Part 33
Charles stepped out from the car, wearing a tailored dark navy wool jacket over a white shirt, with matching trousers. His hair was brushed into a loose, bronze wave on top, clipped short on the sides. He glanced toward me and then did a slow sweep, taking in every person around us.
“Are you ready, Miss Erin?”
“Charles”, I breathed. “Have you recovered from your fever?”
“Yes. I will escort you to the office today.”
“Is that necessary?”
“I have orders from the top.”
My mouth folded together, grimacing as I knew who he referred to as the top. Rowan and Reed.
It was the day of our announcement, and they both had progressively gotten worse. I looked over my shoulder only to see my parents and sister stepping out. They insisted on coming no matter how I tried to talk them out of it.
“Fine!” I gritted out, gripping the purse tightly in between my fingers. “But let me tell you, I am not very happy about this decision.”
***
“You look beautiful.” Reed was the first to greet me, closing the distance between us to press a chaste kiss on my cheek. I clenched my eyes shut, nostrils flaring as his scent rubbed off on me. He looked gorgeous in a black blazer and the matching tie; hair slicked back.
His hand snaked around my waist and held me for quick two seconds, enough for my skin to feel the heat of his fingers. I let out a gasp, fully aware of my parents behind me.
Taking a step back, I looked down at my outfit. It was enough to draw a few eyes in my way or more, depending on the size of the room. Isabella insisted on me making an effort as it’s one of the most important days.
I slipped in a light pink sparkling mermaid cut dress, cinched at the waist with delicate straps. My brown hair was straightened, cascading down my waist. Holding a silver purse in front of me, I gaped at him.
“Thank you, Reed.”
He went on to greet my parents when I saw Rowan approaching me. My cheeks burned as I recalled the last time we were in the same room, lips tingling at the reminder. The Alpha took hesitant steps in my direction, as if afraid to spook me before fully standing in front.
“Hey…”
I swiped my tongue over my bottom lip, averting my eyes. “Hi.”
“You look…uhh…wow!”
“T-Thanks.”
Before he could utter anything else, my parents crowded us. A relieved sigh escaped my throat, grateful at the distraction.
***
Isabella was standing head to toe with Charles, busy in what looked like a staring contest. I loudly cleared my throat, the sound enough to break them apart. They both at least appeared embarrassed at being caught.
“What is going on here?” I raised a brow in their direction, a hand coming to my hip.
“He started it….”
“She started it….”
“Very mature, Charles.”
“I could say the same about you.”
“Okay!” I slid in between, making sure to push at them, so there was enough distance. Turning to my best friend, I gave her a look. “Mind explaining what’s all this about? I don’t have all day.”
“Charles here is arguing about the seating arrangements! Everything is already decided, and he wants to mess up with my system.”
“Ooh, the system! So scary.” Charles mocked from behind, raising his hands in the air.
“Oh, you should be scared!” Isabella spat at him.
Since when did they fight like this? I saw Reed passing by when I motioned him to come closer. He was clever enough to sense the tension and took his beta away.
As soon as they were gone, I turned to Isabella, who was flushed all over, avoiding my eyes. I nudged at her, which made the Alpha only huff in annoyance. She can genuinely be uptight at times and then call me out. Ironic.
“I never thought you had in you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Making a scene.” I teased her.
“If anything, he’s the one trying to make the scene. Why do you allow hooligans in our office space? Next time a warning would be appreciated, Erin.”
“Hey!” I squeaked. “He’s Charles, and you know him. Why are you suddenly acting so weird?”
“Whatever.” She pushed past me.
I stared at her, retreating before finding Renee. We had the last few minutes before the place would be filled with the people from the press.
***
Rowan and Reed walked in either of my sides as we made our way to the stage. It was a small elevated platform with a table, three chairs and a few microphones lined up for us.
All my colleagues, along with beta Charles stood in the side, excited as the event began. My attention was diverted for a long second as the press assembled and talked.
A press corps of a dozen reporters and photographers were waiting in the line before they sat down in a front row.
“Good evening,” I addressed the crowd. My face, with its acute angles and planes, was set in a polite smile, also guarded and impenetrable. I heard the sound of camera flashes going off in rapid sequence. My voice was steady, practised and trained, elegantly charming and noncommittal. “I would like to extend gratitude to my colleagues, who have been so hard working into arranging this.”
“The reason we have called you all is to announce an annual book fair solely sponsored by the Armani Holdings and organised by Woods Publishing. It’s an opportunity for amateurs and seasoned writers to advertise their books, gain readers and have lively interaction with them. Unlike the other book fairs, this will be a weekend affair with exciting activities for both the readers and writers in hopes of inspiring their passion. The best part about this is we will have a separate section for the pups with games and engaging activities. At the end of this fair, we will also be having a lucky draw for both the groups—readers and writers with some exciting prizes. All the details will be updated on our new website in the coming few weeks.”
I took a deep breath, before continuing. “The ticket prices and participation conditions will all be displayed on the website. Through this, I want to reach people in our pack and beyond to give this fair a chance. It may be the stimulating thing you have been looking for all this time. Thank you.”
I held my breath, nerves forming in the pit of my stomach as I slowly moved away from the mic. My eyes found my father in the crowd, who was the first to clap, followed by several others.
“That was brilliant, love.” Rowan patted me at my side.
Reed hummed. “Yes. We are already excited to get a ticket, and it’s not even launched!”
I blushed at their remarks, aware of the cameras pointing at us. My toes curled underneath the shoes, legs pressed together.
“Time for our announcement.” Reed cleared his throat. “Thank you all for showing up on a short notice. My brother and I have been alone for quiet some time, busy building Armani Holdings it is today. We always thought that we would never be able to find anyone who will match us.” The Alpha turned to look at me, my hands clammy, and I pressed them in my lap. “But we were wrong. She was right in front of us all along. Erin Woods is our mate, and we will be bonding her soon.”
Rowan immediately grabbed at his mic, humming. “We expect the pack members to treat her as the future Luna. Our ceremony details will be shared once the council is known of our decision and everything else is finalised. Thank you.”
“Let's start with a few questions.”
The first few went smoothly when
a man in the second row, with long, flowing black hair, spoke up. “In the light of recent events, Miss Erin, would you characterise your ties to Armani twins as being strategic to economic interests of your company?”
I glared at the reporter who had broken interview etiquette. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Reed and Rowan gritting their teeth, equally raging at the question.
The reporter stared up from his notes, his eyes challenging, equally determined.
“What is your name, sir?” I softly interrogated, my gaze glacier-like.
“David Haggis,” He held up his press pass, the insolent Alpha. “Sunny News.”
“Mr Haggis, that does not sound like a question but an accusation, but let me answer your question,” I said in a clipped voice. “Naturally, everyone is entitled to make an assumption about our relationship. However, I want to clarify that we have been best friends since pup years, destined mates and nothing or no one can change that fact. They can argue with the wall for all I care.”
I stepped down from the podium, ignoring the stirs of reporters wanting more. They always wanted more. There was never an end, but I did not card anymore.
***