The Alpha's Burning Desire

There's a first time for everything.

I brisk down the stairs to the kitchen feeling hyped. I was already ready for everything but I was so nervous. My heart I thought it was going to break my ribs, it felt like I was having a heart attack. I've never been so nervous in years. I was going for my first interview after graduation and it was terrifying.

Getting this job would change my whole entire life. Nothing I've wanted more than to work for the best company in the city, better yet the world. This could be a start of my best life, but what if they reject me?

Though I had been practicing for the whole week.

I was being interviewed to be a HR assistant and I know it's not much. Though it's great for someone who has just come out of college like me. The pay was good enough to settle my bills and help my Aunt Janice back at home.

It was the most nerve wrecking thing ever. Plus the rumors say it, Mr Vulture, he's a tough man to please.

Anxiety and excitement all at once.

"Hey doc." I meet my friend who was busy preparing breakfast. My palms were sweating as I pretend I wasn't about to pass out any moment.

"Would you please stop calling me that?" She hands me a plate full of chocolate pancakes. She didn't like when I call her doc though it was actually true. She was a doctor, graduated two years ago got a permanent job the same year. Lucky. I was still in college then.

It's after we met. We met when she was going on her third year in varsity. We met at a club when I was to do the greatest regret of my life and she saved me. She even helped me get school and a school with a sponsor. She said my marks were way too good to just go to waste. So then on we rented an apartment together.

We became friends and sisters ever since. All I had was her and my Aunt Janice.

"I'm not hungry... I think." I place the plate back on the table my sweaty palms rubbing off it. My intestines felt they were playing hulahoops.

"Not hungry? You look like you're about to pass out any moment. The chocolate might help reduce your stress and breakfast is the most important meal of the day." She places hot chocolate next to the plate.

"Yes doctor." I open the chair to sit. She joins me on the table as we start eating.

"You don't have to be so scared, you've got this. I believe in you, " she says noticing how I was drenched in stress.

"I'm sure there are thousand other people who applied for the position. Why would they even choose me? I don't even have any experience." I take a sip on the hot chocolate. The sweet flavor provoking my taste buds as it crump in my mouth.

" So what if thousand other people applied for the job? Don't you remember you still got a sponsor even though you had to fight against thousand other students. Did you have experience then? Yet you were able to convince them that you deserved their sponsorship and you proved them right. How's this any different? I know what you're capable of and I believe you can get the job. I just need you to believe that too about yourself."

" Thank you Kris. I really can't imagine a world without you."

She slips her hand to brush my cheek." I'm always here for you, no matter what. You're my best friend and sister."

I touch her hand my eyes falling on the table." But I still can't stop wondering... What if I don't get the job? "

" So what? There are plenty fish at the sea, this is not the only available company. You will search for other opportunities and I'll be here with you every step of the way. Now eat your food, we don't want you to be late for your first interview. We wouldn't want that gorgeous outfit go to waste."

I chuckle but taking her advice. I start chowing my food and it partly helped. She gave me a ride to the company before going to the hospital where she works.

The tall walls felt they were going to fall on top of me as I walk closer. Many going in and out of the building.

They looked so upper class, I felt like a zebra in a pride of lions. I couldn't compare to them. Even my outfit could only be worth a button in their Gucci blouses. But I kept my head high, I was not here to compare myself with other people. My only target was to get the job and step at the same ground as them.

I walked inside and the noise of the people yelling, engines roaring and cars hooting was immediately chimed out.

It was so quiet and peaceful inside, everyone minding their own business. My heels making loud thuds on the marbled floor. Everything so clean, you could see your own reflection. It was a bit cold but bearable.

White Walls complimented with black and gold patterns. It was glorious, I couldn't stop looking around. I was surely making a fool of myself looking like a lost puppy but I just couldn't care less. How couldn't I admire such beauty?

I walked to the front desk where a young man was sitted. He looks at me with a faded smile as I approach him.

"Good morning my name is Pearl Manna... I'm here for the interview," I wear my best smile as I adress him.

"Morning Miss Manna. The interview is on the top floor. Just press 'top' on the elevator and it will take you where the interview is being held," he says looking back to his documents again.

