Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Elowen

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The familiar scent of expensive cologne and freshly brewed coffee hit me as I stepped through the gleaming glass doors of Sterling & Associates, practically vibrating with anticipation.

Today’s the day.

I’d finally landed a meeting with Ryder Vance from Apex Holdings–the kind of high–value client that could single–handedly solve all our

pack’s financial problems.

I settled at my desk and opened my makeup compact, grimacing at the array of cosmetics I’d brought from home. The foundation felt heavy against my skin as I applied it, the mascara made my eyes water, and the lipstick tasted like chemicals.

God, I hate this human obsession with artifice:

In the corporate world, appearance was everything–image was currency more valuable than actual skill. I missed the brutal honesty of wolf society, where strength and competence mattered more than whether your eyeliner was perfectly symmetrical.

At least wolves don’t pretend to be something they’re not, I thought, carefully applying another coat of mascara. We might tear each other’s throats out, but we do it authentically.

I was just putting the finishing touches on my lipstick, mentally rehearsing my presentation for the meeting, when-

‘Elowen!” My supervisor’s voice cut across the bullpen like a whip crack. “My office. Now.”

Shit. I could hear the irritation in Patricia’s tone from fifty feet away. My recent absences had clearly pushed her patience to its breaking

point.

‘Close the door,” she said without looking up from her computer screen as I entered her corner office.

I settled into one of her leather chairs, adopting my most professional expression. Patricia, I know you’re concerned about my recent schedule changes, but-

“Eight days, Elowen. Eight days missed in two weeks. Her gray eyes were sharp as surgical instruments. Do you have any idea what that

does to client confidence?”

“Family emergency,” I said smoothly. “But I’m here today to close the Ryder Vance deal from Apex Holdings. That commission alone will make up for any lost time.”

Her eyebrows rose slightly–Apex Holdings was exactly the kind of high–value account that made partners salivate.

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Before she could respond, a commotion in the outer office caught our attention. Through her glass walls, I could see a familiar figure approaching–tall, confident, wearing a charcoal suit that probably cost more than most people’s monthly salary.

Cassius. Fuck.

My only real concern about returning to work hadn’t been Patricia’s displeasure–it was facing the man I’d kissed and then abandoned on

a dance floor in front of half the city’s financial elite. The memory still made my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

“We’ll continue this conversation later,” Patricia said, her tone sharp with irritation. “But Elowen? No more mysterious disappearances. I

don’t care if your entire family is in the hospital–you call me first.”

I nodded and gathered my things, trying to prepare myself for what was sure to be an awkward encounter. Cassius was already waiting by my desk when I emerged from Patricia’s office, his green eyes studying me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

“Hey, Cassius!” I said, forcing brightness into my voice as I approached. “Good to see you! It’s been… a while.”

He didn’t return my smile. Instead, he leaned against my desk with casual elegance, his gaze never leaving my face. “Elowen. You disappeared again. I have to say, for someone who’s supposedly obsessed with making money, you certainly spend a lot of time away from

the office.”

Direct hit. I set down my briefcase, buying myself a moment to formulate a response. “Well, you know how it is. Sometimes life gets in the

way of our best–laid plans.”

“Does it?” His tone was deceptively casual, but I could hear the underlying challenge. “Speaking of which, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you mention where you live. Somewhere in the city? The suburbs?”

“Uh, the suburbs,” I said quickly, focusing on organizing the papers on my desk to avoid his penetrating stare. “You know, quiet neighborhood, nothing too exciting. I’ve just had some personal issues the past few days that required my immediate attention. Really cut into my money–making schedule, unfortunately.”

Cassius’s expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained watchful. “Ah, personal matters. I thought maybe you were avoiding me because of that kiss. You know, the one that was quite memorable–passionate, electrifying, a little shy, completely wild…”

Heat flooded my cheeks as he described it in vivid detail, his voice dropping to an intimate register that made several nearby colleagues glance our way with obvious interest. I felt my initial embarrassment morphing into irritation.

“It was just a kiss,” I said firmly, meeting his gaze with as much composure as I could muster. “Why would I avoid you over something so trivial? I’ve always been someone who faces life head–on.”

Except when it comes to psychotic Alpha Kings hunting me across multiple territories, I thought wryly. There are definitely some things worth avoiding.

Cassius chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “Fair enough. I suppose I shouldn’t have assumed it meant more than it did.” He paused, studying my face. “So where are you headed today? I noticed you have your presentation materials with you.”

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Before I could answer, his gaze fell on the folder in my hand. “Apex Holdings? Jesus, Elowen, you know they’re notorious for being difficult clients, right? Ryder Vance has a reputation for chewing up consultants and spitting them out.”

I shrugged, confidence returning as we moved to safer professional ground. “Difficult clients often have the most money to invest. Besides,

I’ve handled worse.”

“Tell you what,” Cassius said, straightening with renewed energy, “I don’t have anything pressing today. Why don’t I come with you? Extra moral support, and you know what they say about strength in numbers.”

I looked at his confident smile, weighing my options. Part of me wanted to maintain distance, to avoid any complications that might arise from spending more time together. But another part recognized the practical benefits–Cassius was well–connected in the financial world, and his presence might actually help close the deal.

Besides, I reasoned, I can’t keep avoiding him forever. He’s one of my few actual friends in this city, and he did help me get established here. I don’t want to turn a friend into something more complicated.

“All right,” I said finally. “But you’re buying lunch afterward if this goes well.”

“Deal,” he said, grinning. “My car’s in the garage. Shall we?”