Chapter 2

• 5 years later:
• "Miss Wildheart, the board of directors are waiting in the boardroom," my assistant and best friend, Mirabelle Parker, said to me.
• "Let's go, I hate these meetings," I grumbled, though a small smile played on my lips.
• Mirabelle chuckled. "I know, but you know you don't have a choice." She gave me a pointed look.
• "Yeah, yeah, I know. Let's get this done. I still have that other meeting." I sighed, straightening my blazer.
• "You know, I heard the CEO of A.D. Group is very hot," Mirabelle said with a wink.
• I rolled my eyes at her words. We arrived at the boardroom, and the usual monthly report I dreaded commenced, though it was a necessary evil.
• You're probably wondering how I reached this point, right? Well, let me give you a brief rundown!.
• After leaving the Novilian Pack, I made my way to the nearest town, Pinecrest City. I started off working as a cleaner in hotels, saving every penny to pursue a career in design. I had always loved drawing, and my mom used to say I would be famous for my works one day.
• The course was only two years, but I worked tirelessly, taking three jobs at once to pay my tuition and afford a dilapidated apartment that looked like it would crumble at any moment. In school, that was where I met Mirabelle, and we became fast friends.
• After completing my studies, I decided to move to Capital City, the metropolitan hub brimming with opportunities. I started selling my works to earn money, first as a ghost designer, and then I started my own company a year later. That was when I called Mirabelle to join me, and of course, she left her hometown and came to be by my side, which I appreciated greatly.
• My company, Ezhara Designs, focused on clothing and jewelry design. My brand started gaining recognition a year later, and now, five years after leaving my pack and living as a human, I had a company that made millions in monthly revenue. I was living a very good life, I must say, even though I missed my mom and dad and wished they were here to witness my success. That's why I named my company by combining their names, Ezra and Zahara, into Ezhara. Cool, right? Every time I walked through a mall and saw people wearing Ezhara clothing or jewelry, I felt an immense sense of pride.
• As for men, I had completely forgotten about that aspect of my life. Of course, I had human suitors, but they could never compare to the profound connection of a werewolf mate bond, that undying love you could feel pulling you irrevocably to your fated partner. Human love always seemed so fleeting and uncertain in comparison.
• Okay, now back to the boardroom. "Miss Wildheart, you and your team have done an exceptional job this month. I don't regret one bit investing in you that year ago," Peter Johns, my company's third shareholder, said. First was me, then Mirabelle. Peter was the first person besides Mirabelle who saw potential in me.
• "Thank you, Peter. I wouldn't have reached this point without your investment and connections," I replied graciously.
• Peter smiled. "I know a good business opportunity when I see one, Miss Wildheart."
• I smiled in return. "Raven, you have a meeting, remember?" Mirabelle interjected.
• "Oh yes, get the driver ready. I don't want to be late for this..." I turned back to Peter. "See you next month."
• "Of course, go and make us more money," Peter chuckled, and we all shared a laugh as I quickly dashed to the elevator.
• The boardroom meeting had gone well, as expected. My company was thriving, and I took immense pride in how far I'd come in just five short years of being on my own in the human world. Who would have thought the pitiful half-breed omega rejected by her own kind could build an empire like this?
• As the limo wove through the city's bustling streets, I couldn't help wondering what this mysterious A.D. Group was all about. I had been contacted by their CEO a few weeks ago about a potential business opportunity, a collaboration of sorts between our companies. Normally, I would have dismissed it as just another pitch, but something about the way this CEO had pursued me, the tantalizing hints he dropped about the benefits of merging our brands...it had me intrigued.
• Perhaps it was the thrill-seeker in me, that part which had given me the courage to flee my oppressive pack life all those years ago. Or maybe I was just getting bored of the safe, routine success and was craving a new challenge. Either way, I had agreed to this meeting, despite my team's concerns about the lack of information on A.D. Group.
• "We're here, Miss Wildheart," my driver announced, jolting me from my thoughts. I peered out the tinted window at the impressive high-rise tower that was A.D. Group's headquarters. Taking a deep, steadying breath, I pushed open the door and stepped out onto the immaculate sidewalk.
• Time to see what kind of opportunity awaited me behind those pristine glass walls. Whatever it was, I was determined to seize it with both hands and add another jewel to my growing crown of achievements.
• For once, the Moon Goddess and Her games with fated mates were the last thing on my mind. All that mattered now was the dazzling human world of business I had crafted through sheer grit and perseverance.
• I was in control of my own destiny at last.
• "Now let us meet this dashing CEO of A.D Group the magazines are talking about" Mirabelle said, giving me a playfull wink.
• "Must you always think about men?" I asked as I shook my head. My friend here was a hopeless romantic, but unfortunately, at 26 years old, she had not met the one she thought was fit for heart or whatever she said it. She had tried countless times to set me up on dates. And honestly I don't think she will stop until she sees me walking down the aisle.