Chapter 2

Adonis

      “Sure, Jack! Either of the twins would be fine. I just need a personal assistant I can trust. The last one wanted to get in my pants and tried to blackmail me when I refused her and well…you know me,” I sigh. “It’s been hard finding people who don’t want my money or my prestige.” 

      “You should try a dating app. There are some for shifters, unless you don’t mind choosing a human,” Jack says. “Then at least, you wouldn’t have the gold diggers trying to seduce you and you’d only have to worry about corporate espionage. I’m telling you, I had a secretary who was trying to steal my plans to sell to my competition!”

      “I’ve had some of those in my company as well,” I sigh.

      It’s getting old. All this having women try to get money or an engagement ring out of me! I wish they would just stop!

     I am in my limo on my way to the West Coast Leadership Conference. Technically, not all packs represented are coastal, Nevada’s packs, for example, but they are closer to our region than the East Coast and they don’t want to join the Midwest Conference. I wish I had my PA already, but I had to let go of the last one just days ago and I can’t expect Jack to send one of his twins over without preparing them. 

    Jack was my best friend when I went to college in the East. He’s a Kitsune and one who has built an empire from his father’s already successful engineering firm. I haven’t had the time to visit with Jack in decades, but we talk to each other often.

     I remember Jack’s wedding like it was yesterday. I had just met my mate, Jules and we were planning a proper date before mating and marking one another when an earthquake hit and Jules was presumed missing. It was days before they found Jules, under a pile of rubble from a half collapsed building and Jack offered to put his wedding off until I had time to grieve. I told him I couldn’t let him do that and showed up despite my pain and sorrow. It was an elegant affair and one day I hope to have just as wonderful of a ceremony.

     “Ah, Jack! Maybe having one of your children under my wings will make you come out for a visit,” I muse.

     I miss Jack’s intelligence and his sense of humor. Most people just ‘yes, sir’ me and don’t bother with proper conversations, the rest…espionage or seduction seem to be their games. Maybe Jack’s kid will be like him.

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     The conference was a nightmare! None of the Alpha’s can agree on even the simplest of things without an argument first! I am so glad I only have to go to these four times per year! Cedric even tried to challenge me that since I don’t have a Luna I can’t have a say in the next Mating Ball because “unmated werewolves who don’t attend the balls don’t get a say.” I still got my way. I told them the only way I would attend is if it were at my hotel and resort in Los Angeles. 

     Now it is extra important to have a good PA.

     I know it’s foolish, but Jack is a snappy dresser and from what Emilio told me so is his progeny, so I am putting on my best business suit and most stylish tie. I make sure my shoes are perfectly polished and my cufflinks and tie tack sparkle. I regard my reflection and dig the neatly trimmed beard I am sporting these days. I think it looks refined yet debonair. I spritz a little cologne and hop in my elevator.

    I mustn't keep my new Personal Assistant waiting!

    I walk into the building and am greeted by Fred at the security desk, “Hi, Alpha! I met your new personal assistant! Whew! Sizzling’!”

    “Fred! My personal Assistant is my best friend’s kid! Don’t talk that way!” I say sternly.

     “I’m just saying’, boss…this one is H-O-T!” Fred replies then chuckles. “You will see! I sent her up to your office.”

     I head upstairs to my office on my private elevator. When I reach the penthouse office suite I step out and see my receptionist looking rather miffed as the longest legs and cutest ass flash my from under a schoolgirl skirt and I hear a high giggled apology. I was always a sucker for a schoolgirl skirt.

    “Mr. Zachariah! I’m glad you are here, this clumsy oaf claims to be your new personal assistant!” Sherron says as I enter.

     My new personal assistant, Avery, was it? No, it’s Aubrey! Stand up with adorable flushed cheeks. 

     I can see Jack’s green eyes and high cheekbones, but the cute button nose, almond shape to her eyes and pretty features are her mother’s. She is slender and long legged with a perfect ass…Fuck!

     I can’t think like that! She’s my best friend’s daughter!

     ‘Aubrey is twenty four,’ my usually silent wolf, Shaddow, says.

     ‘She is a child!’ I argue. 

     ‘Aubrey is an adult and a very attractive one at that,’ Shaddow counters.

     ‘Nice of you to notice, but she is my best friend’s child. I can not fuck my best friend’s child,’ I reply.

     ‘Whatever you say, but the hardon you are trying to hide begs to differ,’ he chuckles before curling up in a corner of my mindspace and preening.

     “I’m so sorry, Mr. Zachariah. The packet Dad gave me said how you like your coffee and I picked some up when I got mine, but I bumped into your secretary when I got off the elevator and tripped,” Aubrey says.

      “It’s fine, Aubrey! I’ll have Sherron get us each a new one while I acquaint you with your duties and issue you the key for my private elevator,” I reply.

       Sherron had no business near the office elevator. I only ever have visitors, or employees who work on other floors use it. I know her relationship with my previous personal assistant was close, but I sure hope she doesn’t think she can sabotage Aubrey!

        Aubrey is not someone I will allow anyone to mess with!