Chapter 8

Shirley

“Give it back!” I demand, launching myself toward him before I realize what I’m doing. However, Keith merely steps back, lifting the badge higher. As he’s a whole foot taller than me, I can’t manage to reach it.

“You’ve been lying to me,” he says tightly, narrowing his eyes. “You’re not some foreign exchange student. You’ve already graduated and you’re employed. Senior auditor.” He then stops, his glare becoming venomous. “Isn’t that right, Shirley?”

I try not to pant as his words hit me - between him discovering my badge and saying my real name, I feel like a mixed-up mess. But I try not to show it as I take a breath, ordering myself to remain calm.

“Oh, please,” I toss back. “You know - for an Alpha - you’re not very observant. If you weren’t too busy jumping to conclusions and took the time to look closer than you would have realized that’s not me!”

To my response, Keith practically grunts, not at all convinced.

“That’s my sister,” I insist. “We look similar, but -”

Due to him being a little distracted, I finally manage to shift up onto my tippy toes, snatching the badge from his hand before he can react.

“Look,” I say, pointing toward the photo. “She has a mole right here. I don’t.” I watch him as he studies the picture, his brows furrowing as he notices the spot I’m referring to. In all honesty, it’s not a mole, but rather an ink spot that splattered when they’d printed it. But he doesn’t need to know that.

“And obviously, she’s older than me,” I continue. “Do I really look like some business woman in my mid-twenties?”

His hard gaze moves to me then, as if needing to check. I try not to wiggle as he scans me, reminding myself that he won’t find anything. I’ve applied a healthy-dose of makeup tonight, making myself appear much younger. It’s funny what some blush, lip gloss, and a youthful face can do.

I’ve almost convinced myself that I’m not the woman in the photo, especially considering how easily my lies are rolling off my tongue. I filled my claims with enough sincerity and annoyance that I know I’ve tricked him, especially as he nods.

“Okay,” he says finally. Keeping up my show, I stuff my badge back into my purse, shaking my head at him as if I’m about to make an offended exit. Only, he stops me once again.

“Wait, Anya,” he starts, making me release an exasperated sigh.

“What?” I clip out.

Either Keith doesn’t care about my frustration or doesn’t notice as he stares at me, casually folding his arms over his chest.

“Our pack’s company is about to go public, and we’re in need of a Senior financial audit,” he explains smoothly.

Okay…and?

“I’m not sure if your sister is any good, or if she’s available,” he carries on, and I can’t help but notice a sudden change in his tone. Within seconds, it has gone from ice to something a lot warmer. Something even hot…it’s almost seductive. I have to blink to keep my mind clear as I wait for him to continue.

“But if she is,” he says. “Then I would be interested in handing this project over to her. If she can do it, then the payout is probably enough to cover her expenses for the next three years.”

The next three years!?

My heart staggers at that, missing a couple of beats as my breath hitches in my throat.

And it’s not just about the salary. Taking this job could also lead to more career opportunities or promotions. After all, Keith is technically a major client considering he’s an Alpha. I hadn’t thought about seeking him out regarding potential business, but here he is - taking the initiative.

It’s a great deal - an amazing deal, actually. One that I can’t help but want as I try to find the right words to accept. But then again…

I’m here for Jean and I have a whole other job I need to worry about. I’ve only just scratched the surface. If it weren’t for that, I would already be talking specifics with Keith…but I know that I can’t.

“Wow…” I finally say as I force down a harsh swallow. “That’s…that’s a wonderful opportunity. But…” I try not to let my disappointment show as I give a shrug. “My sister isn’t looking for any work right now. She’s taking the year off and plans to come travel with me. That’s why I have her badge.”

Lies upon lies.

However, I wish this was a lie I didn’t have to tell. Of course, I want to get Keith off my back considering his handsome face is a slight nuisance and he’s definitely a control freak. However, I can almost forgive those things as I consider he’s also a major client. And yet, I can’t do anything with that right now.

“Okay,” Keith says again, pulling me from my thoughts. “That’s unfortunate. I’m sorry she’ll have to miss this chance, but I understand.”

