His Beauty Queen

Anna May:

The city that never sleeps. New York.

-If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.-

She mentally scoffed at her wayward thoughts. Mish had adored that particular song phrase.

Anna May made sure not to bump people. She had been navigating the business part of the district, trying to get her bearings. Her aim? Avoid tardiness. Nothing could stop her from her goal.

She paused before crossing, glanced at her map, and grimaced. Two more buildings. Right at the end of the street. Southeast. Eyes alert, people of all walks of life were coming and going, and she strolled the yellow lines of the crosswalk.

Not much had changed since the last time she was here. Maybe busier. The population seemed to have doubled. The heavy traffic tripled.

Only her life had changed. Drastically. From walking the prestigious runways of Milan, Paris, and Tokyo to walking the business district of Manhattan.

Not that it mattered. She was always good at adapting and her current situation left her no other choice but to do this. No backing out. The only way was forward. Fate had spoken. It was her duty to listen.

Fate has given her an opportunity for her and the two most important people in her life: her sisters.

Anna May had never shirked her duties. Even at such a young age, she had donned the mantle on her fragile shoulders. She had never been more determined about her goals, her objectives. They all centered on her siblings' future.

She might have looked like she was out of her depth, but she knew better. This was her fallback—a generous one—after her so-called exciting and disastrous career in the modelling industry. She inhaled sharply when her heart constricted. Thoughts of what she had been through flooded her mind.

Shaking her head to dispel the memories of the past, she continued walking. It was not the time nor the place to contemplate. She had become a whole new person and she had made something of herself in the shadows, away from the limelight.

She was a better and stronger version of herself—a new career, a new Anna. She was forever grateful for her aunt Delia, her mentor, who had helped her cope with everything.

Courtesy of her aunt Delia, she was promoted to a training manager at the biggest telecommunications company in the world. And not only promoted but sent to work directly for the head office in New York City.

Talk about opportunities! And perks. Of course, the perks drew her in like a moth to a flame. All expenses paid, board, and lodging with everything she could ever imagine. Her sisters were very well taken care of at home. Not rich, but they had a roof over their heads, meals three times a day, and funds for her youngest sister's frequent illness. Plus, Rie had started college while Mish took online classes.

The only flaw was she had to leave them, and they were a thousand or so miles away from her. Her lips twisted to contain her homesickness.

-And I've only been away from them for two days.-

No matter. Her next goal was to make the necessary arrangements to get them where she was. It was a motivation unlike no other.

Squaring her shoulders in determination, she lengthened her strides to face her future.

-Soon, my loves. Soon.-

***

Jesus Christ! She never thought the headquarters would be the tallest building in Manhattan. With eyes steadily growing big, she halted, tilted her head way up, and read the imposing sign of her new employer.

NORTH AMERICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS. This is it!

Be confident, Anna, she chided herself and counted to ten, desperate to try and calm her nerves.

-You excel at your job, that's why you are here.-

God! She always hated the first day of work. New people, new assholes, new fake people, and new buildings. Feeling like a headless chicken, she gritted her teeth, and remembered her motivation—her sisters.

She took a deep breath, calming her nerves. With confident strides, she walked towards the automated glass entrance and found herself in a very rich and elegant lobby. Well, more like a 5-star hotel.

She gulped audibly when men and women, who looked like they stepped out of Forbes magazine turned to gaze at her with avid interest for the new face in the building. Shit! So much for being unobtrusive.

Her hands trembled. In reflex, she clutched her office bag closer to her body. Her skin crawled. She felt the men examining her from head to toe. She dressed modestly specifically for that reason. She didn’t want attention on her. She wanted to blend in.

Because people remember. She didn’t need that. She'd rather they forgot.

It had been more than three years. She knew how she looked. Though she had never been vain, in her opinion, her beauty was a curse, a cross she had to bear. For once, especially today, she wanted to be ordinary. Plain and simple. Forgettable.

Her ensemble consisted of a silver-grey long-sleeved blouse tucked in a grey pantsuit with 3-inch black heels and her hair was confined in a simple chignon. Very generic. Nothing to be excited about.

Mentally girding her loins and ignoring the heavy beaded eyes on her, she walked directly to the elegant, marbled counter. A beautiful lady offered her a practiced smile.

"Hi, my name is Jane. How can I help you?" she said, showing off her perfect implants.

"Hi, I am Anna May Greyson. I was asked to report here today," she noticed her voice was a bit shaky. She smiled to cover it up.

"Sure, Ms. Greyson. Can I have a valid ID, please?"

She rummaged through her bag for her passport and handed it to the girl behind the counter who inspected the ID and typed something on the computer.

It took effort not to fidget and relax her stance. Her nerves were eating her up right now.

-What if the company made a mistake and I am not supposed to be here?-

She almost groaned painfully at her thoughts. Luckily, Anna saw the girl print out an employee ID with a black access card.

