Chapter 3

Artemis POV

6 months ago – Flashback –

It was the weekend of the grand opening of our latest design project in Bal Harbor, Miami and I had flown in on Wednesday to make sure everything was going according to the plan and to give the décor my final touches. Ale and I have been working on this project for the past year and a half and we are extremely proud of the outcome.

As I drive in on my white Ferrari 488 Spider to the front of the Oceana apartment complex the most wonderful scent hits me like walking in on a brick wall, and I feel my knees go weak. I start turning in my seat looking for the source and my eyes land on the most beautiful man I have ever seen. Holy fuck I start sweating and heat takes over my body, I’m squirming in my seat trying to control the burning sensation I’m feeling in my core. My instincts want to have me go run to him and jump his bones, plus the fact that he is staring right at me does not help my case.

“Selena, why do I feel like this? What’s happening to us?”

“I don’t know Art, I’m not sure, is as if our body has a mind of its own. I too feel the excitement while looking at him. How about we find out?” She suggested. “Come on now, get a grip and get out of the car.”

I took a deep breath, just as I realized the valet was holding my door open and is extending his hand out for me to take it. As I step out of my car, I feel all eyes on me, I smile to myself and flick my hair over my shoulder. If there is one thing about me, you should know is that I deal in information. For me to be aware of everything going on in the underworld, especially in the werewolf packs. I must have my little birds and eyes everywhere, and if there is one thing I’ve learned is how to seduce and manipulate men into telling me what I want to know. And if there is one thing Eli engraved in my brain is to always look at the part, and to never forget who I am, and what I represent. Today I feel good and empowered with my gold heeled DSquared sandals, a white Jonathan Simkhai 2-piece satin set. A high-waisted midi skirt with a slit that comes mid-thigh, paired with a matching button down that I knotted in the front and un-buttoned to show some cleavage. If Bella was here, she would say I looked sophisticated with a touch of sexy and that was the goal to be myself and feminine while commanding the room.

I thanked the valet and made my way into the lobby, and my chest was filled with pride. Everything we complete in a project is always the same. To see it all finally come together, no longer on paper, sketches, or boards, but in person and in real-time is an indescribable feeling. No more fabric, wood, stone, or wallpaper swatches, no more showroom visits or furniture designing, but instead everything exactly how I envisioned it. But with Oceana I can dust off my shoulders. As you first enter the grandeur of the lobby you have 35 feet high floor to ceiling windows that make up the back façade of the building giving it an outer worldly feeling, almost as if you’ve stepped into another dimension. The décor is all in white in beige with touches of gold and turquoise. We thought of everything, I met with a specialist and created a unique scent between fruity and exotic, with touches of passion fruit, sandalwood and amber giving you an energizing kick enticing you into the forbidden. The artwork covering the walls was all personally selected by me, and as I look around, I see the awe struck looks in everyone’s eyes and I’m reminded of why I love what I do so much.

After I checked in, I made my way up to the north tower, better known as the Oceana Hotel, and settled into my room before meeting with Ale and doing our last rounds before tomorrow’s event and private opening for the investors. The following morning, we were swamped with last minute details, by the time the afternoon came around we had doubled, and triple checked everything. We finally decided to take a break and go to the spa to get pampered before the grand opening. Once back in my room I quickly showered, did my hair and makeup, and put on my Alexander McQueen one-shoulder white goddess gown, paired it with a pair of Tom Ford padlock gold heeled sandals, and grabbed my white and gold Bulgari Serpenti clutch. I quickly called Ale’s room to let her know that I would be heading down, and she told me she was putting on lipstick and would meet me in the lobby in 5.

As I made my way to the elevator banks, there it was again, that yummy scent, I could tell it was him, the guy from yesterday. And the closer I got, the more nervous I got, and the elevator doors were now open, and he was scanning me from head to toe. My heart was ready to explode. By the gods why does this guy affect me so much? Ok, chill out you’re not a hormonal 15-year-old so stop acting like it.

Ahem, I cleared my throat, “good evening,” I greeted.

