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Hazel
I stop at the meeting room door, shell-shocked. The scented candle guy from lunch is shaking hands with my boss. I can only see his profile so that I could be mistaken; it can’t be him! Possible explanation: I have thought so much about that guy in the past couple of hours that now I am projecting his features on every similar male I encounter.
The scented candle turns my way entirely and flashes me a smile. Darn it! It’s him in the flesh and all his 32 pearl-white teeth.
What is he doing here? Is he after me? Wasn’t this a business meeting? Mr. Jones said that the client requested me specifically. Probably, he followed me and discovered where I work.
I feel stuck in fear, not able to move a foot forward.
“Hazel, hurry, come here!” my boss calls me. He’s irritated and is eyeing me warily. If I don’t move now, he’s going to strangle me.
Keep it together, girl! You have done nothing wrong.
I straighten my shoulders and strut into the meeting room like I am some confident, accomplished, high-league designer.
I stop before the scented candle and extend my hand to him for a professional handshake.
“I am Hazel Channing, the interior designer. Nice to meet you,” I present myself.
Candle stands up from his chair, and instead of shaking my hand, he takes it in his and places a feathery kiss on the back of my hand. Strange tingles sprout from the place our hands meet and the spot he put his lips moments ago. I hastily retract my hand, wondering what’s happening. Some kind of static electricity due to my cheap polyester clothes?
He looks displeased by my actions. Straightening up, his demeanour cools down a few degrees, and he introduces himself to me.
“The pleasure is mine. My name is Derek O’Brien, Alpha of the Crescent Moon pack and CEO of Apogee Real Estate Corporation. This is my Beta and secretary, Damon Caufield.” he says, gesturing to his right toward a tall man with light brown hair and light grey eyes, who gives a curt nod of acknowledgment.
Scented candle, no, Mr. O’Brien, looks quite smug. Righteously so. I want to laugh at myself for thinking he was a candle seller. This guy is one of the most prominent Alphas, a powerful businessman and active player in maintaining the peace between our species. He owns many companies and a lot of power.
I was right about him being a werewolf, though. And an Alpha at that! One more reason to steer clear.
Gosh. I have a bad feeling about this meeting. Is this a setup to get back to me for how I treated him at lunch? A veiled revenge. He can’t be that petty. Can he? He could. I don’t know him at all. Plus, he is an Alpha, used to have everyone kneeling at his feet, not being yelled at in the middle of the street. My, what have I done?
I don’t have time to wallow too long in my self-pity as everyone gets seated, and the meeting starts with my boss addressing Alpha O’Brien.
“Now that we are done with the introductions, Hazel will show you a presentation of our company and our most successful projects. So that you can get an idea of our standards.”
My boss goes in full business mode, pushing the meeting forward. It should be over soon, without any unpleasant surprises.
After my nervous presentation, during which Mr. Alpha Self-entitled kept staring at me like a raptor watching his prey, making me agitated and uneasy, Mr. Jones started inquiring about the project’s details. They went on discussing for more than half an hour, but with my state of mind, I could not process what they were saying or take part in the conversation.
I kept staring at Alpha O’Brien, seated right in front of me on the other side of the table, outlining the contour of his gorgeous features, looking at the sun reflecting on his dark hair, giving them hues of blue, and watching his lips move sensually when talking—pure perfection. Godly sexiness.
“Ms. Channing, can you provide any input about the style for the main lobby and the apartment interiors?”
Mr. Jones’ question snaps me out of my perving state, and I suddenly feel cold and sweaty. What am I doing in the middle of a meeting? Why do I feel so attracted to this guy that I can’t even think straight? Get a grip, Hazel! I chastise myself, then try to come up with a professional answer. However, I have not paid attention to anything that has been said.
I make the mistake of looking again at Alpha O’Brien and seeing him smirking my way like he knows exactly what I have been up to and that I have no clue how to answer my boss’s question. As a result, a blush rushes out full force, and I find myself completely red-faced.
Alpha O’Brien’s smirk only grows wider. Jerk!
I compose myself the best I can and start answering in a completely generic but still professional way.
“In my opinion, we should employ a classic-modern style. Something appealing to the young but also to more mature clientele. It's something classy, but not in a way to show off. I will have to closely examine the plans and surrounding environment before developing a more detailed proposal.”
I feel pleased with myself for coming up with this competent reply, although when I shift my eyes to Mr. Jones, I can see that he is not impressed by my answer. He knows me, too, darn well.
Alpha O’Brien at least pretends to be satisfied, thank goodness—one point for him.
“Thank you, Ms. Channing. We look forward to seeing your concept and your ideas. How long do you estimate it will take to provide the first materials?”
Alpha O’Brien inquires, looking me straight in the eyes. I feel completely drawn in like he’s pulling a string and physically moving me toward him.
I conjure all my willpower and snap out of it.
“I can provide the concept by the end of next week, not earlier, because I have other projects on my hands,” I reply sincerely.
“What will it take to have you discard all your current projects and focus only on me?” Alpha O’Brien asks with such intensity in his gaze and voice that I feel like he’s proposing to marry me instead of asking about having the project prioritized.
Momentarily, I find myself at a loss for words. This guy is intense; I can practically feel his gaze burning my face off.
Mr. Jones comes to my aid, and for the first time since I have started working here, I feel grateful for all his controlling and bossy behaviour.
“If I may, Hazel is not in the place to make such a decision. Now that you have pointed out this important aspect, I suggest employing another of our more experienced designers for this important project. Hazel has too many ongoing projects; we can’t risk affecting the schedule of these projects and upsetting our clients.”
I take it back. Grateful for my hat! How dares he! He is trying to steal this project from me and give it to someone else. Indeed, I was not keen on working with Mr. Alpha Werewolf, but this is such a huge deal; this is the first time I am working on such a big project. It would be beneficial for my career and my curriculum. I can’t let him steal this chance from me.
I am going to speak up when Alpha O’Brien beats me to it.
“I don’t care about your other clients and their projects. I am sure my project is bigger and more remunerative than all your other current deals. Also, when I set this meeting, I requested that Hazel take care of the design. I won’t accept any other designer. If Hazel is unwilling to take the job, I will look for another company.”
Alpha O’Brien states haughtily, like a true smug Alpha. My goodness, his ego is bigger than a house.
I don’t know what to feel about him refusing other designers and requesting me specifically. I think he’s up to something, and I should be worried, but I can’t let this chance sleep away. While my boss was at a loss for words, I hurried and blurted out, “I can do it! I can provide the concept by this week.”
Alpha O’Brien smiles my way, and I feel my heart race.
“Great. Hazel accepted the job; we have a deal.”
His addressing me by name sounded intimate, and I felt a blush on my cheeks. I hate having no control over my facial colour changes.
Alpha Jerk seems to notice and gives me a wink. Arghh. I want to hit him for being so flirty and hit myself, too, for being so obvious.
“Not so fast. We have not even discussed the commission yet, and...” Mr. Jones goes to say, but the Beta stops him, what’s his name, Damon Caufield.
“We can discuss the details of this deal between us. Alpha O’Brien does not like being bothered by these trivialities. Shall we go to your office to finalize the terms? Alpha O’Brien would like to discuss the concept idea further with Ms. Channing to ensure they are on the same line.”
Mr. Jones seems somewhat convinced by his motivations. The fact that they chose an inexperienced designer like me, with no name or outstanding background, would look fishy to anyone.
He seems to hesitate, then makes up his mind, stands up, and leads the Beta out of the meeting room towards his office.
I am left alone with this intimidating man, who seems to have an inexplicable hold on me.
ns 18.68.41.179da2
