The Alpha's Huntress

CHAPTER 1

Before beginning a new job, I always find myself overcome with anxiety. Interacting with people and helping them feel comfortable while bringing out their finest appearance is what makes me happy. However, I honestly can't do that without that sensation in the pit of my stomach, which overcomes me with anxiety.

A building and design firm hired me to update the company's details across the board and bring me on on-site visits to each of their projects. They are preparing for a fresh launch and would like my creative ideas. I decided to accept the position since the contract will benefit me greatly. And second, it was a great compliment that such a big company like theirs hired me.

One last look over my preparations confirms that the corporate details will go off without a hitch regarding preparation and setup. Looking at the list, there is a lot of corporate information from all the employees and staff.

I was considering coffee at this moment.

As I went to the cafe, I couldn't help but be enamored with the person before me. I have never met men more manly than those I have encountered here. And his complexion is just gorgeous. He might be better than he is. This man is genuinely captivating. What a sight.

The coffee maker has built-in directions, so I can make my own. Coffee that has just been ground. It smells so good! You can refer to me as a coffee addict if you like. However, my taste buds differ on this beverage, and I enjoy the higher-quality varieties. You can tell by the aroma of these beans that they don't skimp on the quality of their coffee.

As I pick up my steaming cup of love, I begin sketching positions in my thoughts. The Chief Executive Officer and the other higher-ups will require more imaginative photographs.

As I get lost in thought, I fail to see someone standing behind me. Someone must have a poor grasp of the concept of 'personal space,' which means they are standing inappropriately close to me. A steaming mug filled with coffee. I am a woman, and I remember hunky men that I encounter. And he is the one earlier: A crisp, white button-down shirt. But lucky for me, because of my stupidity, I spilled my coffee over him.

"Shoot! I am so sorry."

"Damnit, aw!"

This individual quickly tore off his shirt before I could even consider my foolishness. He is hot. Indeed, the coffee I spilled on him was as hot as his. Forgive my stupidity, please.

I'm taking a closer look at him to determine whether or not he has suffered any burns and whether or not I need to get the first aid kit. He asked me something, but I didn't hear it.

What did he say?

Nope. Nothing seems to be happening around me. I am acting in a very creepy manner. Now, I am not a virgin; I have had no problem whatsoever seeing topless men in the past.

But in all seriousness, wow, this should be in a magazine. The gentleman standing before me is clothed in gray tailored pants and shoes with wingtips. He has lengthy legs and is muscular, and his perfume smells nice. The belt is made of black leather and features a silver buckle etched with a wolf. He is in such incredible shape that a V points downward, and an appetizing trail leads down from his naval. He had a stunning six-pack, but the left side of his body was covered in deep scars. It has four distinct, deep grooves. His pecks emanate an aura of ability to induce movement, and the one on his right bears an intricate tribal tattoo that compels one to approach it tentatively with fingertips. His biceps are as muscular as my thighs, and he has a broad yet lengthy neck that leads up to, oh my gosh. I don't even know what to say.

He appears to be very enraged. I'm just saying. The level of rage that he is experiencing is simply oozing off of him. If I look at him sufficiently long, I'm willing to bet that smoke is coming out of his nose and fire out of his ears. Crap.

It's possible it was an accident, but that eye-humping was unnecessary. Having said that, how could I not? I am a living, breathing human being with eyes standing in front of the most dashing and fiercely gorgeous man I have ever seen. To be honest, you can disregard that. On second thought, his facial expression makes me want to run and hide in the closet closest to where I am right now.

I look around, grab a tea towel, quickly soak it in cold water, and dash over to him. I grab his arm and shove the towel into his hand while urging him to wrap the towel around his torso.

When I do that, a loud gasp behind me immediately brings me to attention. Huh? When I turn over my shoulder, I see that everyone else has their heads lowered, and immediately behind me is a young man of about the same age, looking quite terrified. It's as if he were observing my demise in the presence of a lion or something similar. What was it about it that worried them?

I can tell by the direction of his glance that he is looking at my hold on the attractive man's arm. When I look up at the handsome guy, he expresses complete surprise. What is the big deal here? As soon as I've finished clearing my throat, it's time for me to take care of the issue.

"May I ask how you are, sir?" I genuinely did not intend to sound malicious. I then speak again. "Here. Put this on you to help relieve the pain of the burn, and in exchange for your shirt, I'll do my best to save it as soon as possible."

The guy looked at me as if I had asked him a complicated life-related math question. After that, he looked at me for a longer time than before. When our eyes meet briefly, my throat becomes dry, my heart rate quickens, and I feel like a chill is beginning to creep over my palms.

