Chapter 7 Unexpected Encounter

*Selena*

To travel to the North, I needed a flight ticket, and with the little money I had, I had no choice but to borrow some from my friends at the bar where I worked. I promised them I'd pay it back as soon as I got my paycheck.

With a heavy heart, I said goodbye to my son and uncle before leaving for the Wild Howl Pack.

Standing in front of the hotel where my interview for the housekeeping staff position was scheduled, I took a deep breath and put on a confident smile before stepping inside. This wasn't just any hotel; it was the only eight-star hotel in the world, catering exclusively to the wealthiest clients. The pay was generous, and they didn't require a degree-just experience.

With my background as a janitor and bartender, I felt certain I could land this job. It finally seemed like the goddess had heard my prayers.

When I entered the hall and saw at least fifty candidates competing for just ten vacancies, I must admit, I felt a little nervous. But I needed this job desperately, and I was determined to agree to their terms and conditions, no matter what.

Finally, it was my turn for the interview. I walked in with confidence and managed to impress the interviewers with my composure and knowledge of housekeeping. I had spent the entire night studying and researching for this, and it had paid off.

The words that followed made my day-they told me I got the job and could start immediately! However, the first month would be an assessment period, and only after successfully completing the probation would I be permanently employed.

I swore to work as hard as I could to make this job permanent. Thank you, goddess! Finally, my hardships seemed to be coming to an end.

The head of housekeeping led all ten of us selected candidates to the janitor staff room, where we were handed our uniforms and given a quick briefing about our duties. After assigning today's tasks, we were instructed to focus on the conference hall since a major event was scheduled to take place there.

Dressed in the janitor uniform, I was diligently cleaning the conference room when a staff member rushed in, looking flustered.

"Clean this room quickly! The Alphas have arrived, and the conference is about to start," she announced urgently.

Alphas?! My heart began pounding in fear, and I instinctively tapped my chest, trying to steady myself.

It's fine, I told myself. There's no reason they would recognize me. Even if they do, everyone knows I'm divorced and have no connection to the Moonglow Pack anymore. So it's not a big deal... Right?

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. Yeah. Take it easy, Selena.

I hurried through the cleaning, moving as fast as I could. We quickly set the table with snacks and water, and just as I was about to leave the conference room, the sound of heavy footsteps reached my ears. My heart started racing with nervousness.

Desperate to get out before any of the Alphas could see me, I chose a different route than the others, deciding to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

"Hey, where are you going?" one of my colleagues called out as she noticed me heading in a different direction. "The elevator is this way."

"You all go ahead. I just remembered I didn't clean the bathroom, so I need to do it ASAP," I replied, quickly coming up with an excuse.

"Ah, you're going to miss seeing those hot Alphas," she teased, grinning.

I shrugged, giving her a small smile before turning away.

"I heard there's a special guest coming too. They've been keeping it a secret because of security," another janitor chimed in.

"I wonder who it could be," one of the women giggled.

I rolled my eyes. I didn't have the time-or the slightest interest-to ogle the Alphas like the others. I'd lived with one, after all. And that arrogant asshole alpha had made my life a living hell.

Keeping my head down, I rushed forward, gripping the mop and bucket of dirty water tightly. My steps were hurried and careless, but all I could focus on was escaping before the trouble came.

Hearing voices behind me, I anxiously glanced back to see a group of people entering the conference area. My pulse quickened. I turned my head sharply before anyone could catch me looking, but in my distraction, I collided hard with what felt like a wall-a solid body.

The bucket clattered to the floor, and the mop slipped from my grip as I stumbled backward. A startled gasp escaped me, but before I could hit the ground, a strong hand caught my arm, pulling me upright.

I opened my eyes in both shock and relief, grateful I hadn't fallen. But the relief was short-lived. My breath hitched, and every muscle in my body tensed as I looked up-straight into the cold, piercing blue eyes of my ex-mate.

"I... I'm sorry," I mumbled hurriedly, pushing myself away from my arrogant Alpha ex. Goddess, I was more worried about feeling those damn sparks from our connection than seeing him standing right in front of me. How was this even possible? We had rejected each other years ago, and there shouldn't be any bond left between us. I shouldn't be feeling this... right?! For a moment, confusion clouded my mind, but I quickly snapped out of my daze as I noticed him frowning and glaring at me, his eyes burning with hatred and anger.

