“Girl, you need to relax!” Nova said to me. She has been my best friend for the last three years. I saved her in an alley from getting attacked by some punks.
“I’m trying! I can’t find my briefcase!” The panic in my voice was thick. I had an extremely important meeting today. This was make for break for me. For the last few years, I have been trying to get my boss to launch my designs. I am or trying to be an architect. After graduating after only three years of the five year program, I still havent been taken seriously.
Last week, a very high profile client saw my design and liked it. He wanted a full presentation. His name was Waylon Jenkins. I’ve seen pictures of him and fuck he is sexy. Like a male body with his perfectly styled wavy black hair, chisled jaw and 5 o’clock shadow. Just looking at his picture made my panties wet.
“You will do great! I know you will kill it!” Nova was a force to be reckoned with. After the incident with those creeps, she has been going to the gym everyday. Being a werewolf has really helped advance her efforts. Now she owns two different gyms in our city of New York. Currently, she is working on opening a third. “Found it!”
“Thanks! Where was it?” I breathed a sigh of relief. My heels clinked as I practically ran to Nova. She was holding it out in front of her by thr front door.
“Just sitting here. I saw it as I grabbed my keys.”
“Damn, I need to get my head in the game.” I was in a very professional pant suit. It was plumb in color, hair was curled and I was wearing my late mother’s family ring.
“You better go before you are late. I called a cab for you.”
Nova was so motherly. “Thank you so much!” I kissed her cheek as I walked past her.
“Good luck!” She called out as I shut the front door. The elevator dinged right as I got to it. It opened up to the bellman standing there with a coffee.
“I was coming to retrieve you Ms. Peterson.”
“Thank you, John! My head is scattered.” We lived in a fully furnished condo on the fourth floor. Everything was marble with neutral greys and whites. Nova and I had nothing when we met and as we built a life for ourselves, we didnt keep anything personal in fear our pasts would show up and we would have to run again.
“This is for you. Black, just how you like it.” John is a werewolf too and has acted like our protector since we been here. Since none of us live in a pack, we look out for each other.
“The key to my heart. Black coffee!” I laughed as the elevator hit the lobby floor. I practically ran out to the cab. “Thank you, John!” I yelled without looking behind me.
“Goodluck!”
The cab ride was maddening. Traffic was horrible as always. I even debated if I should just get out and run. We just started making progress when the driver slammed on his breaks, causing my coffee to slash on my white shirt.
“Shit!”
“Sorry, ma’am.” The driver said as he flipped off the car in front of him. Grabbing a napkin, I tried to clean my shirt but it was too late. There was a stain on my shirt on the most important day of my life.
I didnt have another shirt so I tried to button my jacket. It looked weird but I didnt have a choice. The taxi stopped in front of my office and I was running late. Jumping out, my boss was standing there, looking at his watch.
“What the hell, Charlotte!”
“I’m sorry!”
“Hurry up, they are waiting!” We practically ran to thr conference room. There was a total of eight men in that room. Not a single female. The wall was all glass so I could see their impatient faces. “Get in there and do not disappoint me!”
Walking up to the door, I took a deep breath, fixed my hair and then walked in. The room suddenly went quiet. As soon as I got into the room, I smelled the most delicious smell. My breath caught in my throat. Cinnamon and apples. These guys were werewolves and they would know instantly that I was too.
Avoiding eye contact, I kept going like nothing was bothering me. “I apologize I am running behind. My name is Charlotte Peterson. Let’s not waste anymore time and get to it!” I plastered a smile on my face as the lights went down. The projector turned on and I grabbed my pointer.
“I have desgined a skyscraper that will fit your every needs” I felt eyes drilling holes into the back of my head. It took everything in my power to not look and confirm what my heart already knew. “This building is 80 stories high, with three convention centers, fully kitchen, lobby amd much more.” The first slide was of the ground floor. The blueprints showed one convention Center, kitchen, lobby, bathroom and office space. The second floor was the other two convention spaces. The walls can open up into one massive room. The next 50 floors was strictly office space and the rest was living quarters.
