Promised to the Alfa's Son, Fated to Another

Chapter twelve

Riley paused in front of the glass door to the architecture firm. After Neil’s departure, the bitter taste of being tricked still lingered. But the documents were already signed, stamped with his approval. To pull back now would mean losing face in front of Layton—and that, he would never allow.

This was Casey’s workplace. Along with the art gallery she adored, this office was her pride. Everyone knew she excelled in both. The firm belonged to old Henry Norton, an omega of the pack, a lonely man whose life had collapsed after losing his wife and children in a car accident. Since then, work was all he had. He liked Riley, even trusted him, and had more than once suggested that Riley buy the company.

“Riley! Good to see you,” Henry greeted warmly, gripping his hand. “You’ve been standing out there forever. Come in, come in.”

“Thank you,” Riley said, stepping into the spacious office.

“I assume you’re here with good news?” Henry gestured toward a chair.

“Actually… I need a favor.”

“That already sounds interesting.” Henry leaned back with a curious smile.

Riley drew a breath, ready to speak—when the door opened again. Casey walked in with her assistant, eyes on the files she was flipping through. She was laughing at something the girl said, light and carefree. Then she looked up.

Her smile vanished the moment she saw him.

For a second, Casey froze. A strange heat spread across her palm, and her wolf stirred violently. She knew that scent. Savanna had told her Riley hadn’t come to the party, but here he was. Why had he run then, only to show up now? She lowered her gaze quickly, searching her hand for a mark that wasn’t there.

“I didn’t realize you had company,” she murmured, tapping her fingers against the folder.

“Riley surprised me,” Henry said. “Sorry, Mr. Satton.”

“It’s fine.” Riley stood, his smile steady. “Riley.” He offered his hand.

Casey swallowed, panic flickering in her green eyes. She couldn’t bring herself to take it.

To her surprise, he didn’t press. Riley simply let his hand fall back to his side, sliding it into his pocket with an easy shrug, as if it didn’t matter. The small act—his restraint—made her stomach twist more than if he’d forced her.

Casey pressed her lips together, placed the files on Henry’s desk, and turned briskly to leave. “Please review these before lunch,” she said with a practiced smile, and walked out with her assistant.

Riley’s eyes followed her until she disappeared down the hall.

The old man coughed, pulling him back.

“I heard she got engaged,” Henry said casually.

“Yes,” Riley sighed. “The formal ceremony is next week.”

“And yet…” Henry smirked. “You’re clearly interested. You know, even as the Alpha’s second son, you carry a stronger reputation than most. Many families would prefer you over your brother.”

“Not in this case.” Riley coughed lightly, forcing a smile. “Listen, Henry—I need your help releasing Miss McRory for a few months. I want her as the architect on a project I just greenlit.”

Henry tilted his head. “Any particular reason it has to be her?”

“My partner insisted,” Riley admitted. “I didn’t know until after I’d signed the contract. It’s… an awkward position.”

“Awkward? Sounds fishy.” Henry drummed his fingers against the desk. “You know that, right?”

“You must believe me, there was no intention to complicate my life further,” Riley exhaled. “If you say no, I’ll pay off the guaranteed penalty and walk away.”

“I wouldn’t put you in that corner.” The older man’s lips curved into something between a smirk and a warning. “But everything has its price.”

“Name it.” Riley’s voice was firm, deadly serious.

Henry opened his mouth—then paused as Casey passed by the glass wall with two other women. Her laughter rang out, bright and genuine. Riley’s head turned instantly, his focus locked on her.

For a fleeting moment, she was smiling in a way he’d never seen before. Natural. Radiant. His wolf surged forward inside him, desperate to take the lead, to claim her. Riley forced it back down. Any mistake—any sign of that hunger—and he would lose her trust forever.

Gods, she’s even more beautiful like this… not dressed up, not forced. Just her.

Henry watched him with knowing eyes. The boy was lost, and he knew it.

“So, about the price,” Henry said at last, smirking.

Riley expected a number high enough to hire four other architects. But the glint in the old man’s gaze told him it wouldn’t be about money.

“For as long as she works on this project, she works only with you—or under your direct supervision,” Henry said, then leaned in with a sly smile. “And you’ll be the one to ask her. Personally.”