The Alpha’s Temptation

CHAPTER 12

JARED

"I'm not attending any birthday dinner," I ground out to my son, who seemed intent on starting the day with a bout of stubbornness. "You know my reasons, Phoenix. Don't push me this morning."

Entering my office, I came to a sudden stop when I found Amira setting my coffee on the table. She offered a polite nod in greeting, attempting to leave, but I grabbed her arm, halting her departure.

"Let this be the last time you suggest I have dinner with anyone who isn't your wife," I demanded firmly. "If you could abandon your mate," I continued, fixing my gaze on Amira, "then you can certainly abandon whomever you are dating right now. I refuse to entertain the idea of dining with every fleeting fling you decide to pursue."

With that, I disconnected the call, turning my attention back to Amira. "Good morning, Mr. Snider," she greeted professionally. "I've already brought your coffee."

I briefly glanced at the coffee on the table before returning my gaze to Amira. "I've already told you to call me Jared," I pointed out, a hint of frustration creeping into my tone.

She frowned in response. "It would be inappropriate to use your first name around the office," she explained. "I genuinely want to foster a positive working relationship with the other staff members, so I prefer to address you by your last name."

I hadn't even realized I was still holding onto her hand until she gently tugged it. I glanced down at our intertwined fingers before reluctantly releasing her grasp. "Fine," I conceded with a sigh. "You can refer to me as Mr. Snider around others, but when we're alone, please use my first name."

She gave a curt nod in acknowledgment. "Okay, sir," she replied, turning to leave. However, she stopped abruptly and turned back to face me, walking back to stand in front of my desk. "Why don't you want to go to the birthday dinner your son invited you to?" she inquired, her expression curious yet concerned. "I hope you're not declining because of me."

I couldn't help but admire her dress and the way her long hair cascaded down her back. "I am not. I dislike dining or socializing," I confessed, noticing the furrow in her brows. "It's just... I don't particularly enjoy interacting with people," I admitted with a low chuckle. "I know it sounds absurd," I added, running my index finger across my lower lip. "An Alpha who doesn't like socializing."

The truth was, I didn't even know the woman Phoenix was currently seeing. I would only be able to recognize her by her scent, which had lingered in Phoenix's house the day I picked up an unconscious Amira. That is unless it wasn't his current girlfriend who was in the room that day.

How disappointed the werewolves would be if they find out that there Alpha would rather much stay indoors than mingle with them.

Amira's response snapped me out of my reverie. She shook her head gently. "I'm sure you have your reasons," she offered, taking a seat and folding her hands on her lap. "We all have our quirks and crazy facts.”

Her words resonated with me, and I found myself intrigued by her perspective. "What's your 'crazy fact'?" I inquired, offering her a gentle smile in an attempt to encourage her to open up. "I just shared something that could be considered a secret, especially if my son hasn't mentioned it to his partners yet."

A subtle frown creased Amira's brow, and she paused before replying. "What's the matter?" I asked, noticing the shift in her demeanor and wondering if I had inadvertently upset her.

“Don’t call him your son,” Amira muttered, “it makes me a little uncomfortable when you say that, and it makes my thought a little creepy.”

‘WHAT THOUGHT?’ Flames asked and I frowned. I didn’t realize he cared about our conversation. He hasn’t cared in a long while.

I DON’T KNOW AND I AM NOT ASKING BECAUSE IT WILL BE INAPPROPRIATE. I NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO DRAW THE LINE.

“You still owe me a crazy fact about yourself.” I reminded her, veering the conversation from the angle it was taking.

“Hmm.” Exhaling heavily, she crossed her legs and avoided my gaze. “I hate my family to the point that I would happily switch them.”

That’s relatable, I never liked my family. “Should I ask why?”

She shook her head, smiling sadly. “I rather not wash my family’s dirty linings outside.” She responded. The sadness in her eyes made me want to help, made me want to help her forget the pain and sorrows she has encountered so far.

“Back to the issue of Phoenix and a birthday dinner.” She mused, placing her hand on the table. “Were you able to tell him about starting work?”

I shook my head. “You seem so concerned about Phoenix.” I pointed out, trying to keep the bitterness off my voice.

“I am concerned about you.” She argued. “You look so stressed out just because of him, and I am trying to find a way to relieve you of that stress. You already have the responsibilities of the pack on your shoulder, your son shouldn’t be adding to it.”

Suppressing a smile, I ran a hand through the nape of my neck, considering Amira's suggestion. "I'll talk to him about it," I affirmed, though I knew convincing Phoenix would be an uphill battle. Yet, I was determined to find a middle ground.

“I have an idea.” Amira blurted out.

Amira's next words seized my attention once more, her effortless ability to capture my focus both impressive and undeniable. "What's your idea?" I inquired.

"How about striking a deal with him?" she proposed, her eyes alight with a spark of cunning thought. "Tell him you'll only attend the birthday dinner if he agrees to come work at the company," she suggested, a smug smile playing on her lips as she awaited my response.

I shook my head firmly, emphasizing my reluctance. "I have no desire to attend the dinner," I repeated, ensuring she understood my stance. Besides, the thought of Phoenix and Amira working together in the same environment was unsettling to me.

"Well, news flash, Alpha," Amira teased with a playful smirk, "he doesn't want to work at the company either, but you both will have to learn to compromise." She shrugged casually. "If you ask me, I think it's a fair deal."

Her words made sense to me, and I found myself considering her suggestion more seriously than I had expected I would. It was difficult to refuse, not because of Phoenix, but because of her.

"I want to strike a deal with you," I declared, intrigued by the prospect of bargaining with her.

Intrigued, Amira leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Okay..."

"If you agree to accompany me to the birthday dinner," I proposed, "I will take it into consideration."

Amira tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And what do I get out of all of this?"

I smirked, treading into risky territory with my response. "A night with the Alpha," I teased, fully aware of the implications of my words. "After the birthday dinner, you can ask for anything for the night, and I'll make it happen for you."

Gradually, her playful demeanor faded, replaced by a seriousness that caught me off guard. The twinkle of amusement vanished from her eyes, replaced by a piercing intensity that demanded my attention. "Be mindful of the words you speak, Alpha," she cautioned. "I might just take them seriously."

I held her gaze, feeling a strange pull between us that I couldn't quite explain. "I wasn't joking, Amira," I admitted in a hushed whisper, my words hanging in the air between us. "As long as the hands of the clock continue their dance, your wish is my command."

A smile slowly spread across her lips, the seriousness in her expression giving way to a warmth that mirrored the soft glow of moonlight. "And you won't go back on your word?" she pressed, seeking reassurance.

"I swear by the seal of the moon goddess," I vowed solemnly, drawing upon the sacredness of the oath that had defined my destiny as an Alpha. Amira understood the significance of invoking the moon goddess's seal.

"Fine," she relented with a smile, the tension in the air dissipating like mist in the morning sun. "I'll attend the birthday dinner with you."