Chapter 147: Naked Intentions

Amelia's POV

"I wasn't trying to seduce you," I snapped, my cheeks burning hotter than the sun. "I was taking a shower because normal people do that before important meetings."

Damn it. This wasn't fair. I was standing here practically naked while he was fully dressed in another impeccable suit that probably cost more than my entire college tuition. The power imbalance couldn't be more obvious if it tried.

"Could you please get out so I can get dressed?" I managed, trying to sound authoritative despite clutching a flimsy hotel towel to my chest.

Alexander didn't move. Instead, his eyes continued their slow, deliberate inspection of my body, lingering on the water droplets sliding down my neck and disappearing beneath the towel. Something primal flickered in his expression – a hunger that made my wolf stir restlessly beneath my skin.

"I said, could you please—"

He moved toward me in that fluid, predatory way that always made my heart race. Before I could back away, his hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me closer until I could feel the heat radiating from his body. The expensive cologne he wore mingled with his natural scent – that distinctive alpha musk that my wolf recognized on an instinctual level.

"Alex..." I whispered, my voice betraying me by coming out breathless rather than indignant.

His fingers trailed up my arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake. He leaned down, his breath warm against my ear as he inhaled deeply, taking in my scent. My eyes fluttered closed involuntarily, my body responding to his proximity in ways my brain couldn't control. The air between us felt charged with electricity.

"Very good," he murmured, his lips nearly touching my ear. "Just like that. I'm coming..."

I squeezed my eyes shut tighter, my heart hammering against my ribs, waiting for his mouth to claim mine. My body tensed with anticipation, caught in that exquisite moment of expectation.

But nothing happened.

When I opened my eyes, Alexander was already walking out the door.

"What the actual fuck?" I exploded, the words escaping before I could stop them. "You can't just... you don't get to..."

The door closed behind him with a soft click, cutting off my incoherent protests. I stood there, trembling with a confusing mixture of relief, disappointment, and fury.

"Asshole," I muttered, stomping to my suitcase. "Manipulative, arrogant, infuriating..." I continued my litany of insults as I pulled out my clothes with more force than necessary.

I chose my most professional outfit – a charcoal gray pantsuit with a cream silk blouse. No way was I giving him any more ammunition. I dried my hair, applied minimal makeup, and tried to regain my composure. This was about business, not whatever twisted mating dance Alexander seemed determined to lead me through.

My hands trembled slightly as I buttoned my blouse. What was wrong with me? One minute I wanted to claw his eyes out, the next I was practically melting at his touch. The bond between us was like an invisible thread constantly pulling me toward him, no matter how much my rational mind resisted.

"He's playing with you," I told my reflection sternly. "This is just another power game to him. Don't forget what he did to Nathan. Don't forget he's still engaged to Cassandra."

But my wolf whined softly in disagreement. She recognized her mate and didn't care about human complications like engagements or pack politics. To her, it was simple – Alexander was ours, and we were his. End of story.

"Well, it's not that simple," I muttered, smoothing my hair into a sleek ponytail. "And he doesn't get to have it both ways."

When I finally emerged from the bedroom, I discovered something that made me want to scream. There was a second bathroom in the suite – one Alexander could have easily used instead of making me share. He'd deliberately let me believe there was only one bathroom.

"Another power play," I muttered under my breath.

Alexander looked up from his phone, his eyes sweeping over my outfit. "You look more like the CEO than the intern," he commented, his tone impossible to read.

"I'll take that as a compliment," I replied coolly. "Are we ready to go?"

The ride to Azure Lake Pack headquarters was mercifully brief. Aiden had sent his blue SUV with a driver to pick us up – another display of Westbrook resources at our disposal. The vehicle was luxurious with its leather interior and state-of-the-art technology panel.

"Your vice president seems very efficient," I commented, glancing at the sleek dashboard.

"Aiden knows what's appropriate for these meetings," Alexander replied. "First impressions matter in pack politics."

"So what impression are we supposed to make?" I asked, gesturing around at the expensive vehicle.

"That Westbrook Pack is powerful but practical," he said. "Everything is a statement, Amelia. The cars we arrive in, the clothes we wear, the way we present ourselves. You should understand that better than most."

"So what statement are you making by bringing me to this meeting?" I challenged, meeting his gaze directly. "What exactly am I supposed to be to you today? Employee? Assistant? Or something else you're not saying?"

His expression darkened momentarily, a flash of something possessive crossing his features. "You're representing Westbrook Industries. That's all anyone needs to know."

"That's not an answer," I pointed out.

"It's the only one you're getting," he replied, his tone final as the SUV pulled up to our destination.

I stared out the window, watching the manicured landscapes of Alpha territory blur past. He was right, of course. I'd dressed carefully for exactly that reason – to project competence and professionalism. The rich really did live in a different world, though – one where expensive vehicles and drivers were just everyday conveniences rather than lifetime luxuries.

When we arrived at the Azure Lake Pack headquarters, a Beta I didn't recognize greeted us at the entrance. He nodded respectfully to Alexander and gave me a curious glance.

"Alpha Alexander, welcome. Alpha Diler is waiting for you in the conference room."

The building was impressive – all glass and polished stone that screamed money and influence. I followed Alexander, trying to project confidence despite feeling like an imposter. The Beta led us to a conference room where several werewolves were already seated around a massive table.

"Alexander!" A broad-shouldered man with salt-and-pepper hair rose to greet us. "Right on time, as always."

"Diler," Alexander shook his hand firmly. "This is Amelia Throne, my assistant."

The older Alpha's eyebrows rose slightly as he extended his hand to me. "Ms. Throne. Unusual to bring an assistant to these meetings."

"She's exceptional," Alexander said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "She'll be taking notes for me."

I could feel curious eyes on me as we were introduced to the rest of the group. When it came time to sit, Alexander insisted I take the chair directly beside him rather than against the wall where assistants typically sat.

"I need her close," he said when Diler looked surprised. His hand briefly touched the small of my back, a gesture that felt oddly possessive.