Claimed By The Enemy Alpha

Underlying Issues

"Is there a problem, Director?" William asked. Stepping in front of me and partially blocking my view.

But Dario kept his focus on me. "I simply want to speak with Ms. Lancetii. It is a matter of agency protocol."

"If there is something you want to say to my fiancé, you should be able to say it while I am here," William emphasized calmly, tucking his hands into his pants pockets.

It was silent for a few seconds as they stared at each other, before Dario’s eyes narrowed at William, it was so subtle I almost missed it, then he shifted his stance and glanced back at me.

It was clear he didn't want to talk to William or have him here while he spoke with me, but I wasn't going to put myself in line of direct danger just to hear what he had to say.

"This is regarding the report we received yesterday, concerning the possibility of a supernatural entity operating within Lancetii Enterprises. I would like to further question her about the security breach." Dario finally addressed William but his eyes were still on me.

"This is our engagement party, Director," William said, cutting him off. "This is not the time for an interrogation."

Dario nodded like he expected William to point that out, as he adjusted his glasses. "These entities are dangerous, Mr. Winchester. The matter needs to be investigated properly to ensure public safety. It is my job to be thorough." He paused, looking directly at William. "In fact, was it not Winchester Holdings that relayed the initial tip to us?"

Silence, the heaviest silent stretch for the longest time and I narrowed my eyes at William, this didn't feel right. The tension growing between them did not feel right at all. Either William didn't have as much control of the situation like he appeared to, or there was an underlying issue between them.

I stepped out from behind William, placed my hand on his arm and looked at Dario. "My fiancé simply wanted to ensure our new shared workspace was free from any supernatural interference," I said.

It was a lie and Dario knew it too. He looked at William for a long time. And William matched his stare with a look for board indifference.

Finally, Dario looked back at me and nodded once. "I see." He muttered slowly. Then turned his attention back to William. "I apologize for the inconvenience of interrupting your engagement party. It was not my intention to disrupt such a significant evening."

He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a white business card that he held out to me.

"This is my card," Dario muttered. "It has my personal number on the back. If you ever find yourself in a position where you need to call Ms. Lancetii, do not hesitate."

I nodded and reached for it without thinking. The moment my fingers brushed the edge of the card, it sent an electric shock through my entire body.

I forced myself not to react as I stared at him, even as it began to burn into my skin.

William's eyes immediately fell on the card before meeting Dario.

I force a smile. "I will be sure to reach out if there is anything I need."

Dario nodded once more. He spared a final glance at William before turning and walking back into the ballroom.

And the moment he was out of sight, I hissed and dropped the card. Clutching my hand to my chest. My palm was covered in red blisters.

What the hell was wrong with these people and lacing their accessories with silver? Infuriating.

"It is common knowledge not to accept anything offered by the A.S.A. Astrid," William just had to say. He looked down at the card on the floor, his face devoid of sympathy. "You should know this."

"This is all your fault," I hissed at him. I was so angry that I was even in this situation to begin with. I looked down at my palm, the burning sensation was already beginning to dull, and my flesh knitted back together.

"I don’t care how you manage it, but you need to get the A.S.A. off my back. I agreed to your stupid merger after all."

William opened his mouth to speak, but I didn't want to hear anything from him right now. I cut him off before he even started to speak, pointing a finger at him.

"If I go down, William, I'm sure as hell talking you down with me, so fix it." Whatever was going on between him and Dario I want no part in it.

I was waiting for a retort, for him to open his big mouth and try to assert dominance on me, But he remained unusually quiet, his cold eyes on mine.

Before William’s gaze shifted to something behind me. I turned around and saw Kaelen standing by the doors.

​William immediately walked toward him without a word. I watched Kaelen lean in to whisper something to him, and then both of them disappeared back into the ballroom.