Fresh flowers are everywhere—huge arrangements on every surface that probably get replaced daily. This place screams money and prestige.
I spot Reed immediately. He’s sitting in the hotel’s café area off to the side, a small, intimate space with marble-topped tables and leather chairs. He’s on his phone, looking annoyed, and when he sees me, he waves me over impatiently.
I straighten my shoulders, remembering my training.
Guys act like they’re in charge of everything, like the ground should be grateful they’re walking on it.
I start across the lobby with what I hope is a confident, masculine stride.
I’m halfway there when I pass a man in an expensive suit, clearly an Alpha, based on his build and presence. He pauses as I walk by, his nostrils flaring slightly as he catches my scent.
His eyes go wild for a second, pupils dilating, and he stares at me with confusion written all over his face.
Then he quickly walks away, glancing back once with a disturbed expression.
Shit.
I’m starting to think maybe my heat is coming faster than I anticipated. Even with all the cologne and scent patches, something’s getting through.
Is it a smart idea to meet with Reed right now?
But he’s calling me over again, more insistent this time, and I don’t have a choice.
I approach the table, and Reed stands to shake my hand. His grip is too firm, trying to prove something, and he claps me hard on the shoulder in that way guys do.
“So good you came, Ash!” he says loudly. “You have no idea what a great decision this is going to be for your future. Come, sit, sit.”
There’s already a black coffee waiting at my spot. I sit down, trying to take up space like the guys taught me, and wrap my hands around the cup.
“I don’t have a lot of time,” Reed continues, checking his expensive watch. “I’m leaving in an hour, and we’re heading to the venue to prep for the live event. But I wanted to see you in person, get a feel for your commitment level.”
“I’m very committed,” I say, deepening my voice slightly.
“Good, good.” He leans back, studying me. “Here’s what I’m thinking. I want you to show me how good you are at social media. On the day of the event, you’ll be there taking photos, posting updates to my accounts, hyping up the important moments, interviewing attendees, capturing the energy.” Hepauses for effect. “Consider it an audition. A test run to see if you’ve got what it takes for the real position. No payment for this one but more of an investment in your future.”
Any other time, I would tell him exactly where to stick that offer. He’s clearly using people, getting free labor by dangling promises. But I need in. So I nod enthusiastically.
“I accept that chance,” I state.
“Excellent.” He smiles. “And as part of this opportunity, I’ll also be your personal mentor on how to be a stronger man. See, even as a Beta, you can learn to act like an Alpha. Gain the same benefits, the same status. Nobody knows the difference if you know what you’re doing.”
He leans forward conspiratorially. “Imagine the women you could attract. The respect you’d command. The doors that would open.”
I nod, thinking this guy is so completely full of himself that it’s actually impressive.
We drink our coffee, and I’m trying not to gag on the bitterness—from both the coffee and having to sit here listening to his garbage.
“Bit of advice, though,” Reed says, wrinkling his nose. “Lay off the heavy cologne. It’s really not doing you any favors. Less is more, you know, as currently, it’s unpleasant?”
“Yeah, good point,” I say, finding that odd. If the cologne is that off-putting to him, what is he smelling?
“Now, this event is going to be enormous,” Reed continues, pulling out his phone to show me promotional materials. “We’re expecting over five thousand attendees. This is about reclaiming true masculinity. Teaching Alphas how to be the leaders they were meant to be.”
“And Betas?” I ask.
“Betas can learn too,” he explains generously, like he’s doing us all a favor. “It’s about mindset more than designation. Actinglike you’re in charge, taking what you want, not apologizing for your strength.”
“What kind of topics do you cover?” I ask, trying to gather intel.
