Piss Off, Alpha! You Lost Me Forever novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55: Chapter 55 Someone Even Worse

SOPHIA’S POV

I sat across from Zade in the diner booth.

My wolf was tense. She kept growling low warnings that I felt in my chest. She didn’t trust this man.

Neither did I, but I needed his help.

"So you want me to help this Lance person get his job back," Zade said, leaning back in his seat. He looked relaxed, like we were old friends catching up. "That’s a big ask, Sophia. Damien has a lot of influence. Undoing his work won’t be easy."

"I know it’s not easy. That’s why I came to you." I sighed. "You have just as much influence as he does, maybe more in some areas. If anyone can push back against him, it’s you."

"Flattery. I like that." Zade smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. "But you still haven’t told me what’s in it for me. I’m a businessman, Sophia. I don’t do favors without getting something in return."

My stomach twisted. I’d known this was coming. I knew there would be a price.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"Well, that depends." He leaned forward again. His eyes raked over me in a way that made my skin crawl. "How badly do you want to help your friend?"

The implication in his tone was clear. My wolf snarled. I felt heat rush to my face.

"I’m not offering that. If that’s what you’re thinking, you can forget it."

"I didn’t say anything." Zade held up his hands in mock innocence. "You’re the one who jumped to conclusions. Though I have to say, I’m flattered you thought of it."

"Don’t play games with me. I know exactly what you were suggesting."

"Alright, alright." He chuckled. "Let’s talk business then. I can make some calls, put pressure on the right people. Maybe get your friend transferred back to the hospital. Maybe even get you transferred back too, if that’s what you want."

I felt hopeful as he spoke.

"You could do that? Really?"

"I could but here’s the thing. " Zade’s smile returned, “Look, there’s a five-star hotel about ten minutes from here. It’s a beautiful place. I have a suite. We could go there, have some lunch, talk more privately. No pressure. We’ll just be two adults having a civilized conversation."

My jaw dropped. The audacity of him made me speechless for a second. "Are you serious right now?"

"What? I’m offering lunch."

"You’re offering a hotel room. Don’t insult my intelligence by pretending otherwise."

"Sophia, come on. Don’t be so uptight about it." he grinned widely. "We’re both adults. Both single now, or close enough. Why not enjoy ourselves a little?"

"I’m still married." I snapped.

I stood up, grabbing my purse from the seat beside me. "And even if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be interested. You’re shameless, absolutely shameless."

"I prefer confident." He stood too, blocking my way out of the booth. He was tall and intimidating when he wanted to be. "But fine. If you’re not interested in that, we can still talk business. Just come to the hotel. We’ll have lunch in the restaurant downstairs. It’s a public place. Nothing inappropriate."

"Move."

My wolf was pushing hard now, wanting out. She wanted to show this alpha that we weren’t prey that we wouldn’t be cornered.

"Sophia, you came to me for help. Don’t leave now without at least hearing my full offer."

"I said move." My voice came out harder than before. I felt my canines come out a bit.

Zade’s eyes narrowed. He’d noticed something. Maybe the flash of gold in my eyes. Maybe the edge in my voice that was more wolf than human.

"Are you-"

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