The entire floor is eerily calm, and I am currently engaged in a battle of silence with this person, who is attempting to take the shirt out of my hand. Would he be willing to just let go of the shirt?

I tried clearing my throat once more, hoping to get his attention. He grins as he glances at our hands before continuing. Is there anything that makes you laugh there, sir? After some time, he lets go of the shirt and walks to the sink with me. He is hovering over me. He needs to be made aware of the concept of personal space.

"It is possible that we can remove the coffee stain here. And if the restrooms have a hand dryer, we can now dry them. But do you have another shirt lying around?" I asked politely.

Because we are standing so close together, I can feel the heat coming off of his body. He is not making contact with me. Being so close to me is seriously making it difficult for me to breathe. It looks like he is sucking all of the oxygen out of the room because of his aura. I need some space. The anxiety I had previously has no bearing on the thoughts I'm having right now.

"I am sorry. I am talking too quickly since I am flustered now. Again, do you have an extra shirt that you could lend me? You cannot continue working for the rest of the day. I mean, you already know. You do not have a shirt on. Also, I know that t we are scheduled to have our pictures taken. As the photographer they hired to take everyone's headshots, I can tell you that you cannot proceed with how you look right now."

I experience a profound chill as he emits a low-pitched chuckle. Holy cow!

"I can't go like this, you say?"

Oh my god, what should I say in response to that? I was prepared to respond sarcastically, so I moistened my lips with my tongue. As I turn, I find myself staring into the fiery eyes of this guy. Because he is standing so close to me, I can't help but take in the refreshing aroma of mint that he exudes.

"Yeah?"

While talking to me in his deep, husky voice, he hums at me as he grabs the shirt I hold and gently leans down to my ear. His breath almost feels like it's caressing my skin. "Then I guess I'll get dressed in this wet shirt?"

My chest is tight, and I'm pretty sure I've turned red. I can feel heat accumulating in between my legs, and it's making me uncomfortable.

Then, with a grin, he takes the shirt I'm holding and straightens his back.

"Cat got your tongue, kitten?" After laughing at me, he turned and walked away. Even just seeing him leave is a display that will make your mouth water. Scars are interspersed among the tribal tattoos that cover his entire back. Yes, he may be frightening, but he is drop-dead gorgeous.

As soon as he leaves the room, everybody starts getting excited. When I looked up, the ruckus resumed, and the terrified man standing nearby was approaching me.

"Miss, are you alright?"

"More like frenzied." Praise God that he did not lose his cool and start shouting. I couldn't have handled a confrontation with him.

The guy is glancing in the direction of the entrance. "Yes. He did not detonate himself."

The fearful guy throws Luisa's hair around. Eyes of amber color, with traces of laughter lines. Even when dressed professionally, he has that aspect of getting hard-headed.

"So. Therefore, you will act as the photographer. By the way, my name is Stuart. I shall be your guide through the various buildings tomorrow morning. Since I have scheduled the entire day in preparation, how about we begin the day with breakfast? The doors here open at seven in the morning. Does 7:30 make sense?"

"I'm good to go at 8:15. First, I have to take my daughter to the after-school program, and only then will I be able to come over here."

"Oh? What is the age of your daughter?"

"Six. She is sweet and charitable but defiant and stubborn at times."

He chuckles. "That's the making of a strong woman there, don't you think?"

"May God look out for your potential husband. To handle her, he will need to have the same strength as she does and a lot of patience."

When we considered it, we both laughed out loud. "Ah. I have no doubt that her father will screen visitors to ensure that only the appropriate people enter."

There is a slight hesitation as he looks at the ring on my finger. I can only sigh. This makes people feel a little uncomfortable in general, and even though I have moved over my sadness, I still miss him very much.

"I have no doubt that he would have. No, she never had the opportunity to talk to her father." Sadly, Daddy went away while I was carrying her in my womb. Since then, there have only been the two of us.

"Oh, I am sorry."

"No, don't worry about that. Is it not a part of the story that I am telling? He was a terrific man who was also kind and caring, and I have no doubt that he would have been a wonderful father. I wish I could talk to him, but that won't happen."

"Oh, so you're familiar with my name. What is your name?"

"Liannah."

"Pretty Liannah?" He did more than just give me a wink at that point.

In answer, I give him an eye roll. "Don't even begin. At least you didn't sing my name."

"Oh well, it will be a good song". I snort with laughter and then shake my head.

"Listen, I have to get going. In five minutes, we will begin our photo shoot. I will meet you sometime today and then again at 8:15 in the morning tomorrow here."

"Sounds good, pretty."

Yup. He isn't going to change his mind about that nickname, is he?

