Zara

"Don’t worry, not all of us bite," she said with a sly smile, and I had to hide my grin.

"I’m glad to hear it."

"By the way, Mr. Sterling didn’t introduce you. I don’t know why; maybe he didn’t want to reveal your identity. But I know you’re Zara Zayair." She winked faintly as we sat down at the table.

My jaw dropped in amazement, and I leaned closer, grabbing her hands.

"How do you know?"

She giggled softly, like a true lady.

"I follow the news very closely. I’m a huge fan of your parents. I followed your mother’s case very closely, even when I was just a teenager and desperately wanted her to win. Your parents are such an inspiration."

My eyes gleamed with shock. She was so polite and tactful. Understanding the situation, she didn’t speak in front of men, only when we were alone.

"Wow! I didn’t expect that at all."

"I understand you haven’t attracted much media attention, and I don’t even blame you, people can be so insensitive. It must be tough on you." She was referring to how we must have been bullied because of my parents’ past.

"Yes, that’s why Alpha Kane and I don’t reveal my last name. Thank you for understanding." I was truly grateful.

She leaned back in her chair as the waiters brought our food.

"I understand, Zara." Everyone has a dark history they don’t want to reveal, and some simply prefer privacy." She took a bun and took a small bite.

At that moment, another waiter approached. He was a tall man with short, dark brown hair.

"Miss Zara, Mr. Sterling requires your company. He speaks to..."

"He said he had an urgent matter." We didn’t bring phones, as there were no electronics at the event.

I couldn’t clarify anything with him.

"Isn’t the CEO in a meeting?" I asked, frowning.

"It’s about to begin. He said he needed to discuss some matters with you before the meeting. So, if you’ll excuse me, follow me," he offered with a kind smile.

’Mind-link with Alpha.’ Nova suggested.

’Alpha is in a meeting, and wanted me there, so there is no need for mind-link.’ I rolled my eyes.

"They’re on the ground floor; I’ll be waiting for you here. Don’t worry," Masjah patted my hand confidently, and I stood up, setting down my glass of champagne.

The waiter led me to the elevator and opened the door with his handprint.

"After you, ma’am," he said respectfully, extending his hand. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into that suffocating box; he followed, and the door closed behind me.

Instead of pressing the button for the first floor, he pushed the button for the underground level.

"Hey! Aren’t they on the first floor?" I asked, confused, squinting at him.

His demeanor suddenly changed, and he turned to me, anger flashing in his not-so-friendly eyes.

My senses sharpened. Something was wrong. Alpha Kane hadn’t sent him away.

"Shut up and do as I say if you want to live," he barked, reaching out to grab me by the throat.

All the training Moon Stone Academy and Alpha Kane had taught me kicked in, and I dodged his hand, leaning slightly to the left, but there wasn’t much room in the elevator.

Adrenaline surged through me like life force; I knew I had to fight to survive. I had no idea what this man’s intentions were, but they weren’t pious.

’You will defeat him, it’s a mere human.’ Nova amused.

’Yes, I know.’ I rolled my eyes.

’Can I tear him into pieces just in a minute?’ Nova suggested.

’No, we can’t reveal our identity among humans. For the sake of our Alpha’s huge business empire.’ I replied to her.

Clenching my fist, I struck him in the temple, but he was no ordinary man. He moved just in time, and my blow landed squarely on the glass display with the buttons. He struck with all his might, cracking the glass and clenching his knuckles terribly.

Ah... It was a fight for survival, but now the fear of being trapped in this damned metal container was growing.

He grabbed my hair, squeezed my fists, and pulled me back, throwing my head back at an odd angle. My body collided with his tense body.

I didn’t scream, not wanting to give him the satisfaction, but I elbowed him in the stomach with all my might.

He was strong, built like a fighter, and it didn’t have much effect on him. He tried to smash my face against the metal surface of the elevator, but I guessed his intention and extended my arms to protect my face.

If he’d succeeded, I probably would have passed out, and I didn’t even want to think about what he would have done then.

He tried to slam my head against the wall again, and this time I tilted my body slightly to save myself. He grabbed the back of my dress with his other hand, and I heard a crack.

No, fuck, no.

The thick fabric ripped off my shoulder, revealing it and upper chest. Any more, and my entire chest would have spilled out.

There it was.

"Fuck off! That dress was special; my boss made it especially for me," I thought.

My anger rose to the temperature of the surface of Venus. My furious gaze found him, and the bastard was grinning like he’d conquered Everest.

I wanted to wipe that smug smile off his disgusting face. He’d messed with the wrong girl.

Clenching my fist, I aimed and struck him squarely in the temple. I wanted to use more force, but the confined space limited my movements.

But it worked; his grip loosened slightly, and I was able to break free. Turning around, I put all my strength into the blow and drove it back into his temple with my other hand.

He thought I was only fighting with my right hand, but I could just as easily fight with both.

The blow connected, and he stumbled, crumbling to the elevator floor like a pile of sand. His eyes were still open, but I could tell I saw stars flickering before him.

Ignoring the throbbing pain in my head and the scraping of his nails on my shoulder, because I was currently running on pure adrenaline, I grabbed the front of his uniform.