Chapter 2. Storms Are Back

"Sorry, miss," a man said, extending his hand to help me up. He looked more like a supernatural being than a human, and I sensed the wolf in him. As he picked up the scattered papers, I noticed he looked like the Beta from the Pack.

"You're the Beta," I said, but he paused and gave me a cold stare.

"What?" he said, feigning confusion. I knew he had to take me for a human, not a wolf.

"Nevermind," I said, realizing my mistake. He gave me a skeptical look but handed back my documents. "Were you here for an interview, miss?" he asked in a low voice.

"How did you know that?" I asked, surprised.

"You have a resume, and you're taking it with you. So how did it go?" he asked, but I knew this guy was interrogating me to figure out why I called him Beta. I cursed myself for not being able to control my tongue.

"I didn't get a chance to interview. I don't think I should go inside for an interview; I am not qualified," I said, trying to leave, but he blocked my path.

"Excuse me, but I looked at your qualifications, and I think you're the right fit for the job," he said. I glared at him.

"It doesn't matter what you think if you're not the manager or HR doesn't agree," I retorted. He raised his eyebrows.

"I'm the director of this firm, and I know who's suitable to work next to my bosses," he said, giving me a charming smirk on his handsome face as he ran his hand through his curly brown hair.

"I don't believe you," I said, but he chuckled and handed me his business card.

"If you're interested in getting a job, I can give it to you..." he started to say, but I interrupted him.

"No, I don't want to sleep with you to get a job," I scowled. I knew how Beta and Alphas could be fuckboys, and Alpha Francis was no exception.

"You think I'm a player?" he said, with a hint of offense. "I'm not. Do you want the job or not? We already have candidates lined up and waiting for me to arrive," he added seriously.

He walked towards the entrance of the building, and before he left. I immediately regretted assuming that he was a fuckboy.

"Mr..." I hesitated. He turned over his shoulder.

"Vincent is my name," he said.

"I'm Leia Agnor, and I need a job, but no funny business will be involved," I said sternly.

"Geez, Ms. Agnor, I am not a playboy," Vincent sighed. He muttered, "This must be because Kai and Xavier's people assume I am a playboy." I heard it though he thought I didn't.

"How about I put it in writing that I won't do anything inappropriate, and I'll sue myself if I act funny with you?" he said sternly. I nodded, feeling a mix of uncertainty and hope. Trusting a guy who could give me a job was weird, but I needed it for a better life.

Vincent sent all the other candidates away. "Won't you take my interview?" I asked.

"No, my instincts tell me you are right for this job. And if you're not, I have another candidate lined up to fill the position," he said with a confident smirk. I gulped, feeling the weight of the opportunity before me.

I read and signed the documents, grateful for the good pay and fresh start this job promised.

*****

Five years later

I'm twenty-three years old and still work as a secretary at Blackmoon Company, but I have never met the CEOs Xavier and Kai Hubert. I report to Vincent, who has become a good friend over time. I confided in him about being thrown out of the Bluewood Pack for being unable to shift or find my wolf, and he has always been supportive. Vincent and his mate Daisy have stood by me through thick and thin over the past five years, and I consider them family.

I'm feeling extra nervous today because CEO Xavier and CEO Kai are coming to the office. Vincent explained that they are the alphas of the Blackmoon Pack, the most powerful Pack among wolves, and no one dares to mess with them. These alphas don't often enter the human world, but they had to come this time because our company plans to buy a large cooperative firm dealing with food.

I checked all the files and documents to ensure I had everything I needed for the meeting. When I got to the car, Daisy was waiting for me with a coffee.

"Good morning, workaholic lady; I got you a coffee," she said, gesturing for me to get in the car.

"Daisy, why are you my chauffeur today?" I asked, sipping the strong coffee on the cold winter morning.

"The driver was sick, and Vincent was busy arranging the trip for the Alphas, and I was bored sitting at home, so I thought to pick you up," Daisy replied with a straight face.

"I'm surprised your lazy ass thought of dropping me off at the office doesn't fit right," I teased, hoping to get more out of her, but Daisy's grip tightened on the stirring wheel. An awkward silence spread in the car for a few minutes as I stared at her and the road ahead.

"You know the Alphas of the Blackmoon, Alpha Xavier and Alpha Kai. "They are not here only to merge business deals but to find the mystery behind their father's killing," Daisy said, her face grim.

"Alpha Xavier's father died protecting the Pack from the Demon King, right? And Alpha Reo, the father of Alpha Kai, died from an illness; that is what you told me. Luna Sia, the mother of two Alphas, has shut herself in the room; she only comes out to eat with her sons," I said.

"Yes, but both Alphas think there is more to the story, and I am worried because they think former Beta Nas Agnor had a hand in pushing Alpha Reo to illness, and when Alpha Reo learned this, he was exiled from the Pack along with you," Daisy revealed, causing my heart to race and my mouth to go dry.

"Why are you telling me this, Daisy? Are you going to hand me over to the Alphas?" I asked, suspicion creeping into my voice.

"You have so little faith in Vincent and me that you think we will betray you," Daisy said, pulling over the car and glaring at me. "I came to pick you up because I'm worried about you, Leia, and I told you all this to make you aware. The Alphas won't know that you're the daughter of Nas Agnor, and we don't want them to go crazy with suspicion and take you into custody."

"Why are you both helping me?" I asked, tears pricking my eyes.

"Leia, we both think alphas are being unreasonable. They lost their father, and they're about to lose their mother too. They haven't found a mate yet, so we think they don't think reasonably. That's why we're hiding the fact about you. We don't want the alphas to go crazy with suspicion and take you into custody," Daisy said as she started the car.

"My surname is Agnor; they will come to know I am Nas agnor's daughter," I muttered, unsure how to feel about the situation.

"There are many Agnors in the world, and your scent comes from a human, not a wolf," Daisy added. I didn't know what to make of this situation, but I felt a storm brewing inside me that would disrupt my calm for the next five years.

Daisy dropped me off at the office, wished me luck, and strode over to see Vincent's poker face. But underneath it, he looked worried. Vincent and I stepped into the conference room, and I saw emerald and hazel eyes staring at me.

"Leia, this is Mr. Xavier Hubert," Vincent introduced. I studied his sharp jawline, dark wavy hair, and emerald eyes. I quickly gave my greetings, not wanting to gawk at his gorgeous face too much.

"And this is Mr. Kai Hurbet," Vincent said. My eyes settled on his hazel eyes, which seemed to exude danger and playfulness. He looked handsome with his delicate jawline. His casual attitude was evident from his lack of tie and loose buttons, which gave a peek at his robust chest, unlike Mr. Xavier, who dressed sharply like a professional CEO.

"This is Leia Agnor, our secretary for five years," Vincent said, and I held my breath as he mentioned my surname. I could feel their eyes studying me more intently.

"Agnor," Mr. Xavier said, with a hint of suspicion. I looked at Vincent for help, and he responded calmly. Agnor could be anyone, but what if the alphas looked into my background and found my parents' names? They would catch me, and they might punish Vincent for hiding me from the alphas.