2. Alethea

Alethea

My eyes blink rapidly in the dim light. My heart races, my thoughts are a mix of confusion as I look around the room.

I sit up, confusion swirling in my mind. Where am I? The memory of the chase, the wolf, and the shadowy creature flood back.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I run my fingers over my arms, checking for injuries, but I’m unharmed.

Then, I hear footsteps outside the door. My pulse quickens. Could it be Maya? I don’t know what to expect, but I know I need to be ready.

The door creaks open, and my breath catches in my throat.

A woman steps inside. She has silver-streaked black hair pulled back in a bun, and her warm brown eyes are locked on me—sharp like she can see straight through me. My fingers tighten around the edge of the blanket.

As she moves closer, I hold my breath.

“Oh, my child, it’s good to see you awake. You gave us quite a scare,” she says, with a calm voice that cuts through the tension.

She approaches slowly, and the intensity of her gaze makes my skin prickle.

I try to swallow, but my throat is dry, and the words get stuck. Finally, I managed to ask, "Who are you? Where am I?"

"My name is Selena. You’re in a safe place.”

My mind spins as I struggle to gather my thoughts, so many questions racing through me. I loosen my grip on the blanket.

"How did I get here?" I ask, my eyes scanning the room, trying to make sense of it all. "I was running… from, from the wolves, then… the shadow…”

My breath catches in my throat when I remember the shadowy figure, snapping the life out of the wolf. I look at the woman.

"Who brought me here? Was it you?"

"I found you in front of my house. You were passed out near the edge of the forest," she explains calmly.

I furrow my brows, trying to process what she's saying. "In front of your house?" I repeat, in confusion. "But… I don’t remember getting here."

"You’re safe here, my child. Welcome to the Redwood Pack."

I blink, repeating the name in my head. Redwood Pack.

My pulse quickens. Of course, I’ve heard of them. Who hasn’t?

They’re a powerful, mysterious pack, rich in wealth and influence. They are unmatched in power.

No one knows much about their inner workings or where they reside, but they are a force that even the strongest packs respect—and sometimes fear.

***

Life in the Redwood Pack is quite different from the Blood Moon Pack. Selena has helped me settle in, more than I could have ever expected.

It's surprising how she cares for me, almost like I’m her child.

Sometimes, I wonder if my parents are looking for me. They might think I’m dead by now, and the thought tugs at my heart.

Suddenly, my phone rings, snapping me out of my thoughts. I look at the screen and see it’s Kayla.

I swipe the phone and place it to my ear.

"Are you ready for the interview?" she asks, her voice full of energy.

"Hello to you too, Kayla," I reply with a hint of sarcasm.

Kayla is a member of the pack who’s taken a liking to me. Not that I’m complaining—it feels so good to have someone who cares.

She informed me about the vacancy.

"Yes, I am," I say, making my way inside the Knight Group.

"Okay, good luck! Remember everything I told you. Be yourself, and don’t fret."

"Okay," I say, then hang up.

Everything about the place screams success and power, and I feel a flutter of nerves in my chest as I walk inside.

"Welcome to Knight Group. How can I assist you?" the front desk receptionist asks with a polite smile.

"I’m here for an interview," I say, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nervous energy racing through me. "For the position of personal assistant to the CEO."

"Please head inside and wait with the others."

"Others?" I ask, surprised. I follow her down a hallway and into a conference room. I feel out of place as I see everyone impeccably dressed, their confidence palpable.

I find an empty chair and sit, trying to steady my nerves.

The front door suddenly opens, and the air in the room tightens.

A man steps inside, and the atmosphere shifts. His presence commands the space as if he were the center of gravity.

As he moves, his focus is unmistakably on me.

His piercing green eyes lock with mine, and the rest of the room fades into the background. He has the undeniable aura of an Alpha.

My heart races wildly in my chest, a drumbeat echoing through me. His gaze stirs something deep inside, something I can’t quite put into words. It’s an excitement I didn’t know existed, all from one look.

I hear a voice in my head, ‘Mate’. I freeze. Fuck my life. I don’t even have a wolf yet, so why am I able to recognize him as mine?

He’s tall, with a commanding height and an athletic build—muscles, broad shoulders. His face is striking, with strong, chiseled features—a defined jawline and sharp cheekbones.

He fixes his piercing green eyes on me. "You," he says, pointing directly at me. His voice fills the room, deep, rich, and full of confidence.

I glance up slightly, trying to guard my emotions, to see if he recognizes me as his mate. But his face gives nothing away.

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry, and my heart drums in my ears as I feel everyone's eyes on me. I straighten my back, forcing myself to meet his eyes. "I—I’m Alethea, Alethea Weaver," I say, my voice stuttering.

He stays quiet for a moment, his piercing gaze fixed on me as if he's trying to read me or fix me with his stare.

"Follow me," he commands, his voice vibrating through every cell in my body, stirring something primal within me.

His tone leaves no room for questions. It shakes my nerves, making my bones feel weak as I try to move.

He turns on his heel, and I stand frozen, my legs feeling heavy and reluctant to follow.

But I trail behind him as he strides toward the door leading to a grand office—a blend of modern elegance and classic sophistication.

"Have a seat," he says, motioning to a chair opposite his desk with a smooth, authoritative voice.

I settle into the plush cushion, feeling the nervous tension coil inside me.

He places his hand on the intercom, and his eyes never leave mine. "Dismiss the rest of the applicants," he orders, his tone making it clear he has no time to waste.

A rush of adrenaline hits me. I’ve been picked for the job. I need to prove myself.

He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he studies me with an intensity that makes my heart race.

He asks a series of questions, which I answer to the best of my ability. I notice his interest is piqued, his head nodding slightly, encouraging me to continue.

"That’s exactly the kind of mindset we need at Knight Group. Welcome aboard," he says with a rigid, formal tone.

Then, the next thing he says shocks me completely.