Chapter Two

MAX

The phone ringing jostles me out of my dreamless sleep. I grab it in a bid to turn it off, but stop when I see it’s a call from Luke. Luke is my business partner and Alpha of the Rising moon pack. I am the alpha of the BlackRock. Our packs however share a boundary and we jointly share the position of the largest pack on the coast. 

We both concluded when we took over from our feuding fathers that there was no need for fights and agreed on maintaining peace, so as much as possible, everyone stays in their territory. He is however my closest friend.

The conference we came for was a bid to strengthen werewolf companies with human resources. Some of them create the best products. It is however also a yearly meeting of Alphas on the west coast.

It is still a surprise to have him calling me at an ungodly hour. I pick the call without saying a word, rubbing my forehead as I turn over in bed

“Maxwell”

“Luke,” I respond

“The other Alphas were wondering why they didn’t see the Alpha king at this morning session, I had to tell them you were unavailable. The council forced it out of me eventually so I had to tell them you found your mate and were catching up”

“Wait what?” I check the time on my phone and see that its already one pm. This is before the remainders of his sentence filters in

“What mate are you talking about?”

“What do you mean what mate? The redhead from last night? You said she was your mate.”

“What redhead?”

“Maxwell, is this some kind of a joke? You were all over her yesternight and when I tried to stop you, you almost bit my head off claiming she was your mate.”

I take a deep breath and try to remember the events of last night but nothing comes to mind especially after taking the drink Penelope, my assistant got me from the bar. Probing further into my memories gives me a sharp headache that has my wolf howling in pain. I tell Luke this and he expresses a show of concern

“Wow, so you can’t remember her at all?”

 “No, I don’t. Do you know if anything happened between us last night” I ask dreadfully

The last thing I want is to have been intimate with a woman and not know it or even worse, to have behaved like an animal towards my mate. I can tell something happened last night because I am covered only with the black silk sheets at the hotel, I however cannot remember what the exact details are

I grab my head as the sharp pain comes back with a vengeance, I start to get dizzy and I have to consciously stop myself to stop prodding my memory. 

“I just know that she followed you to your room, and she didn’t sleep in hers cos her roommate came back to the bar I was staying for a night cap and asked me to come over last night.”

 “Okay. Let me check my room maybe she’s still around” I take a slight pause “do you perhaps know her name?” I ask sheepishly. Luke gives a slight chuckle and a no but stays on the phone while I wear sweatpants and pad round my suite. I cannot find any trace that a woman has been here other than the lingering delicious smell of ginger and honeysuckle that confirms to me that a woman was actually here. 

My wolf rises up in my chest towards the smell as I trace it to the counter in the kitchen, I however see my assistant has dropped some files I asked for. I stare into the air strangely as the sweet smell gets cut-off suddenly 

She is gone! My supposed mate is gone?

“Why can’t I remember anything though?” Befuddled by the current situation of things “I don’t know of any drug that affects wolves this way, I mean we are a superior species who rarely get sick”

“I might have heard of something, although it is an ancient legend”

“What is that?”

He takes a deep breath

“Midnight loom”

“Midnight loom?”

“Yes, it was originally said to be an aphrodisiac as it increases the drive of a male towards his second chance mate; however, it was noted to have amnesiac effects as most people could usually not remember the night before”

In the werewolf world, the goddess, Luna, pairs two people who she believes are best suited for each other; fated to be each other’s lifetime companions. Sometimes, due to some incidents or accidents some mates die and this leaves their significant other in a near death state of despair., Despair might be a mild word; they nearly run mad. 

Second chance mates are supposed to be an emotional crutch for the human side of the werewolf; however, the wolf is completely in disagreement with this choice and has sometimes killed the second chance mate in fits of anger. The midnight loom must be a drug that helps counter that effect and makes the other mate more attractive.

“But who would do that and how would they gain access to this ‘midnight loom’?”

“You are an eligible alpha of one of the biggest packs on the west coast; many women would snatch the opportunity to have sex with you and get you to mark them, even if it is a loveless marking. It is however a drug that is in extinction so it makes me wonder--Did anyone touch your drink last night?”

I think about the previous night and shake my head before realising he cannot see me.

“I don’t think so, I got it from Penelope and downed it in one shot”

“So, Penelope?”

I burst out laughing before giving an answer.

“My mousy secretary who is scared of her own shadow? No.” I say with utmost conviction “Besides she told me she has found her mate but he is a warrior in another pack and is currently at war.”

“Hmmmmm… has she been marked?”

“No? but he is not around”

“Would you leave your mate for months on end without marking her?” The question makes me pause for a second and I think of how worried I am about a mate I am yet to meet. 

“Are you saying she’s lying?”

“I am not saying anything you are not thinking, okay. Just- be careful” I hear the door slam shut with my sensitive hearing

“Who is it?”

