Promised to the Alfa's Son, Fated to Another

Chapter eleven

Riley adjusted his tie, staring at the same column of numbers for the third time. The figures blurred together. He wasn’t in the mood for work—not after last night. Even at the board meeting, he’d barely spoken, sipping coffee in silence until his secretary, Ethon, nudged him more than once to answer routine questions.

At least Alfie had gone for a run instead of bragging about Casey. Riley wouldn’t have stomached it. He’d fled his mother’s concerned words and buried himself here, in the office.

“Mister Satton, Neil Layton is here,” Ethon repeated before Riley even realized he’d spoken the first time. “You have an appointment at ten.”

Riley exhaled, setting the file aside. “I’ll meet him in the conference room.”

---

Neil was not a man one understood easily. Owner of several profitable ventures, he didn’t waste time on meaningless meetings. If he’d requested this one, it was for information or leverage. And between wolves, business ran by its own code—rules of honor one didn’t break lightly.

“Mr. Layton.” Riley shook his hand as he entered. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Neil’s smile was polished, but Riley didn’t buy it. “I wanted to know if you’ve considered my proposal.”

“I reviewed your numbers. Impressive.” Riley sat, folding his hands. “Though frankly, I don’t see why you need me to sponsor it.”

“Because,” Neil said smoothly, steepling his fingers, “you already have someone perfect for the job. And as a rival pack, I cannot ask her directly.”

Riley arched a brow. “You mean the architect you mentioned belongs to Full Moon? Care to share a name?”

“In time.” Neil’s smirk widened. He slid a folder across the table. “For now, let’s set that aside. This project could fund both our businesses for years. I know you receive little financial support from your Alpha.”

“Careful, Layton,” Riley’s voice dropped, silver glinting in his eyes.

Neil lowered his gaze deliberately, conceding without apology. “I only meant—this is an opportunity worth millions. My Alpha is not in poor health, but we both know werewolves are not eternal. One day his son will rule, and I cannot know if I’ll remain in favor. I prefer to be prepared for… turbulence.”

Riley studied him. “So this is your safety net.”

“Exactly.” Neil’s grin was wolfish. “And yours as well.”

Riley flipped through the documents. The project was thorough—permits approved, figures solid. He didn’t like Layton, but he couldn’t deny the brilliance of the plan. Construction was his life’s work, and this was the kind of rare opportunity that only came once. If Alfie married Casey, Riley would have every reason to leave the pack. Millions more in his pocket would make that escape easier.

“So, 1.2 million?” Riley asked, not looking up.

“My 1.2, and yours,” Neil confirmed. “Equal partnership.”

“And if it fails?” Riley’s tone was flat.

“As stated in the contract, I repay you in full with 7.5 percent interest within a year.” Neil leaned back. “Not that it will come to that.”

“No loans?”

“None. Pure cash. I don’t involve banks.”

That, at least, Riley respected. He remembered his father’s scorn the last time he’d borrowed from the pack’s bank. We do not owe anyone, son—not even our own pack. The shame of it still lingered.

“Send this to legal with my approval,” Riley ordered Ethon when the secretary appeared.

“Yes, Mr. Satton.”

Riley rose and shook Neil’s hand. Business was business; rivalry didn’t matter when the numbers were this good.

Neil buttoned his dark blue jacket, smirking as he reached the door.

“One more thing,” Riley called after him. His smile was razor-thin. “This mysterious architect—you still don’t want to give me a name?”

For the first time, Neil let a flicker of triumph show. He feigned hesitation, but it was theater, calculated to sting.

“Didn’t I mention?” He turned, eyes gleaming. “Your Beta’s daughter. Casey McRory. Talented architect—and perfect for the job.”