"Thanks," I say but no other word comes out of his mouth. I would say he was being rude, but everyone here actually just looks unhappy. It makes me want to turn and run away. You just can't be this grumpy in the morning.

But Pearl you're not giving up now. You've worked for this your whole life. You can't run away now.

I went to the elevator and did what I was told. I don't know for how long I've waited but it finally came to a stop. I wasn't surprised of the wait the building was definitely that tall.

I stepped out of the elevator to find a long queue, different people waiting to be interviewed. Some look surprised to see me come in.

Was I late or something?

I sit on the last chair next to the elevator rechecking my documents. I was definitely 15 minutes early.

The room was definitely packed. All these people I have to fight against? They were all so grave, they didn't come here to play. I'll definitely have to bring my A-game here.

"Hey?" I whisper trying to start a conversation with the young lady next to me. I was extremely nervous and I thought talking to someone would help calm my nerves.

As if I had screamed foul words they all look at me like I was crazy. She doesn't even answer and continue to focus on her documents.

I hope everyone here is not so rude.

I also just look into my documents, rereading everything. Making sure I was carrying everything I needed.

Truthfully I just got bored, I knew everything in my documents by heart. To read them now just keeps reminding of what I'm about to face.

I text Kris since no one here was planning on talking to me.

'The interview haven't started yet. I'm so nervous'

'What are you nervous about? You got this'

'There are so many people here and they all came before me. Damn they look like they have much more experience than me. I'm so scared man'

'It doesn't matter, you got this. I'm sure they also see you as scary. I'm here rooting for you'

Then the door swings open and a lady comes out all tears. She rushed out of the room without another word. Someone had a bad morning.

"Next." The lady who was following her firmly states before going back inside.

'What the? Someone just came out crying dude'

'How's that even possible? It's so early in the morning'

'I know right. Like what the hell?'

'Maybe she really wanted the job and it didn't work out. Don't stress yourself about it. Look I have to go, I have a patient to attend.'

'Talk later I guess'

*Sigh*

Doctors are always busy.

I just start scrolling down my social media then. The interview seem to be fast. It didn't take more than two minutes and the were already calling for someone. The lady that left wasn't crying but you could see she was crushed.

I just want to think positive thoughts but many after came out like they had just received news about their deceased parents. Maybe I was just overthinking it. I continue scrolling on my phone looking at some funny posts. It actually calmed my nervousness.

"Tee-hee." I found myself laughing at a stupid post only luring everyone's attention back to me. Even the lady calling people for their interviews gave me a stern look. This was definitely a bad move for me.

Embarrassed and scared I tuck my phone away not wanting to cause any more trouble. I should have actually known better than that. It was definitely so unprofessional of me. Still how can I keep on watching all the people coming out disappointed, some holding back their tears and some looking like the would burn the whole building down if given a chance.

It was only a few people left and my turn was coming anytime soon. I couldn't stop tapping the side of my chair out of fear it felt like I had ants down my dress. I couldn't stay still on my chair.

Maybe I should just back out and go home. Who am I kidding, I've worked so hard for this.

A part of me wanting to give up everything and just move on. As they call another candidate my heart beats so fast, possibly the only loud thing in the room.

I decide to take a five minute break or else I would pass out if I continue like this.

"Excuse me mam," I called out to the lady.

"what do you want? " She glares at me not satisfied with my disturbance. It looks like I was in the bad books already.

"Uhmm... Do you know where I can find the bathroom?" I ask through her deathly glare.

" On the 25th floor, " her voice with a strong taste of bitterness as she replies. She gets back to the room, a gentleman following her inside.

That seems far but I think I can spare a few more minutes. I got up jumping back to the elevator. Taking deep breaths as the elevator goes down. I was extremely overheating and I felt sweat from my face. The space in the elevator was so small that I feel like I'm suffocating. It only happens when I'm really nervous. I took out one of the mail envelopes I had forgotten to take out of my purse last time and start fanning myself for cool air.

You got this Pearl. It's just an interview, what's the big deal?

It finally stops and I step out to a big empty hall, with small hallways that spread right and left. Like a maize. Is this the wrong floor?

