Chapter 147 Celebration (2)
*Something just came to mind,” he announces. “Earlier today, I received an international partnership offer from Northern Healthcare Alliance regarding herbal remedy distribution. Aelira, do you want to take a look?”
“The Northern Healthcare Alliance contract?!” I burst out, my expression betraying my shock and disbelief.
The news hits me like a bolt of lightning. Northern Healthcare holds a near–mythical status in our field.
Not just me, but all my colleagues‘ eyes immediately light up at the mention of “Northern Healthcare.” It is every herbal remedy company’s greatest aspiration in the werewolf world.
If I could secure distribution through Northern Healthcare’s established channels, it would be the ultimate achievement for any herbalist.
“You’re not making this up, are you?” I ask, scarcely able to breathe as excitement surges through me.
Daelor’s grin widens at my clear enthusiasm. “I’m completely serious. The proposal is waiting at my company’s office.”
“Can we go review it right away?” I ask, my earlier concern for the party vanishing in my eagerness.
“Absolutely,” Daelor replies. “Let’s head out now.”
I bid my colleagues a quick farewell, noticing their mixture of envy and understanding about this remarkable chance.
As I follow Daelor to his opulent SUV, my excitement is impossible to hide during the whole ride.
“How did Northern Healthcare even find out about our tiny business?” I ask, practically bouncing with anticipation.
“What products do they want to carry? And what are their minimum order requirements?”
Daelor answers each of my rapid questions with patience, his gaze soft and affectionate as he observes my eagerness
“They mentioned your specialized herbal blends in particular,” he tells me. “They seem especially interested in the fertility remedies and prenatal support supplements.”
His reply fills my wolf with a sense of accomplishment. Those products embody years of study and family traditions handed down through generations.
Just as I prepare to fire off more questions, a phone call breaks, our exchange. The car’s display lights up with “George
Leach” on the caller ID.
Without hesitating, Daelor taps the hands–free button.
“Alpha, I’m sorry to disrupt you,” George’s respectful tone echoes through the car. “Your mother has just arrived at Nightshade Security and is waiting in your personal office.”
The excitement I feel for the Northern Healthcare deal fades instantly. My smile dims as I glance at Daelor with a rising sense of worry
He keeps a perfectly calm demeanor, betraying no surprise or strong emotion at the update. His Alpha poise seems unshakable.
“Did she say what brought her here?” Daelor asks, his voice all business.
“No, Alpha. She only mentioned wanting to see you while she’s in the Northern Territory,”
The call ends, leaving a tense silence between us. I can sense the complicated family situation, even if I don’t fully grasp it.
“Maybe we should wait until tomorrow to review the proposal,” I suggest carefully. “You should meet your mother first. Family comes first.”
Daelor responds without hesitation. “That won’t be necessary. We’ll both go.”
“Both of us?” I echo, my nervousness increasing. “Are you sure that’s all right?”
The idea of meeting Daelor’s mother like this–when our relationship is undefined and I’m secretly carrying his child- makes my anxiety spike.
< Chapter 147 Celebration (2)
My wolf whines at the thought of a meeting that could turn uncomfortable.
“There’s nothing wrong with it,” Daelor says, his Alpha authority clear. “You’re part of my company. It makes sense for you to be present.”
His matter–of–fact tone leaves me feeling as though any further reluctance would look suspicious
“If you’re sure…” I say, still uneasy.
After about twenty minutes, we reach the impressive Nightshade Security headquarters. We take the executive elevator up, my anxiety growing with every floor we ascend.
Upon entering the large office, I immediately notice a sophisticated, beautiful woman seated on a leather sofa by the window, reading through some papers.
She radiates a calm yet commanding presence that compels everyone around her to straighten up. Even at ease, the strength of her wolf fills the space.
It’s instantly clear to me where Daelor gets his striking looks. The sharp bone structure, intelligent eyes, and innate authority all reveal a strong family connection,
Yet, what astonishes me most is the way Daelor addresses her. His tone is unexpectedly cold and devoid of feeling, as though he is speaking to a colleague rather than his own mother.
He greets her with formality, “Mom, I wasn’t expecting you.”
She matches his reserve, setting her papers aside as she responds, “Daelor. I hope my
visit isn’t an inconvenience.”
With effortless poise, Eileen Briarhallow rises from the couch, her movements revealing the grace that comes from years of Luna discipline and leading her pack.
She offers an explanation, her manner polite but distant. “I have business in the Northern Territory this week, so I thought I’d stop by.”
Their exchange resembles the negotiation of a treaty between packs, not a warm meeting between family members. The emotional chasm between them is obvious and deeply unsettling.
Realizing this, I feel a sudden ache in my chest. How did Daelor manage to become such an impressive Alpha, having grown up in such a chilly household?
Turning to me with professional composure, Daelor introduces me, “Mom, this is Aelira Sunmere. She was my junior at university and is currently assisting with herbal research at my company.”
I step forward, bowing politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Briarhallow
Eileen’s sharp eyes examine me closely before she repeats my name in a measured tone. “Aelira Sunmere… I understand.”
Something about the way she says it suggests she recognizes my name, although I have no idea how she might know of
me
After a tense pause, Eileen faces Daelor again, her intent clear.
“Have you spoken to your father lately?” she asks, her voice carefully controlled. “I heard he’s returned to the territory as
It strikes me as profoundly sad that a mated Luna refers to her Alpha partner’s whereabouts as mere hearsay.
“No,” Daelor answers, his tone as impassive as before. “I haven’t seen him yet.”
Eileen reacts with a nod, as if this response confirms what she expected. “I see. I’ll let you get back to your work, then.”
She heads for the office door, her steps measured and elegant. At the threshold, she pauses, casting a fleeting look in my direction before focusing on Daelor. Her words carry a firm warning, her Alpha authority unmistakable.
“Whatever you’re planning, your father will never approve,” she cautions quietly but firmly. “You should consider the consequences very carefully.”