Chapter 6 My Wolf Awakened

Chloe's POV: The Elysian Jewelry had been a beloved century-old name until my company acquired it. As the chief designer of Queen's Rose, I was relocated back to my home country to oversee the brand's local expansion. They set me up in a sleek, modern apartment near our flagship location. My son had already drifted off to sleep while I was still busy unpacking and organizing. Within two hours, the sterile apartment had transformed into a warm, inviting space, perfect for both of us. I looked at his peaceful little face. Exhausted as I was, sleep never came. The memories here still haunted me. Five years ago, this place chewed me up. My best friend betrayed me, my stepsister tried to ruin me, and my father cast me out. But I survived. I raised my son alone and studied design. Worked my way up the ranks, clawing through sleepless nights and endless deadlines and getting the title of chief designer. I worked harder than anyone else, but fate turned out to be kind to me as well. My wolf awakened, defending me from harm from those outside the pack. And ever since Eva - my wolf - surfaced, everything about me had changed. Heightened senses, boundless energy, and strength I never knew I had. My sudden burst of stamina allowed me to care for my son while excelling at both my studies and work. Now I had savings and a safe place to live. I had my son with me, and was blessed with a job I loved. I didn't need the alpha seat of the Thunder Pack, I couldn't even care less about it. I bent down and kissed my son gently on the forehead, easing the storybook from his tiny fingers before heading into my room. I slept soundly through the night. ... The next morning, I enrolled my son in a nearby private preschool and dropped him off there. He adjusted quickly—bouncing in with his backpack, clutching the teacher's hand like he was heading off on an adventure. "That's your son? So handsome! I've never seen such a beautiful little boy," a mother nearby whispered, wide-eyed. I smiled, lips pressed together, a quiet pride blooming in my chest. With him settled in, I headed to Elysian Jewelry. It was my first official day here. As one of the elite designers transferred from headquarters, I was given a private office and paired with a capable assistant. I wasn't here to make mass-market pieces. My work was couture, high-fashion, and one of a kind. That was Queen Rose's unique selling point - every client, no matter their story, would walk away with a piece designed just for them, crafted to last a lifetime. My assistant, Cheryl Bishop, was fresh out of Arcane University. She was young, bright-eyed, and sharp as a tack. "Here's your coffee, Chloe," she chirped, placing the steaming cup on my desk. "Thanks." I nodded at her. Barely two minutes later, she peeked back in. "Chloe, the department manager just said there's a meeting at three. The big boss will be there. You might want to prep." At exactly 3:00 p.m., I walked into the glass-walled conference room and sat near the end of the long table. My eyes swept the room. Every chair was filled with senior members of Elysian. Almost all of them were high-ranking Beta wolves, which meant this was a power gathering. As I was discreetly taking in the room, my gaze locked unexpectedly with a pair of sharp, assessing eyes. They belonged to a striking woman, probably in her late twenties. Her nameplate read: Aiya, Chief Designer. I understood instantly. In the design world, rivalry is expected. There's no such thing as friendship in this space, only ambition and competition. My sudden return from overseas must've rubbed somebody the wrong way. Understandably. Also, I kept Eva's existence hidden on purpose. They probably assumed I was just another ordinary woman, not knowing I had a wolf. Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the hallway. There were multiple people, by the sound of it. The door opened, and a tall, commanding figure appeared. His tailored suit fit like armor, and his face was chiseled, with high cheekbones and a strong jawline. He walked with purpose, exuding a quiet, deadly authority. When he took the head seat at the table, the room fell into reverent silence. Everyone was whispering, "Who's this? What happened to the old boss?" Around me, the women were practically drooling, eyes wide, breath hitched. It was like a god had descended into the room. I was also in shock. I remembered the former boss of Elysian was supposed to be in his fifties. Who is this young man? That's when Eva stirred inside me violently. "Let me out! I need to be near him!" "What? What's wrong? Eva, calm down." I forced myself to breathe and tried to suppress her. Then the deputy general manager, Aric Lorne, cleared his throat. "Everyone, let me introduce Mr. Vincent Evans, global CEO and chairman of Queen's Rose. From today forward, he'll be overseeing all of Elysian's operations. Please give him a warm welcome." A collective gasp rippled through the room. Vincent Evans? The Alpha King who governed all the packs on this side of the continent?! The man whom my mother, a decorated Beta warrior, gave her life protecting? His alpha presence exerted an oppressive, instinctive pressure. Almost everyone in the room instinctively submitted to the sheer dominance rolling off him in waves. Everyone except me. I kept my spine straight. Turbulent emotions swirled in my chest. Then ... our eyes met. And Eva roared inside me. "Chloe! It's him! He's the one! He's our mate!" My brain exploded in a flash of white noise.