Chapter 2

Alexa’s POV

I slowly lift my eyes to the receptionist in front of me, then back to the screen. Suddenly, my wolf stirs, releasing a deep, overpowering aura that fills the entire space. It’s like being in the middle of nowhere as the atmosphere shifts. A sweet, charming scent floods my nostrils.

Alphas often have a strong, alluring scent, but this isn’t just alluring—it drags my mind back to five years ago. To the day my baby was taken from me. The last time I ever heard of her.

I drop my face into my palms, shaking my head. This scent torments me, but I remind myself I’m here for a job. I can grieve later, in private.

“Oh! You’re here? Turn around, let me see you!” A strong, commanding voice fills the air. My muscles lock.

Slowly, I turn, keeping my face at mid-level—I can’t hold my head high, avoiding direct eye contact with who I assume is one of my new bosses.

“Look up!”

My eyes take in the image of an agile, muscular man standing on the stairs. I let out a quick breath.

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

His voice is cold, distant. Against etiquette, I can’t help but meet his gaze. My lips part; my legs begin to tremble.

Avelon Pack has seven Alphas. This must be my crush speaking. My wolf leaps with excitement. She always reacts when I think of Dustin. Since my baby was taken away by the Alpha of my pack, I’ve never liked another man. All of them seemed the same to me—an Alpha was a no-go area for my heart.

Dustin was the only exception. Which is why I feel tingles in my stomach now.

When I finally raise my eyes, I’m met with a young, hot, and charming man in a sleeveless, VIP Rockstar jersey.

“Wooh…” My lips part slowly as I raise a hand to cover them. I blink several times.

This must be him.

Butterflies dance in my stomach. My luggage handle slips from my fingers. He’s probably in his mid-twenties but with a mature face, his blue eyes looking at me like ocean waves ready to pull me under. His short, curly hair falls slightly over his face. My eyes drift down—his abs strain against the tight jersey, his muscular arms fully exposed.

My gaze drops lower—black trousers, black shoes. He stands like a hero about to rescue his princess. I return my eyes to his face, remembering myself, and curtsey slightly. I offer the faint smile I’d been told to give.

“Are you from the village?” His voice is stern.

“Huh?” His eyes rake down my body with a cold look. “What do you me—”

“Oooh!”

“Good morning, Alpha—” I stammer, realizing belatedly that I should have greeted before curtseying. I clear my throat.

“Good morning, Alpha,” I repeat.

He doesn’t respond. His lips twitch slightly, his eyes still locked on mine.

He steps down from the stairs toward me, his strong, masculine scent overpowering. His blue eyes are sharper up close, dominant. I fight to maintain the confident gaze I was told to keep. Inside, I’m worried—what did I do wrong?

The stare lingers too long. My hope starts to sink. Dennis on TV is cool and friendly, always joking with fans. In person, he’s… different.

Not everyone likes you, and that’s fine, I tell myself.

“Who told you I’m an Alpha?” My heart drops. I turn to the receptionist. She looks down.

“It was a slip of the tongue, sir,” she mutters.

“I’ve said time and again—never reveal our identities. And since I don’t like her, she’s leaving.”

The receptionist freezes, my new ID in her hand. My brows shoot up; my legs tremble.

He shoves her hand away from me. “The ID is only given if you’re accepted by us.” He says it directly to my face, then walks away with one hand in his pocket.

I stand there, confused, watching him go.

I don’t know what to do. My heart feels like it’s failing. This was my only shot at earning enough money for my surgery. I can’t just leave—my life is at stake.

“What about the rest?” I think. “How can he—the person I’ve loved from afar and dreamed of meeting—be so rude?”

“And let me tell you,” his voice calls from a distance. I turn quickly. “Fuck whatever it is I feel for you—I could never have a mate like you. I’m sure my brothers wouldn’t want you either.”

“What!” My mouth drops open and stays there. Did he just admit he feels something for me?

I let out a deep breath and bend forward slightly, exhausted and confused.

“What am I going to do now?” I glance up at the receptionist, who’s watching me with pity.