“Penelope!” A timid voice calls out from the living quarters

“Got to go, Penelope is here. I will see you later, please help me find out whatever you can about this midnight loom and how to reverse its effects. Also, any details about my mate will be much appreciated.”

“Alright Max. Take care”

“You too”

********************************************

ALEXIS

I just had the same dream I have been having over the last one month. The location differs slightly each time but it always starts with me seducing in a tiny lingerie with Mr Growls-a-lot; that is what I have decided to name the man who gave me the best sex and best night of my life and refused to call me after even though I tried all my possible best to leave my details.

It morphs quickly to him making quick work of my body in the dream and giving me the best orgasms ever and it finishes off with a bite to my neck that has me jolting awake every time with my hand on my neck.

I stroll into the bathroom and take care of my business. As I sit on the toilet seat, I took a look at my right thigh, now bare. The redness in my thigh had increased every day since he touched me, it was painless but it seems to be spreading fast. 

I had tried ice packs but it looks like I may need to see a physician. My mind flashed back to his growling while he kissed me down there, there has been no bite mark or any bruise- his touch and kisses had made my panties wet and the growl had me begging for him to fill me up with his manhood. 

The memories made my nipples stand taut as they flooded back, I could not help biting my lips before I snapped back to reality.

I had not seen or heard from him since then. When I went to the bar the next day, Bruno had never seen the man I described and he is one who remembers faces a lot. I had visited same bar every night till we left the resort but I had not run into him. Was it a dream?  

Growing up, I had fantasized about my dream man being tall, well built, with broad strong shoulders and arms that were unrealistically beautiful. I wanted one with blue eyes because mine were too pale and a sharper nose than mine. 

But he could not have been a fantasy or a dream. He had to be real- my red thighs were a proof that I was touched. Mr Growls-a-lot was not just a figment of my imagination. 

Maybe he saw me as just a night stand but he was real., his actions that night reminded me very much of how real he was, The way his hands explored my body that night was not like that of someone who just wanted a night, perhaps I thought wrong.

I also probably should not have left that room before he woke up, However my boss called me and asked that I return to the office ASAP, He looked so peaceful as he was sleeping and I didn’t want to wake him, so I wrote my name and number on the table I found. 

Did he not see it?

Bruno said I would forget all about it with time but I think it has only further permeated my dreams and thoughts. I long for an experience that I probably never even had, in reality.

Fuck me! I have lost track of time

I should call my latest catch before Eve perceives I am on to something good and hijacks again. Mr Rhodes has been a sweet client; we have never met physically but I was going through company records of past clients and found out he had been instrumental to a huge chunk of our sales in the past.

I had traced out his email address and phone number to reach out to him, we synced and he had asked that I called his secretary exactly by 8am to confirm his schedule for the day. 

I went straight to my bedside clock and counted 

“7:59:40… 41…42…43…. 50.. 55…… 58…” then I pressed “dial”.

I had learnt that many clients prefer being called at an exact time rather than few minutes before or after. I would do almost anything to nail this client. 

“Hello Mr Rhodes’ office. Who is speaking please?”

“Hello ma’am, I am Miss Alexis Saunders from FunDeets”, I replied so enthusiastically- I needed to nail this guy. 

“How may I be of help to you, Miss Saunders?”

I spent the next few minutes explaining what we did and how I was told to confirm if he had a free time in his week schedule. 

“I am sorry, Mr Rhodes appears to be quite busy this week but you could check back next week. I apologise for the inconvenience”, she replied after what seemed like forever.

“Okay. Thank you very much. I will be in touch” I finally said after repeatedly trying to ask her to create some space, however little because our company would give them a boost. 

I hung up and sighed.

Time to freshen up and go to the office, I guess. I had told them I would be late because I had to meet a client. 

******************************************

EVE

Looks like little-miss-i-am-always-getting-client has secured another client. What else could make her this late to work?

I don’t really hate Alex, I just hate that she acts so perfect. This is the 21st century, everyone knows that getting a client takes a little more than just talks. Men do not think much when a pretty damsel is talking, in fact, they don’t listen to blondies at all.

A flash of titties, legs and a sexy smile would pull them in faster but not for Miss-all-so-righteous Alex. Yet, she is yet to pick on- selling the product involves selling a bit of yourself.

Mr Luke Walker was just probably not the best to have attracted with my body. He refused to touch me back but he stared at me lustfully. Luke asked repeatedly about my red-haired colleague and I tried changing topics every time. 

What could little-miss-prude have that would make him continually request for her?

I act extra dumb and unable to speak intelligently to ensure men are more attracted to me but I would have explained the business facts to him if he asked.

Did she think she was sexier than myself?

That’s impossible! Alex looks like a man, a man that’s in a dress and with some hair as far as many of us are concerned. Since I met her, she had never even had a boyfriend or a fling. Obviously, no man in their right senses would pick her over me.

