I stared at the card for a long time, unsure who sent it. It felt like an open challenge. I clutched it, then threw it in the dustbin.
"I've seen many Alphas struggle with women who stand as equals," I muttered. "This warning means nothing to me."
I returned to bed, closed my eyes, and slept. Morning arrived quickly. I yawned, glanced out the window, and said to myself, "A new day, a new challenge."
I unpacked a dress, showered, and dressed. Emerging from the bathroom, I noticed red roses beside the bed. The card and its message returned to my mind. Shrugging it off, I dried my hair.
After applying light makeup and styling my hair, I called Damia. She reported that everyone was gathering in the lobby.
We ate breakfast together, discussing our project. Afterward, we headed to the Storm Forest Pack's company.
"Nice to meet you, CEO Natalia," greeted CEO Wade, Alpha Seth Campbell's older brother. He appeared to be in his late forties, considerably older than me. Having a significant age gap with his brother, he'd relinquished the Alpha position last year, but remained influential within the pack.
With Eric by my side, I presented my project to CEO Wade. Damia and other managers were also present.
"I'm impressed," Alpha Wade said. "Your project can benefit us across the board. As always, the princess of the Blue Blood Pack never disappoints."
His praise confirmed we'd secured the deal. Eric, looking proud, smiled his confirmation. In fact, Eric's strategic decision to present our proposal after others, leveraging information from a friend about competing projects, had cleverly diverted Alpha Wade's attention.
After addressing a few minor changes, Alpha Wade concluded, "Thanks. See you at the conference tonight! May the best company win."
Leaving the office, I breathed a sigh of relief. This deal was crucial to proving myself.
Eric patted my shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll win. No one can do better than us."
I nodded. Damia, excited about the evening, mentioned her sightseeing plans. I liked her; she was sensible and kind. I promised her a tour of the pack, regardless of the project's outcome.
It was lunchtime when we left. Eric took us to a restaurant. Returning to the hotel, we prepared for the conference.
I selected a white dress. It made me look professional, projecting the strength I needed to convey. Makeup masked my fatigue, enhancing my professional appearance.
While getting ready, I again noticed the roses. Despite their ominous origin, they were undeniably beautiful.
I grabbed my phone and white heels, then pulled my hair into a high ponytail, checking my reflection from every angle. Feeling confident, I left my room.
Everyone met in the lobby. Three cars—identical to those used that morning—waited outside. Our managers boarded, and I joined Eric and Damia in one of them. Across the street, I noticed a line of luxury cars, likely belonging to the attending Alpha leaders.
Our drivers took us to the conference venue. Looking out the window, I observed the pack's nightlife. The Storm Forest Pack was known for its vast land, with the forest covering half its territory, necessitating constant vigilance against potential attacks from rival packs.
Upon arriving at the venue, we exited the cars. As I entered the hall, everyone's eyes turned towards me, their anticipation palpable. I wasn't oblivious to their interest.
Walking confidently, Eric introduced me to several unfamiliar Alphas. One by one, more Alphas arrived, each radiating their powerful presence. During our conversations, we heard a commotion outside.
Turning, I saw the luxury cars from the hotel, now stopping outside the venue. An Alpha nearby announced, "Alpha Adrian has arrived!"
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