Sylvia’s POV

"This... this is my business partner, Alpha Noah Smith from the Eastern Pack," I stammered, feeling the tension crackling between the two men.

I turned to Noah, attempting to introduce Caesar: "And this is..." My words faltered as I hesitated, unsure how to define Caesar’s relationship to me, especially in front of Noah.

Before I could finish, Caesar slid his arm possessively around my waist, his eyes challenging Noah with undisguised territorial dominance. "What’s wrong, sweetheart? Just tell Alpha Smith the truth—we’re mates."

The heat from his hand against my waist sent conflicting signals through my body. Part of me thrilled at his touch while another part wanted to crawl under the nearest rock from embarrassment. Though I’d announced our relationship online recently, this was the first time Caesar had publicly claimed me as his in front of others. The primal satisfaction radiating from him was almost palpable.

I noticed Noah’s gaze fixed on Caesar’s hand at my waist, his own fingers clenching involuntarily.

"Mr. Caesar, I believe you’ve misunderstood," Noah said smoothly, recovering his composure. "Sylvia and I are strictly business associates. I only happened to run into her because I needed to discuss some matters with her."

"Well," Caesar said, his lips curving into a dangerous smile, "I’m certainly aware of how beautiful and exceptional my mate is. I don’t know what others might be thinking, but I hope Alpha Noah won’t disappoint me with his intentions."

"Naturally," Noah replied with a slight arch of his eyebrow.

My cheeks burned as I listened to their thinly veiled posturing. When Noah wasn’t looking, I discreetly pinched Caesar’s side. He flinched, turning to meet my warning glare. The surprise in his eyes quickly morphed into appeasement, and I snorted softly. Message received. All this talk about how attractive I was—it was mortifying, especially with Noah standing right there. I still had some dignity to maintain!

"How did you end up here anyway?" I asked Caesar, genuinely confused. Had these two arranged to meet beforehand? But the obvious tension between them suggested otherwise.

I rested my chin on my hand, my eyes darting between them as they exchanged uncomfortable glances under my scrutiny.

Caesar cleared his throat. "What are you thinking? I called you several times, but you didn’t answer. I was worried, so I came to the office looking for you." He jerked his chin toward Noah. "And lo and behold, I find you with him."

Guilt flickered through me as I checked my phone—completely dead.

"See? I wasn’t ignoring you intentionally," I said, unable to suppress a small smile. The fact that Caesar had been concerned enough to come looking for me sent warmth spreading through my chest.

Caesar ruffled my hair affectionately. "I know. I’m not blaming you. Let’s head inside now."

Noah seemed to remember why we were here in the first place. "Right, Sylvia. You really should see your Alpha mother yourself. I don’t think you’ll feel at ease otherwise."

I shot Noah a grateful look. I had to admit, he was genuinely thoughtful. From the beginning, he’d been quietly supportive, and he’d called immediately after hearing about Alpha Astra’s hospitalization. While Caesar had still been elsewhere, Noah had already shown up, dressed impeccably and ready to offer assistance.

Noah caught my appreciative gaze and looked puzzled. "What is it?"

I smiled gently. "Nothing. Just thinking that my mother is our priority right now. So I hope you two can stop bickering and get along. That’s the fastest way to find her."

Caesar and Noah exchanged glances. Despite their obvious dislike for each other, they managed to project harmony for my benefit.

"That’s more like it," I said approvingly, patting both their shoulders like they were well-behaved pups. Few people would dare treat two powerful Alphas this way, but having Caesar’s support made me bolder than I’d ever been before.

Noah moved closer to my side as we entered the building, where an immaculately groomed receptionist greeted us.

"Miss Frost!" she called out in a voice that reminded me of a purring kitten seeking attention.

"What is it? Just say what you need without all this..." I gestured at her overly eager demeanor as she rushed to clear her desk, meticulously arranging documents that apparently belonged to me.

"Here, I’ve organized everything for you," she said, pushing a stack of papers forward.

Noah watched my interaction with amusement.

"It’s fine. I’m aware of these stock options," I said calmly. I didn’t want to create tension here. I understood that if I took possession of these shares now, they’d likely be snatched away within days. I had no illusions about the corporate politics at play.

Noah observed my internal struggle before gently reminding me, "Sylvia, finding your mother should be our priority right now, not wasting time here."

I turned apologetically to Noah. "I’m sorry I can’t properly host you today after you’ve come all this way to the company."

Noah was understanding. "Our business partnership can wait until Alpha Astra’s health is confirmed. That’s a more prudent approach for both of us."

Before I could reply, Caesar cut in, his tone decisive. "This lobby is too exposed for this conversation. We need a private space to discuss our next move."

"Let’s go upstairs," I suggested. "We probably won’t get useful information down here anyway."

Noah nodded in agreement, preparing to follow along.

Caesar’s brow furrowed at this. "What exactly are you planning?"

"As I mentioned," Noah replied confidently, "I have a relationship with Alpha Astra. It’s perfectly normal for me to visit her."

He lifted his chin proudly.

Together, we headed toward my office, the air thick with unspoken tension between the two Alphas flanking me.