11
894 Words
A week after the kidnapping, Melena stood outside the towering headquarters of Shiver Corp with her handbag clutched a little too tightly in one hand.
The building was ridiculous. Glass and steel stretched so high into the sky that it seemed determined to outgrow every other building in Hamilton. The morning sun bounced off its windows, making the entire skyscraper gleam.
Melena stared at the revolving doors. A small part of her wondered if she could still turn around and leave, but she quickly dismissed the thought. Zane Rider would definitely notice, and knowing him, he'd probably sue her into bankruptcy for breaching their agreement.
Beside her, Hazel folded her arms and studied her. "You look like you're about to attend your own execution."
Melena sighed. "It feels like it."
Hazel laughed. "You can't back out now. And unless you enjoy getting dragged into court by a billionaire Alpha..."
"I know," Melena groaned.
Hazel nudged her shoulder. "Besides, jail orange really isn't your color."
That earned a reluctant laugh from Melena.
Hazel stepped back and looked her up and down. "By the way... you look really good."
Melena glanced down at herself. She had kept things simple…a crisp white shirt tucked neatly into wide-leg black palazzo pants, paired with low heels and a black handbag. Nothing flashy.
"It's just office clothes."
Hazel shook her head dramatically. "No. It's giving, 'I'm smart, successful, and about to ruin somebody's day.'"
Melena snorted. "I'd settle for surviving mine."
Hazel grinned. "Come on."
Melena gave the building one last look before following Hazel through the revolving doors.
The lobby was every bit as intimidating as the exterior. Polished marble floors reflected the sunlight pouring through the enormous windows while employees moved confidently from one place to another in expensive business attire. The air carried dozens of scents at once, mostly Alphas, with the occasional Omega scent drifting past before disappearing again.
Hazel led her toward the elevator. "You'll get used to it."
"I haven't even started working here, and I'm already tired."
The elevator climbed quietly toward the executive floor. As the numbers continued to rise, Melena felt the knot in her stomach tighten despite reminding herself that she was a doctor who had presented research before hundreds of people. Surely she could survive one arrogant Alpha.
When the elevator doors opened, the conversations outside gradually died away. Heads turned in her direction before people quickly pretended they hadn't been staring at all. The whispers began almost immediately.
"That's her."
"The Omega doctor."
"The one from the scandal."
"I didn't think she'd actually come."
Melena kept walking, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Did these people not have actual work to do?
Hazel leaned closer. "Ignore them."
"I'm trying," Melena replied, although she was also trying very hard not to start throwing office chairs.
Hazel pointed toward a sleek reception desk at the end of the hallway. "That's where you need to go."
"What about you?"
"I have to report to the legal department."
Melena looked at her hopefully. "You can't just... stay with me?"
Hazel laughed. "I'd love to, but unlike some people, I actually enjoy keeping my job."
"Traitor."
"I prefer employed."
Melena sighed. "Fine."
Hazel squeezed her arm. "You've got this."
Melena wasn't nearly as confident, but before she could respond, Hazel disappeared down another corridor, leaving her alone.
Taking a slow breath, Melena walked toward the reception desk.
Catherine stood as she approached. She looked elegant enough to belong on the cover of a business magazine. Her pink blouse and fitted skirt were perfectly pressed, and as usual not a single strand of blonde hair had escaped her neat hairstyle. Unlike an Alpha or Omega, her pheromones were extremely faint, making Melena guess she was a Delta.
Catherine smiled politely. "You must be Doctor Melena Roland."
Melena nodded. "Yes."
"I'm Catherine Williams." She held out her hand. "I'm Mr. Rider's secretary."
Melena shook it. "Nice to meet you."
Catherine studied her for a brief moment. She was even prettier than the office gossip had suggested, and it wasn't hard to understand why so many employees kept sneaking glances in her direction.
"I've heard quite a lot about you," Catherine said.
Melena blinked. "Should I be worried?"
"Oh, not at all."
Catherine laughed softly. "It's impressive, actually."
She looked Melena over again. "An Omega becoming one of Hamilton's youngest researchers is already an achievement. And now you've managed to join Shiver Corp."
Something about the way she said it made Melena's eyebrow twitch. It didn't quite sound like a compliment. It sounded more like she was surprised Melena had managed to make it this far.
Even so, Melena smiled politely. "Thank you."
"I'll help you settle in." Catherine picked up a folder from the desk. "And don't pay attention to everyone staring. They're always curious when someone new arrives."
"I'm getting used to it."
She wasn't, but admitting that wouldn't change anything.
Catherine gestured toward the hallway. "Come with me. The boss is waiting."
She led Melena deeper into the executive floor before stopping in front of two enormous wooden doors. After knocking once, she waited until a deep voice answered from inside.
"Come in."
Melena closed her eyes briefly before opening them again.
There was no point delaying the inevitable. It was finally time to deal with the most irritating Alpha in Hamilton.
- Writer