“Good evening,” he replied in probably the sexiest, deepest voice I have ever heard.

Gods I think I just creamed myself. Thankfully the elevator finally arrived.

“Ladies first,” he gestured for me to go ahead.

“Uh! I see chivalry isn’t dead after all,” I replied, and he and his companion laughed.

I stood against the wall opposite them staring at the buttons on the elevator while they stood at the other wall talking, don’t ask me about what because I was too hot and bothered to pay attention to anything other than concentrating in not fainting.

“Hey missy, get your mind out the gutter and pay attention,” said Selena.

“To what?” I asked. “To the mega-hunk standing over there, trust me I don’t think he needs anymore of my attention.”

“By the goddess, I’ve never seeing you like this, clear your mind and focus on your surroundings, what do you feel?”

“Uh?” I questioned but took a deep breath to clear my mind. “I feel…power…a very dominating power, radiating off him. Hold on, holy shit… he’s an alpha,” I realized.

“Yeah, and from the looks of it, the guy next to him is his beta,” she confirmed. “You need to mask your scent better we don’t know who they are,” she pressed.

“You’re right” I replied, and as I stepped out of the elevator, I made myself scarce and went to socialize with the rest of the team, the investors, and to find Ale.

“There is an alpha here, with his beta, and he is driving my hormones crazy,” I told her.

“Oh, my goddess! He hasn’t picked up on your scent, has he?”

“No, I masked it pretty well, the problem is how do I tell my body to chill?” I asked, as I looked around the room silently saluting lookers.

“Hey, at least we know now how you will react to them. But will it be the same for all the alphas?”

“I pray to my mother that it’s the case. This fire burning in my veins is driving me crazy. Uff! Come on let’s go mingle, I can’t wait till this weekend is over and we can head home.”

“Agreed!”

As we made our way around the room, suddenly I heard my name being called. “Miss Valencia!” It was Thomas Stockton, the Oceana’s architect.

“Thomas,” I greeted him. “It’s nice to see you, how are you?”

“Much better now that I seed you,” he said as he kissed the back of my hand. “Ms. Ferrer is always a pleasure to see you,” he said as he greeted Ale.

“Please allow me to introduce you to our biggest investor, Mr. Jaxon Cross, and his right-hand Mr. Gabriel Mason. Gentleman, this is Ms. Artemis Valencia, the CEO of The Minimalist and her right-hand Ms. Alessia Ferrer. They are the mastermind behind the glamorous project here,” he said.

“So, she has a name!” he whispered, but thanks to my super werewolf hearing I was able to catch it. “Very nice to meet you Ms. Valencia, you have outdone yourself here, and may I say you have exquisite taste.”

“Thank you! My team and I worked hard.”

“I believe you; I can see it, it’s reflected in every little detail in this place. Please join us,” he suggested, and guess what? We did.

After about another hour, Jaxon asked if we would like to join him and Gabriel at their table for the soft opening of ‘Mystery Bar’ the Oceana’s 3-Michelin star restaurant. To which we agreed not only because we were starving, but because we were really enjoying the company.

I feel horrible, Ale is my best friend, but the influence of the island weighs heavily on her, that’s the only reason I can think of for why she hasn’t figured out that Gabriel is her mate. I can sense their connection; their auras are one and the same. But I can’t tell her, I’m not allowed to. They must figure that out on their own. I wish I had one… A mate that is. But the gods have other plans for me.

Once we had placed our order Jaxon turned to me and asked, “So are you married? Or perhaps you have a boyfriend?”

“No, and no. How about you?

“How’s that possible? You’re stunning!”

“I’m waiting for Mr. Right, I guess. I know … old school, but her, a girl’s got to dream.”

“That’s not old school. I think it’s rare today, but that just makes you that much more special.” He smiled. “And to answer your question, no. I’m also single.”

I couldn’t help but blush, and for the remainder of the night we kept the conversation flowing. At about midnight, I was having a great time, but I was exhausted, and Ale looked as if she was ready to pass out, so I turned to Jaxon and Gabriel and said, “this has been great guys, but Cinderella is about to turn into a pumpkin.”

