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CHAPTER 7
Raven had two choices when she made that statement.
The first, turn around and run, don't look back. It was best not to tangle herself with the mess of her past.
Choice two, stay and feign ignorance no matter what Storm says because she needs the deal. As one of the nation's biggest tech companies, doing business with them would be a huge boost.
She wasn't about to let that go because of her mate.
Besides, he rejected her. There was no way he would mind her now, right?
Storm couldn't believe his eyes. The very mate he had rejected openly stood before him, looking overly different and more exquisite than that day, to do business with him.
Stella cleared her throat. She did not wish to call her boss and alpha out for his mistake but she didn't want to make a mistake and offend Raven either.
They needed her expertise in event planning. The last event she did for one of the tech companies left many in the alpha community talking.
"Alpha, please calm down."
Even though she reached out through the mind link, Storm was completely blocked out—tsk.
"Um, Ms. Gold pardon me please."
Stella walked quickly to Storm's desk, placing her hands on it. "Alpha, please get a grip."
Storm's eyes darkened, averting his gaze to her. "I know what I am saying. That's Raven Ryker from the Alpha's conference, six months ago."
Raven narrowed her eyes, placing one hand on her hip. "Okay, I tried being civil. If this meeting does not progress as it should, I'm afraid there will be no deal."
Stella's eyes widened. Both of them whipped their heads in Raven's direction. "My apologies but that wouldn't be necessary."
"Times, ticking darling and clearly I am the only one who has consciousness of that."
Raven glanced at Storm once more. She turned without giving it a second thought, gambling her chances and his actions.
Realizing his outburst could cost them, Storm schooled his expression and cleared his throat. "Wait."
She halted but did not look at either of them. "Stay." Storm straightened his back before adding, "I apologize. I must have mistaken you for someone else."
Deep within she knew the stunt he was pulling but for her goal, she turned and walked closer to them.
Stella took a closer look at her. She was at the ball attending to the Alpha's meal and drinks when Raven walked in. One look at Raven and she knew she wasn't the same person as Asteria.
'Different hair and eye colour, maybe slight resemblance. Was he too traumatized by that girl or what?' Stella thought.
"Kindly do not let it repeat itself."
"It won't," Stella chimed and offered her a seat but being the stubborn soul that Raven was, she did not sit until Storm gave his word.
"Like she said. Please sit."
Raven sat, placing her bag on her thigh. "Shall we proceed to business?"
"Yes. I have the designs on my tablet including the samples you sent."
"Alright. Since this is a company's dinner, the location and hall maters. I presume..."
"Wait what?" Storm cut in, dazed. He glared at Stella, waiting for an explanation.
Raven too was lost as she stared between the two of them. "Huh... It's for Nova Apex Tech, right?"
"You didn't tell her?" Storm chimed. "How is she supposed to be prepared when she doesn't know what work she'll be handling? Why didn't you brief her?"
Within a minute, Raven saw Storm's expression and mood change drastically. Stella froze but she could not blame him. Whispering an apology to Storm through their mind link, she focused on a more confused Raven.
Stella flashed an apologetic smile at Raven. "I am afraid Asteria, that is not the case."
"Okay..." Raven drawled, still waiting for her job description.
"You will be handling a much bigger event in..."
Storm cut in, "You are planning the Western region's Alpha ball/mating ceremony for the coming-of-age werewolves."
"Wait what?!"
The news hit her like a truck. Raven couldn't believe her ears. She was to plan the Alpha's ball, a party where all the Alphas and their mates from the western regions would gather and possibly more.
'How was I supposed to prepare myself for this? I didn't think this through.' Raven pondered.
"I will give you a week to plan. Any further delay would not be tolerated. This is a very important occasion and I hope you understand that," Storm explained, his tone cold.
Raven's brow's brows shot up. "Excuse me?"
She disliked him prior but now, his rudeness was irking.
"If you can't handle this task then there's no reason for you to be here."
"Firstly, isn't this a job for a Luna?"
"Yes?" he narrowed his eyes at her, trying to get her point.
"Then why am I doing it?"
Stella parted her lips to speak but Storm beat her to it. "Don't think too much of your role here. You're only helping."
Raven frowned.
Sensing the tension escalating, Stella quickly quenched the flames. "Huh, what he meant by that was, the current Luna is sick."
'So he is married or mated to another.' Raven noted.
"Aren't there helpers?"
"We have but we want something different, modern that can suit the palate of everyone present. Something that would stand out and be the talk of the nation."
"Are you going to question us or take the job?"
It took all Raven's willpower not to tell him to choke on his dick and smile.
'I cannot mess this up. This is my chance to win big, Raven. Ignore him,' she chanted inwardly.
"I accept."
"You'll be getting the details in the following days," Storm continued, standing up from his seat.
"However, I am not going with your deadline."
Storm frowned. Clearly, he hated being challenged. "This is something far more than a normal company event. I need to understand your traditions and..."
"Why? Shouldn't you know them? Aren't you a werewolf?"
"Aren't we in Vox Ville a mixed city?" Raven shot back, glaring at him.
Stella bit her tongue. The work chemistry between these two was minus zero.
"Your point?"
Raven tried not to give in and let his actions control her mood. Even though she was a werewolf, her mother never really talked about packs and traditions.
It was why they lived in the city away from that. She knew almost nothing about the traditions.
Rather than answering Storm, Raven whipped her head in Stella's direction. "I can handle this, but I'll need time."
"How long are we talking here?"
"A week and two days top," Storm responded for her.
"Enh?"