Alisha's POV
Gray's voice, warm and concerned, flowed through the phone line. "Are you feeling any better?" His unexpected call made me surprised, momentarily stealing my words.
After a brief pause, I replied, still processing the surprise. "Yes, I'm doing better now. Thank you for reaching out," my voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. I really wondered how he get my number.
His empathy was palpable as he continued, "I deeply regret the harm you suffered in the Dark Forest. Rogues rarely dare to venture out due to the protective measures we have in place—Seals and warrior patrols. Yet, with many of our members preoccupied by the ceremony last night, we might have faced a manpower shortage, failing to detect the rogue's departure promptly. As the Alpha, I should apologize for your bad experience in Blood Dawn."
I assured him, "Please, Gray, don't blame yourself. Louie protected me, so there's no need to carry that burden. And I must extend my apologies for the chaos at your ceremony. Archie's behavior was uncalled for."
Amusement laced Gray's response, his chuckle carrying a sense of camaraderie. "No apologies needed between us, Alisha. It is the bold rogues who dared challenge us that should apologize. Be assured, they won't escape the consequences of their recklessness." His words echoed with the resolute conviction of an Alpha protecting his pack's honor.
As the conversation flowed, I thought our call might conclude on a comforting note. Yet, Gray's next question intrigued me. "Alisha, or should I say, Theresa, I've heard about your decision to decline Benefield's offer. May I ask what led you to that choice?"
Why did Gray ask me this question suddenly? After a brief pause, memories of the exasperating interview flooded my mind, but it had been a fortunate prelude to my encounter with Gray, a coincidental twist of fate. "Benefield, my interviewer, is a fan of Erma's, so he disliked me," I responded, a hint of anger lacing my words. "I would never accept an offer from him, absolutely."
Gray's chuckle reverberated through the line, carrying an undertone of amusement as he continued, "Rest assured, if you were to join, Benefield would be the least of your concerns. Would you be open to reconsidering the job offer?"
Caught off guard, I queried, "How can you make such a guarantee? Benefield is the music director, and I have no desire to walk into a role that would put me in his crosshairs."
"Be at ease. He's no longer the music director. He's been removed from that position," Gray stated with calm assurance.
My astonishment was palpable as I questioned, "How do you know?"
"Because I was the one who relieved him of his duties," Gray's response carried a nonchalant air, as if dismissing an insignificant matter.
My incredulity reached new heights. Gray was the mastermind behind Benefield's departure? I asked in horrible disbelief, "So, you are his boss?"
"Yeah~"
My cheeks flamed with embarrassment as I got his answer. Moon Goodness, I had been critiquing the company's management to its very owner. "I'm sorry, I had no idea you held such a position. Please accept my apologies for my earlier complaints..." I stammered, my guilty palpable.
Gray's laughter, warm and light, echoed on the line. "No need to apologize. In fact, I owe you my gratitude. Your candid words brought to light Benefield's blurring of personal and professional boundaries, a serious violation of our company's principles."
Curiosity tugged at me, and I couldn't help but ask, "But how did you, the Alpha of Blood Dawn, come to own a music company?"
Gray's response was laced with a playful edge, "Much like how you're both the Luna of Golden Crest and the esteemed songwriter on Twitter-Theresa."
In the wake of Gray's praise, I found myself grappling with a mix of emotions, a swirl of embarrassment and happiness. His words seemed to pierce through my self-doubt, touching a part of me that I had kept hidden for so long. I hesitated for a moment, grappling with the weight of his admiration, before finally finding my voice, tinged with a touch of despondency, "But we're not the same. I didn't have a choice, Gray. I have no wolf, so I couldn't become a great werewolf, so I've always hoped to gain recognition through other means, like singing. And you, you're already outstanding enough."
Gray replied, "No, Alisha, in my eyes, you're not only a gifted music but also an excellent werewolf. I've heard from Louie that when faced with the attack of the rogue, you didn't run away. Instead, you stood by his side and fought to the best of your ability. That's impressive! Being outstanding doesn't always come from having the strongest Gift or the most power. It comes from within, from the choices we make and the actions we take. I've seen courage and strength in you."
Gray's words made my heart race, and I couldn't help but smile. It was the first time I had received recognition from werewolves other than my grandmother. I felt a warmth spread through my chest, a mix of affirmation and newfound belief in myself. Despite my attempts to diminish my own worth, Gray saw something in me that I had overlooked.
Feeling a gentle flush of color rise to my cheeks, I tried to divert the attention away from myself, muttering, "Actually, I didn't do much. My Gift isn't very useful, and it was mainly Louie who protected me."
Gray chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with a knowing glint, "You underestimate yourself, Alisha. It's not just about the Gift. It's about heart, determination, and resilience. Your actions in the face of danger spoke volumes. It's a pity you're not part of my pack. So, Alisha," Gray's tone was both sincere and inviting, "I've seen your brave side as a werewolf. Would you be willing to join my company and give me a chance to collaborate with you in a different way, I mean, a wonderful singer?"
His words hung in the air, and I felt a rush of excitement and uncertainty intertwine within me. This was an unexpected turn of events, an opportunity I had never anticipated. I knew that this decision could reshape the course of my life, opening doors I had never dared to imagine.
With a sense of resolute enthusiasm, I replied, "I am truly honored!"
"Great! I'll meet you in a few days and bring the contract with me," Gray's voice brimmed with happiness, the prospect of our collaboration clearly exciting him.
I offered a practical suggestion, "You don't have to make a special trip all the way here. You can email me the electronic contract, or you can send it by mail."
"No, actually, I happen to have some important business to attend to in the East, so we can meet later."
A spark of delight ignited within me at his words. "That's fantastic! When you're available, I'll treat you to dinner!"
His laughter tinkled through the phone, a warm sound that washed over me, "Haha, sounds good. I'm already looking forward to it."
After we bid our goodbyes and I hung up the phone, I felt like today was truly a lucky day. Not only was my credit card unfrozen, but I also successfully got the offer I had been wanting for a while. I decided to treat myself to a big meal and also invited Nova to go shopping.
I turned to find Mireya's concerned gaze fixed on me. Her voice held a touch of hesitance as she spoke, "Luna, I'm sorry. Just now, Alpha asked me through mindlink why you hadn't been responding to his messages. I told him you were on the phone with someone else, and he said he would be back soon. Until he returns, he wants you to stay at the Golden Crest and not leave."