Free Web NovelChapter 27: Chapter 27 Impossible.
Zane’s POV
I, Zane Thorne, Alpha of the Stoneclaw Pack, stood outside the pretentious restaurant with my true mate clinging to my arm. The way she pressed her body against mine would normally feed my ego, but right now my attention was locked on someone else.
Sylvia Frost. The woman who had once groveled at my feet.
My wolf paced restlessly inside me as I saw her sitting there, looking completely unbothered by my presence. How dare she? After I had generously let her serve me for three years, she should still be licking her wounds, not dining in one of the city’s most exclusive establishments. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
"That’s Sylvia, isn’t it?" Chloe’s voice dripped with venom as she dug her nails into my arm. "How did someone like her get into a place like this?"
I forced a dismissive laugh, though my wolf was snarling with unexpected jealousy. "Probably that pretty-boy substitute who looks like me brought her. Pathetic how she’s trying to replace what she can’t have."
But as I studied the man sitting across from Sylvia, something unsettling crawled up my spine. Even from behind, his posture screamed authority. His shoulders were broader than mine, his presence commanding the space around him without effort.
"Let’s go see what poor sucker she’s manipulated this time," I announced, striding toward the entrance with Chloe in tow.
A mountain of a man stepped in front of us, blocking our path with a practiced smile.
"I apologize, sir, but the restaurant has been reserved for a private function today."
I blinked in disbelief. Did this minimum-wage nobody just deny me entry?
"Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?" I dangled my key chain with its diamond-encrusted wolf head emblem. "I’m Zane Thorne, Alpha of the Stoneclaw Pack."
The server didn’t even flinch. "I understand, Mr. Thorne, but my instructions are quite clear. No one is permitted to enter."
Three months ago, this very restaurant had practically thrown out paying customers to accommodate me when I arrived without a reservation.
"Who reserved it?" I demanded, my voice dropping to a dangerous growl.
"I’m not at liberty to say, sir."
Chloe’s scent soured with jealousy beside me. "My goodness, Zane. It seems Sylvia has snagged herself quite the wealthy benefactor. Imagine having enough influence to reserve this entire place."
Her words were like salt in an open wound. The implication that Sylvia had found someone more powerful than me made my blood boil.
"Listen here," I snarled, letting my Alpha pheromones seep into the air. The server’s human colleagues nearby visibly shuddered, but this man—clearly a were—stood firm. "I am not accustomed to being denied. Either you move aside, or I’ll ensure you never work in this city again."
My wolf’s dominance swelled through my voice. Most wolves would be on their knees by now.
"Sir," the man replied with infuriating calm, "if you continue to make a scene, I will be forced to call security. And I don’t think you want that kind of attention, do you?"
There was something in his tone—a subtle hint that he knew exactly who could and couldn’t cause me problems in this city. As if he served someone who outranked me.
Impossible.
"Zane, baby," Chloe tugged at my arm, her voice honey-sweet but her eyes calculating. "Let’s go somewhere else. I’m sure whatever important business meeting they’re having isn’t worth our time anyway."
I wanted to refuse. My pride demanded I storm past this obstacle and confront Sylvia. I needed to see her face when I reminded her of her place in the hierarchy. Needed to assess what kind of man she thought could replace me.
But something primal was warning me to back down—a feeling I hadn’t experienced since I was a pup being disciplined by my father.
Through the glass, I caught another glimpse of the man with Sylvia. He turned slightly, and for a brief moment, I saw his profile—aristocratic features, sharp jawline, and eyes that seemed to contain something ancient and deadly even from this distance.
"Fine," I spat, turning on my heel. "This place has gone downhill anyway."
As we walked away, Chloe maintained her sugary facade, but I could smell the fury rolling off her in waves. "Don’t worry, Zane. She’s just trying to make you jealous. We both know she’s nothing special."
But the tightness in my chest wouldn’t ease. For the first time since becoming Alpha, I felt like I had just avoided a confrontation I might not have won. The thought was so alien, so infuriating, that I kicked a nearby trash can, sending it flying across the sidewalk.
"Who the hell does she think she is?" I growled. "And who the fuck is that man?"
Sylvia’s POV
I sat across from Caesar in the exclusive restaurant he had reserved for just the two of us, trying not to think about the commotion I’d glimpsed outside. My wolf had sensed Zane’s presence, but I refused to acknowledge it. I had more important matters to focus on—like the powerful man sitting before me and the opportunity he represented.
