Marked By The Alpha CEO

My heart bangs like crazy as I float to floor forty-two. The slick doors gleam like glass, showing me-my dark hair's good, dress ironed, but hands shake. Tonight's the party, and Ethan Hart needs me for the big talk.

Most would cheer at this chance. I should cheer. But all that's found is nerves.

I've been here two years, seeing Ethan Hart four hundred thirty-two times. I counted from month one. He grabs stares without trying. He's tall, dark hair, green eyes that seem to watch all. Rooms hush when he walks in. Words matter when he speaks. Strangely, he looks glum. Like he has a big weight on him.

And he's not seen me, ever.

Well, not until yesterday, at least.

I leave the lift and head to my spot. The office hums with folks rushing, fixing, making sure all is set for night. Mia, my pal, sits close by. She's in a red dress that shouts movie star vibes.

"You're here now!" she cries, leaping to hug me fast. "I've waited all day for you. Did you read my texts? I said let's do nails before the party. See mine!" She shows her hands, nails shining gold.

I grin at her, while my belly twists a bit. "Those seem fine," I mention softly. "I just stayed busy with designs for Ethan."

Mia looked annoyed. "Lila, work, work. When's playtime?" Quietly, she gets closer. "Plus, dreamy guy tonight. Maybe he sees you finally."

"Mia," I murmur, cheeks heating up a bit. "He won't see me. I'm just a designer, that's it. He's the big CEO."

"So what?" Mia replies. "You're sharp and pretty and good. Why wouldn't he see you?"

I'm stuck, so I just got back to work. Though, my heart jumps thinking about seeing him once more.

Around lunch, my boss needs me in his space. Derek's his name, nice but a bit bland. He says Ethan wants my help with tonight's talk. I agree, nodding, but my hands get damp all of sudden. Derek wants me in Ethan's room way up high.

The lift takes ages getting up there now. Arriving, things feel very changed. Walls are smooth, lights dimmed a lot, and big views showing the city below. I stroll the hall, trying to chill myself. The glass shows me, a girl who is very scared.

The door to his room is wide open. He sits still, eyes glued to the screen. A dark suit, paired with a crisp white shirt but no tie. His sleeves are pushed up just enough. A tattoo hides there, a secret sign I had not seen before now.

A gentle tap. "Hello, Mr. Hart," I greeted him. "Derek thought you'd want my help with that slide show."

He lifts his face, and our eyes lock for a heartbeat. A strange flicker crosses his face. Eyes widen, as if I'm a ghost he's seeing for the first time. A lonely soul in existence.

The look vanishes fast. His face turns back to stone, all hard lines.

"Come on in," he says now. His voice is low, no warmth. "Time is short, so we must work."

I move inside, taking the seat right across from his big desk. He calls up the slides and tells me what to do. He talks fast, I scribble everything. His words are sharp, careful picks. No smiles. He barely glances at me. Each time I look up fast, he looks away quickly.

After one hour, my unease starts to slip away just a hair. I tell him what I want for the design, and he really listens closely. He asks neat questions. He nods slowly at my words. Maybe, just for now, I feel he thinks I'm smart.

Then a funny thing begins to happen here.

We both stared at the bright screen, standing so very close now. His arm almost touched my arm. Then fast, Ethan leaped up. He stood with speed, the chair rolling away back. His breath was harsh, like a race had just been run.

"I guess that's enough," he said, but his voice had changed now. It felt sharp, like hidden anger. "You should go now."

I felt lost. "Want to see colors now? I've got three cool-"

"I said just leave," he said once more. He didn't look at me then. He stared out the window, at the town below us.

I grabbed my things fast. My heart felt weak, so small in my chest. I thought he liked my thoughts. Now I felt foolish though. He wants me gone for sure.

At the door, I paused. I hoped to say something, but what? I stood there briefly, feeling pain hit me hard.

"Lila," he said softly. His voice was hushed, like only to himself.

I turned around slowly. "What do you need?"

He still stared out now. His hands were gripped, like tight angry balls. "Don't come back here. Work on the slides down there. Just send emails here."

My eyes felt so hot, like tears might appear. I nodded even though he couldn't see me, and walked to the elevator.

I don't know the hurt of him not wanting me near. I don't know why I marked the times I've seen him too. I don't know why I feel so sad when he says go now.

I just know that I must be wrong somehow.

The lift's mouth opens, so I go in now. I hug the wall of chilly steel, then sigh out loud. Tonight, at the big bash, I must stand by his side to share our plans with big wigs. I need to smile and play like all is well.

As the box falls to my level, my hand finds my gut. A small bird flaps there; I've tried not to feel it for weeks.

This thing could flip our world upside down.

I shut my eyes, thinking: please, keep my hush-hush safe from his ears.

The gala is beautiful. The rooftop is decorated with lights that look like stars, and there are flowers everywhere. People in fancy clothes stand around talking and laughing. But I feel like I'm wearing a mask that doesn't fit right.