Maybe it wasn't the connection but just his infamous charm-his so-called magical allure that made every girl swoon. Ugh. Yes, that had to be it. He'd always been a playboy, using his Alpha power and pheromones to make women submit to him. Some things never changed.

"What the hell are you doing?" came my supervisor's sharp voice, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Of course, everyone had witnessed this humiliating encounter with the mighty Supreme Alpha King. The title echoed in my mind like a cruel joke, but I didn't dare voice the taunt out loud.

"Get the hell out of here, stupid janitor," the supervisor scolded harshly. I quickly picked up the bucket and mop, hurriedly cleaning the spilled water from the floor before bolting out of there.

I didn't dare glance back at that jerk of an ex-mate. My legs carried me straight to the janitor staff room, where I stopped, breathless and panicked.

"Selena, what have you done?" one of my colleagues gasped in shock.

"You've offended the Alpha King," another one chimed in, her voice full of dread. "You know what that means, right? You must be ready for the consequences. You'll probably lose this job."

No. I can't afford to lose this job. I didn't come all this way just to fail. This job was everything I needed-everything my family needed. I clenched my fists, silently vowing not to let this happen.

But what could I do? This wasn't in my hands anymore.

I was relieved when nothing happened after that, and I heard the conference had gone well. Ah, maybe the almighty Alpha King didn't care about a janitor after all. Good for me. I breathed out in relief, the weight on my chest finally lifting.

"Selena," came a sharp voice, cutting through my moment of peace.

I looked up to see the supervisor storming toward me with a scowl etched deep on his face. "The Alpha King has summoned you."

What?! Zander wanted to see me?

Goddess, now I'm doomed. My stomach twisted into knots. Who knows what he wants to do to me for this?

"You better not annoy him, and don't make trouble for us, do you get it?" the supervisor barked, his tone stern and unforgiving.

I swallowed hard and nodded, too stunned to form words. He motioned for me to follow him, and I reluctantly dragged my feet forward, feeling like I was walking toward my execution.

___

*Zander*

Selena Ardolf!

What was she doing here? Did she come here intentionally, knowing I was hosting the annual Alpha meeting of the North? Could she have some ulterior motive? Just like her family always did.

But seeing her dressed as a janitor, it all made sense-she wasn't living a good life after rejecting me. Perhaps she'd realized her mistake and deliberately collided with me to get my attention.

I huffed out a breath in frustration. What does she need now?

After humiliating me in front of my alphas, after ruthlessly breaking my heart because of her family's influence, did she truly think I would take her back? Not in a million years.

I had forgiven her countless times before-every insult, every betrayal-because I didn't want my pack to know how wicked their Luna truly was. But not anymore.

She wasn't my mate now. She was my ex-mate.

And she would soon find out what happens to those who dare to cross paths with Zander Blake.

The knock on the door was enough for me to know who had come.

"Come in!" I ordered sharply, turning my back to the door. I didn't want to see her face.

'Or you won't be able to control yourself from kissing her, just like you wanted to do a few hours ago in the corridor, right?' Lyon taunted in the back of my mind.

'Shut up, Lyon,' I snapped, anger flaring at his relentless provocations. He could be so damn annoying sometimes.

"Alpha, you called me?" her soft, sweet voice broke through my thoughts, making my heart race. Fuck! What was wrong with me?

I inhaled a deep breath, composing myself before turning around to face her.

"Selena Ardolf, you are not fit to work here in my hotel," I said coldly and watched with grim satisfaction as shock painted her features.

"Y-Your hotel?" she stammered, looking bewildered.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at her act. As if she didn't know. She must have figured out that this hotel belonged to me before applying for a job here.

"I didn't know it belonged to you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to work here," she whispered, lowering her head.

She was always like this-pretending to be innocent, making everyone else look like the villain. My jaw clenched as she added softly, "I'll resign today."

She turned to leave, and for some inexplicable reason, my chest tightened. No.

"No, you don't need to leave," I said abruptly.

She stopped mid-step, turning to face me with wide, confused eyes.

"I need a personal omega for my future Luna and you seem to fit for the position," I announced as I locked my challenging gaze on her.

Her confusion deepened, and I held back a smirk. Whatever game she thought she was playing, it was about to end. She wouldn't escape so easily this time.