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7. Employment
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 8. Watching
BastienThe suite that serves as my office is a realm of calculated design—dark wood, muted lighting, and leather that breathes silent authority. It’s my sanctuary from the unyielding grind of running an empire, but today, the space feels different. The room’s thick with tension, a cocktail of anticipation and focus that sits heavy in the air. I’m perched on a chair in my office, eyes narrowed as I watch her navigate the switchboard. She’s laser-focused, her brows furrowed in concentration, lips muttering silent numbers as she operates.Anika.Seated behind the low frosted glass partition that separates her makeshift switchboard desk from my office, she’s a blur of concentrated energy. I find myself glancing more often than necessary in her direction, and it’s not just to ensure she’s adequately performing her new duties.I’ve noticed how her eyes catch the light in a way that’s... well, distracting. Her sweet scent, reminiscent of peaches, acts like a lure, reeling me in every time
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 9. Orion
Anika / AnyaA month. It’s been a whole month since I was confined to this gilded cage, tethered to a switchboard in the corner of Bastien’s sprawling penthouse office. Initially, the wires had seemed like shackles, but over time, they’ve become almost comforting. A routine within the chaos. I’d never worked a day in my life before this, but now I find myself quite adept at juggling calls, directing inquiries, and handling irate customers who’ve lost more than their wallets at Bastien’s casinos.I’ve become a pro at this switchboard thing, if I do say so myself. Over a month of directing calls to “Mr. Duval’s office,” “Accounting,” or the “VIP Casino Suite,” and I’ve made minimal mistakes. I’ve even memorized some of the regular callers’ voices—Mr. Rodriguez, who always wants accounting but forgets the extension, or Miss Williams, who speaks so softly it’s like she’s sharing state secrets.It’s a Thursday, and the day promises the same monotony as the ones before it. Bastien is here
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 10. Lunch
Anika / AnyaToday is different. It has to be, because Bastien invites me to lunch. This is the first time he’s extended such an invitation, and it immediately puts me on edge. What is this, another power play? A way to toy with me some more? Regardless, declining isn’t an option. I’ve learned that much.He takes me to one of his restaurants, one that apparently he owns among his laundry list of assets. It’s upscale, elegant but not gaudy. The staff treat him with a mixture of respect and wariness—emotions I’ve come to know all too well.It’s like walking into a world I don’t belong, yet, it’s a world I’ve been thrust into, whether I like it or not.As we settle into the plush velvet chairs, the atmosphere is charged, as though even the air knows to tread carefully around Bastien. He’s dressed in a tailored black suit that makes his green eyes appear even more impenetrable. Once we’re seated, he scans the menu briefly before setting it aside, as though he already knows what he wants.
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 11. Escape
Anika / AnyaThe day after the Orion note, the air feels different, charged. Every tick of the clock reverberates like a drum in my chest. I sit at my switchboard, diligently plugging and unplugging lines, routing calls.And then, as if summoned by my very thoughts, the light for Line 3 blinks. My pulse quickens; it’s her designated line.I connect the call and put on my most professional tone. “Front desk, how may I assist you today?” Out of the corner of my eye, I see Bastien engrossed in a pile of documents, ear glued to his phone.The familiar voice comes through the speaker. “Don’t panic, it’s me. Orion. We have a plan.”With Bastien in the room, I can’t risk any slip-ups. “Ah, Mrs. Williams, so nice to hear from you again. How can I assist you today?”Sarah, if that’s even her real name, catches on quickly. “My husband and I are planning a night out, you see. We’re hoping everything will be in place by tomorrow night. We’ll require an escort service from the penthouse to the pa
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 12. Liar
BastienWhat the fuck was she thinking? My mind’s a goddamn whirlwind as I lead Anika—or whoever she really is—back into the penthouse. Each step feels heavy, like I’m dragging the weight of the revelation along with us.Who the fuck does she think she’s fooling?It started with a slip. One goddamn slip on a phone call. She was talking to a client, and the line got crossed for a second. Names got jumbled, and out came her real name, not the “Anika” facade she’d been playing. Anya. It slipped through her lips before she even realized, I bet. At that moment, something clicked.I’d been growing suspicious, what with her being a little too savvy for someone who’s never worked a day in her life. So I dug around. Made some calls and pulled some strings, and it didn’t take long for things to make a twisted sort of sense. She wasn’t just some random girl on an auction block. She was more, much more and I’m going to find out what.Little did she know, the entire escape act was a setup, a test
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 13. Prisoner
Anya I shut the door behind me, hearing the ominous click as it locks from the outside. This isn’t just a room; it’s a well-decorated cage, and the weight of my reality settles in like an iron shroud. Slowly, I walk to the bathroom, each step dragging heavier than the last. The reflection in the mirror catches me off guard—a stranger with haggard eyes and a face drained of color. Who is this woman who thought she could outsmart a man like Bastien, who’s made a career, maybe even a life, out of being three steps ahead of everyone else? I turn the shower knob, letting the water heat up as steam fills the room, clouding the mirror and mercifully blurring my reflection. Stripping down, I step into the shower, the hot water hitting my skin like tiny, stinging slaps. I welcome the discomfort, the heat—anything to feel something other than this suffocating despair. The water hits my skin, searing and yet numbing, as if each droplet is both a balm and an acid. My body cringes at first,
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 14. Disregard
AnyaI wake up to the ring of an alarm, a jarring sound that shatters the remnants of a restless sleep. For a second, I forget—forget where I am, why I’m here, and the cage I’ve locked myself into. But reality rushes back in like a flood, washing away the ignorance of sleep with a slap of cold truth. Today, I still have to be Anya the switchboard operator, not the fool who tried to run away.I drag myself out of bed, each movement tinged with a sense of dread. The events of the previous night loop in my mind like a reel, each moment sharp and vivid. The rush of escaping, the sudden stop of the SUV, and Bastien—his cold eyes, his cruel smirk, as if saying “Did you really think you could escape me?”I manage to dress, choosing a simple blouse and slacks. Nothing too flashy, nothing that screams ‘look at me.’ The last thing I want right now is attention, especially from Bastien.Heading to the kitchen, I try to shake off the remnants of dread that followed me into my dreams last night.