I can't find the bathroom in time like this. I didn't know whether to take left, right or just move straight ahead.

Was she trying to delay me? How did she expect me to find my way in this clatter of rooms.

I tried to go back at the elevator, but it was taking too long. It just makes my stress level multiply.

Seeing I could either waste my time waiting for the elevator or I could just find a bathroom instead. I took my chances. It's cool here and the quietness is a little calming. I took left and the hallway is deathly quiet. Only the sound of my heels making a clunking sound. I look around if I would find anyone to help but it was just a straight ahead plain hallway. It was very cold, it made it useless for me to keep fanning myself. Though the cold breeze

I wasn't much focusing where I'm going and suddenly crushing into a wall. This hallway ended pretty fast. Though I didn't think walls groaned or smell so lavish.

I stumbled back and finally lifted my head to see this mystic wall. It's a man. A very handsome man. His electric blue eyes piercing mine. Eyes with shades I've never seen in any human before. His dark black hair as few strands partly fell over his face were making his eyes deeper than any ocean. The muscle through his suit, now I know why I would mistaken him for a wall. His suit was barely holding on for dear life. If weren't for my stiletto heels he would be towering over my head, now only making him a centimeter taller than me.

"Uhmm- uhm, I'm very sorry about that. I wasn't looking where I was going." My head falls forward the ground as I couldn't stand myself drowning in his eyes.

" Uhm so, I came here for an interview but I got really nervous. This actually my first interview and I'm scared of it not going well. Mostly I'm just afraid of disappointing my family." Geez I'm so stupid. Why did I even say that? I can't believe I'm embarrassing myself in front of this hot stranger. " So ehh--" I cleared my throat with a bit of embarrassment.

" MATE! " he rumbles. In a very deep and almost threatening voice, yet I feel invited.

That is weird. Maybe he's just being friendly, I thought.

"Uhhm yes mate..." I say . "So do you know where the bathroom is? I really need to go." I felt so uncomfortable as his eyes were still piercing me. Now he's just being a creep. A very handsome creep.

" Uhh- yes, just go down the hallway turn on your first left, right and then left again, " he finally speaks and I sigh relieved.

"Thank you," I breathe out splitting past him though I stop and turn back to him again. "So are you also here for the interview?" I question. I'm being nosy. Okay now I'm the creep.

" Yes." he replies.

" Ohh great. Funny, I didn't see you up there." Of course I would have noticed a man as hot as him. " Well good luck then." I sprint away. I still thought it was weird how he stares at me. Like I'm some form of a prey. It's cute and yet it's weirdly terrifying. Though I couldn't let go of this undivided attraction towards him. His aura, so welcoming. It made it impossible to get him off my mind.

Still yet I had to focus on the interview.

I finally found the ladies room and brisk inside.

I go to the bathroom and do my business, once I'm done I proceed to wash my hands. I look myself in the mirror and start adjusting my black dress that came only a few inches above my knee. Then smear some lipgloss on my lips.

I smile to myself whispering, 'you got this'.

I take my things looking at the mirror one more time before hurrying out.

"Ohmf!" I accidentally bump into someone on my way out. "Uhhm..." I notice it was the guy I ran into earlier. What is he doing in the ladies bathroom? Creepy.

"You dropped this," he hands the mail I was fanning myself with. I must have mistakenly dropped it without notice.

"Ohh thank you, I didn't notice," I accept the paper and his fingers accidentally brushing mine. Ohh God the electric sparks, my whole body chills with them. Making me feel things I never wanted to feel or maybe just thought it was impossible.

"You're welcome. You look stunning by the way," he says fully devouring my whole appearance.

"Ohh this? Thank you. I was hoping to charm my way right into getting the job," I snicker teasingly.

" You just might, " he responds his eyes never moving an inch away. I just stand there frozen. He was like a lion perfectly aiming it's prey before the attack. I hope he doesn't take my words too seriously.

"Uhhm... Thank you. I think I have to go now. I don't wanna be late for the interview," I say and he finally snaps back to reality.

He says, " Yes of course." And I wave with a smile before hurrying away. I could feel his eyes burning my spine but I don't dare turn back. I focus where I was going pacing to the elevator.

