Page 6 of The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate
“We’re here for you, whatever you need,” Anne adds. “Research, reconnaissance, emotional support while you track down your mystery mate.”
“Thank you.” I feel better now. More grounded. More like myself. “I will find him. I have to. I can’t just let this go.”
“Of course you can’t,” Violet says. “You’re Sienna. You don’t let anything go.”
“Stubbornness is a virtue,” I say primly.
We toast with champagne and cake, and for a few minutes, life feels almost normal. Three friends celebrating a promotion, planning a strategic campaign, supporting each other the way we always have done.
Then, my phone buzzes with a message from Darius’s assistant.
Emergency meeting. Conference room A. 9 a.m. All division heads required. Silvercrest delegation will be present.
I show it to Violet and Anne.
“The Silvercrest team is visiting the office today,” Violet says. “First official meeting to discuss merger logistics.”
Right. The merger. The reason for last night’s party.
“It’s so surreal,” I say, already mentally shifting gears. “I’ll be leading most of the integration work.”
“You’ll be great,” Anne assures me. “You were born for this.”
I stand, smoothing down my suit. Time to be Chief Strategic Advisor Sienna, not Rejected Mate Sienna. I can compartmentalize.
“Wish me luck,” I say.
“You don’t need luck,” Violet says.
She’s right.
I grab my laptop and files, down the rest of my champagne in one go, and head for the door. Conference room A is a few floors up. I have fifteen minutes to get there, review my notes,and prepare to impress a team of visiting pack members with my strategic brilliance.
I can do this. This is what I’ve trained for.
The elevator ride feels like it takes forever. When I finally step out, I see other division heads already heading toward the conference room. I fall into step with them, exchanging polite nods and morning greetings.
The conference room is massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city and a table that seats at least thirty people. Darius is already here, standing at the head of the table and talking to several people I recognize from last night as the Silvercrest delegation.
Marcus catches my eye and gives me a friendly wave. Sarah is here, too, looking serious in a navy suit.
I wave back and move to find a seat as close as I can to the front. As chief strategic advisor, I need to be visible, accessible, ready to present when called upon.
I’m settling into my chair, opening my laptop, when Darius calls for attention.
“Everyone, thank you for coming on short notice,” he says, his alpha voice carrying easily through the room. “As you know, we’re in the preliminary stages of a significant alliance with Silvercrest Pack. Today marks the beginning of our formal collaboration.”
He gestures to someone standing near the windows, and when the man turns around, my stomach drops.
Dark hair with silver at the temples. Sharp, severe features. Eyes like black ice.
It’s him.
My mate.
Moving toward the head of the table like he belongs there.
“I’d like to introduce Alpha Lucas Steele of Silvercrest Pack,” Darius continues. “He’ll be working closely with our team over the coming months as we finalize the merger terms.”
