Page 5 of The Alpha's Uncovered Mate

It takes a lot of strength for me to say this, knowing that Jonathon can take this as an insult. But I need assurance.

The Alpha's eyes spark with anger. "Do you want me to swear a blood oath or something?"

"Yes," I say, simply.

"You ungrateful…" He gets to his feet, his expression twisted in rage, but I cut him off.

"No disrespect, sir," I hold his gaze, damn the consequences, "but I have spent years paying for my brother's crimes. Norman has made it clear that the fate that awaits me once he becomes the Alpha is going to be no less than that of a whore. So, I need more than simply your words. I want a blood oath."

Jonathon's eyes are fierce. "It seems your tongue hasn't been curbed in all these years."

I just stare at him silently.

If Norman becomes Alpha, I would rather die.

Jonathon can probably see I won't budge, and he scowls. "Fine. I'll swear a blood oath, but only once Adam's company has been acquired."

I know for a fact that simply acquiring the company won't be enough for Norman to become the Alpha. He's going to drive it into the ground. But if I get on board, I can make him the Alpha by showing my successes as his. And once I'm free, he can burn this pack to the ground as far as I care.

My lips curve.

Jonathon looks irritated. "Get out of my sight. And in the afternoon, you're going with Norman for the acquisition talks."

I just nod and head out of his office. But as soon as the door closes behind me, a broad smile grows on my lips, my heart thudding in excitement.

Finally, a chance at freedom!

CHAPTER 2

Cynthia

As usual, Norman is late.

The lawyers and I are waiting in the lobby for him as he strolls in, an hour late. He blinks when he sees us. "Why're you nitwits standing here? What, did Dad kick you out?"

He bursts into laughter at his own joke, and I grimace at the grating sound.

Even as a child, Norman was not the most attractive one of the lot. Where his personality and attitude could have made a vast difference, the ugliness inside him is always on the surface.

"We have the acquisition talks with Maril Food Inc. today." One of the lawyers steps forward, barely hiding his annoyance. "We were supposed to be there twenty minutes ago. We've been waiting for you for over an hour."

Instead of looking mortified for delaying what is supposed to be such an urgent matter for the company or even pretending to be embarrassed, Norman just sneers, "So what? It's just Adam. He should be grateful that we're even interested in his pathetic little company. Just you watch. I can bet you he'll be waiting for us, desperate for us to buy him out and save him."

I look down at the floor, pressing my lips together to keep from laughing. Norman doesn't have an ounce of business sense inhim. The only thing he's good for is spending his father's money on women and alcohol. I've never met a more deluded fool.

"Either way," the lawyer, Tom Anvil, says sharply, "we need to be there, or we risk losing the acquisition. Maril Food is right now one of the top groups there is. We cannot afford to miss the acquisition talks. Do you know what will happen if another company bids––"

Norman got in Tom's face, suddenly snarling, "Didn't you hear what I said? Adam needs us! Nobody's going to want to acquire his pathetic little business."

I can see that Tom wants to say something, but he's one of the last few staff members Norman has not yet managed to drive away, and I can't let him fire someone like Tom. I immediately step forward, my voice hard. "Fine, I'll call Jonathon and tell him you feel the acquisition is not worth it."

I'm already taking out my phone when Norman grabs my wrist, squeezing it painfully hard. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

I meet his gaze, refusing to flinch from the pain. "Exactly what you said. You don't think the acquisition is worth your time and effort, so why should we be paying all these lawyers per hour to simply wait around for an acquisition you don't even think is worth it?"

He tightens his grip and I stare back at him, impassively. "I'll also let him know that I'll be taking a couple of days off work since you seem to be intent on breaking my wrist. You can explain to him why he doesn't have his PA around."

Norman's face contorts and I smile pleasantly. "Want to let go now or should I call your father?"

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