“Excellent! I need you to join me for an important presentation this afternoon. We’ve got a new client interested in our security software package,and I’d like you to prepare the proposal.” he added with an encouraging smile.
“I’d be happy to,sir. I’ll have the presentation ready and send it over for your review,” I responded,grateful for the distraction work would provide.
The morning passed quickly as I immersed myself in the proposal.
Several colleagues stopped by to chat,and Ruby insisted I join her for coffee. The warm reception at Puma Global continued to surprise me,I’d never expected such a welcoming environment.
“This is what a healthy workplace feels like,” Rory commented. “Maybe we can actually build something here.”
By lunchtime,Mr. Reeves was praising my proposal,calling me “exactly the asset this team needed.”
After a pleasant lunch with Ruby and some other colleagues from my department,Mr. Reeves summoned me for our meeting.
As we rode the elevator,he explained more about the software we’d be presenting,an integrated corporate system that monitored inconsistencies across departments,creating transparency and accountability throughout an organization.
I couldn’t help thinking that Thorne Enterprises could benefit from such a system,given the financial irregularities Draven had mentioned.
“After you,” Mr. Reeves said,holding the door to the conference room open for me.
The moment I stepped inside,I froze. A familiar cedar and musk scent hit me first- powerful,masculine,and unmistakable.
Draven Thorne was sitting at the conference table,looking as devastatingly handsome as ever in his tailored suit,those intense violet eyes locking with mine.
Caroline’s POV
I kept a straight face and didn’t let his presence get to me. I glanced around the conference room,trying to figure out what was going on. Aside from Mr. Reeves and me,the others in the room were Eleanor,my boss Joseph,Draven,Ryan,Kyle,Clara,and Alpha Arthur.
What was going on here? I glanced at Eleanor,who shrugged,looking just as confused as I felt.
Mr. Reeves pulled out a chair,gesturing for me to sit next to Draven. Was he serious?
I strongly suspected this was another one of Draven’s manipulative tactics to force me to talk to him. Of course he had no genuine interest in purchasing our security system. Nevertheless,I would remain professional and give my best presentation; at minimum,my boss could evaluate my performance.
“Caroline,I know you’re an excellent professional who can handle this situation,” Mr. Reeves said.”I specifically requested your presence because you previously worked at Thorne Enterprises and understand the challenges they’re facing.”
“Of course,sir. I’ll help in any way I can.” I took my seat and adopted a professional demeanor,ignoring the way my wolf whined at Draven’s proximity.
Mr. Reeves began presenting our software,and I added relevant insights and opinions. We made an effective team,understanding each other’s cues throughout the meeting. When we finished,questions started flowing,and I answered everyone’s inquiries while my bosses smiled approvingly at my explanations.
Draven looked at his pack members,silently seeking their opinions.
“Impressive,Draven. The system’s security protocols are exceptional. I believe this is exactly what your pack’s company needs,” Alpha Arthur spoke with conviction.
“I found it excellent as well. I had no idea your company had developed something this sophisticated,Joseph,” Beta Ryan commented,his eyes occasionally darting between Draven and me.
“Well then,Joseph,please forward the formal proposal,and we can finalize the deal,” Draven said in that commanding Alpha tone.
Eleanor distributed folders containing the proposal,and they barely hesitated. The decision was made on the spot,with only the service contract remaining to be signed the following week.
As the meeting concluded,the atmosphere relaxed into casual conversation. Several people approached me with hugs and greetings,expressing how much they’d missed me. Draven remained seated,simply observing me with those intense violet eyes.
“Carrie,you know tomorrow is Clara’s farewell party,right?” Kyle pulled me to a quiet corner of the room,speaking in hushed tones.
“Yeah,I know,Kyle. I’m really going to miss her,” I said,the sadness in my voice real.
“We all will. But this move’s good for her,and they’ve set it up so she can visit every month. Apparently,Thorne Enterprises falls apart without Clara.”
“I hadn’t heard about that,but I was glad we’d still keep in touch.”I replied.
Kyle went on,”You and Eleanor are on the guest list. You better be there.”
“Oh,Kyle,I’m not going. There’s no way I’m setting foot in that building again. I don’t want to face another humiliation,” I said defensively.
“Who would dare humiliate you,sweetheart? Everything’s been cleared up. They should never have questioned your loyalty in the first place,” Kyle spoke.
“It may seem resolved to you,Kyle. But the way Alpha Draven treated me and Beta Ryan’s expression that day… it hurt deeply. I can’t go back there,” I explained,fighting back tears.
“Honey,I’ve already given Ryan a piece of my mind. He was completely wrong for not defending you. And Alpha Draven? Don’t even get me started. But you must come,for Clara’s sake,” Kyle insisted,touching my arm gently.
“I’ll consider it. Thank you for including me,you’re a wonderful friend. I miss our lunches,” I said sincerely.
“Then let’s schedule some! Let’s plan something for Saturday. I want you to meet my husband Luke. He’s equally furious with those two idiots,” Kyle said with a light laugh.
“Excuse me,Kyle,but one of those idiots would like to apologize,”Ryan said,appearing behind me. Kyle squeezed my hand supportively before leaving.
“Look,Beta Ryan,you don’t need to apologize to me,” I said quickly,even though his lack of trust had hurt more than I wanted to admit.
“Of course I do,Carrie. And please,don’t call me Beta.Just call me Ryan,like you used to. I offered you my friendship,and when you needed me the most,I let you down. I’m really sorry for being such a jerk.”
“Okay,Ryan,I get it. You had evidence that pointed at me,and it’s unfortunate you chose to believe it without looking deeper. But I also understand,no matter how close we were,you’re his Beta first. You’re bound to stand by your Alpha.”
“Carrie,standing by Alpha Draven doesn’t mean I had to turn my back on what’s right. I was wrong,just like him. I should’ve followed Clara,Kyle,and Arthur. They never once doubted your loyalty.”
“Let’s put it behind us,Ryan. You’ve cleared everything up. It doesn’t matter anymore.”
“Yes,it does matter. And I sincerely hope you’ll forgive me. I am truly sorry.”
“Alright,Ryan,don’t torture yourself over this!”I said,attempting to end the conversation.
“Great,so you’re coming to Clara’s party tomorrow and returning to the company?” Ryan asked eagerly.
“Neither,actually. I’m never setting foot in that building again,” I stated firmly.
“But Carrie,I thought I was forgiven,” Ryan looked at me,confused.
“I’m moving forward,Ryan. I genuinely harbor no ill will toward you. Please don’t worry.”
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