"Hey!" I shouted for them to stop the elevator as it was about to close before I could get in. Luckily the person was considerate enough, and stopped the doors for me.

"Thank you," I say in a breathless voice.

" Anything for the beautiful lady, " he says. I would definitely mistaken him for the guy who was ogling at me if it wasn't for his brush short hair, lesser built and the navy suit. They looked so alike, the same set of eyes, hair texture and everything. "So, where are you going?"

"Top floor," I respond quite nervous to be standing next to him. He looks like one of those powerful businessman and I wasn't sure I wanted to embarrass myself more today. I've slimmed my chances enough already.

"Top floor? I've never seen you around here. And I would have noticed a beautiful face like yours," he says pressing the button.

" I'm here for an interview, " I respond focused on the space in front of me, but I could feel his eyes on the side of my face.

"I see. It's okay to be nervous, Mr Vulture is a jackass I know," he whispers so close my ear I could feel his hot breath. He must really be monied to talk trash about one of the richest people in the state and possibly in the whole world. "But I would like to see more of you around. Maybe we go for coffee or dinner some other time?" he added.

" That would be nice, " I mumble but my mind still on the man I saw when I was going to the bathroom. There's just something about him. Like an invisible force that keeps pulling me towards him. I didn't want to, but I just couldn't stop thinking about him. His image glued in my mind. "Ohh this is my stop," I hop out of the elevator at which he too follows behind.

"Before I go, this is my business card. My number is here. You can call anytime," he signals with a mischievous smug.

"Thank you," I threw it in my bag and followed behind him as he went towards the door. I walked inside, and beside the tiny room we were waiting in, there's another huge room filled with different offices.

The handsome stranger disappears between the offices while the lady who was calling people for interviews comes my direction.

"You're late. The interview is already over," she says. This can't be. I quickly take out the phone to check time.

"The interview doesn't end until 30 minutes, what do you mean I'm late?" I stare at her in a cloud of confusion.

"Do you see anyone else here? Everyone is gone. We were done interviewing people 5 minutes ago," she replies frustrated. What a rude lady.

"But the time--"

"I don't care about the time. I said the interview is over!" She screamed with venom.

Jeez b***h, didn't you eat breakfast? You're so grumpy.

"Who are you to tell me the interview is over? Are you the boss of this company?" I sneered as she glares at me with fire blazing eyes. I didn't understand her problem.

"Matter of fact--" she stops mid sentence as her eyes narrow with rage. She sighs, "The interview is this way mam," she then says and I'm just looking at her with shock. What just happened? She doesn't say another word, but just walks away expecting me to follow her. Is everything alright with her? She scares me.

Maybe she mistaken me with someone else.

She leads me to another elevator in the middle of the room. I didn't think we could go any further than this. We stand in silence as I was afraid to utter any words in her presence. I felt he would tear me into pieces if I did.

It stops and we step into a big empty space. Though present an office ahead. The door with the frame "CEO". What am I doing in the CEO's office. I mean I didn't apply for a position that high. Or do they just take their hiring so seriously.

"Your interview will be on the other side of the door," she waltz away without even looking back. I don't like her. I hope I don't have to work with her if I get the job.

I knock on the door and someone instructs me to come in from the other side.

"Ehem! Good morning," I try to get his attention. He was staring at the view behind the windows that took the whole backside of the office. The office so clean and organized, not even a smidgen of dust.

"Miss Manna. Good morning," he greets. How does he even know my... Then I realize it's the man from earlier as he turns around. " Please sit down," he offers. Is he my interviewer? Damn just great! I made a fool of myself Infront of the guy who gets to decide whether I get the job or not. And he's the CEO? Goddamn, the Mr Vulture him self. He's the owner of this whole thing.

I'm so stupid.

"T-thank you," I nervously say sitting on the only chair that faces the window.

"Coffee?" He asks, going to the small coffee table on the corner of the office.

"Uhh no I'm fine," I respond. I was so nervous, sweating I would live this chair wet. But a few seconds he still brings me a cup and places it in front of me, then goes with his to his side of the table. " uhh-ohh, Uhm thank you," I muttered surprised by his hospitality. That's why people came out like angry cobras. How can you treat someone nicely before crushing their dreams? That's the words form of rejection.