“Finally, everything is negotiable. If you feel more living quarters is needed, we can adjust to your liking.” The lights turned on and the projector turned off. The whole thing took an hour to show.
“That is a good start.” His voice was velvet to my ears. I was forced to look at him. As soon as my eyes looking into the golden brown of his, the bond snapped into place. I couldn’t breath. I watched him frown and lean back into his chair.
I had to clear my throat. After taking a sip of water, I continued. “What changes would you like to see?” I asked politely and most importantly, leveled.
“Let us take a moment to discuss. Please excuse us.” The man to his right said to me. He broke my eye lock with Waylon. I have never been more thankful.
“Of course. Take all the time you need. Press 4 on the phone and that will page my assistant.”
I walked right out of the conference room. It wasnt until I was back in my corner office that I was able to breath. As much as I needed this project, I couldn’t accept him. I needed to reject him and move on. Hopefully, my wolf would surive.
My nerves were too jittery to sit so I walked over to my floor to ceiling window. I was lucky to have this office. The only reason I did was beacuse the other architects didnt want to move. It was the smallest office but it had the best view. Unbuttoning my jacket, I put my hands on my hips.
I stood there for a good five minutes before I heard my boss walking to my office. Without even knocking, he walked in
“That went well despite you being late.” He was human and probably didnt even notice my discomfort.
“Yes, Mr. Simpson. Maybe we should let Max take over the project? He has much more experience and after running late, the clients might appreciate him more.”
“I’m surprised you giving this up. However, that is the right call.” He picked up my phone and paged Max Carlson to my office.
“It is what is best.” I said trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice. I think Max practically ran because he was in my office in three minutes.
“You paged, Mr. Simpson?”
“Yes, I would like you to take over Ms. Peterson’s project.”
I smelled him before the knock was sounded st my door. Max and Mr. Simpson looked confused but Max opened the door.
“Mr. Jenkins! We would have come down to meet you!” Mr. Simpson said. Waylon and the man that sat next to him walked in. I watched at Waylon’s eyed looked at my coffee stain. Thanks to the mate bond, I could feel his amusment.
“Not needed. I wanted to see where Ms. Peterson’s office was.” I kept a straight face. There wasnt a simple piece of personal item in here. Nothing to tell him who I was. Charlotte Peterson wasnt even the name I was born with. When you run from your past, you create a whole new identity.
“Have you made a dicisson?” Mr. Simpson asked. My boss was a shorter, plump man that was balding. His high end accessories told everyone just how successful he was.
“Yes, we would like to move forward with the design. We do have a few changes we would like to discuss.” Waylon said.
“Perfect. Max Carlson will be taking over for Ms. Peterson. If you would like to head to thr conference room, we can get started.” Mr. Simpson said.
Waylon’s eyes darted over to me. I kept my face passive and my heart steady. “I believe it is what is best.” I said to him.
“I’m afraid I don’t wish to change designers. If Ms. Peterson doesn’t continue with her project then I will look else where.” Waylon said firmly.
Mr. Simpson and Max looked confused at each other. Absentmindlessly I bit the insode of my cheek. Shit.
“As-as you wish, Mr. Jenkins.”“If you could please excuse us, I would like a word with Ms. Peterson.”
Crap. Not good.
“Of course.” Mr. Simpson and Max left my office.
“Please have a seat.” I said professionally as I took a seat behind my desk.
“Which pack are you from?” Waylon asked.
“I dont have ties to any pack.” Not a full lie. “You?” I admit, it was a tad disrespectful.
The guy beside Waylon lifted an eye brow.”I am the Alpha to the Blood Moon Pack. This is my beta, Axel Heckathorn”
“Canada.” I said more to myself. They were in incredibly dangerous pack. Last I knew, his dad was the Alpha but I havent been in touch with that life in years.
“Correct, Ms. Peterson.” It was my turn to raise an eye brow. He hadn’t told Adel we were mates. Otherwise he would be calling me Luna.
“Well, I’m sure I am provide excellent work for your needs. Let’s discuss what changes you would like to see?”
Waylon kept quiet as Axel took over. “You will be on probation as we continue to work since you are hiding your identity. A background check will be issued and we will be keeping a close eye on you.”