Mia stands close by in a dress so red, so glad and full of pep. She pokes my arm to show me folks. "He writes for that dress book," she breathes to me. "That one makes movie shows." I cannot hear a word. I'm hunting for Ethan.

I spot him near tall glass walls. He talks to one blonde girl. Her bright dress shines like new, her hand stays on his arm. A bad thought bites inside me hard when she touches him. I hate it. I just truly hate it.

"That's Vanessa," Mia says, as she follows my gaze. "She works in the money place. She and Ethan were a thing. She wants him back now."

I walk away, hands cold and so weak. I don't wish to think who Ethan loves. He told me to leave him alone. He made it clear he feels nothing for me. Then why does my heart just feel like dust?

Mia grabs my hand. "Let's go, we must get ready for your big show. You will win them all. I have faith in you."

I nod and chase her to the room's rear, where we must stay put. A stage stands tiny with a screen that's quite big. Ethan starts, then I'll step up and show all the designs. My hands flutter as thoughts fill up my head. I tug my dress down just a bit, so it hides my tummy. This week, the swelling feels like more than before. I get that it's from a baby, still, no one must know.

A man then heads my direction. His dark skin's paired with gentle eyes. He wears a suit, tailored and trim. He looks so known, but memory fails me. "You are Lila, yes?" he says, smiling in place. "I'm Caleb, I work with Ethan. He claims you're skillful."

My face feels hot, turning red. "Is that so?"

"Sure," says Caleb. My face becomes his focus, and odd stuff starts. His nose gives a twitch, like catching a scent. His eyes go wide for a second. "He talks of you more than you know."

Before I inquire, Ethan shows up fast. He's just now there, from some unknown place. He shoots Caleb a look that speaks volumes. Caleb lifts both hands and takes a step back.

"Wish you luck now," Caleb speaks to my ears, then steps away, keeps gazing back like I'm some mystery.

Ethan stands before me now. He sports a dark suit with red tie, and looks like a magazine man. His eyes tour all of me, like he sees through my dress, straight through to the secret I hide. I tug my dress, filled with worry.

"Cool threads," he utters. His tone feels light, like the words slipped out by chance.

"Sure," I murmur softly. "Ready to nail that talk."

He nods once, yet lingers near. He stands so near, his scent fills me. He carries a wild fresh scent, like woods after rain. It drums my heart quickly. The scent haunts me since that blurry night I'm trying hard to bury.

"Lila," he starts, then cuts it off. His face grows tense. "Just...watch your back tonight, cool?"

"Watch out for what?" I then ask.

He seems on the edge of some big reveal. His mouth gaps wide, those green eyes burn so sharp I feel like I'll fade. But then, Vanessa cuts in. She moves up to Ethan, hooks his arm, smiles like a sly cat with a mouse.

"There you are," she then sings. "Folks need you to kick things off. Let's go." She drags him off stage, and he goes too. He lets her tug him off.

I see them leave, and dread fills me down low. It's more than sad now. It's something foul. Some dark, gross thing.

Mia pops up by me, grabs my hand tight. "You good? You look faint."

"I'm good," I fake. "Just stressed about that speech."

But the speech isn't it. I'm stressed by much more. Stressed by this secret I can't hide for long. Stressed by Ethan and that sharp look, like he knew some big truth. Stressed by Vanessa, who watches from afar with a smile that cuts deep.

The talk starts now. Ethan shares the plan, his tone firm and bold. The space is still, just ears open. Next, it's my time to shine. I step to the front, all stares on me. I show the art, speaking of hues and thoughts. My tone wavers a bit, but I don't stop.

Then I spot a thing that chills me deep.

Vanessa murmurs softly to a guy unknown. He's large and looks rough, with a mark on skin. She aims at me, and the man nods slowly. He stares at me as if I'm worth much. As if I'm what he wants to grab.

I try to talk about art, but my head spins fast. Who is this guy? Why aim at me? Why does that look like he hunts a thing?

I end the talk and step off the front. Folks clap hands and praise me well. But I think not of them at all. I think of the look on the man's face. I think of how Vanessa flashed teeth.

I think of a truth inside me, and how it may soon come out.

Late, as the night nears its end, I sneak out for some air. I go to a still spot up top where no one is. The town lights stretch down like gold sea. I put my hand on my core and feel the kick. That bit of life in me, the one I hide.

My cell beeps in my bag. I take it out and read a note from a strange ID. It just says: "Quit the act now. He knows what you hold."

My insides freeze. My hands flutter, nearly losing my grip on the device. I reread the message repeatedly, seeking its hidden sense. Who is the sender? How did they get my digits?

I glance back at the bash and spot the eerie dude standing solo, spying on me. His eyes are shadowed holes. Spotting my gaze, he quirks his lips. The smile feels off.

He lifts his gadget, flashing that he's the message's author.

Then, every worry bursts into vivid, chilling truth.

I run. My brain doesn't join. Legs just go, forcing through folks. I must flee from that dude, evade his strange grin, ditch that note. My poor heart drums like mad; feels ready to jump ship.

