The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 19

I've been walking for three hours. I'm happy when I see a familiar road. It leads into the city! I stay off the road to avoid Ryker finding me. The black Mercedes is in the distance. I sense it's a bad idea to run toward it, but I do.

Out on the road, I watch the black Mercedes slow down to a halt. The back window rolls down. 

"Hello, Zenith," I say. 

"I was worrying, Astrid. I haven't seen you for a few days," he says.

"I'd like to take you up on that job offer if you'll still have me?" I ask nervously. Zenith smirks. 

"When can you start?" He asks. 

"I can start now if you like?" 

Zenith looks me up and down, studying me. He is curious.

"Has something happened, Astrid?" He asks. 

"I'm no longer living with my father, and no one here is looking to employ new staff," I explain, leaving Ryker out of the story.

"I see," he says, scratching his half-missing ear. He opens the car door and gets out. 

"You may as well hop in. You work for me now," he smiles. I glance around to make sure no one is watching and climb into the car.

Zenith scans the area to see what I'm looking at and says nothing about it. A young guy in the car smiles at me and pats the seat next to him, motioning for me to sit. Sitting next to him, I click my belt. 

"Astrid, this is John, one of my twin sons," Zenith introduces him. 

"Nice to meet you," I say, politely holding my hand out to shake his. John places a kiss on my hand as he takes it. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Astrid," he replies with a cocky smile. He looks a lot like Zenith but less bulky and much thinner. He has the same dark eyes, dark hair, and nose. A few days of stubble have grown on his face.

"So, your business, Zenith Creations: what is it you do exactly?" I ask. Zenith chuckles. 

"I do many things. Mainly, I have meetings with high-profile clients. I go through their designs and make their products," he explains. 

"Oh, okay. What are you employing me to do?" I ask. 

"It doesn't matter whom. I won't see him again," I say sadly and look away. 

"Well, my offer always stands, become part of my pack, and you'll always have full protection," he repeats.

"We've arrived," he says as the car stops. He opens the car door and reaches his arm out for my hand to help me out of the vehicle. 

"Thank you," I say, stepping out of the car and feeling John brush up behind me as he gets out of the vehicle. I step forward to put space between us and ignore him.

We're in an underground car park. I follow Zenith to an elevator, step in and stand beside Zenith at the back. John stands in front of us. I feel under-dressed, wearing a hoodie and jeans while they wear expensive suits. After a few minutes, the elevator stops and the doors open with a ding. I step into a large, clean, classy foyer. I follow Zenith to a large door. 

"This is the waiting room." he says.

The waiting room has luxurious couches and recliners, designer coffee tables, fancy vases and fresh flowers. There is a long u-shaped desk centred in the room and an ample water feature on another wall.

"This will be your desk. You will greet the clients and offer them drinks. There is a kitchen with a coffee machine and a fridge behind you. Give my clients whatever they want," he says. I nod.

"This room behind your desk is my office. Don't let anyone in until you have told me they are here via call. I will tell you when I'm ready for them."