# 8
Alexa stood before the grand entrance of L.P Enterprise, her eyes widening in awe as she gazed up at the towering skyscraper. The sleek, modern design and gleaming glass façade seemed to stretch on forever, leaving her breathless every time she visited. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as she pushed through the revolving doors.
Inside, the reception area was just as impressive, with polished marble floors and a high ceiling. But her attention was quickly drawn to the receptionist, who looked like she'd rather be anywhere else. The woman's gum-chewing was loud and obnoxious, and her expression was downright rude.
"Hi, I have an appointment..." Alexa began, but the receptionist cut her off before she could finish.
"Room 48, third floor, first office," the woman snapped, not even looking up from her phone.
Alexa nodded, trying to hide her annoyance. "Thank you."
She made her way to the third floor, her heart racing with anticipation. She really wanted this job, but she knew she had no qualifications and feared it would be given to someone more deserving.
Standing outside Room 48, she took another deep breath and knocked on the door. A gruff voice made her enter, and she stepped inside, coming face to face with a middle-aged man who looked like he'd spent one too many hours at the buffet table.
He was hunched over his laptop, oblivious to her presence until she cleared her throat to announce herself. "I have an appointment for the secretary job," she said, trying to sound confident.
The man looked up, and his eyes locked onto hers with a gaze that made her skin crawl. She could smell the lust emanating from him, a pungent scent that made her stomach turn. As a werewolf, her senses were heightened, and she could detect the subtlest changes in human behavior.
But she kept her cool, determined not to let this man's lecherous behavior throw her off her game. She forced a bright smile onto her face and waited for him to speak, all the while wondering how she'd manage to work with someone who so clearly objectified her.
"Sit." He said
Alexa sat down, trying to maintain a confident smile as the man's eyes lingered on her.
"So, what can I do for you?" he asked, his voice dripping with condescension.
"I'm here for the secretary job," Alexa replied, her voice firm.
The man nodded, his gaze still fixed on her. "I see. And do you have a CV?"
Alexa hesitated, her smile faltering for a moment. "I don't have one, but I promise to do my best if given the opportunity."
The man laughed, a patronizing sound. "It doesn't work like that, sweetheart. But I'll give you a chance to prove your competence...if you really want it."
Alexa's heart skipped a beat as she tried to contain her excitement. "Thank you, sir! I really appreciate it."
But before she could express her gratitude further, the man stopped her with a raised hand. "You have to pay for it, though."
Alexa's instincts screamed warning, and she tried to deflect his advances. "I don't have any money."
The man's smile grew wider, and he stood up, his movements deliberate and menacing. "I wasn't talking about money," he said, his voice dripping with malice.
He reached out, his fingers tracing her chin, sliding down her neck, and lingering on her cleavage. Alexa's skin crawled, and she knocked his hand away.
"Excuse me?" she said, her voice firm.
The man chuckled. "Oh, come on. Don't play coy. You know what I want."
Alexa's anger flared, and she stood up, her eyes flashing. "I don't think so. And even if I did, I'm not for sale."
The man's face twisted in anger and shame as he scrambled to his feet. "You'll pay for that!" he yelled, his face red with rage.
In that moment, Alexa's rage consumed her. She refused to let this man sabotage her chances of providing for her child. With a swift motion, she delivered a powerful punch to the manager's gut, causing him to double over in pain.
Alexa turned to leave, her heart pounding. "I don't think so," she said, her voice confident.
As she walked out of the office, she heard the man's parting shot. "You'll never get a job in this town again!"
* * * * *
Alexa stood outside the building, trying to force back the tears that threatened to spill down her face. She felt so humiliated and defeated. All she wanted was a job to provide for Rahilla and prove herself, but it seemed like the universe was against her.
Her phone rang, startling her. She was still getting used to this strange device that Leonard had introduced her to. She hesitated for a moment before answering, hoping it was Leonard.
"Hey, where are you? How did the interview go?" Leonard's voice was warm and concerned.
Alexa's voice cracked as she tried to hold back tears. "I...I'm outside the building. It didn't go well."
"What happened?" Leonard's tone turned serious.
Alexa sniffled, trying to compose herself. "He...he mocked me. He asked for my CV, and when I didn't have one, he tried to take advantage of me."
Leonard's voice was firm. "Stay right there, Alexa. Don't go anywhere. I'll handle it."
It wasn't long, the man from the office came running out of the building, looking frantic. He dropped to his knees in front of Alexa, his eyes pleading.
"Oh God, please forgive me! I don't know what came over me. The devil got into me, I swear!"
Alexa's anger flared. "What you did wasn't right at all. You can't just blame the devil for your actions."
The man looked up, his face contorted in remorse. "I know, I know. I'm so sorry. I didn't know what got into me. Please, forgive me. Let's go back inside and continue your interview."
Alexa stood still, hesitant to go inside. She was curious about what made him change his mind.
"Please. Let's go in." He said, interrupting her thoughts.
She decided to let go of it and follow him.