"Here you are, Ms. Greyson. Please report to Michael Marini. He is the personal assistant to the CEO and owner. That will be on the 88th floor. Don't worry, the attendant will see to it you are in the right department. Welcome to NorthAm." The receptionist finished her instructions with her signature smile.

Anna released a relieved sigh, thankful that so far everything was on the right track. "Thank you for your help, Jane." She smiled gratefully and was about to turn her back when she saw a fleeting frown in the girl's eyes.

"You are welcome, miss," she said and then greeted the next person. Anna nodded to acknowledge her then walked to one of the massive elevators that would take her to the right floor. A tall man dressed in all black held the doors of the steel cabin open for her.

"The 88th, Ms.?"

So, this must be her escort to meet the PA. Why did the people here look like they came out of a fashion magazine? Even Jane could pass as a cover girl. Or maybe it was just her and her past muddling her thoughts. Clearing her throat, she uttered yes.

She should concentrate. This was her first day at work. And first impressions do last!

-Right you are, Anna!

***

How could this man be so intimidating? He oozed power yet he was only PA to the CEO. Anna May could only imagine what the big boss would be like. She tried to keep up with the PA's long strides when he walked her through her assignments and introduced her to her team. Apparently, the job description would require that she had her own team.

There was one question that was boggling her mind. How could the biggest company in America not know their own products? Thus, the main reason for her to train the big boss himself, his senior bosses, junior bosses, and their staff. She gave her attention back to Michael Marini when she heard her name.

"So, you have one week to prepare your lectures, presentations, and the like. Your team will have to help you. I am afraid that I can't give you more time since Mr. Northam will be here by next week. We recently took full ownership of this telecom company, so the boss wants everyone trained when he returns. You can use the conference room in the meantime. The room will be large enough for you and your team. If you have any questions, you can reach me in my office. It's the furthest one to your left." She met his baby blue eyes directly. Surprisingly, the only thing she could read from his beautiful eyes was curiosity and respect. She immediately felt at ease, but only just.

Ever since that incident, she became vigilant to the male species. She blinked when she saw his lips move. "Again, we want to thank you for accepting this job on such short notice. You were highly recommended by Delia."

"Mr. Marini, I should be the one thanking you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I can't believe at 22 I was assigned as a training manager for this company."

She held out her hand for him to shake. He chuckled at the gesture. He was a handsome man with coal-black hair and baby blue eyes. And…she felt nothing, and in her estimation, he shared the same sentiment. That immediately relaxed her. One less predator. Thank you, Jesus!

"Well, you can start today. If you need anything, please let me know." With those parting words, he left her in the conference room. She couldn't hold it back any longer and pumped her fist in the air, giggling happily.

A quick glance around the room showed her no one was about.

-Oh, God! Thank you so much for this blessing.-

She was now in her element. She would make sure to do whatever was necessary to give her sisters the life they deserved.

Alexander:

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

How could this happen? He had grown more and more restless over the years. Volatile. Lost. Unpredictable.

How could he continue ruling and leading his people when every day he felt like he was losing his sanity?

Ever since he returned from Italy, he was stuck in his own dark world, consumed with doubt, cursing fate, and almost at the edge of insanity.

Why? Was he not worthy of happiness? He had never failed his people and had served them sincerely and honestly. He had devoted his life to his kind. His people. His kingdom. All he wanted in return was his mate. The one to complete his soul.

Where was she? Did she die before he even met her? His wolf growled savagely at the thought. He winced in pain. No! He would have felt it. She was out there. He needed to find her.

-Moon Goddess, please help me!-

Holding his temper in check, he glanced around his gloomy lair.

Buried with pack duties for days, he had requested not to be disturbed by anyone, but he only wallowed in self-pity. He hadn’t had a good run with his wolf for quite some time.

Hoping his royal beta would be back early, he glanced at the grandfather clock. The competition had always been a nice distraction. He knew Alexie would kill him if something happened to her mate, but his beta was tough. The man could take it.

Alexander James Northam smirked at his own thoughts.

Whatever fleeting amusement he felt vanished as he heard his Lycan whine. They were both hurt. Barely living.

-Find mate!

-It's not that easy, wolf.

-Need to find mate, human!

-I will. I promise.

His wolf retracted to the back of his mind, huffing and ignoring him completely. He took a deep breath to calm himself.

Ever since he was a boy, his father and mother, fated mates, had constantly lectured him about the importance of finding his mate. The one person that he needed to cherish and love above all others. Her scent was forever engraved in his memory, an early gift from the goddess herself.

Each wolf was bestowed such a gift when the goddess knew it was the right time. He had received the scent of his mate when he was 18—just around the time he started to think about sex and dating.

Unluckily for him, he was not able to explore sex because his cock would only get hard for his mate. On the first and only date he had, his wolf almost chomped the head off of the woman. The beast hated the smell and touch of his date. A fucking disaster! Never to be repeated.

