Chapter 4

Lily

My worst nightmare is here. I’m pregnant, and the child belongs to Wesley Brooks—my asshole of an Alpha mate who rejected me for being a rogue. It seems he is also the CEO of Brooks Industries. That bastard is selling phones and computers, even to the magical realm, and just happens to be a billionaire because, of course, he is! It’s just my luck to get kicked to the curb by the whole package.

I stroke my hand over the bump on my stomach when I feel light kicking and let out a deep breath. “Don’t worry, honey. Daddy might be a jerk, but I don’t regret you. I only regret that I didn’t slap his pretty face when I had the chance. He is a total asshole, and we don’t need him, but what we do need is his money...”

It’s embarrassing to admit this, but I’m broke and in desperate need of money. I’m living in the worst apartment New Jin City has to offer, and I’m late on rent. And to add to my misery, I’m three months pregnant, which means my baby is most likely a human. A werewolf pregnancy typically only last for around two to three months. And that’s a problem.

I mean, I love my child no matter their race, but I’m a rogue, and my life is in danger whenever I leave the apartment. Therefore, it would have been easier for my kid to be a werewolf since I’m constantly on the run.

But with Wesley’s help, maybe I can get protection from all the creatures wanting to kill me. The man might be an arse, but I doubt he is heartless enough to let his child die.

So, it doesn’t matter how much I hate him. I must find a way to confront him and make him take responsibility for the little life in my belly. And I have the perfect plan. Brooks Industries are interviewing for a secretary position tomorrow, and I’m one of the people they are interested in.

I pace back and forth across my dingy apartment, rehearsing what I’m going to say when I’m face to face with Wesley. Since I was picked for the interview, he can’t possibly know it’s me who applied for the open position. But after he knows about the baby, he won’t be able to kick me out...right?

The next day, I arrive at the Brooks Industries building early. My heart is hammering, and my palms are sweaty as I wait in the lobby. Soon the lady behind the desk smiles at me, and I take a deep breath, steeling my nerves as I walk toward the receptionist.

“Excuse me, I’m here for the interview for the secretary position.”

The receptionist looks down at her computer and then back up at me. “Ah, yes. Lily, am I pronouncing that correctly?”

“Yes,” I muster up the courage to say.

“Great. You will be meeting with Mr. Brooks in ten minutes. Please take this folder and read over it before you go in.”

I thank her before making my way to the waiting area, my knees feeling like they might buckle at any moment. As I flip through the folder, I notice there is a note at the bottom of one of the pages. My heart sinks as I read the words:

“Bold of you to assume I would hire you and not reject you again. This ought to be fun, Miss Lopez.”

I want to run out of there and never look back, but I know I need to face Wesley for the sake of the baby.

As I enter his office, I’m trembling but keep my head high as I look into his cold eyes. It’s as if he can see right through me, and I shudder when I realize he is watching my every move like a predator.

“Hello, Lily, it’s nice to see you again,” he doesn’t sound like he thinks that at all. He isn’t even smiling. “Why don’t you take a seat?”

“Thank you,” I sit down, wishing I could somehow stop my heart from racing, but I can’t make the thumping stop no matter how I try. Under the penetrating gaze of this man, I’m stripped naked.

Wesley’s beauty is utterly breathtaking. His custom-made black suit hugs his body in all the right places, and I can’t help but let my mind wander with thoughts of what lies beneath that white dress shirt he wears. The top buttons are open, revealing a hint of defined chest muscles that leaves me reeling. I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful.

As I shake my head to clear my thoughts, Wesley interrupts my train of thought, forcing me back to the present.

“So, Lily, tell me, what makes you want to work for me?” he asks, leaning forward in his chair, his eyes boring into mine.

I clear my throat and try to steady my shaky voice. “I believe I am highly qualified for the position, and I am eager to apply my skills to help your company grow.”

I try to keep my eyes on his face, but my gaze keeps flickering downwards towards his chest. I can feel my body reacting to him in a way that scares me. I know I shouldn’t be looking, but my eyes have a will of their own.

The worst part is when Wesley smirks, clearly enjoying the effect he is having on me. “Interesting. And what skills do you have that would make you a valuable asset to my team?”

I take a deep breath, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. “Well, I have experience as a receptionist, and I’m proficient in various computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Excel. I’m also a quick learner and am able to adapt to new situations easily.”

Wesley leans back in his chair, studying me in silence for a moment before speaking again. “I see. And how do you handle stressful situations?”

I can feel my palms sweating as I answer. “I try to stay calm and focused, and am able to prioritize tasks to ensure that everything gets done efficiently.”

He nods slowly. “Good answer. It seems like you may be a good fit for the position after all.”

Relief floods through me, but it vanishes the moment Wesley’s lips curl into a cruel smirk. “Too bad you’re a rogue, I don’t hire packless wolves.”

I feel the blood drain from my face as the reality of what he’s just said sinks in. I can’t believe this is happening. All the hope and excitement I felt just moments ago are smashed to pieces in an instant.

“I-I’m sorry, what?” I stutter, hoping that maybe I misheard him.

“You heard me, sweetheart,” he drawls. “I don’t do business with packless wolves. It’s bad for my reputation.”

My heart pounds in my chest as I look around his immaculate office. The lush carpet, the expensive leather chairs, the sleek modern architecture; everything costs a fortune, and it pisses me off. Why does someone like Wesley get to have everything while I have nothing, not even a pack where my baby could feel safe?

Anger ticks against my jaw, and since I can’t keep quiet, my mouth opens before Wesley can tell me to leave. “I’m pregnant with your child, Wesley. You can either hire me or send a large sum of money to my account to let me take care of our baby on my own—the choice is yours.”

Wesley freezes in his chair. It fills me with satisfaction. For once, he doesn’t look like a self-important jerk. His smirk has been replaced with shock, and all his earlier arrogance has shattered like glass. Even his breathing stops for a moment before his jaw clenches.

What is he thinking right now? I eye him carefully, and Wesley looks away from me before he speaks, his voice quiet and composed. “Is this why you came here today?”

There is no point in lying. “Yes.”

Wesley’s eyes widen slightly in shock, but he doesn’t say anything. He just stares at me for a few moments without speaking until finally, he sighs softly and nods his head in agreement. His voice is barely above a whisper when he replies, “What do you want to do?”

“I will take care of the baby myself if you don’t want to be involved,” I explain carefully, avoiding eye contact as much as possible. He still hasn’t said anything yet, so I keep going. “But if you are willing to at least provide financial support for our child, then I will accept your offer of employment.”

An angry growl leaves his lips. “Do you honestly think I would let you work here when you’re pregnant?!”

What? Is he serious? I’m pregnant, and he still isn’t going to fucking hire me?!

“Wesley, I need money—”

“You’re moving in with me!” Wesley barks before I can finish my sentence, his eyes livid. “Rogue or not—that doesn’t matter! You’re pregnant with my child, Lily. That means you need the best care in the world, even if I dislike you.”

Say what?!