I didnt take the threats nicely. “I don’t appreciate the threat.” Opening my desk drawer, I pulled out the background check they will find if they look. It would take quite the hacker to realize this wasn’t real. Firmly, I placed the paperwork in the edge of my desk for them. Axel took them and looked it over.
“I’m sure you can understand pur hesitation in this matter?”
“In fact, I do not. My life does not affect my work. You don’t need to know a single thing about me for me to provide excellent designs. Nothing about this is personal. I wish to keep it that way.”
Axel opened his mouth but Waylon lifted his hand, signaling him to stop. My temper was rising and I’m sure he could feel it. He, however, was confused but not fazed at all. “Let’s talk about your design.”
Finally, “Let’s. What concerns did you have?” I pulled out my copy of the blueprints. Carrying them to the bulletin board, I pinned them up.
“I would like more of an outdoor area. Maybe a gazebo and a water fountain. A few more bathrooms. One on each side of the building for the public areas.”
“All very doable.” I nodded as I wrote them down.
Waylon’s phone rang. I caught a glimpse of it. The caller I.D. said Jasmine. Waylon felt annoyed but answered it anyway.
“Hey baby!” She yelled in his ear before he made it out of the office. My heart sank. I mean, I knew we were going to be getting together but it still stung.
“I dont take lying well. I will find out.”
I couldn’t help it. My temper raised as my carefully contained aura slipped out. I was the daughter of royalty. Even without Waylon, I was more powerful than both of them. However, since I have been on my own since I was 9 years old, I didnt always control it well. The shock expression on Axel’s face was evident.It only lasted a second but the damage was done. Walking back to my desk, I sat down. Axel had his hands on my desk as he leaned over it.“How?”“How what?” I was going to lie my way out of this. “ I have no idea what you are talking about.” There was a wave of pleasure shoot through me. Waylon was having a great conversation. “I felt your aura!”“I don’t know what you mean. How could I have a powerful aura? Nothing I have will affect a beta.” He didnt fully buy it but Waylon walked back in. Axel immediatly straightened back up.Waylon looked at us suspiciously before talking. “We must go. I have decided that you will need to visit my pack and see the land. You will have a b
“Interesting.” Waylon said. We watched as they started making out. “I guess she is coming along after all.”“Yeah, dont want to stand in the way of the mate bond” I said sarcastically. I sat towards the front so I didnt have to watch them suck face. I was excited for her but still a little bitter. “This is an interesting development.” My anger just kept growing.“Yes, interesting.” I knew I couldn’t accept this. He would have to use my birth name and I couldn’t tell him“What’s wrong?”That caught my attention. “What’s wrong? You cant be serious.”“I can feel your anxiety.”“Why do you care? You obviously haven’t told Axel who I am.”“To be fair, I dont know who you are.”“Listen, I’m just here to do this project and then I’ll be gone.” I said as I looked out the window. We had just taken off and the ground was getting smaller and smaller.“Is that what you want?”It’s what has to be done. It’s what is requires to keep my identity a secret. “Y-yes.” The lie tasted so bitter on my ton
“No.” I said firmly. “I must insist. Yo-” the doctor stepped forward “You touch me with that needle and I won’t be the only one with a concussion.” I threatened. “I saw your tattoo. You can’t be afraid of needles.” Janine said. Damn, I had a massive tattoo of my wolf on my back. She was pure white, which is a symbol of royalty. “What is your tattoo of?” Axel asked. “Nothing and no I’m not afraid of needles. I do not want you to test my blood. I am fine. I just need sleep. I’ll stay up the the hour and then I’ll be okay. Thank you all for checking on me but I could use some quiet.” I said firmly. “I can stay with you...” Nova offered but her heart wasnt in it. She needed to figure things out with Axel. “No, you need to spend some quality time with Axel.” I said patting her hand. “I’ll stay with Ms. Peterson.” Paul offered. “No, everyone out. There is a few things I need to discuss with Me. Peterson.” Waylon said. Paul, Axel, Nova and the doctor all walked out. “You too.” Wa