“Thanks, anyway,” I reply. I almost want to tell him that I’ll let him know if anything changes, but I highly doubt that it will.

“All good,” he states with another shrug, his alluring tone gone.

In fact, he looks completely casual now, although a little curious. But still, it’s not the same brooding skepticism he’d been giving me before. Instead, his handsome features are loose, his eyes softer. Those golden eyes that I’d been staring into all night.

I really can’t believe my charm didn’t work on him, especially as I realize I haven’t had my glasses on for the past ten minutes and there still hasn’t been any changes. It appears that not only has my charm failed, but it was also completely useless against him regardless of the stare-time. And I have no idea why.

“What do you want?” he asks suddenly.

Completely thrown off, my head practically jerks backward.

“What do you mean?” I ask, at an absolute loss. He could be referring to anything.

“I mean, what are your academic goals? Your career plans?” he explains. “What do you want?”

“Oh,” I brush out, finally gaining clarity. But some of my confusion still remains as I shake my head at him. “Why do you ask?”

It’s such a random question and I’m not sure why he cares. Shouldn’t he be dismissing me and getting me out of his hair? Or why am I not just rushing out of there now that I’ve answered all of his other stupid questions?

Well, maybe because I’m a little flattered that he actually cared to ask about my goals and desires. It’s something that I actually enjoy talking about, that I take pride in. After all, I loved studying and going to school, especially considering I got all A’s. And I love my job even more. I dedicate all and any of my time to being an auditor and don’t even have to use my charm to get what I want. I don’t need it.

“Well,” Keith eventually begins again. “You seem like the type of girl who has big dreams and wants a healthy career.”

True…

“And if you were looking for beneficial opportunities then you can come to me,” he states. “I can give you some.”

Now that’s not what I had expected…I’m stunned that Keith would be willing to give me a chance considering everything we’ve talked about tonight. But then again…maybe that’s the point.

“Is this some kind of bribe?” I ask, lifting a brow. “To keep me away from your best friend?”

I can’t help but feel that I’m right as I see Keith flash a smirk, rolling his shoulders with amusement.

“If that’s the way you want to look at it,” he says simply.

To that, I have to laugh. It’s more of a scoff as he just basically admitted he’s only interested in giving me a job as long as I don’t see Ralph anymore. It’s an insult to my skills, to what I’m capable of.

“Well, then I’m not interested,” I tell him. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I like to eat, drink, and have a good time. Not study.”

More lies.

“And I also like hanging out with Ralph,” I state. “I’m not expecting anything to come from it. Like I said, we’re just having fun.”

“But it’s not just some little game!” Keith throws back, losing some of his cool. “This is Ralph’s life. He needs to think - you both need to think! He has a life - filled with a mate, child, expenses, and even more responsibilities. He doesn’t need to mess it all up just so he can have ‘fun’ with you.”

I want to narrow my eyes as I take in his little speech, irked by the fact that he’s treating me like a child. However, right now that’s what I’m supposed to be. I’m just some carefree college girl who’s not supposed to be too concerned with the consequences, right?

Plus, turning Ralph’s head and tearing apart his life is exactly what he needs. What he deserves.

So I keep myself collected, I offer my own smirk and shrug.

“You’re a good friend,” I state, causing Keith to blink at me. “But maybe you should consider there are more things that Ralph needs. Like fun. In fact…”

I trail off, taking a step closer to him. Still, Keith doesn’t say anything, but his features tighten as I stop in front of him.

“Maybe you could use a little fun yourself,” I finish. Following my words, I give him a firm poke in the chest.

And then I take my leave, officially walking out of the club as I hear Keith grumbling. But I’m too concerned with sending Ralph a message.

Anya: Sorry about tonight. Meet me at Russells tomorrow night at 8 o’clock?

It’s a nice, fine-dining restaurant that I saw on my way to Bounce tonight - one that looked very expensive. If Ralph is as eager as I think he is to see me again, then he’ll make an appointment.

Let’s pray that he does.