Chapter 28
A cool, detached voice cut through from across the aisle.
I snapped out of my daze.
I turned, meeting Alpha Gideon’s sharp gaze, my face flushing crimson.
“Sorry, I won’t zone out again,” I mumbled, dropping my head.
“Let’s hope not,” Alpha Gideon tossed back coolly, looking away.
I wanted to crawl under my seat.
Elliot, sitting opposite, shifted awkwardly
He didn’t get why Alpha Gideon was so annoyed-I was just a bit distracted.
Soon, a flight attendant cleared the breakfast trays and brought coffee.
Alpha Gideon took a ten-minute break before diving into a video conference.
For the next five hours of the flight, he was either in meetings, on calls, or reviewing documents.
Elliot constantly relayed urgent emails requiring his immediate decisions, sparking new rounds of calls and virtual meetings.
When Elliot got a breather, I quietly pulled him to the back, eager to dive into the trip’s details.
I needed to get up to speed on Alpha Gideon’s rhythm.
Elliot sent me the schedule for the next few days.
The destination: Shaloria.
Main goal: inspect the branch.
Plus, meetings with the local pack leaders and key business allies.
“This is just the first stop. Over the next six months, we’ll hit every branch across the packs,” Elliot said, lowering his voice
I nodded, taking it in.
Alpha Gideon had just returned to the great pack to take over as alpha of the Hartley.
He needed to establish dominance.
Even as the heir, some would question his leadership.
He had to prove himself, clear out dissenters-new alpha, new pack order.
“Why start with Shaloria?”
I asked quietly, out of curiosity.
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I’d done my homework on the Hartley.
A classic pack empire, built over generations, starting as a money-lending, evolving into a private bank, then branching into real estate, and later into renewable energy, entertainment, and tech.
The Shaloria branch, a renewable energy outfit, wasn’t the biggest or flashiest of their other packs. So why
make it the first stop?
Elliot hesitated. “Uh, no special reason. It’s just… closer.”
What kind of lame joke was that?
A wolf with a Gulfstream G650 could fly anywhere short of the moon!
Elliot divvied up the next few days’ tasks with me, grumbling under his breath.
“Back at the Meridona, I handled everything solo. Now, back at the main pack, I’m so swamped I wish I could
split myself in two.”
“Alpha Gideon’s picky as hell, so even Frank, the butler, doubles as a secretary. Now that you’re here, we can
both breathe a little.”
I smiled, a faint dimple appearing.
“Elliot, go grab some pistachios from Mia,”
Alpha Gideon’s lukewarm voice called from behind.
He leaned back, one arm crossed, a document in hand, his eyes cool behind his glasses.
Mia was the private plane’s dedicated flight attendant.
Elliot blinked, confused.
“Pistachios? You want some?”
Since when did Alpha Gideon snack?
Alpha Gideon set the document down, his lashes lowering as he leaned back further.
“You two seem deep in conversation. Snacks would suit the vibe.”
Elliot was speechless.
I was speechless.
Alpha Gideon’s shade was subtle, but it stung.
At 2 p.m., the plane touched down.
Stepping off, a wave of heat slammed me, yanking me from spring to high summer.
Then I remembered my suitcase-stuffed with sweaters and down jackets.
Who knew we’d go from near the Arctic to the equator?
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A car waited below.
Elliot took the front passenger seat, leaving me and Alpha Gideon in the back.
We headed to the Raffles for check-in.
Elliot and I followed Alpha Gideon to his suite first.
“Any plans for tonight?”
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Alpha Gideon asked, his gaze flicking to me as he settled on the couch.
I answered smoothly, “Just one. Mr. Hunt from IntelliTech pack invited you to a yacht party to welcome you.”
Alpha Gideon nodded.
Then he added, “I’m gonna catch a nap. Wake me at five.”
“Got it.”
Elliot and I left his suite, heading to our own smaller suites.
I didn’t even unpack.
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< chapter 28
I rushed out, hopped a cab to the nearest mall, and grabbed professional outfits, casual clothes, and a gown
to cover all bases.
By 4:30, I was back, showered, and changed into a sharp business look-a tailored blazer, crisp blouse, and
fitted trousers.
At 4:50, I slipped into Alpha Gideon’s suite quietly, hanging up his suits and ironing one for the evening.
At 5:00, my alarm buzzed, and I headed to his bedroom to wake him.
Stepping in with poised, elegant strides, my heels caught when I saw the bed.
My boss lay sprawled on the massive bed, clad in a silver silk robe, its front open to reveal his collarbone and chiseled pecs.
His long, sculpted legs looked like they’d been carved by a master artist-a vision so striking it was practically sinful.
I knew I shouldn’t stare, but my eyes lingered for a solid five or six seconds.
The longer I looked, the more… panicked I felt.
Was it fair that Elliot had assigned me personal care duties?
This… this was too much.
But I couldn’t call Elliot now-glancing at the time, it was 5:05!
Taking a deep breath, I told myself, Just don’t think of him as a wolf.
“Alpha Gideon, time to get up,” I said, stepping to the bedside with a professional smile and a gentle tone.
Alpha Gideon’s brow furrowed.
Then it smoothed out, and he sank deeper into sleep.
I cleared my throat, trying again. “Alpha Gideon, it’s five. Time to wake up.”
He stirred, irritation flashing across his face as he threw an arm over his eyes.
Then… nothing.
Seriously?
He’s got a temper about waking up?
I hadn’t expected my new career might crash and burn over failing to rouse my boss.
It was 5:12!
Screw it. I leaned down, right by his ear, and shouted, “GET UP!”
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