Chapter 145: Azure Skies

Amelia's POV

The private jet lurched, and my stomach dropped. I gripped the leather armrest with white knuckles, my other hand clutching the seatbelt across my lap. The plane dipped again, and I bit back a whimper.

I'd never admitted this to anyone, but flying terrified me. Something about being thousands of feet in the air with nothing but metal and engineering keeping us from plummeting to our deaths seemed like tempting fate.

"First time flying?" Alexander's smooth voice cut through my panic.

I glanced over to find him watching me, one eyebrow raised and the corner of his mouth lifted in amusement. The bastard was enjoying my fear.

"I've flown commercial before," I managed, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart. "Just not in something this small."

"My jet is hardly small," he replied, stretching his long legs. He looked completely at ease, like turbulence was just a gentle rocking motion. "It's actually one of the larger private models available."

Another bout of turbulence hit, and this time I couldn't suppress a small yelp. My hand instinctively shot out, grabbing whatever was closest—which happened to be Alexander's arm. His muscles tensed under my grip, and I realized I was probably holding on tight enough to bruise a normal human.

"Sorry," I muttered, trying to pull away, but his hand covered mine.

"Relax," he said, his voice softer than before. He gently pulled me closer until I was practically leaning against his chest. "We're just beginning our descent. It'll be over soon."

I should have pulled away, maintained some professional distance. But the warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat were too comforting. His scent enveloped me—sandalwood and something uniquely him—and I felt my breathing slow to match his. For just a moment, I allowed myself to enjoy the sensation of being protected by him, even if it was just from my irrational fear of flying.

"Your heart isn't racing at all," I observed, surprised at how calm he remained.

"Why would it be?" He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest against my ear. "I've done this hundreds of times."

When the plane finally touched down, I reluctantly pulled away from him, already missing his warmth.

Outside the window, I could see we had landed at a small private airstrip surrounded by pine forests. The landscape was nothing like Shadow Creek—the trees were taller, more majestic, and the mountains in the distance still had snow-capped peaks as late spring hadn't fully melted their white crowns yet.

In the distance, sunlight glinted off a massive lake with stunning azure blue water that seemed to glow from within.

"Welcome to Azure Lake Pack territory," Alexander said, standing and buttoning his suit jacket with practiced ease.

A young man with sandy blond hair was waiting for us as we descended the steps from the plane. He bowed his head slightly as Alexander approached, the gesture showing a level of deference I rarely saw directed at Alexander back home, where people at least attempted to maintain some appearance of equality.

"Head Alpha," he greeted, then turned to me with a curious glance that lingered a moment too long. "Ms. Throne."

My stomach tightened. He knew who I was. Of course he did. I was traveling with the most powerful Alpha of all packs.

"Aiden," Alexander nodded. "Everything prepared?"

"Yes, sir. The car is ready."

We were ushered toward a sleek blue SUV with tinted windows. As Alexander guided me with his hand on the small of my back, I noticed two black cars parked nearby, men in dark suits standing attentively beside them. Their posture was too alert, too rigid to be anything but security personnel.

"Security detail?" I whispered, surprised at the level of protection.

Alexander merely nodded as he helped me into the backseat of the SUV. Aiden slid into the driver's seat, adjusting his mirror to catch Alexander's eye rather than mine.

"Aiden is the Vice President of Westbrook Industries' Azure Lake division," Alexander explained as we pulled away, the convoy forming around us.

I nodded thoughtfully. "I knew we had divisions, but I didn't realize our operation in Azure Lake was this extensive."

Aiden caught my eye in the rearview mirror, his expression suggesting my limited knowledge was amusing. "Westbrook Industries has operations in every major pack in North America, Ms. Throne. Azure Lake is actually one of our most profitable regional branches. Didn't you know?"

I didn't, and it was another reminder of just how powerful Alexander truly was. Not just as an Alpha, but as a businessman with influence that stretched far beyond the borders of his own territory.

"All preparations for tomorrow's meeting are complete," Aiden continued, addressing Alexander. "The financial reports just need your final approval tonight. The Azure Lake Council is eager to discuss the expansion of the northern facility."

I sat in silence, suddenly very aware of my position. Here, I wasn't Alexander's mate—I was his assistant. I couldn't touch him casually or speak to him the way I sometimes did in private. Here, surrounded by his employees and pack members, the power dynamic between us was on full display.

The hotel was the most luxurious I'd ever seen—a massive glass and stone structure nestled between the forest and the lake. The architecture somehow managed to look both modern and as if it had grown naturally from the landscape. As we approached, I noticed our two security vehicles were still following closely behind, taking positions at the entrance as we pulled up.

In the grand lobby, with its soaring ceilings and marble floors, the hotel manager himself greeted us, practically falling over himself in his eagerness to please.

"Mr. Westbrook, welcome back," he said warmly before turning to me with a polite smile. "And this must be Ms. Throne from Westbrook Industries?"

I managed a small smile, wondering how many people had been briefed about my arrival and what exactly they'd been told.

"If I may be excused," Aiden said to Alexander, "I should head to the office to finalize the presentation for tomorrow."

Alexander nodded his dismissal, and we were escorted to a private elevator. No one accompanied us, not even security.

"Don't you need bodyguards or something?" I asked once the doors closed, surprised at being left alone.

He looked amused, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Because I am the Head Alpha."

"Fair point," I conceded.

"Besides," he added, "I come to Azure Lake every year. It's routine."

The elevator opened directly into a stunning suite on the top floor. The entire wall opposite us was glass, offering a breathtaking view of the pack territory and the brilliant blue lake that gave the pack its name. The setting sun cast golden light across the water, making it shimmer like something from a fairy tale.

"This is... incredible," I breathed, moving toward the window. From this height, I could see the entire town nestled along the lakeshore, lights beginning to twinkle as dusk approached.

The suite was massive, with plush furniture in shades of cream and blue, a dining area with a crystal chandelier, and what looked like a fully equipped bar in the corner. Several doors led off from the main living area, and I wondered which one would be mine.

"Which one is my room?" I asked, turning back to Alexander.

He was watching me with an intensity that made my skin tingle. His eyes flicked briefly to one of the doors before returning to mine, something unreadable flickering across his face.

"This suite only has one bedroom," he said simply.