“Be patient, Alpha,” Ryan said. “Let the audit finish. Looks like a lot of secrets will come to light before this is over.”
After lunch, we walked past a fancy cake shop. Looking at the beautiful chocolate cake in the window, I remembered how much Caroline loved chocolate. Suddenly, I had an idea.
Back in my office, I called La Belle Patisserie, Harbor Bay’s most expensive bakery.
“This is Draven Thorne,” I said to the owner. “I want to arrange daily deliveries to Puma Global. Each day, send Ms. Caroline Bennett three different chocolate cakes, your signature ganache, the triple chocolate mousse, and the dark chocolate truffle. All with gold decorations. Also, send a box of luxury chocolate pastries to Ms. Eleanor Larson.”
Next, I called the best coffee shop in town and arranged for premium hot chocolate and coffee to be delivered every morning.
Finally, I dialed Harbor Bay Florist. “I need your finest rose arrangements delivered daily. Make them big, make them impressive.”
I added notes to the orders. For Caroline: “Sweet as these cakes are, they don’t compare to your kiss. Forgive me. My wolf and I need you.” For Eleanor: “Help me win back your friend. I promise to make her happier than chocolate ever could.”Around three in the afternoon, my private line rang.
“Alpha, Joseph Taylor is calling,” Linda informed me through the intercom.
“Put him through,” I replied curtly.
“My friend, you’re laying it on thick with my employees,” Joseph chuckled through the phone.
“Joseph, good to hear from you,” I said casually. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Caroline and Eleanor are currently in our break room surrounded by what looks like half a patisserie. The entire office at Puma Global is talking about your extravagant gesture. You’ve got quite a strategy there.”
“First of all,” I growled lightly, “I’ve already warned you to keep your distance from Caroline. Second, I’m simply treating her and her best friend with the respect they deserve.”
“Very clever, Alpha Draven,” Joseph laughed. “Softening Eleanor up to gain an ally. You’re quite the strategist.”
“Since you called, I need a favor,” I said, cutting to the chase.
“Oh no, don’t drag me into this. The girls are excellent employees here, and I’m very satisfied with their work.”
“Of course, the system Caroline implemented is worth a million dollars alone. So no arguments, you’re going to help me.”
“What do you want, Draven?” Joseph sighed.
“Eleanor’s cell number.”
“If she finds out I gave you her contact information, she’ll kill me. That woman has quite an attitude.”
“She doesn’t need to know the source,” I assured him.
“Fine. Let me give you the number…”
Draven’s POV
After my conversation with Joseph,I found myself strategizing about how to convince Eleanor to help me win Caroline back. Then I remembered her boyfriend. The most effective approach to reach Eleanor would be through him. They were Caroline’s closest friends, and I needed them to believe I was genuinely committed to her happiness.
I picked up my phone and dialed the number Joseph had given me. She answered quickly.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Eleanor. This is Draven Thorne. Do you have a moment to talk?”
I heard a frustrated sigh before she responded.
“Draven. How exactly did you get my number?”
“I’m an Alpha and a businessman, Eleanor. I have ways of acquiring any information I need.”
“Too bad you couldn’t get the information that Carrie never betrayed you before you humiliated her, huh!”
Damn feisty woman! Joseph had warned me about her protective nature.
“I deeply regret my actions, Eleanor.”
“Yeah, sure you do. So, Draven, let’s be straight with each other? Don’t try charming me because I know exactly what you want, and the answer is no. I won’t help you get Carrie’s forgiveness.”
“I understand,” I said carefully. “But I’d appreciate talking to you in person, Eleanor. I hurt your friend, and I feel I owe you an apology as well. Could we have dinner tonight? Of course, with Nate too, please.”
I could sense her confusion through the phone, and I seized the opportunity to persuade her.
“It’s just dinner, Eleanor. You won’t be betraying your friend’s trust.”
“Fine, Draven. You make the reservation, and you pay. Text me the restaurant name and time. Nate and I will be there.”
She hung up, and I felt happy. She had agreed.I would approach this dinner fully prepared to convince her. I called Ryan to join me; two wolves could strategize better than one, and my Caroline wasn’t pleased with him either. He also needed to make amends. I made the reservation and sent the details to Eleanor.
Ryan and I arrived at the restaurant early. We ordered whiskey, and right on time, we spotted Eleanor and Nate walking in.
“Good evening, you jerks,” Eleanor greeted us with a scowl while Nate tried to hide his amusement.
“What can I say, you’re absolutely right,” I agreed, standing to greet them properly.
“Are we really in that much trouble?” Ryan looked at Nate questioningly.
“Look, I know these she-wolves well. Caroline has self-respect, thank the Moon Goddess. She might forgive you guys, but it won’t be easy, and if it’s up to Eleanor, she’ll make you suffer,” Nate replied, running a hand through his hair.
“Then we’ll face our trial and endure whatever comes,” I said with determination, meeting Eleanor’s fierce gaze.
“We’ll see about that!” Eleanor retorted skeptically, her wolf’s distrust evident in her eyes.
The dinner was surprisingly pleasant as we discussed neutral topics. Nate was genuinely likable, going out of his way to attend to his mate. He was talkative, intelligent, and excellent company.
I understood why Eleanor and Caroline were such close friends,they were equally sharp-minded and quick-witted. Eleanor had all the makings of a spoiled Alpha’s daughter, but she was remarkably grounded, aware of her place in the pack hierarchy without abusing it. It was clear she judged people by their character rather than their rank or background.
After we ordered dessert, Eleanor’s patience ran out.
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