They both laughed as we said our goodnights and started to head for the elevators.

“Ms. Valencia,” Jaxon called.

I turned back around while motioning for Ale to give me a second. “Art, or Artemis please.”

“How about you and Ms. Ferrer join us tomorrow for a beach and yacht day? I promise to make it worth your while.”

“Cool…I am holding you to that,” I winked and headed back towards Ale and the elevators.

“Did I hear correctly we are yachting tomorrow?” Ale asked.

“I guess so!”

“Good,” she replied. “The last 3-months have been hell and his beta gives me butterflies, I don’t know. Did you see how hot he is? What wouldn’t I give to have him as my mate?”

“Ale…”

“Yeah?”

“No… nothing.”                                  

“Uh… maybe a martini less next time ok. Hahaha! I love you. Good night, Art,” she says as she goes next door into her room.

“I love you too.”

The next day I woke up to Ale knocking on my door at 8am, talking about how we were going to be late. Excuse me but last I heard we were supposed to meet with Jaxon and Gabriel at 10am, so what is she bugging me about?

“Come on slow poke wake up, just a reminder this is your crush, and you take forever to get ready. Now, open up!”

“Ugh, yeah why not just tell the whole floor, and him while you’re at it,” I snapped, while kicking off the sheets and heading for the floor.

“Finally,” she complained. “What are you going to wear? Oh, please tell me you brought one of your strappy bikinis.”

“Ugh, I don’t know,” I grunted. I have a white agent provocateur one piece, and a super cute 2 piece.”

“Ok go for the 2 pieces, sexy but not overly provocative, with your crochet pants, and the linen cropped tie front top,” She suggested while rummaging through my luggage.

“You rock Ale, let’s give this alpha a run for his money.”

45 minutes later we were finally ready, but it was still too early, so we decided to head down to the beach café for our morning coffee, and to catch up a bit.

“So, what did you think about Gabriel?”

“I really like him, he is super chill, and I feel like my core throbs and catches on fire as soon as he comes near me. I swear Kora and I are super confused. He gives me butterflies, and I get the chills when we touch. Honestly, I think I’m losing my mind, I just need to meet my mate already. Maybe, that will turn this constant fire off,” she says sadly. “I see Bella, Karleen, and Cass and how truly happy they are, and I crave that. I crave that type of connection to someone that is made for me, something that its 100% mine.”

Arghhhhh… What kind of a friend am I? can’t I tell my best friend that he is in fact her mate? Mother…please let her see it. Of all people Ale deserves to be happy.

He’s right there… It’s him! It’s what I want to say, but instead I go with, “you will find him,” I assure her, while reaching out and taking her hands in mine. “He’s very close I can feel it. Today let’s just have fun. CLEAN, friendly fun.”

Smiling she says, “I’m only coming to watch you squirm and try to control your raging hormones around the alpha.”

“Lovely, who needs an enemy when they have a best friend like you,” I say rolling my eyes.

Time passed by as we bickered around, when 10am came around we paid for our tab and made our way towards the pier. Upon arrival we are greeted by Jaxon and Gabriel, “good morning, ladies, how did you sleep?”

“Like a baby, I was exhausted” I answered.

“Well not to worry today we’re going to have a nice and relaxing day out in the sea. Something very chill to go with the great night you had last night,” he replied with a smirk.

“Sounds Amazing!” exclaimed Ale. “You know Gabriel I charge per minute. You keep staring at me any longer and you will end up broke,” she winks at him and strides inside the cabin.

I’m trying hard not to laugh, and I follow Ale.

The Moon star is a 40ft yacht equipped with everything you might desire; Livingroom, large state of the art kitchen, a king-sized master bedroom, and 3 large guest bedrooms. There is also a stunning deck with a lounge area in the stern, and a bow that can accommodate 8 people. As we made our way into the cabin to drop odd our stuff, I noticed that it was very elegantly decorated in whites and creams with touches of gold, and high polished light oak touches. Truly a designer’s dream. Once we dopped off our stuff we headed to the stern to meet with the guys, and as we stepped out, we noticed the amazing breakfast spread they had set up and thank the gods because as if on cue my stomach growled. How embarrassing!

