EMMA
As I pored over the sales report Ryder had sent me, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence.
Still engrossed in the report, I was startled by a tap on my desk, and my gaze jerked up to meet the stern expression of Lady Nyx.
"Have you no courtesy?" she asked, her voice icy with disapproval.
I glanced around, taking in the sight of my coworkers already standing, their faces frozen in subservient masks. I hastily rose from my seat, bowing my head in a belated gesture of courtesy.
"I am sorry, Lady Nyx," I apologized, trying to keep my tone respectful despite the growing resentment in my chest.
My wolf whimpered in protest, her voice echoing in my mind. (We owe her no explanation, we are supposed to be Luna, not her.)
Lady Nyx's smile was like a cold, calculated strike, her eyes glinting with amusement as she pushed me aside, her body language a clear assertion of dominance.
"Henceforth, this is going to be my position, while you are my assistant."
My wolf growled, her hackles raised in indignation, and I could feel her straining against the leash, eager to attack.
I clenched my fists, my hands trembling with suppressed anger, as Lady Nyx continued to speak, her voice dripping with condescension.
"But, I am told that I am the..." I began, trying to assert my authority, but Lady Nyx cut me off, her words a cruel mockery.
"Yeah, that's what he said, but you don't expect me to be an assistant to a weakling like you." Her gaze swept over me, her expression disdainful, and I felt a surge of anger at her deliberate provocation.
My wolf snarled, her fury echoing through my mind, but I knew I couldn't let my emotions get the better of me.
Not now, not when Alpha Ian had made it clear that Lady Nyx was the future Luna. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to nod in acquiescence.
"Yes, Lady Nyx," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral despite the seething resentment in my chest.
Lady Nyx smiled, seeming to savor my submission, before turning to Ryder.
"Please proceed with giving her some work to keep her busy," she ordered.
"On it ma'am…" he answered, typing on his laptop. "While you.." she pointed to another of my colleagues.
"Yes, Lady Nyx.." she quickly scurried toward her, her glasses pushed forward as I could see fear evident in her eyes.
"Get me a black coffee… with no sugar, this will be her job from tomorrow." Lady Nyx announced now pointing to me
As she scurried to obey, Lady Nyx settled into the assistant's seat, her eyes fixed on her reflection in a compact mirror as she began to touch up her makeup.
Just then Ryder came forward, "Emma.." he called stomping some stack of files on my desk.
"Prepare a comprehensive sales report for the previous quarter. Ao conducts research on potential new clients, updates the sales database, and makes phone calls to follow up on pending sales leads." he read out as my head was beginning to swing by.
He was about to leave when he turned back again, "Additionally, organize and file sales documents and contracts, and provide data entry support for the sales team." with that he walked off.
I agree this is my job but this was the reason I was supposed to have an assistant.
I watched her, my anger simmering just below the surface. Having no choice I sat back down on my desk doing every single job that had been assigned to me.
I was too lost in it to notice that it was nighttime until I heard someone knock on my desk.
I looked up to see it was the same lady who Lady Nyx had asked to get her a coffee.
"Still on it?" she asked and I nodded looking back to my computer and then she cleared her throat again trying to gain my attention.
"My name is Lucy… I am an intern here," she introduced, and then I looked back up, shooting her a small smile.
I wasn't used to friendship, because they would all turn their back on me or betray me knowing my rank.
"It's nice meeting," I replied not wanting to sound rude because want her out of here so I can concentrate on my task.
"I can help with that if it's too much for you…. I don't have anything to do for now, and also don't want to go home now." I flickered my eyes in confusion. Why did she want to help?
"I am not the kind to be associated with, I am a weakling and I can feel the power in your wolf, so I don't get why you would want to help a weakling like me?" I asked the question that was bothering me since she had refused to leave.
"Because I feel like we can be good friends, we are treated the same way here so it will be better if we work together." I nodded my head a bit, not still convinced she wanted to become real friends with me.
"Thanks for your offer but I can manage," I answered truthfully and she just smiled, "I get it, You don't trust me, hope you will someday." she let out and sat before me.
"But that doesn't mean you are getting rid of me immediately," she announced and just said they were beginning to go through some files.
"I will help with organizing the file, you are tacky with it, I wonder how you could strike your position easily in this company." and that was it, she is not to be trusted easily.
We both proceeded with our job, the whole room silent until I felt a very strong sweet scene and familiar eyes burning at me.
"Mate.." my Wolf grumbled, but I refused to look up, sensing his presence beside me.
"Alpha!" Lucy called, standing immediately to show courtesy. I followed suit, but Alpha Ian stopped me before I could bow.
"Why are you still here?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"I was busy with something," I replied, a hint of annoyance creeping into my voice.
"Where is your assistant?" he asked, his gaze piercing.
I looked up at him, a spark of curiosity igniting within me. Why was he asking about her? Did he come here for her?"
"I told her to go home, she was exhausted," I lied, recalling the instruction she had given me.
Just then, a scoffing sound came from behind, and I turned to see Beta Blake standing there. A small smile of relief crossed my face.
"She never listens or does what anyone wants," Beta Blake said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Don't tell me you're lying because you don't want to piss him off."
I tried to maintain a neutral expression, but Alpha Ian's gaze was too intense.
"It's the truth, Beta," I attempted to convince him.
Beta Blake took a step closer, his eyes locked on mine. "When you lie... you clench your fist," he said, his hand reaching out to grab mine.
But before he could touch me, Alpha Ian's hand shot out, grasping Beta Blake's wrist. His eyes streaked with a fierce warning.
"Touch her again, and you won't have hands," Alpha Ian growled.