"About the hot springs resort project for Vertex," Caesar asked casually while elegantly slicing his steak, "what are your thoughts?"
I set down my fork, straightening my posture as I shifted into professional mode. My wolf, usually restless and fighting to emerge, seemed strangely calm in Caesar’s presence—something I hadn’t experienced with anyone else.
"Vertex Group wants to create a high-end hot springs resort that combines wellness, leisure, and entertainment," I replied confidently. "I’ve developed a preliminary concept that merges modern architectural elements with natural landscapes to create a space that’s both contemporary and zen-inspired."
Caesar raised an eyebrow, his interest clearly piqued. "Oh? Tell me more."
I reached into my bag and pulled out my tablet, my fingers trembling slightly as I pulled up my designs. I wasn’t used to feeling nervous—I was an Alpha female by blood, for Moon’s sake—but something about Caesar’s intense gaze made my inner wolf both excited and submissive in ways I couldn’t explain.
As I handed him the tablet, our fingers brushed momentarily. A jolt of electricity shot through me, and I caught a flash of something primal in his eyes before he masterfully concealed it.
"The main building follows the natural contours of the mountainside," I explained, leaning closer to point at specific elements on the screen. "I’ve incorporated sustainable materials and designed spaces that transition seamlessly between indoor and outdoor environments."
Caesar studied my designs with those penetrating eyes, his scent—like cedar and midnight air—washing over me. My wolf stirred, suddenly alert and interested.
"Your design is incredibly creative and has excellent market potential," he said, handing the tablet back to me. His praise sent an unexpected warmth through my chest. "However, I suggest refining some details. The hot spring area could benefit from more diverse themes and interactive experiences. The spa section should feature international luxury brands to elevate its prestige. The dining areas need signature dishes highlighting local specialties, and the accommodations should incorporate smart technology to enhance the guest experience."
I nodded thoughtfully, absorbing his suggestions. Then I paused, something clicking in my mind. The level of detail in his feedback was surprising.
Setting down my tablet, I unconsciously traced my fingertip along its edge while studying him. "Why are you suddenly offering suggestions?" I asked, my clear eyes meeting his with a hint of confusion. "And how do you know so much about Vertex’s project?" frёeωebɳovel.com
Caesar rotated his wine glass between his long, elegant fingers. His eyes were like deep pools reflecting the restaurant’s soft lighting, hiding secrets I couldn’t begin to fathom.
"Just offering some advice," he replied with casual nonchalance that somehow didn’t match the intensity of his gaze. "Vertex projects aren’t easy to acquire. If you’re planning to use this as your ticket back into Frostline Enterprises..." He paused, his penetrating gaze settling on my face. "You might need to put in more effort."
His words hit home, and I fell silent. My wolf whined softly inside me, responding to the subtle dominance in his tone. He was right—Vertex was a coveted client that countless companies were vying for. Securing this project would be my path back to reclaiming my birthright, but the challenge was immense.
I took a deep breath, putting away my tablet with renewed determination. "I’ll work harder," I promised, my voice firm despite the flutter in my stomach whenever he looked at me.
Caesar observed my defiant expression, the corner of his mouth curving into a barely perceptible smile. He set down his wine glass, his voice dropping to a deep, magnetic timbre that seemed to resonate with my very bones.
"Do you know something? You look beautiful when you’re focused on your work."
My cheeks flushed with heat, and I turned my head away, unable to maintain eye contact.
Caesar chuckled softly. He stood and moved to my side, his tall figure casting a shadow over me. "I’m only stating facts," he murmured, leaning down slightly so his warm breath caressed my ear. His scent intensified, wrapping around me like an invisible claim. "But if you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask."
My heart raced uncontrollably, and I felt heat spreading from my ears throughout my body. Instinctively, I stepped back to create distance between us. "I... I’ll remember that," I managed to say, hating the slight tremor in my voice.
Caesar reached out, gently ruffling my hair in a gesture. "Enough teasing. Let’s finish our meal."
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled shadows across the floor as we finished our lunch. I found myself more relaxed than I’d been in years—since before I began my ill-fated charade with Zane.
Later, Caesar’s black Maybach glided smoothly to a stop in front of the Frostline Enterprises headquarters. The air conditioning couldn’t quite combat the summer heat, but I barely noticed the temperature. My mind was racing with possibilities—both professional and personal.
He turned off the engine and turned toward me, his expression softening as his eyes met mine. "We’ve arrived," he said, his voice gentle.