“What happened last night? Why are you being so distant?” Her eyes filled with tears.What was I suppose to say? “I need some space to decide where the future of this pack lies. There are things happening you do not know about and are not privileged to know. Despite you telling everyone I promised you the luna spot, when I did not.” “I thought you loved me?” “That has nothing to do with the situation I am facing. Please leave so I can do some work.” I dismissed her. She ran out of the room crying. Almost knocking Nova over in the process. “What was that about?” Axel asked. They came into the office and sat down. “I didn’t tell her about your situation and told her she isn’t privileged to know.” I said bluntly and shrugged. “Before I make this call, are you guys prepared to complete the mate bond?” They both looked at each other. “Yes.” Nova answered. “You will need to mate tonight and I will need to make you an official member. Right now.” “Right now?” Nova asked. “Yes. I nee
Waylon pov ”What the fuck do you think you are doing?” I yelled at Jasmine. “I was advertising our building! Getting a head start!” Jasmine defended herself. “Its not our building. It’s mine. And it was never a government building. Who gave you permission to contact the news? Who do you think you are to do whatever you please? You are on probation. You do not to get make decisions, now get out of my sight!” Jasmine came running out of Waylons office crying. I managed to stay hidden until she was gone. However, Waylons door was still open. “You got the report? Good, email it to me, now!” He sounded pissed. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the open door to get his attention. He looked up, his eyes were still full of rage. “Here is what you asked for. You can write whatever you want differently on the sides. I will call the contractors tomorrow and have it started. I will be packing my bag and leaving first thing in the morning.” I turned to leave. “Stop.” Waylon said firmly.
Waylon didnt answer me as he sat down. Leaning back in his chair, he held his chin in his hand. The silence wad awkward. It felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I just sat there and picked at my fingernails. It was my word against my uncle, who is now the king. I didn’t want to be royal, I just wanted to design buildings and live the quiet life. There was very little chance that would happen now. “Listen, I am just going to-” I started talking, trying to break the silence but Waylon interrupted me. “You will be on house arrest until I decide what to do.” He said firmly. “Excuse me?” There was a fire that started burning in the pit of my stomach when he said that. “I dont need to explain myself. You will be escorted to a room on my floor where I can keep an eye on you.” My eyes narrowed at him. “Actually, you do. I out rank you and I’m not against doing what I need to do to get out of here. I have not spent my entire life learning to live on my own for my own
“Can you do it?” Knock! Knock! “Come in.” I said looking at Axel. “It will be tough but I can try.” Axel looked unsure. Paul walked in. “You needed to see me, Alpha.” Standing up, I walked over to him. “You know Charlotte is my mate.” It was a statment, not a question.Panic flashed briefly. He already feels loyalty to her. “Alpha?” “I command you to forget she is my mate.” I watch the shock run through him until the command took affect. His eyes glazed over and then went back to normal. “Thank you, that is all.” He was confused but didnt push. Since I made him forget, in his mind, I asked him to come to my office and then asked him to leave. As soon as he shut the door, Axel was on my ass. “Seriously, dude?”Sitting back in my chair, I saw Charlotte had went to the couch and laid in the fetal position. They way her body shook, I knew she was crying. I could still feel her resentment, anger and how scared she was. “I have to know the truth.” Axel stood up and rubbed the bac
Ding! The sound made me jump. Where did that come from? Suddenly, a metal door next me to opened up, revealing a large plate of eggs, sausage and fresh toast. The door was so tiny that no human could fit in it. Sticking my head in it, it was just a metal box so I couldnt even see up the shaft. My stomach rumbled at the sight of food. Eating who keep my stanima up and help my hand. I made the mistake of grabbing the plate with my hurt hand. “Ooooowwww!!” I yelled as I dropped the plate. The food went everywhere as I held my hand against my chest. I felt more anger at myself but cussing out Waylon helped too. Now I am picking strambled eggs off the floor and my breakfast is ruined. Putting it back in the metal box, I just walked back to my chair. Surely, Waylon would have felt my pain? 15 fucks hours later, still no fucking Waylon. I was going insane in this room. I didn’t have my phone, no computer, or no pen or pencils. I’ve been toying around with an idea but I hadnt had the co