Mated by Contract to the Alpha

“What kind of concerns?” I asked, my tone mild despite the re of irritation I felt. I already knew the answer, could smell the evasion in

his scent

“They’re concerned about… he hesitated, searching for diplomatic phrasing, “potential Instability in leadership band /bdirection”

I allowed one eyebrow to rise slightly. “Has Sterling Group given bany /bindication of Instability? Ourst quarterly report sheed growth across all divisions.”

“Ronald Collins has been in contact with several menshers of our board,” be admitted, “He’s suggesting that your personal decisions are affecting business judgment and that Sterling Group is facing Internal challenges that could impart partnerships.”

I let a slow smile spread across my face – not warm, but calcting. “And the board sent you to determine if these rumors have merit.”

“Yes,” ke confirmed, looking slightly bmore /bfortable now that we bwere /bspeaking inly. They’re particrly concerned about the sudden termination of the Collins partnership and… your changed personal circumstances.”

“My changed personal circumstances, I repeated, the words precise and cool. “You mean my broken engagement to Elizabeth Collins and my rtionship with my true mate.”

ke’s eyes widened slightly at my directness. “Yes,” he

be admitted.

I reached for my tablet, unlocking it with a swift gesture and pulling up Sterling bGroup’s /bfinancial disy to the room’s main screen, where a series of upward–trending graphs appeared.

data.

With a few taps, I transferred the

“These are our performance metrics bsince /bI terminated the Collins partnership,” I exined, standing to approach the screen. “Revenue up 12%. Efficiency improved by 95%. New contracts Increased by 15%,”

I turned to bface /bke, my posture rxed butmanding. b“/bMy personal decisions, as you put it, have been beneficial for Sterling Group. The Collins partnership was draining resources for minimal return.”

ke studied the numbers, his professional interest temporarily oveing his difort. These figures are impressive, but the board is more concerned about potential PR risks. There have been implications of… unconventional personal entanglements.”

My patience thinned. “Let me be direct, ke. Ronald Collins is spreading misinformation because I broke off an engagement with his daughter. It was an arrangement I never wanted, and one that became impossible when I found my true mate.” I leaned forward, making sure I had his full attention. “In werewolf terms, that’s like questioning why someone would choose their soulmate over a business arrangement.”

ke, himself a werewolf from a respected American pack, had the grace to look embarrassed. “I understand the mate bond is sacred, Mr. Sterling. But the Nakamura board includes human members who view this more….. pragmatically,”

“And what would reassure your board?” 1 asked, already formting bseveral /bpotential solutions in my mind.

ke hesitated before answering, his difort returning. “They’re considering withdrawing their bcapital /bfrom our joint venture buntil /bthings… stabilize.”

“That would be a significant bmistake/b,” I said calmly, though my bwolf /bwas growling at this threat to territory. I walked bback /bto my seat, movements deliberate and controlled. “bInstead/b, what if Sterling Group offered to pay the full annual contract amount upfront? It would demonstrate our financial security andmitment to the partnership.”

ke’s eyes widened, genuine surprise breaking through his professional mask. The proposal would mean millions transferred immediately, a show of both wealth and confidence that fewpanies could match. “That would certainly make an impression.”

I didn’t hesitate, projecting absolute certainty. “I’ll have the paperwork drawn up todayb. /bAnd I’d like to schedule a video conference bwith /byour board next week to address any lingering concerns personally.”

The transformation in ke’s demeanor was Immediate and striking. The tension in his shoulders released, his scent shifting from anxiety to relief. He leaned back in his chair, the first gentine salle of the meeting crossing his face.

“I think that would resolve the situation effectively,” he said, his voice stronger now that he could see a clear path forward. “I have to say, Mr. Sterling, I didn’t expect such a straightforward solution.”

“I prefer efficiency, I replied simply. “Why waste time with corporate posturing when a direct approach solves the problem?”

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