After looking at the time, I still have thirty minutes until I have to pick up Xiannah. The day has been alright. Everyone has been kind, thoughtful, and easy to collaborate with. My camera has been reliable, and I've done my best to put everyone at ease in front of the lens. Regarding the results, I have complete faith in my skills.

I am holding off until a few more people arrive before moving forward. I am still busy checking out the previous shot to ensure I don't need to contact other people to go back here anymore.

"Because of what happened, I bought a new shirt. Is the shirt okay?"

I screamed. "Oh, my goodness. Has anybody told you to maintain personal space with others?"

He gives me a grin and then rests his body against the desk that I am using.

"In all seriousness, you gave me a heart attack. It's a good thing I didn't spill anything on you now. Oh my gosh."

Even though my pulse is racing from the unwelcome surprise, I can't help but gape at his attractiveness. Even though my heart is racing, I cannot help but stare at how handsome he is as he smiles at me with his eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I just couldn't resist. Because you were so focused on your task, it was much more straightforward than usual to sneak up on you."

"You're right. Okay, what is your name, and whose department do you work for so I can match the photo number with you?" He didn't answer but pointed something out.

He is checking my list with a sly grin, unwinding by leaning back on the desk.

There are a lot of people here.

"Today has been quite an adventure. However, everything has run quite well since everybody has been so nice. Before Stuart shows me around, we will get together for breakfast first thing in the morning. I've heard that some of the structures are quite spectacular."

Why is it so hot in here? And has all of the air in this room been drained of its oxygen? The more he stares at me, my throat starts to feel parched. He is now wearing a black shirt and dark gray pants. He has changed his clothes. Even though he exudes a sense of humor, he has an intimidating presence. When I think of him, I see a cuddly lion that, if challenged, will go straight for the kill. He reminds me of that. I am at a loss for words for him. But I know that every part of my body is wary of this handsome man.

"Well, I am in charge of managing those sites. I will be a better leader for you to follow. I'll gladly show you around the construction sites if you can meet me for lunch at twelve."

"Oh, uh. Regarding that matter, I'll have to discuss it with Stuart."

A little second later, he narrows his gaze even farther. But then he laughs, and with that rich baritone voice, I am completely captivated. "That is not the case. It won't be a problem for Stuart at all. However, if it will make you feel more at ease, run it by him first."

"Do you wish for me to go?"

My location is on my bed, ideally without clothes on. What a mess... Let's avoid thinking anything inappropriate out loud by keeping our thoughts pure. Oh my goodness, it's like my mind is behaving like a lusty young adult. Get your act together, self, and for the love of heaven, try not to drool.

I was successful in making it through the shots. He places his card on the table with the back facing up. "Here is my contact information in case your plans must be rescheduled. However, I will discuss this with Stuart and see you tomorrow.

Looking forward to it with excitement."

He walks out of the room with ease, and immediately, the atmosphere becomes more open and airy. I am curious as to what he does for a living. As I fill out my page, I take up his card and feel like my eyes are about to jump out of their sockets. He is Rohan Silvertone. And he is the chief executive officer.

Oh, well! I have been seductively joking with the CEO and showering him with coffee. To cap it all off, I am scheduled to have lunch with him tomorrow. I am so embarrassed that I can feel my entire body rumbling. At least I didn't fail to get the contract this time. Undoubtedly, he is fervently hoping that I do not squander my time tomorrow. It's no wonder that everyone was in such a panic this morning.

When I informed Stuart about my experience with Rohan, he was so shocked that he almost choked on his coffee.

"So. He told you that he would take you to the sites. Have you checked?"

"Oh my gosh, is he a very controlling person? Although I am skilled in what I do, having someone watch over my shoulder usually throws off the picture I am trying to project."

"I'm sorry. Yes, especially regarding how things are carried out. But for some reason, he sometimes does not interfere."

He seemed to be lost in contemplation. This morning, I really appreciated Stuart's company. It's like hanging out with an older brother. He's clever and has a decent grasp of the world, making enjoyable conversations. Until now, I have done an excellent job with this project. It is always pleasant to have some company around. I don't get out often. My social life could be more active. Therefore, I will accept it.

"You don't want to go with me?" I asked.

"To hell with it. My intuition tells me that having you around him won't make things nearly as horrible as they may be. Let's g. We have a lot of sites to investigate. Let's leave the coffee here for the moment. I don't want you to stain anyone else's shirt again in this building, do we?"

I wince in annoyance as he laughs heartily.

I fall behind everyone else and get wrapped up in the job, and before I realize it, it's almost time for lunch. Let's see how the afternoon unfolds and move from there.