Mia grabs me by the lift. "Lila, you okay? Where now?"

"Sick vibes," I breathe out. Half true, maybe. My guts twist in knots, like I might puke. "Home now."

"Hold on, I'm coming," Mia shouts, grabbing her bag.

"Nah," blurts out fast. "Have fun, yeah? Sleep calls. TTYL."

I dive in the lift before chatting. Doors close, Ethan fights the mass, hunting hard. He seems mad and scared all in one go. Our eyes lock for a beat before the doors shut. Something in his stare makes me just want to fly.

The lift dives down fast, I hit the wall. My legs feel soft. That weird line replays: "Quit the act. He knows you now." What does it even mean? Who am I then? Just a plain designer. Just a girl knocked up who hid it all. Just someone trying to breathe.

I hit the lobby, making for the door fast. Cold night slaps my face as I get outside. The street buzzes with cars and lots of feet, but I feel all alone. Like eyes on me, like they know stuff that I don't.

I wave for a cab and hop inside. "East Eighty-Fourth Street," is what I tell him. My place is close, but seems so far, you know? I stare out the rear glass to check if folks trail us. The cab drifts through gloomy roads, and my head hits the chilly window.

My device beeps again. Another note from some weird digits: "Ethan can't keep you safe. Only us can."

"Only us can," I mutter to myself. What's that imply? Who might "us" be?

I reach my building and give the driver money with shaky palms. I dash up the steps to level four 'cause I fear to wait for the lift. My legs ache, and I feel faint, yet I don't pause. I reach my door and fumble with the keys. It needs some goes to unlock it 'cause my palms shake a lot.

Inside, I bolt the door and chain it up. I rest by it and drop to rest on the ground. I'm panting so fast. I'm spooked. More spooked than ever in all my days.

I sit on the kitchen tiles for ages, just aiming to get calm. The place is still. It's small, just one room, a lounge, and a tiny stove. There are baby items hidden in my closet, clothes and a bed I got online. I've been set for this babe for some time, but I felt I had more time. I felt I could work stuff out before bad stuff went down.

I was dumb for sure.

My phone buzzes loud. It's Ethan. I just watch the light, seeing it buzz more and more. Should I pick up? Does he know 'bout the kid? Is he gonna be mad? I let it go right to talk-mail. Soon after, a text shows up. He says nothing on it, just sends the spot and "Come quick. Bad vibes here."

How's he know bad vibes? How's he know the dude was on my back?

Before thinking more, someone knocks at my place. It's hushed, but I still jump back. "Who's there?" I shout, even though I know to stay still.

"It's Caleb," says a voice from outside. "Ethan sent me here. Gotta talk quick."

"Leave now," I say back. My voice was weak and shook, like a small kid's whisper.

"Can't do that now," Caleb says back. "You need to hear this thing. A thing to flip all you know."

"I don't need news," I say back. But in my head, that's all fake. I need all the news now. I want to get what's up with me, why I feel so new, why smells hit so hard now, why my feelings feel big and wild.

"Please let me in," Caleb says back. He sounds nice, but is for real too. "Marcus won't stop now. He knows 'bout the kid. He knows 'bout you and Ethan. And he'll use you both to get his wants."

The kid. He said that it's painful. Like my kid is a thing that's worth to strange folks.

"How's you know 'bout the kid?" I ask right through the wood.

"I get the whiff," Caleb tells. "We get it. The puzzle."

The door stays shut. I flop back down, words all jumbled. We get it? What's his point? What does it mean to smell?

My phone vibrates twice. A picture this time. It shows my place from the street view. A scary scarred dude lurks, staring at my windows. Message: "We wait. Flee all you want, truth stays."

I bolt up fast and dart to my window now. I yank the drape to see outside, and it's him. He's so real, dark form watching my place. Still as stone. Not gone. Just wait.

Another loud bang hits my door, even louder. "Lila, so sad," Caleb speaks. "I won't let you go. Ethan wants you. Truth must come out."

My hand rests soft on my round belly, feeling tiny kicks inside of me. This kid smells. This kid drags danger to my doorstep. This kid matters to a dude named Ethan Hart, who acts like I'm no one.

My buzzing phone goes wild one more time. Ethan speaks once more. "Caleb is bad. Nobody's safe. I will come see you. Bolt the door, only trust my face."

But can I trust him? Who do I trust now? What am I truly now?

Behind my door, locked and chained tight, hall steps echo. A crowd, not one soul. They stalk my flat, near and nearer. Caleb still waits in the open air. That spooky dude still waits for me. And Ethan comes, on his looming way.

A bad chill creeps in, I can't flee.

Then, my hands catch fire inside out. A sting, sharp and hot, zaps my skin, as nails stretch longer, blacker too. They shift to forms unknown to man.

Not like us, but strange and far off.

I try to shout, but my throat stays hushed. The burn bites deep, digs in its claws. My form all warps, head to my feet, and how to stop it, I don't quite know.