And the tongue lashing he received from his mother was even worse.

What? He was just a teenager with raging hormones. He thought he could explore, but this was not the case. In time, he finally accepted it. He would wait for his mate. He had to.

Truly agitated now, he got up and began to pace to the large window, watching the peaceful scenery.

His ten thousand acres of protected land was located outside of New York with thousands of royal pack members in his compound. He reigned over North and South America, Canada, and Antarctica, and the rest of the Lycan World with loyal alphas in each city, state, and country.

He was the youngest King Alpha ever crowned. He may look young at 28, which was when he had stopped aging, however, he had been ruling for more than one hundred years.

Without his queen.

He exhaled heavily through his teeth.

-Where is my Luna, Moon Goddess?-

"Anything else, sire?" He could clearly smell the hidden invitation in her words. How he wished he could fuck his frustration away. But he couldn't. He wouldn't. And it was not even possible.

"Nothing else. Leave me in peace," he murmured.

He sighed heavily when the she-wolf left the room, taking his empty dinner plate. He didn't have the energy for this. His temper was simmering beneath the surface. He did not want to snap at his people, yet he was almost there. It was only a matter of time before he wrung someone’s neck.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, exhaled a heavy sigh.

-Goddess, please give me patience.-

"I told you to fucking leave me alone!" he growled without turning his head in the direction of the sound. The door in his study opened, revealing…

"My, my, still in a foul mood, my king?"

He scowled darkly hearing his beta's deep drawl.

He pinned the guy with his dark gray eyes when he smelled his sister on him. Lucky bastard! The perks of having a mate…

"Easy for you to say when you are happy with my sister," Alexander spat through clenched teeth.

"Look, Xander. You will find your mate soon. Alexie and I are positive about that. Come on. Let's go for a run." His beta held out his hand to him. Without any warning, Alexander's wolf immediately made his presence known, coming out unexpectedly. He could feel his canines and his nails elongate. His eyes turned pitch black. He tried to control his wolf, but it was impossible. He could see himself through his wolf's eyes, lifting his beta by his neck. Not an easy feat. The fucker was built and tall. His beta, Michael, averted his head, showing submission.

-Where is mate?

-My king, I don't have any idea…

-Why is mate's scent in your hand?

He saw Michael's eyes grow round. Perplexed, the man tried to gulp in breaths. The Lycan king struggled to control his powerful wolf, who was oozing extreme dominance at the moment.

-What do you smell, my king? His beta continued to communicate through their mind link since he could barely speak.

-My mate. She smells like milk chocolate, blueberries, and vanilla. I remember. The Moon Goddess told me.

-My king, if you let me go, I will tell you everything about your precious mate.

Apparently, that was the incentive his wolf needed. He immediately let go of Michael and let his human form have control once more. His brother-in-law was wheezing and gasping for air.

-Shit! Alexie will kill him.-

"Fuck! Michael…" He stopped. He saw his beta grinning at him stupidly. All teeth. Still feeling like an ass, he poured them both a drink. He needed fortification to calm down. "Explain, beta." He sought calm and sat on his comfortable leather chair behind his desk.

"Sire, are you sure the scent you found in my hand was our Luna's?" Michael asked cautiously.

Alexander knew Michael was just being sure, but he couldn’t help the instinctive reaction, and he growled. His beta realized his king was on edge, and immediately showed his neck to his leader.

"My wolf…you know how it is, Michael." The powerful Lycan clenched his hands. "I am sure that is my mate's scent on you. The question is why?" He narrowed his eyes. Michael was loyal to the bone. That was the only reason why his wolf has not killed him yet for having his mate's scent on his hand. To say that he was possessive was an understatement.

"Xander, I came from the headquarters. You didn't tell us you've been cooped up in your office for days now, or Alexie and I would have come home sooner. We thought you would be home by next week."

-Headquarters. Did that mean…-

"Anyway, I was in the office to welcome our new employee. She shook my hand today," Michael continued and he left it at that, waiting for Alexander to add things up. And fuck, that made him hopeful!

"You mean to say she is within my grasp?" Damn! He couldn't hide the excitement in his voice.

-Mate! Need to fuck mate! He smirked. Horny bastard.

"Umm…my king…there is just one problem." That got his attention right away.

-Motherfucker! Is she married? I will kill the bastard.-

"What?" he growled. His wolf tried to get out and take control. They were both anxious, and excited.

"She is human, your Majesty."

-Oh, shit! Doesn't matter. I want my mate.

"Shit!" he groaned. That meant he had to control his wolf when in his love's company.

"Exactly. You have to woo her, court her, and win her. Only then you can reveal everything to her about you, about our world," Michael elaborated dryly, eyes glinting.

"Anything for my queen. Tell me everything about her." His whole body coiled at attention.

"Right on, sire!" Michael rubbed his hands, his blue eyes amused.

Alexander got the feeling his beta was enjoying this.