The CEO will be gracing us with his presence and you will be meeting him directly. With the other managers and the general manager of course.”
Karen nodded. “I understand.”
“Your meeting is at ten.” Mr Woods said and turned to leave. Then he turned back to her. “And please, be on your best behavior. As you always have.”
Karen nodded with a smile. “I will do just that.”
“Very well.”
Karen squealed in excitement, muffling her mouth with her hands. Finally! Finally her goals were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
She drew open her drawer and pulled dot the proposal she had been working on. It was finally ready. And she would present it at the meeting today.
She turned on her computer and started her work with a renewed zeal. She could hardly wait for ten.
****
Karen checked her watch, it was two minutes to ten. She brushed her clothes one last time and laid her shoulder length hair flat. She drew in a deep breath and opened the door.
The smile on her face instantly died the moment she saw the man seated at the end of the conference table.
He didn’t look up as she entered, the only reaction from him was him saying “you’re on time.”
Karen couldn’t reply even if she wanted to. Her throat felt clogged with numerous emotions. She would recognize him even in her dreams.
He looked the same after four years, except maybe the coldness and sharpness of his features. His long hair was tied at his nape two long strands framing his face, as opposed to how it flowed down his back. He was wearing an expertly tailored suit that hugged his body perfectly.
He was a vision of perfection. Even after all these years. Seated among others, anyone could easily tell that he was the boss in the room. His aura was intimidating and heavy, commanding everyone into obedience.
He raised his head, piercing blue eyes cutting through her soul. “Why are you standing there staring at me? Get a damn seat.” He snapped at her, his voice clipped.
Karen felt the wave of memories crash down upon her. Memories of the pain she had suffered at Kai’s hand. The pleasure that mingled with the pain. The hatred he held for her. Hatred that never ebbed till the day she left. Or rather the day she ran away.
She remembered the torture she had suffered at Verena’s hand. Oh that’s right, Karen didn’t see Verena in the room. Perhaps she was back at the pack, being a good little wife for him
She remembered the cold look in his eyes as he told her of her execution. Karen shivered. The memories were so painful. And he was glaring at her.
He hadn’t recognized her. She didn’t know if to be happy or sad for that.
“Good morning, Mr…” She said and trailed off. She didn’t know his last name. She only knew him as Kai. Kai and nothing else. Kai the one who hated her. Kai the one who tortured her.
Kai the alpha.
He looked at her like she was stupid. “Sylvester.” He completed the sentence. “Kai Sylvester.”
Ah, Kai Sylvester. She wanted to run from Kai Sylvester.
Karen managed a shaky smile. “You must be the CEO. We’ve heard a lot about you. It’s an honour to finally meet you in person.”
It wasn’t an honour. Karen wanted to turn and bolt. Turn in her resignation letter and never come back. She wanted to make sure he wouldn’t ever recognize her no matter what.
“This is who is being promoted?” Kai turned to the man beside him and asked.
“Yes, she is.” The man replied.
Karen noticed the man seated beside Kai.
Nicolas.
He looked different, his hair was short now. Seeing him beside Kai she was reminded of a lot of things. Things she didn’t want to remember.
He was looking at her with that kind but emotionless smile he had first given her when they met. He tilted his head to the side, his eyes observing her face and scanning her body curiously.
He obviously recognized her. There was no doubt in the way his eyes lit up and his lips parted. Then he smiled. That smile.
There were five managers in attendance. Karen could only recognize the general manager.
Karen felt rooted to the spot, unable to move. She noticed her hands were shaking as she held the proposal.
This wasn’t how she had planned today to go. She hadn’t planned for the CEO to be someone she knew, talk less of him being Kai.
Wasn’t Kai a werewolf? And also a business mogul in the human world? Karen had been working for him for four years and she had no idea whatsoever.
Kai looked at her, and he looked disappointed. “Have a seat, Miss Osborne.” He said.
Karen was glad in that moment that she changed her name from Winterblood to Osborne. Winterblood was a very unique name. Osborne wasn’t.
Karen obeyed and took a seat. She grabbed the water bottle in front of her and drank it.
“You’ve been working here for four years now?” Kai asked, his eyes on her. She could only see irritation in those eyes.
“Yes, Mr Sylvester.” She replied.
“And in that time you have been promoted a lot.”
“Yes. I do my job as I’m told.”
“Doing your job isn’t enough.” He scoffed. “What makes you think you deserve this promotion?”
Karen stared at him. He hadn’t changed. Not one bit. She felt a spark of anger inside her. Did he think this was his pack where he would speak and everyone would bow down and worship him?!
Karen pushed her angry thoughts aside and smiled. “If I weren’t qualified for this promotion, Sir, it wouldn’t have come to me.”
He stilled, a dark brow shooting up. “You think you’re so sharp mouthed? Smart and all that huh?”
Karen felt her eye twitch. “Do you think that, Mr Sylvester? I was merely answering your question.”
Karen felt the stone cold silence in the hall. She glanced at Nicolas briefly. He had an amused look on his face as he looked at her.
“It says on your report that you are a competent worker. You’re punctual, you have great time management, you’re a team player, this all seems very surface level. You surely can’t be doing all this without motivation. What fuels you every day?”
Um, not starving? Wanting a good life? You think it’s because I love this company?
Karen inhaled deeply, deciding not to say any of the things she had thought of. She was starting to feel really annoyed. “My goal is to climb to the top of the ladder.”
Kai raised a curious brow. “You want my position?”
Oh she would kill for that. “It wouldn’t be too bad to try.” She said and raised her chin.
Kai slammed shut the papers he was going through, which Karen guessed was her report.
“We’re done here.” Kai announced. “You all may leave.”
Karen was the first to get to her feet and leave the conference room.
Once she was outside, she heaved out a huge sigh. It was all over. Her career, her goal, everything was over. By all means, Kai had rejected her. He was done. She could see it with how he had closed the papers.
She walked back to her desk, her shoulders slumped in sadness.
She guessed she would have to find another job and soon.
She sat on her death and dumped the proposal on her table. She started her computer and continued the work she was doing. She would sigh every five seconds, replaying the meeting in her head.
She wondered if she could have done better. If she could have been the kind and respectful worker that she was.
But that kind and respectful worker hadn’t been expecting to see Kai. Hadn’t been expecting to see the biggest ghost from her past.
Karen had almost forgotten that she wasn’t a human. That she was the daughter of Zeke Winterblood. That she was an alpha. But what use was it. Her pack was gone, and she was all alone.
Karen sighed again. She didn’t have it in her to be kind and smile like a good worker.
Kai had hurt her. A lot. And now that he was her boss, she didn’t know how to react to it.
The day stretched by. At lunch time Karen stayed back and did more work. She wasn’t sure her stomach could accommodate anything.
After lunch, Mr Woods came up to her desk.
“I blew it, didn’t I?” Karen asked, a cringe smile on her face.
“I think you did well.” He replied. “Well enough that the CEO himself approved your promotion.”