Chapter 2: A. Wells
The Gray Wolves... the most powerful pack in the city, led by the Kol family. Once it was them, Dark Moon the biggest pack, thought Max, when his father was young. He knew what his parents had caused to that family, and without a doubt, that hatred towards the Maledettos had been inherited to the next generation. Arnold's son Conrad, who now ran Kol House, had them as enemies, especially he hates Max. They couldn't even see each other since they were kids.
It wasn't his fault, he hadn't done anything, if possible his misfortune also touched him, he had lost his parents before he even knew them. He didn't even remember them anymore, and that break his heart every day. His uncle Luca was his only family, he had had a good life thanks to him. Both were very close and also powerful, the Dark Alphas.
Something they both shared was their aversion to having a mate. They did any ritual they knew, they had amulets, and they prayed every day to the moon godness to have mercy on them. They didn't want to ruin the werewolf community again, they didn't want any more suffering. Furthermore, they don't get involved in scandals with other wolves, shewolves, they respected everyone and were good alphas.
Above all, they kept a low profile, their only goal was to clean the name of the family, strengthen the pack and the company.
—Uncle… are you sure this is necessary? — Max aks Luca. They're on their way to Kol's office, right in the elevator. They both hate seeing the Kols, but sometimes they have to do what they have to do. Especially when the Kols are interested in some investments that the Maledettos have, it seems to be a good opportunity to grow the business and improve their image in the community.
—Unfortunately, you know, we have to maintain good relations with them. They don't trust us, so they have a special request— Luca tells him.
Luca had become an exceptional werewolf, brilliant and strong, like his brother Matteo. He was the older version of his nephew, although he did not appear to be more than thirty years old. He was a classic Maledetto, black hair, white skin, tall and handsome, except that he had blue eyes. If anyone saw them, they would consider them to be brothers, both dressed in black and carrying themselves as if they were kings.
When they entered the offices of their enemies, the workers stared at them attentively, astonished. The power they radiated was terrifying. Humans and werewolves lowered their heads alike. Max could smell several werewolves and some humans as well. Some peeked out to see them, their fame preceded them.
Arnold had arranged to leave the business to his son, and thank the goddess they didn't have to deal with the oldest Kol anymore. Young Conrad looks at them curiously and suspiciously, it's obvious beforehand that he doesn't want to work with them. He keeps glancing at Max with an expression of distrustful and perhaps envy.
Conrad is like a rich spoiled child, arrogant and selfish. He is blond, tall with blue eyes, almost transparent, lifeless. He is the typical man who, just because he is an alpha, thinks he is better than the rest. Luca watches as Conrad struggles not to submit, and that almost make him smile. The power of the Maledettos is remarkable, worse when they are together and Conrad is not immune to that... despite the fact that his pack is large, he is a common alpha like any other.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, for a second, Max thinks he smells something, gets nervous and turns abruptly, looking for where it came from. He thought he smelled a very pleasant aroma, like something sweet like candy... but, in seconds, the smell had disappeared. It must have been nothing…although it was incredibly tempting. He pulls himself together and continues with the meeting.
—Well… as you know we want to be in one of your investments in the port, however… and, as a sign of trust, we want to include one of our consultants in the entire project, to work directly with you, and protect our interests— indicates Conrad casually.
The Maledettos use the mind link to communicate, they don't like the idea, but as Conrad mentions, it is a sign of good faith. Perhaps, at least, they can control some of the situation. Having an insider in their own company doesn't sound like a good idea. It must be someone interesting, someone good.
—Could we choose the consultant?—Luca points out and Conrad agrees, calls his assistant, in a rude manner, to bring some CVs and in minutes they have several papers on the table.
—I see a couple of interesting profiles here— Luca says out loud and points to his nephew some files, smiling. Luca has always had a very jovial, pleasant and friendly character, unlike his nephew who is usually more taciturn and serious.
—This consultant… A. Wells seems particularly outstanding. Incredible scholarships, study of philosophy, literature, economics… seems to have been involved in good projects — says Max really impressed. He is rarely seen like, with a sparkle in his eyes that seems strange to his uncle. They are particularly good analyzing people, and yes, this right here is a good consultant.
As always, these types of businessmen have no idea what they have, there were some really remarkable people with them, but they didn't see them. If a worker is humble, or have different origins… they are almost discarded, even if they are good, really good. And he talks about his workers as if they were nothing.
Something inside Luca told him that this undertaking was going to turn out well. He smiles pleased, and tells Conrad that Dark Moon Corp is undoubtedly very interested in doing business with them, and that they will be sharing more information soon.
Conrad explains that the consultant will meet with them soon in these same offices. This small alliance would be an unprecedented peace truce. Conrad looks suspicious, but he doesn't say anything, this time he needs them, he follows the rules and more importantly… he wants the Maledettos to leave as soon as possible. His father was right…they make any wolf nervous.
—What do you think, Max?—Luca asks his nephew as he sits next to him in the car, staring blankly at the road. It's raining, and they just left a meeting that seems stressful, but it went well.
—I think there seems to be something good, but honestly… It is a nightmare to see Conrad again. He is truly something… arrogant and vain… did you see how he treated his assistant? Not even their consultants have names, but only their last names! — says his nephew angrily.
—Yes, I noticed… Kols have always been like this since they are the largest pack in the city, they treat others like servants—
—But… yes… I think you're right, there's something there… I don't know what it is. Maybe it's worth all the effort to please these people and work with them— says Max. He knows, he feels something, like a sixth sense very usual in the family.
—Are you okay? You look uneasy in the meeting—Luca asks, his blue eyes looking curiously.
—I felt…. something strange, but it was nothing. Maybe it was that the employees were nervous or… it was Conrad with his envious look— says Max and Luca laugh. It's true, Conrad is envious and yes… he and his nephew often make the rest nervous. They usually go to meetings separately, but with the Kols, the situation called for it.
Max stares off into the rain, it seems like a particularly gloomy day. He is always thinking about how he could improve the pack and the company, it is his responsibility as an alpha, and one day he will lead the pack. It was just him and his uncle against the world.
Suddenly, in the streets he sees a young woman walking in the rain, completely soaked, long dark hair, a black dress and a coat. She has her shoes in her hand, high heels. She seems tired, but at the same time... happy, as if she were dancing.
Max, can't stop thinking about that she looks like a little fairy, dancing in the rain. He doesn't usually notice this kind of things, and he doesn't understand why this woman attracted his attention either... maybe because she looks as a free spirit. A pretty girl on a dark and unhappy day.
—I don't want to make your strange bad mood worse, nephew, but... do you understand that from now on we have to see Conrad more often... and their consultant is going to work with us?— Luca asks, but he doesn't get an answer, just an eye roll of his nephew. Luca laughs again
New projects are usually exciting, but with the Kols... a weird feeling grows inside Max, something that makes him nervous, it's hard to explain. He remembers that brief sweet scent and feels his wolf Remo stir inside him, as if something were to happen, but he doesn't know exactly what it is.
*Dear readers,
This is my second story here, but my first about werewolves.
Hope you like it and leave some comments.
If you like a nice romance story, you can check Love, Curves and heartbreak.
Kisses,
Kika*