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 15. Annoyance
BastienI’m sitting here at my desk, staring at the screen that refuses to hold my attention. My thoughts keep drifting to her. Anya—or whatever the hell her real name is. She’s over there, plugged into that switchboard like some kind of machine, but I can see the tremble in her hands, sense the tension radiating off her. I’d have to be blind not to.She’s scared, and the dark part of me relishes it. She should be scared. She lied to me. But another part of me, a part I’m not all that fucking comfortable with, asks what I really expected. She found herself in a goddamn auction, for Christ’s sake. Lying probably seemed like the least of the evils she had to consider.I swivel my chair slightly, watching her closely as she picks up another call. Her voice shakes for a split second before she regains composure, handing the call with a professionalism that almost makes me proud. Almost.She’s efficient, I’ll give her that. The way she’s handling the calls, you’d think she’d been doing i
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The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy EPILOGUE TWO
BastienI look over the estate that’s become more than just a piece of land to me. It’s a symbol of everything I’ve fought for, everything I’ve won and lost. The air’s cool and crisp, the kind that reminds you you’re alive. Standing on the balcony, I watch the night settle over the estate. The transformation of this place, of my life, still catches me off guard sometimes. It’s like the Goddess herself scripted this crazy turn of events.I can’t help but think about the twisted road that led us here. Losing my first mate, then finding Anya, it’s a hell of a story. Anya, brought onto that auction stage by her bastard of a father, in a place where she should’ve never been. I didn’t even blink before stepping in to save her. It was like some primal part of me roared to life, demanding I protect her. And now, looking back, it’s clear as day – she was meant to be in my life.Anya’s decision to become a shifter hits me again as I stand here. She’s tough, doesn’t back down from anything. Th
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy EPILOGUE ONE
AnyaSeveral months have passed since the night Bastien proposed to me under the cherry tree, and our lives have been a whirlwind of change and growth. The estate has transformed into a haven of love and family. Today, as I stand on the balcony with Mia, my gaze is fixed on Bastien and Niko playing in the garden with their sons. Their laughter and joyous shouts fill the air, a testament to the new life we’ve built here.Mia, standing beside me, watches her family with a smile. “They’re like two overprotective wolves with their cubs, aren’t they?” she remarks, her tone light.I chuckle, nodding in agreement. “Absolutely. Bastien can be so brooding, but with Nero, he’s just a big, soft-hearted Alpha.”We fall into a comfortable silence, watching the idyllic scene, until a thought that’s been nagging at me finds its way into the conversation.“Mia, can I ask you something?” I begin, hesitantly. “It’s about... becoming a shifter. I’ve been thinking about it a lot.”She turns to face me,
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 53. New Beginning
BastienA week after the earth-shattering revelations about our family’s past, my phone rings, and I see Niko’s name on the screen. My heart tightens, anticipating more unsettling truths.As soon as I answer, Niko dives in. “I’ve been digging, questioning Dmitry’s father.” His use of ‘questioning’ is laced with a dark undertone, implying an obvious ruthless interrogation.“What did you find?” I ask, not sure I want to know the answer.Niko’s breathing is heavy, his words coming out like a torrent. “The bastard said that our mother... she was acting on her own fucking accord. All that sick shit she did, it was her, not someone else pulling her strings. She was a goddamn monster on her own, and some fucker just caught her in the act.”The revelation hits me like a punch to the gut. “So she was acting on her own? All those things she did, especially to you...”“Yeah,” Niko spits out, his voice boiling with anger. “She was a predator in her own right. And some bastard used her actions aga
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 52. Niko's Pain
BastienAs I stride away from Anya, the weight of her revelations pressing down on me, I can’t help but feel a storm brewing inside. The information she’s shared about my mother, about her connection to Anya’s father, and the blackmail, it’s a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that are too dark and complex. I need to talk to Niko, to see if he can make sense of this twisted narrative.I reach for my phone, my mind racing with questions and possibilities. As I dial Niko’s number, I can feel the familiar surge of adrenaline, the kind that’s always accompanied our family’s darkest moments. Niko picks up almost immediately. “Bastien? What’s up?”I hesitate for a moment, trying to find the right words. “Niko, I just found out something about Mother. It’s... it’s big.”There’s a pause on the other end, and I can almost feel Niko bracing himself. He’s just recently come face to face with her after what happened to him and he couldn’t even fight her back. His trauma was stronger than his resolve.“
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 51. Pasts Overlapping
AnyaI wake up to the soft morning light filtering through the lavish curtains, painting the room in a golden hue. Stretching out, I can’t help but smile, still in awe of the reality that Bastien bought this magnificent estate for us. It’s like waking up in a dream every day.I slip out of bed, wrapping myself in a plush robe, and make my way to the window. The view of the gardens is breathtaking, a sprawling landscape of manicured lawns, vibrant flowers, and elegant sculptures. I'm used to growing up around luxury, but this feels more like home, not superficial at all.It’s hard to believe that all of this is ours, a sanctuary created by a man who’s known more for his strength and power than for such grand, romantic gestures.Walking out of the room, I decide to explore the property. Every step I take through the grand halls of the mansion reveals another aspect of Bastien’s love and attention to detail. The artwork, the furniture, everything is chosen with such care, reflecting not
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 50. New Purpose?