What then did he want her for?

Maybe it is because we have not had sex yet? I usually take my time before offering sex because not every client needs to go that far before signing a contract. Luke and I have been going on more dates, it almost feels like we are dating. He introduces me as his date in all the parties he has dragged me to.

I would say kissing his ass by being his date repeatedly was annoying but a part of me enjoyed it.  A part of me liked him and looked forward to going out with him, maybe more than him signing a contract with us. 

I have never taken this long before getting a client fully on board but I am unsure that I want this to end. Perhaps, I am more at fault for the delay in the signing than he is. 

I reach instinctively for my phone as I hear a bleep. 

“Hello”

Then I looked at the screen and it is the same client I was thinking about

“Hello, beautiful”

“Good morning, sir. Is all well?”, I say using my sweetest fake voice

“Oh, all is well. I just wanted to know if you were available for 8pm tonight. I wanted us to discuss and finalise the contract signing”

I could imagine his face, how he probably is rubbing that brown hair of his and smiling coyly. He has used this line severally and it gets me every time.

“Okay. Where would you like us to meet Sir”, emphasis on the “Sir” because company does not allow for unofficial calls and I just saw one of the managers walk past. I had to ensure I sounded as official as possible, best to avoid questions. 

“I will send you the address via text, see you then?”

“See you”, I smile as he hangs up. Something about him brings a smile on my face and my lady parts seem to drool too.

I was about hanging up when he added, “could you please come with your red haired friend?”

“She is NOT my friend!”, I would have spat that but instead I say, “I will ask her if she is up to it, then.”

“Thank you. See you”

I definitely will NOT be asking Alex. He is just going to be stuck with just me again. I hang up.

I would need another dress for tonight. I see my phone light up and checked the screen, it read “I wanted us to meet at my place but I figured it would be better for my driver to come pick you up. Where would you two prefer to be picked up?”

His place? 

Is he asking for sex now? Something about how my opinion on coming in his house was not sought should piss me off but tell the goose bumps that. All I see is him naked and sweaty while thrusting into me and I want that.

His sexual appeal had to be his greatest asset, his muscled beautiful derriere and those lips must have caused more women to fall than he must have guessed. Putting all of that with the fact that he is a billionaire would make the whole city want him.

And I want him.

Looks like someone needs to go lingerie shopping first. More reason to not ask Alex to come along, why would both of us go to his place? I definitely will not allow no cock blocker and I doubt threesomes with Alex would be any good. 

I imagined his manly hands on my body and I knew I could never jeopardize my shot with him, not this man and not this night. In fact, I should take an early lunch break so I could go get the lingerie. 

I hear the door open and I looked up with guilt as I hear Alex come in. 

“Hi”

“Hi”, I replied as she breezed past me to her own desk. Looks like someone finally decided to show up. 

********************************************

ALEXIS

I got back to my workplace later than I planned. As I opened the office door, Eve blushed and seemed jumpy. What has she been up to? I rush to my desk to confirm that I locked my drawers. 

The last thing I need is her stealing another client, especially Mr Rhodes. I eye her as I confirmed it did not look like my desk was rummaged by her. 

What then made her look guilty?

Who knows?

Important things first- how do I get a meeting with Mr Rhodes this week? His secretary did not sound sincere, she sounded like she was protective of her boss.

What if I called him again? That would not be professional. However, I could g****e him up in the time being. I may have a delayed shot at nailing him but I should have his details, likes and dislikes handy so I don’t waste any chance I get.

Looking up Mr John Rhodes of Rholly Hotels and Suites opened me up to seeing so many details. He attended Rocksville High School like myself, he must have been a senior while I was there. His pictures revealed a dark and handsome man, probably in his early to mid-thirties. He had perfect teeth and judging by the background of his pictures, he either has a degree at photo shopping or has travelled nearly every country I know of.

I noticed there was a certain woman in many of his pictures, she seemed much older- somewhat like a mother figure. She looked like she had had better years but she looked healthy wearing different colours of saree. Mr Rhodes had brown eyes and looked approachable.

Scrolling further down, there are pictures of him with many beautiful children, various orphanages and places that looked like schools. 

Looks like I have a philanthropist on my hands. Next, I looked through people and pages he was following on social media. 

I saw our company’s name, three other fintech companies and I was shocked when I saw a particular name.

My name… My account. 

Mr Rhodes was following me? Why?

I definitely did not mention my full name to him, we have not even met physically. Did we meet sometime in school? 

Calm down, Alexis.

He probably mistakenly followed me when my name was suggested, I mean, he follows the company. Curiosity made me scroll on, looking for pictures of his younger self but there weren’t any. 

Who is Mr John Rhodes and more importantly, is this a sign that getting this man as a client would be easy?

He was following at least three other companies; I definitely need to do my assignment and prove FunDeets is a better choice.