Zara

That meant staying close to Alpha Kane.

We arrived at the office amidst the chaos, and Ranold greeted us in the rehearsal room with a Cheshire Cat grin. Halima stood next to him, as if her most prized possession had been stolen right from under her nose.

"How did this even happen?" Alpha Kane asked.

"She broke a heel and twisted her ankle," Ranold replied with a look on his face.

’Didn’t he sleep with her? He could have shown at least a little concern.’ Nova rolled her eyes.

’Emotionless, fucking human.’ Nova and I were on the same page.

"This is a disaster; no one can replace Amanda. What should we do?" Halima seemed on the verge of fainting.

"Well, the option is right in front of you. Why aren’t we considering Zara?" Ranold extended both hands.

Great, let’s go.

Halima scanned me with a sharp gaze, like a scanner, and then turned her questioning gaze to Alpha Kane.

"Zara can decide for herself, but I vote yes." Alpha Kane placed a reassuring hand on my lower back.

"Hmm... I’m not sure. I’m not Amanda, and I haven’t walked the ramp for the last year or two," I answered honestly.

"Never mind. You’re tall, and I like your uniqueness. I can guide you if you want," Halima told me, tapping her stylus on the tablet.

"Go ahead, Zara. Don’t let anyone hold you back," Ranold said, crossing his arms and leaning against the table.

The important people already knew who I was; even my pursuer knew, so what was the point of hiding? Besides, I would have become closer to Alpha Kane; my heart wasn’t ready to see another woman by his side.

I glanced at Alpha Kane, and he nodded encouragingly. The excitement of stepping onto the ski jump overtook me, and I gave in. "Okay, go ahead." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Alpha Kane seemed to appreciate my words; he gently patted my back.

Ranold’s smile widened; he’d been obsessed with getting me onto the ski jump, and it looked like his wish had come true.

Halima began: "Great, we’ll need to adjust the dress..."

Alpha Kane interrupted her. "Zara won’t wear the dress Amanda was planning on wearing. I have a dress for her, and it will be ready by tomorrow. Take her to the ski jump so she can start training, and leave the dress with me."

Halima nodded, turning her attention to me. "Come on, it’s time to get started. Time is not on our side."

Glancing one last time at Alpha Kane, I let Halima lead me away, wondering what dress he was talking about. Halima led me to the runway, where several models were rehearsing for the show.

"Okay, clear the runway. I need it clear." Halima clapped her hands, and everyone hurried off without a word.

We exchanged a few glances, and whispers broke out here and there. I knew Halima was a professional, and nothing unexpected would happen.

Halima wielded authority, a woman who looked to be in her early forties. She turned to me and said with utter sincerity, "Zara, I know you’re Mr. Sterling’s girlfriend, but this runway is where you forget your titles. You’re just a model here, modeling the outfit you were given, so I need your best clothes. Understood?"

"Yes, ma’am. I’ll do my best." I took a deep breath as one of the assistants brought me a pair of 7.5 cm heels, as I wasn’t wearing any.

"Okay, then change, and let’s begin." I took off my low-heeled pumps and put on long black ones.

After letting my feet adjust, I took a few steps and found they were comfortable. I’ve worn heels my whole life, sometimes even 10 cm, so this shouldn’t be a problem.

Halima left me backstage, and one of the assistants asked, settling me in right there. "Are you comfortable?"

When I nodded in agreement, she smiled and gave me a few tips. "Remember to take deep breaths and don’t let your mind wander. Just walk smoothly and find a relaxed state of mind. Focus on this."

I listened intently, absorbing every word. "Thank you," I said when Halima called out to me from the front row.

"No problem. You can do it." She gave me a thumbs-up and stepped back.

Placing my hands on my hips and focusing all my strength on my shoulders, I confidently stepped forward.

My heart pounded, adrenaline rushed blindly through my blood as I slid forward, and a long ramp opened up before me. The lights were dimmed, and the golden glow was directed solely at me.

I’ve always had an iron will, which drove me to see things through to the end. I practiced and practiced until I perfected everything I set my mind to.

Walking down the ramp was no exception, and I was determined to succeed. All eyes were on me as the buzz in the hall died down the moment I stepped onto the glittering ramp.

Alpha Kane sat in the front seat, his piercing, laser-like onyx eyes meeting mine. He tucked his hand under his chin, watching me like a handsome wolf.

There!

A wave washed over me, almost throwing me off balance. But I had to do it right. Grasping a graceful gait, I lifted my chin slightly to show confidence, not pride.

Forgetting everything around me, I focused solely on him, the center of my attention.

Alpha Kane looked at me with a grim expression, giving nothing away, a refined gesture Alpha Kane has when he observes and assesses, like a predatory wolf.

Without hesitation, I moved forward, step by step. His intense gaze flowed over my body like a warm shower, slowly caressing my skin. Never flinching, never flinching, but urging me on.

I responded with a perfect sway of my hips, maintaining a straight posture. I confidently ran to the end of the podium and let one arm hang free, my fingers lightly clasped at my waist.

Pause—ah, I gave... Sigh, I took a furtive breath.

Alpha’s eyes are shining; I know he likes it.

For then, with a slow, knowing smirk, I turned theatrically and walked back. Without trying to trip, I exhaled and concentrated. A few more steps. When I reached the end of the ramp, I heard applause and whistles behind me.

No way, this isn’t for me. Walking backstage, I saw the happy face of the assistant who had previously given me advice. "That was amazing, your walk is so unique. A few rehearsals, and you’ll be perfect."

I thanked her as Halima, her expression neutral, rushed backstage, and my heart sank.

It seemed I was wrong.