Alethea
I wake up disoriented, my heart racing, my eyes blinking rapidly in the dim light. Slowly, I realize I’m in an unfamiliar room.
Sitting up cautiously, I frown. “Where am I?”
The memory of the chase, the wolf, and the shadowy creature floods back.
I take a deep breath, placing my hand on my chest, trying to calm my heart, and then my fingers run over my arms. “No injuries…”
Footsteps sound outside the door and my pulse quickens. “Maya?” I whisper, unsure of what to expect.
The door creaks open, and my breath hitches. A woman steps inside. Silver-streaked black hair pulled back into a bun, with warm brown eyes.
I grip the blanket tightly, and as she moves closer, I find myself holding my breath.
“Oh, my child, it’s good to see you awake. You gave us quite a scare,” she says in a calm voice, moving closer.
I try to swallow, but my throat is dry. The words stick for a moment, but I manage to ask, “Who are you? Where am I?”
“My name is Selene. You’re in a safe place,” with a warm smile. Her gentle touch eases my fear, even if it’s only for a while.
My mind spins as I struggle to gather my thoughts. There are so many questions, but I lose my grip on the blanket.
“How did I get here?” looking around the room again, I am trying to make sense of my surroundings.
“I was running… from Maya, from the wolves… then the shadow…”
I look at Selene and ask. “Who brought me here? Was it you?”
“I found you in front of my house. You were passed out,” Selene says softly.
I furrow my brows, trying to make sense of it. “In front of your house?” I repeat, in confusion. “But… I don’t remember getting here.”
“You are safe here, my child. Welcome to the Redwood Pack.”
I blink at the name. “Redwood Pack?” I say, my pulse quickening. Of course, I’ve heard of them. Who hasn’t? They’re a powerful, mysterious pack, wealthy and unmatched in influence.
No one knows much about the pack’s inner workings or even their strengths. They’re a force even the strongest packs respect.
****
The Redwood Pack is quite different from my former pack, Blood Moon. Selene has been a great help, making it easier for me to settle in.
I discovered Selene’s rich history. She’s a respected doctor and an elder, she has dedicated her life to protecting the Redwood Pack.
She cares for me like I’m her child, and it still surprises me how kind she is. Sometimes, I wonder if my real parents are looking for me. Do they think I’m dead?
I struggle to adjust to the Redwood Pack’s dynamics. Maya’s threat is still vivid in my mind, making me wary, but Selene helps me find my footing.
She’s the one who told me about the job opening: Assistant to the CEO.
I walk into the Knight Group building, looking around I notice that everything about the place screams success and power.
A flutter of nerves rises in my chest as I step inside. The polished marble floors, the sleek modern design-it’s all intimidating.
Inside, I meet other applicants. I feel out of place as all eyes turn toward me.
I spot an empty chair and quietly sit down, hoping to blend in.
Suddenly, the front door opens, and the air in the room feels tight as if all the oxygen has been sucked away.
A man steps inside, commanding the space, moving as though he’s the center of gravity.
His presence is magnetic, drawing all attention toward him. But his focus is unmistakably on me.
My heart skips a beat as I hear the unmistakable voice resonating within me: “Mate,” it whispers, sending shivers down my spine.
His piercing green eyes lock onto mine, and the rest of the room fades.
He radiates an undeniable Alpha aura. I wonder if he recognizes me as his mate because he has a neutral look.
I recognize him as Alpha Asher Knight, the CEO of Knight Group. I’ve read about him while preparing for the interview.
My heart races, beating wildly against my chest as his gaze stirs something deep inside me, something I can’t even name.
He’s tall, with a powerful, athletic build and broad shoulders. His features are striking-chiseled jawline, strong cheekbones, and a face that could stop anyone in their tracks.
“You. What is your name?” His voice cuts through the room, deep and rich, filling the space with an air of confidence that sends a chill through me.
I freeze and shiver as his gaze holds me captive. Heat rushes through my body, pooling between my legs, and I curse under my breath.
“Shit.” I shouldn’t be feeling like this… but I am.
I swallow hard, feeling everyone’s eyes on me. Straightening my back, I force myself to meet his gaze.
“I-I’m Alethea. Alethea Weaver,” I stutter.
He is silent for a moment, his eyes boring into me as if he is trying to see through me, to fix something in place.
“Follow me,” his voice vibrating through the air, rich and deep, reverberating through every cell in my body.
I freeze, my legs heavy and rooted to the floor. But then, instinct kicks in, and I find myself trailing behind him.
I follow him toward a large door leading to a grand office.
The space inside is a perfect blend of modern elegance and classic sophistication.
“Have a seat,” motioning to the chair opposite his desk.
I settle into the plush chair, trying to calm my nerves.
His eyes remain locked on me as he reaches for the intercom.
“Dismiss the rest of the applicants,” with a commanding tone, leaving no room for argument.
A rush of adrenaline hits me. I’ve been picked.
Now, I have to prove I deserve it. He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he looks at me with an intensity that makes my heart race.
“Welcome on board,” Alpha Asher says, his piercing gaze holding mine.
I sighed in relief, but before I could fully grasp the moment, his next words jolted me.
“Pack your things; we’re leaving for a conference in the neighboring city tonight,” he says with unmistakable authority.
I exit the office; I feel uneasy. There’s more to Asher’s offer than meets the eye.
Just as I’m finishing up, my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number:
“Don’t trust Asher. He’s not who he seems.”
My heart racing, I glance around the room, wondering who could be watching me.