The caller identifies themselves as Dom Hayes and expresses the need to see Zenith as soon as possible. Quickly, I check the diary and suggest, ‘Mr. Hayes, I can book you in for 2 p.m. tomorrow. Will that work for you?’
After a brief pause, Mr. Hayes agrees, and before I can bid him goodbye, he hangs up the phone. I spend the day fielding calls from clients, booking appointments, and taking messages. In the midst of my tasks, a woman in her mid-twenties enters the room carrying a bag.
Brooke's arrival is announced with a friendly greeting. 'You must be Astrid. I'm Brooke,' she says, shaking my hand. She stands tall, her figure slender, her blonde hair cascading elegantly. Her blue eyes complement her outfit—a business skirt that falls below her knees, a white blouse, and a matching suit jacket.
Her warm smile is inviting. 'Zenith asked me to bring up spare work clothes for you to wear,' she explains, handing me a bag. 'You can change in the bathroom; I'll take over your desk while you're gone,' she offers with another friendly smile.
'Thank you,' I reply, nodding appreciatively and returning her smile.
Stepping into the ladies' room—or should I call it the she-wolf room? —its pristine appearance greets me. It's like stepping into a bathroom that's brand new and untouched. I shed my clothing and unpack the bag, revealing a black fitted dress with a zip at the back.
Slipping into it, it hugs my body comfortably, sitting just above my knees. The sleeveless design and subtle v-line at the front add a touch of elegance. I pick out the matching black shoes from the bag and am relieved to see they have small heels. Stilettos, like Brooke's, would be quite the challenge for me to walk in.
I tidy up my hair with a brush from the bag and tie it into a high ponytail. There are other items in the bag, along with a second dress similar to the one I'm wearing but in a striking emerald blue.
Leaving the she-wolf room, I re-enter the waiting room and return to my desk. As I approach, I hear two wolf whistles. Looking up, I find John and James leaning over my desk, their gazes locked on me with unmistakably desirous looks.
'Is there something I can help you with?' I ask them, raising an eyebrow at their antics.
'Actually, Astrid, there is something you can help me with if you could follow me into my office,' John smirks with a glint in his eyes.
James elbows him sharply in the ribs. 'Don't listen to him. He's just stirring, aren't you, John?' James interjects smoothly. 'But we would both love a coffee,' he adds, offering me a wink and a charming smile.
'Okay, how would you like your coffee?' I ask, ignoring John as he rubs his rib, now frowning.
'No sugar and a little milk. John has it the same way,' James replies.
'Okay,' I respond, and I head toward the kitchenette.
I prepare the coffee while aware of their hungry eyes following my every move. I place the steaming cups in front of them.
'Don't you think your father might get annoyed finding you two boys out here staring at me instead of working?' I ask.
James grins, acknowledging my point. 'You are so right, Astrid,' he concedes, giving me a wink before sauntering toward his office. 'John, get back to work,' he calls out, watching as John hesitantly retreats to his own office.
Turning to face Brooke, I find her giggling at the little scene. 'Well, you know how to handle those two boys now, don't you.’ Brooke giggles. 'You must tell me about yourself! How old are you, and where are you from?' She asks.
'I'll be eighteen next week, and I used to live with my dad, about a forty-five-minute walk from here,' I answer.
'Oh, how exciting to be meeting your wolf soon!' She exclaims enthusiastically.
I manage a fake smile. 'Yeah, so excited,' I reply, my tone tinged with sarcasm and sadness.
The phone rings, and Brooke returns to her desk downstairs, leaving me to answer the call. 'Zenith Creations, Astrid speaking, how can I help you?' I ask professionally.
'It's just me, Zenith. Make us both coffee and bring them into my office,' he instructs, promptly hanging up.
I prepare the coffee and balance the two cups, then nudge open his office door with my hip, carefully placing the mugs on his desk.
'You've done well today, Astrid,' Zenith acknowledges.
'Thank you,' I reply with a genuine smile.
'But we need to discuss your living arrangements, though. You can stay in the pack house with me and the boys for now if you like?' Zenith offers.
I pause in thought. I don't have anywhere else to stay, but the idea of living with his twin sons isn't particularly appealing. Nevertheless, what choice do I have? 'Okay, just for now, though,' I agree, flashing a grateful smile.
'Good, it's settled then,' he affirms.
As the day ends, I follow Zenith to the elevator, with John and James trailing behind. James offers, 'You can always come back to the pack house with me in my car.'
I smile and decline, saying, 'Thank you, but I'll be going back with your father.'
I hop into the car with John and Zenith sitting beside me. During the ride back to the pack house, Zenith is occupied with a phone call, discussing important matters.
The car stops, and I glance at the sign, 'Welcome to Shady Crest.' A lump forms in my throat. This is the pack Vanessa and Alice are from—the same pack that mistreated Vanessa, using her as a pack slave.
John notices my unease and asks, 'Is something wrong?' His gaze remains fixed on me as he senses my discomfort.
I quickly gather myself and put on a facade, trying to conceal my nerves. 'Um, no, I was just admiring the area. It's, uh, so lovely,' I reply, attempting to sound as composed as possible.