BastienNiko and I step out into the cool evening, the manicured gardens of the mansion stretching out before us. The night air is crisp, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the house we’ve just left behind.I break the silence first. “Niko, there’s something I need to tell you about Dmitry,” I say, my voice low. “He was Isla’s stepbrother.”Niko stops in his tracks, turning to face me. “Isla’s stepbrother? That’s... complicated. How do you know it’s true?”“I don't, but I'll be digging into it,” I admit. “He’s been a useful ally, but his ties to Isla... I do feel like it was a way to get me to go along with the plan. So, I can’t fully trust him.”Niko nods, his face set in a stern line. “You think he could be a problem?”“Possibly,” I reply. “We need to keep an eye on him.”“We will,” Niko assures me. “Family complications or not, we can’t afford any loose ends.”As we walk through the gardens, our conversation turns to the recent events. “With Popov out of the picture, it’s gonna stir
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 49. Welcome Home
AnyaThe wheels of the jet touch down, the vast lights of Las Vegas sprawling before us, a sparkling beacon in the night. I gaze out the window, the city’s shimmering allure a stark contrast against our recent turmoil. Once, Vegas symbolized a world of dazzling possibilities; now, it’s a much-needed haven.I glance at Bastien, his gaze fixed out the window, a look of determination etched on his features. He’s been silent for most of the flight, lost in his thoughts, planning our future. I can’t help but wonder what’s going through his mind.“We won’t be staying in the penthouse,” he suddenly says as he turns to look at me. “I secured an estate where we can grow our family and pack; I think it’s about time we head out of the city.”The revelation startles me. We had stayed in a penthouse before, a symbol of Bastien’s power within the city’s heart. But a mansion—this was a sign of permanence, a commitment to a future together.“I … I’d like that,” I murmur, a smile tugging at my lips. “
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 48. Vendetta Claimed
BastienThe room falls silent, the aftermath of the chaos settling like a heavy cloak around us. I stare at my hands, Ivan Popov’s blood a stark contrast against my skin, a vivid reminder of the violence that just unfolded. My breath comes out in ragged gasps, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.Anya comes to my side, her eyes wide. She reaches out, gently touching my arm, grounding me in the moment. “Bastien, are you okay?” Her voice is a soft whisper, almost lost in the magnitude of what’s just occurred.I nod, unable to find my voice. The reality of what I’ve done, what we’ve done, is overwhelming. Ivan Popov, the man who cast a dark shadow over my life, is gone, eliminated by my own hands.I’ve dreamt of this day since Isla was brought to me in pieces. I swore vengeance in her name, and yet even with him lying dead at my feet, I feel nothing. Just an emptiness, because he reduced me to what he is.Dmitry steps forward, his expression unreadable. “It’s done,” he says, s
The Alpha Kingpin's Fixation: Auctioned To The Enemy 47. Final Straw
AnyaAs I watch Bastien, his figure restrained yet defiant, a knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach. He’s playing his part perfectly, but the sight of him bound, a pawn in this dangerous charade we’re orchestrating, sends waves of worry coursing through me.We lead him into the room where my father waits, his presence a suffocating force. My father’s eyes light up with malicious glee as he takes in the sight of Bastien, seemingly defeated and at our mercy.I force myself to remain composed, to play the part of the dutiful daughter, even as every fiber of my being screams in revolt. “Father,” I begin, my voice steady. “We’ve brought him, as you wanted.”My father looks at me, almost proud, then he pulls me into an embrace, leaving me startled. Then he pulls back, lets me go, and walks over to Bastien on his knees.“Well, well, look at the mighty lion, now just a harmless kitten,” my father taunts, his voice a venomous hiss. “I must say, Dmitry, you have outdone yourself. Bringing me m
