Chapter 9 Alpha Ethan's POV I walked into the office and sat behind my desk , pulling out my laptop to go over some documents before the meeting started . I stared at the screen , but the words might as well have been in another language . Her face wouldn't leave my mind . Pale . Peaceful . Still . That image haunted me more than anything . I should've been focused - hell , I had deals on the line that could shift the pack's future - but all I could think about was the girl lying unconscious in a hospital bed because of me . I clenched my jaw and pushed the laptop away , dragging a hand down my face in frustration . I hated feeling helpless . But this ... this was a pain I couldn't fight off with strength or strategy . I had to wait - for her to wake up . For a chance to thank her . To apologize . A knock on the door broke through my spiraling thoughts . " Alpha ," Melissa , my secretary , stepped in , holding her sleek tablet . " Your meeting with the investors starts in five minutes . They're already in the conference room . " I nodded , straightening my jacket as I stood . " Thanks , Melissa . Let's not keep them waiting ." She stepped aside as I passed , and together we walked down the hall to the main conference room . The floor - to - ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the surrounding city - my territory . Once I'd built from scratch alongside the pack, brick by brick , deal by deal . Inside the conference room , the atmosphere was already charged with anticipation . Representatives from three major tech companies sat at the long table , sleek suits and expensive watches on full display . Their eyes followed me as I entered , some nodding in polite acknowledgment , others measuring me . I took my seat at the head . " Gentlemen , " I said with calm authority , " let's get started ." Melissa handed out updated reports as the presentation began . One of the investors , a tall man named Greaves , started off with a dry voice and a tighter smile than I liked . " We've reviewed the proposal , " he began , " and while the numbers look promising , there are concerns about long - term scalability . The infrastructure- " " -is already underway , " I cut in , tapping a document in front of me . " You'll see in section three that we've secured permits for expansion through the eastern sector . The tech park will have access to our transportation lines within two months . We've accounted for projected growth through and beyond . " ' He glanced at his colleagues , clearly caught off guard by the direct response . Another investor , Ms. Langford , adjusted her glasses . " What about the security measures ? You've built a reputation for discretion , Alpha Ethan , but we're putting serious data in your hands . " " That discretion is why you're here ," I replied evenly . " I don't make promises I can't keep . Our internal team includes formyber - unit specialists , and our servers are privately maintained . No leaks . No risks . " The room was quiet for a moment . Then came a subtle nod agreement . Melissa moved to the wall panel and brought up the architectural visuals on the screen , walking them through the layout of the new tech development zone . I used the moment to breathe , steadying myself . Normally , I thrived in these rooms . Power plays , numbers , strategy - I could read people faster than they could blink . But today , my mind kept drifting , 1/2 Chapter 9 She'd put herself in danger . For me . And now I sat here in a business meeting , trying to pretend everything was normal while she clung to life . I didn't realize someone had asked me a question until Melissa leaned down and whispered it in my ear . " Ms. Langford wants to know if you're open to an exclusive deal for data routing . " I looked up and met Langford's sharp gaze . " That depends . What are you offering in exchange for exclusivity ? " She smiled . " A five - year upfront contract . And a twenty - percent increase in funding if you can fast - track the infrastructure by the end of Q3 . " I leaned back in my chair . That kind of investment would accelerate the whole project , allow more pack - owned businesses to operate in the city , and give us a major edge against the competition. " I'll have my legal team draw up the preliminary terms by the end of the day , " I said . " We can finalize by next week . " She nodded . " Excellent . " The meeting continued for another half hour as we went over final numbers , timelines , and next steps . By the end of it , the tone had shifted from cautious interest to enthusiastic approval . As the investors stood to leave , I shook their hands , offering the firm grip expected of someone in my position . Melissa escorted them out . I returned to my office and started working on some documents while I waited for the next meeting to commence , but I was distracted as my mind kept going to her . I bowed my head on my desk as I prayed for the Moon Goddess to bring her back . Just then , my secretary came in , informing me of the next meeting . I stood up and was about to leave when I heard the ringing of my phone . I was hesitant to take it at first , but I later gave in as the call came a second time . I pulled it out of my pocket and was surprised to see it was the doctor in charge of the rogue . I quickly picked it up , my mind racing - could it be she was dead , and the doctor wanted to inform me ? " Hello ? " the doctor's voice from the other end snapped me out of my thoughts . " Hello , Doc , " I called out . " Good day , Alpha , " he greeted . " Get straight to the point and don't waste my time , " I snapped at him . " Okay , Alpha . I called to tell you the girl just woke up , " he said . I was overjoyed . I didn't even wait for him to finish before I cut the call and made my way out of the office . I was about to enter the car when Melissa stopped me . " Sir , you still have other meetings to attend to , " she said . " Jus 1 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!