Goodbye Alpha, I'm Done - Chapter 28: Chapter 28

As I stepped into Ryker's large expensive looking office, the weight of my decision to accept his job offer suddenly felt much heavier. Gone was the carefree, alcohol-fueled confidence I had felt the night before. And he seemed even much more intimidating that I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath.
Ryker's piercing gaze locked onto mine, his penetrating blue eyes seeming to bore right through me. I felt my palms grow sweaty, and I had to resist the urge to fidget under the intensity of his stare. What were the odds that the same company I applied to had been acquired by him without my knowledge? Was it the moon goddess’s way of bringing us together?
"Please, have a seat, Selena," he said, his deep, velvety voice sending a subtle shiver down my spine.
I nodded mutely, sinking into the plush leather chair across from his desk and clamping my thighs together. Carefully, I reached into my portfolio, retrieving my CV and other relevant documents, in a stiff and calculated movement.
As I handed the papers over to Ryker, our fingers brushed just slightly, and I couldn't help but notice the warmth and strength of his touch. I quickly pulled my hand back, trying to ignore the tingles that still lingered on my skin. I kept thinking if he had realized too that we were mates. I also wondered if he was going to accept me or not.
Ryker took the documents, his gaze running over them with an unreadable expression. The silence between us was very thick, and I found myself sitting up even straighter, crossing my legs and uncrossing them again.
Finally, he looked up, his piercing eyes holding mine once more. "So, Selena," he said calmly, as if choosing his words carefully. "I am surprised to see you here this morning wanting to be my new employee. Why were you late this morning?"
I swallowed hard, the words catching in my throat. "Um... well, I, uh..." I stammered, cursing myself inwardly for my sudden lack of eloquence.
He raised a hand, and I stopped my rambling immediately. "Of course, I know why," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "A little too much fun last night, I imagine."
I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment, and I averted my gaze, suddenly finding the pattern of the paintings on the wall utterly fascinating.
"But it's alright," he continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I understand these things happen."
I dared to glance up, only to be met with a cold, impassive expression. "I am afraid I have some bad news for you." he said, too sharply for my liking.
My heart sank into my stomach and I felt dreadful. "What do you mean?" I asked, hating how small my voice sounded.
Ryker's lips curved into a thin smile, and he folded his hands on top the desk. "I'm sorry, but after reviewing your credentials, I don't believe you're the right fit for the position. You can go look for a job elsewhere."
"But, Alpha Ryker, please," I pleaded, the words tumbling out in a desperate rush. "I can do this job, I know I can. Just give me a chance, I promise I won't let you down!"
"Selena," he interrupted in a sharp tone that almost startled me. "I'm the one in charge here, and I've made my decision. I think it's best if you leave my office now."
I felt a lump rise in my throat, the sting of rejection and disappointment threatening to overwhelm me. "Please, Alpha Ryker, just give me a chance. I know I can excel in the marketing department, and—"
"Do I need to repeat myself, Selena?" he asked, and swallowing hard, I shook my head.
"No, Alpha Ryker," I murmured, the honorific feeling like acid on my tongue.
Slowly, I rose from the chair, my legs shaking under me. I didn’t understand any of it. Was I wrong to think there was some connection between us last night? Or maybe he was trying to get back at me knowing I was his rival’s ex.
As my hand reached for the doorknob, Ryker's voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Selena."
I turned, my eyes meeting his, and the expression on his face had shifted - the cold, dismissive mask had been replaced by a hint of amusement, a faint smile showing at the corners of his lips.
"You didn't honestly think I was going to let you go just like that, did you?"
I blinked, my mind struggling to catch up. "I... I don't understand."
He chuckled, the sound reverberating through the room. "Of course you got the job, Selena. Your talent and credentials are undeniable. I was simply... testing you, shall we say."
I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, feeling bit relieved, embarrassed and a dash of irritation all at once.
"Testing me? By telling me I didn't get the job?"
His smile widened, a deep dimple appearing on his cheek. "Precisely. I wanted to see how you would react, how you would fight for what you want. And I must say, I'm quite impressed."
I stared at him, my mind in a hundred places at once. "So... I do have the job?"
"Of course," he replied, his gaze warm and approving. "You start today."
I let out a shaky breath. "Thank you, Alpha Ryker. Thank you so much, I won't let you down, I promise."
Ryker leaned back in his chair, his lips curving into a lopsided smile that revealed a deep, alluring dimple in his cheek. "I know you won't, Selena," he said looking at me all over. "You are starting immediately, and Linda, the head of the marketing team, will be the one to show you around.”
I nodded for what felt like the tenth time that morning and started making my way out.
"The look on your pretty face was all worth it." he called after me suddenly.
I felt my cheeks heat up once more, and I ducked my head, trying to hide the shy smile that threatened to break across my lips.