Two weeks after returning from the Storm Forest Pack, I resumed work and allowed myself to hope again. One defeat wouldn't define me. My brother had just announced an alliance between the Blue Blood Pack and another pack, the details of which were vaguely stated in the announcement. The invitation to join our pack was extended because they successfully met our demands.

This news spread quickly, and each head Alpha expressed interest in a partnership. Jason, as head Alpha, handled the matter. The meeting of head Alphas would be purely social, devoid of business dealings.

I had no insight into Jason's reasoning. He didn't discuss it with me before the announcement, and remained tight-lipped when I inquired. I didn't understand his sudden desire for an alliance, or why he'd made a public announcement instead of approaching the other pack directly.

That afternoon, as I prepared to return to the pack house, the board of directors persuaded me to attend a club for one of their birthdays. I'm not a club-goer, but I reluctantly agreed.

Upon arrival, everyone enthusiastically greeted me and sat at a table with me. Damia sat beside me. They all asked about my drink preference; I requested soft drinks, preferring not to consume alcohol. Their faces fell, but they ordered soft drinks as well.

"It's okay. You can have drinks," one said.

"No, no. We can't drink when our CEO isn't. It would be disrespectful," another chimed in.

Feeling guilty about their restraint, I sighed and ordered a drink. Their shocked reactions were palpable.

"Miss Natalia, are you sure?" one man asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

Damia turned to me. "Boss, you never drink."

"Don't worry. Just a small sip. I don't want to spoil someone's birthday," I explained.

She smiled. "Boss, you're so amiable."

A waiter arrived, inexplicably replacing our soft drinks with wine. We all toasted the birthday celebrant. My first sip burned, but the alcohol soon eased the discomfort.

"Isn't that Doctor Max Harrison?" someone whispered from a nearby table.

I looked in the direction everyone was staring. It was Max Harrison.

"What's he doing in our pack?" one of my men asked.

"I heard he came with the head Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack," another replied.

I addressed Mr. Hendrix. "What did you just say?"

"He came with the Alpha of his pack. The alliance with them ended," he explained.

I frowned. Why hadn't I known about this, while my directors had? I realized I'd never asked Jason about the Blood Moon Pack, likely explaining my lack of awareness.

"Boss, Beta Eric said you admire Doctor Max. Want to talk to him?" Damia whispered.

I shook my head. "He told you about me?"

Damia chuckled awkwardly. "Actually, I persuaded him to tell me about you, your likes and dislikes. I'm your personal information gatherer."

I smiled. "He's right. I admire him professionally. But let's not disturb him," I said, glancing at Max, who was engaged in a serious, seemingly scolding conversation with a young woman.

My mind raced. Had he had a fling? Was she trying to reveal something? I dismissed the thoughts, attributing them to the alcohol. Doctor Max was a gentleman; he had no scandals. I'd even spoken with him at the council party; he was humble.

Unexpectedly, he caught my eye, making me blush. I quickly looked away. To compose myself, I finished my drink. He'd probably felt uncomfortable with his gaze.

The board members cheered my drinking. A man poured me another glass of wine. Damia tried to stop me, but I took it, saying, "I can drink another glass."

I downed it quickly, shocking them. They almost clapped. I didn't know what had come over me. I drank another

"Miss Natalia, we heard you were a medical student before joining our company. Is that correct?"

"Hmm," I hummed.

"So you wanted to be a doctor?"

"I wanted to save lives, just like Doctor Ma—"

"Miss Natalia Hansley?"

A voice interrupted. Everyone turned to see Max standing beside my chair.

I looked up. "Doctor Max?" I blinked, trying to clear my vision.

His face came into focus. "Hi," he said, extending his hand.

I took it; his touch was gentle.

"Hello," I mumbled.

He chuckled, noticing my slight intoxication. "What a coincidence! We met again."