Chapter 62
When we entered the meeting room, everyone immediately stood, heads slightly bowed in respect to their Alpha. The room was impressive–a long black marble table surrounded by thirty high–backed leather chairs. The two chairs at the head were slightly larger than the rest, clearly meant for the highest–ranking wolves. Derek’s position faced a high–end projection screen mounted on the wall.
Derek waved a casual hand, indicating for everyone to sit. I stood behind his chair, head lowered, acutely aware of the curious and disdainful glances thrown my way.
An Omega attending a high–level Pack meeting was unprecedented, and I could almost hear their thoughts–wondering what I had done to earn such a privilege, or perhaps what I had done to be punished with such a task.
“Let’s begin,” Derek said, his voice filled with authority instantly commanding attention. “Department reports first.”
The meeting dragged on for over an hour. Department heads presented their reports, discussing financial statuses, upcoming projects, and potential partnerships. Despite my nervousness, I found myself occasionally stealing glances at Derek, fascinated by the way his mind worked.
He asked razor–sharp questions, cutting straight to the heart of issues, identifying potential problems before they were even mentioned, and offering solutions that had others nodding in appreciation.
In the business world of Stone Group and the Darkwood Pack, he truly was the undisputed king. His way of thinking was different, always seeing opportunities others missed. His strategic mind began where others thinking ended.
“Miss Blackwood?”
A voice pulled me from my thoughts. I blinked, suddenly realizing someone was speaking to me.
“Hmm?” I responded instinctively, then realized my mistake.
“The Alpha has called your name twice,” the person said, their tone filled with disapproval. “Does an Omega dare to daydream during à Pack meeting?”
I turned toward Derek, shame washing over me. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I was just-”
“It seems this Omega assistant has a special interest in our Alpha,” someone commented from across the table, causing several wolves to chuckle softly.
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Chapter 62
My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I averted my gaze, wishing the floor would open up and swallow me whole.
“Enough,” Derek commanded, his voice like ice. “Focus on your work reports, not my assistant secretary.”
I noticed he slightly emphasized the words “my assistant secretary,” as if reminding everyone that I worked directly for him. Almost immediately, everyone bowed their heads respectfully, and the meeting continued.
“Thank you,” I whispered, relieved.
Just as the meeting seemed to be winding down, my phone began to ring. The sudden noise startled me in the otherwise quiet room. I quickly pulled it from my pocket, seeing my mother’s name on the screen. I immediately silenced it, but everyone in the meeting room had already heard my ringtone.
Too late.
I glanced at Derek. His eyes met mine, a flash of gold appearing briefly before disappearing. My heart sank to my stomach. This was surely my worst day at Stone Group yet.
To my surprise, Derek spoke: “Take the call.”
“Wh–what?” I asked, certain I’d misheard.
“Take it,” he repeated, gesturing toward the door.
I turned away from the table, answering with trembling hands.
“Erin?” my mother’s voice came through, warm and familiar.
“I’m in the Alpha’s meeting room,” I said softly, acutely aware of the many enhanced wolf ears that could hear both sides of our conversation.
“Oh, I’m sorry, dear,” she responded immediately. “I just wanted to remind you to come home early tonight. You remember we have that dinner with the Beta wolf, right?”
“I’ll try to get back early,” I promised quietly.
When I ended the call and turned around, every wolf in the room was staring at me with expressions ranging from shock to contempt. An Omega taking a personal call during a formal Pack meeting was unheard of. I glanced at Derek, expecting a reprimand or worse.
To my shock, he simply said, “Continue with the meeting,” as if nothing unusual had occurred.
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Bonded to My Ex’s Alpha Brother
Chapter 63