"So Miss Manna... Tell me more about yourself," he says going through my documents that I had placed on the table. Hardest question. I take a long sip from the cup of tea thinking of more original way to answer. Sure I rehearsed but I still don't want to sound like a programed robot.

"In full my name is Pearl and of course my last name Manna. I recently graduated from college top in my class. I'm--"

"HR? Why would you apply for such a subordinate post?" he questioned striking me with shock. I thought it was obvious since it's on the entry levels. Though still perusing through my documents.

"Uhmm... Well... It's because I'm new to everything and I don't yet have much experience. And I believe in starting from the bottom and working your way up," I respond. He slightly looks up from the document before fully looking at me and placing the papers away. Like he studying me. It makes me feel so uncomfortable. I look away before I could find myself lost in him. Through our given situation I still couldn't resist the attraction I had towards him.

"Sadly I can't hire you for that," he tells me. Okay now I feel like I could see his head explode. Though I had to hide my anger and be professional. I wouldn't risk my chances of ever getting an interview ever again. Still, he's an asshole.

"Why," I ask through a heavy breath. It was irrelevant I know. I should have said 'thank you', packed my things and left. Maybe throw coffee at him on my way out.

Or this another form of asking, 'why do you think we should hire you? ' . If it is, I just blew it.

"Well experience is not the problem" he says.

"I don't understand." I let him know that I was confused.

"Well my CEO and I we got into some complications. In short I no longer require her services. And at the moment I'm still searching for someone to replace her."

"Implying?" I ask confused. Was he thinking I know someone who's worth of taking that position? Did he want me to get a word out for him? After he just rejected me? And isn't the CEO his wife or something? Isn't there someone in the company who deserves that kind of promotion?

"I'm implying that you be her new replacement. I mean your resume is good, you are very qualified compared to my last CEO--"

I open my mouth to answer but he cuts me we the wave of his hand. "Don't worry about the experience. I'm sure you don't need it but if it's a must... I'm sure I can make something happen. We can hire a trainer or to make things easier- I can just train you myself," he says leaving my mouth hanging.

" I don't get what's going on here? CEO? I can't be a CEO. This is not what I applied for--"

" Yes but it is what I'm hiring you for. And I'm not going to hire you for whatever else you applied for. This is our contract. " He pulls out a document from one of the drawers. "You can look at it and should you want to make any changes I'm sure I can do something about that. And you can start work tomorrow morning." He hands me the papers which I just look at him with bewilderment. "Excuse me," his phone rings. Which he responds to.

"What do you want? I'm in the middle of an interview," he says to the caller.

" Yes I will, " he tells the caller.

" Yes I can. This is my company and I can do whatever I want, " he says.

" I don't care, " he responds again before hanging up the phone. He again fixes his eyes at me before arising from his sit.

"Look, I have to go. It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Manna, I hope to see you again tomorrow morning. And I hope you're willing to accept my offer," he squeezes my shoulder and the electric sparks with everytime he touches me.

"But-- he--"

I'm just left the at the office awe struck.

What just happened? I couldn't believe any of it. Was he really offering me the job? As his CEO?

This is just crazy!

I rush out of the office and he was nowhere to be found. Rushing out of the, to catching a car home. I couldn't believe it. I was in so much shock that I wasn't sure to just tell everyone the good news or to just keep until I'm sure this all legit.

This could be all just mind games.

When I got home it was quiet. I took a deep breath and opened the door. At least I have time to think about all this before Kris arrived from work.

And so I thought.

"Look who's back? So did you get in?" She asked with the widest smile. I thought she was busy with patients. What is she doing here? "You look in shock. What happened!?" she notices as my mouth struggles to close confounded.

"What-wha what are doing here!?" I finally found means of uttering my words.

"What's on your hand!?" she snatched the contract which I got from Mr Vulture. I hadn't noticed I was still carrying that in my hands. "OHH MY GOD PEARL! YOU GOT IN!" she threw herself onto me. Then retracts again looking at the papers. " As a CEO? "