CHAPTER 5
Dylan's POV
"Alpha Dylan, I will have my secretary draw up a new plan," Luke says to me, choosing his words carefully. "If that would please you."
I observed him calmly, trying to look for any sign of deceit or foul play. In this kind of setting, there's no one you can trust. At least that's how I've lived my life. That way, I know nobody is springing up surprises against me.
"You agree to have only thirty percent of the returns?" I shot up my brow, finding the whole thing difficult to believe. "And how does that benefit you and your pack?"
Both men looked at each other. I noticed the younger man shift uncomfortably in his seat. He had been silent since the meeting began, probably too timid to speak before me.
"A…Alpha Dylan," the younger man stuttered as he called my name. "Everyone knows business thrives in your pack, it's all thanks to your hard work over the years."
I nodded my head, seeming impressed by him. He should be in his early twenties but he seems like one who would thrive in the business world.
"I didn't catch your name before we began," I nodded my head towards him but it was Luke who quickly responded.
"He's Jake, my younger brother…"
I shot Luke a glare so he shut his mouth. Even though he is an Alpha of his own pack, he knew better than to defy me.
"Is this a family business? Why am I in a meeting with two brothers?" I scoffed, then continued after seeing the confusion on Luke's face. "Where's your Beta?"
"He went out of the pack to attend to some matters," Luke explained. "You'd meet him when we come to your pack to finalize."
I nodded, my eyes regarding Jake. There's something about him I couldn't quite place. He seemed remarkable but there's more to his personality.
"Hmmm… but I don't see your Beta here," Jake said, clearing his throat. "Alpha Dylan." He added, nodding his head at me.
I shot him a quick look, he was right in his observation. It was a tradition in our world to do business with at least two pack officials. The reason for that is for these officials to be part of the decision making process.
Just as I opened my mouth to respond to him, a strange sensation suddenly overtook my body. My wolf seemed to be howling in joy and my nose suddenly picked up a strong, feminine scent.
I tried to control my body but that seemed to be a hell of a task. Even Gaya, my wolf seems to defy me at the moment.
Suddenly, the door pushed open and the scent got more intoxicating. It smelt like a rich petal of roses.
Immediately I turned my head to face the door, I heard the most beautiful word every wolf always longs to hear.
"MATE!"
Gaya, my wolf let out a long, happy, and satisfied howl. My wolf was glad we finally found our mate.
I couldn't contain the joy inside of me.
Just as I was about to go meet my mate, she turned away from the room and bolted out of the door.
Immediately, my wolf howled inside of me. Only that this time, it was no pleasant or satisfied howl.
I remembered the lady all too well, I had met her when I visited the hospital. That explains the attraction I had felt for her when we met.
'Is she gonna reject us?' Gaya asked from somewhere deep in my mind.
'Don't talk about rejection, she wouldn't dare do that!' I warned sternly, instantly shutting Gaya off.
My eyes shot straight at the two men in front of me. Their mouth was still hanging open just like it had been moments ago.
"I apologize for that unruly behavior of my pack member."Â Alpha Luke said to me, finally finding his voice. "I would make sure to punish her."
"Punish her?" A scoff escaped my lips. "Do that and you'd have me to deal with," I said calmly but he understood the message.
"What's it to you anyway?" Jake shrugged, gaining my attention. "Why do you care about the bitch?" He spluttered and something immediately stirred within me.
I forced myself to remain on the seat.
"Call her bitch once more and you'd be sorry!" My voice came out in a deep growl, even Gaya seemed to be angry at him.
Jake broke into a laugh, "I don't mean to offend you Alpha Dylan."
I didn't respond, I was too invested in my thoughts to give a damn about this nitwit.
"If I may ask Alpha Dylan," I heard Alpha Luke say and I sat properly to hear him speak. "Why are you so interested in this bi… lady. We could have better girls arranged for you." He paused, seeming to think for a while. "If you want." he finally added.
I shook my head, these men clearly don't know how long I've waited for this.
"I want no one else but the girl" I declared, "I want no one else but my mate."
"Your mate?" Jake cut in, "That's got to be some joke right?"
"It's no joke. Do I look like a clown to…"
"Fucking hell! She can't be your mate!" Jake banged his hand on the table, his voice rising.
That was it. I stood up from the chair, my eyes instantly turning to a flaming orange. I fought the urge to control my wolf as it tried to completely take over. I saw Jake cower in fear but he has pushed me to the limit.
"Next time you defy me, I won't be so merciful," I warned, staring straight at Jake from where I stood. My eyes were still flaming orange from the anger burning inside of me.
I've killed wolves for saying less offensive words, Jake's only saving grace was because I found my mate today.
Being without a mate for long, people had formulated different theories about me. Some said I can't have a mate because I have been cursed by the moon goddess. Even my pack's seer believes that.
"Please have your seat Alpha Dylan,"Â Alpha Luke tried to calm me. "I apologize for my brother's unruly behavior."
"Please take no offense Alpha Dylan." Jake apologized, but his tone was nothing close to being sincere.
I waved both of them off. I was beginning to get bored of the two men in front of me.
"What's her name?" I asked, my eyes darting from one brother to the other.
"Who?" Jake inquired.
I clenched my teeth hard and glared at him. I had clearly given him much credit earlier.
"My mate." I forced myself not to yell
"Oh!" Jake ran a hand through his hair, as if wanting to withhold that information. But after a quick glance at my face, he let out, "Ava, Ava is her name."
"Ava," I repeated, rolling her name on my lips. "Quite a beautiful name, don't you agree?" I laughed, not failing to notice the odd look Jake threw at me.