“Ladies, shall we, I’m starving,” said Gabriel while motioning for us to take a seat at the table.

“Gabriel you’re a man after my own heart,” I say with a smile, while I notice out the corner of my eye the angry look Jax in giving Gabriel.

Gabriel and Ale snickered as my cheeks turned on fire. I glanced over at Jaxon to find him with a full scowl on his stunning face and his eyes full of anger. What’s his problem, it was just a joke? I couldn’t look at him as we started to dig into the food. I could feel him glaring at me. After breakfast, we all decided to go to the bow to lay out and rest up, and why not, tan a little. Ale and Gabriel were sitting off to the side talking about gods know what, because I couldn’t pay much attention to them, since Jaxon was heading my way.

“Hey, you all good? Do you need anything? he asked while laying down next to me.

“All good, thank you so much for inviting us, we really needed a break.”

“Don’t thank me,” he said with a smug look on his face. “How about you tell me a bit about yourself, where are you from? What’s your favorite food, color, past time?”

“Are we on a date? Or are you a secret agent and this is my interrogation Mr. Cross?”

“Why Ms. Valencia this is our 2^nd date, or do you not count last night? If I remember correctly, I invited you to dinner,” he said smugly.

“You cheeky little shit! Last night was NOT a date. I don’t even consider today a date, but I’ll bite. I’m from New York,” I lied. “I love sushi, my favorite color is white, and I love to read and run.”

“I figured you loved white, and it looks great on you.”

“Thanks!” I replied while biting my bottom lip, I could feel my face burning from embarrassment. But the mere action earned me a grunt from Jax.

“Please don’t do that,” he warned, while reaching his right hand and releasing my bottom lip from my teeth.

There they are again. This damn butterfly and the electric current making my body tingle, I need to stay in control because if my shiel drops he will be able to feel how much his touch affects me.

“So,” I say while pushing his hands away. “How about you?” I asked while changing the subject and moving away a little.

“I’m from a small town on the outskirts of Seattle. “I love black, a great porterhouse steak, and I too love running,” he replies. “I guess we have that in common he said while smiling at me. I couldn’t help but blush. And that’s how we spent most of our time, talking, laughing, drinking, and joking.

Once we had docked back to the pier, Ale and I grabbed our stuff and started to make our way to the bridge. Jaxon grabbed me by the elbow and turned me around to face him.

“Ms. Valencia, would you like to join me tonight for dinner? Just the two of us? And can we count this one as an official date? That’s if you say yes.

I searched his face for any indication that this was a joke, but he seemed very serious.

“I’m flattered, but what about Ale? I can’t just leave her alone.”

“I wouldn’t worry about Ms. Ferrer. Those two haven’t paid us any mind today, or have you not noticed?” he said chuckling.

“As I look over to where Ale and Gabriel were chatting and laughing as they step off the boat. I realized she was very entertained with Gabriel, and so I turned around and replied, “sure, you got yourself a date Mr. Cross. How does it feel?”

“Like I’m the luckiest bastard alive,” he said smiling as he reached for my hand and kissed the back of it. “Shall we?” He motioned for me to go ahead, and we made way of the yacht. We made small talk on our way back to the hotel, and I couldn’t help but think how truly perfect today was.

Once back at the hotel we made our way over to the elevator backs and as we begin to ascend, Jax who’s been standing behind me leans forward and whispers in my ear, “I’ll see you at 8pm in the lobby.”

I turned to face him, and we were eye to eye and so close to touching. “Perfect!” I replied as the elevator came to stop on our floor and we waved to the guys. I felt his hand run down my arm and hold onto my hand until we couldn’t hold anymore.

Gods why couldn’t I have a mate… and why couldn’t it be him.