Chapter 58 - Dual life

Carla stormed out of Shane David's towering corporate headquarters, her heels clicking angrily against the polished marble floors. She had just been brushed off by Leo, Shane David's elusive assistant, who had curtly informed her that Mr. David was too busy to see her today. Frustration bubbled inside her as she marched towards the parking lot, the midday sun glaring down mercilessly.
Sliding into her sleek black sedan, Carla slammed the door shut and took a moment to compose herself. She knew how crucial this interview was for her career. Shane David was not just any billionaire; he was a tech mogul whose influence spanned industries. Getting his attention could open doors she had only dreamed of walking through.
She needed to vent, to release the tension clawing at her nerves. A quick glance at her watch reminded her of her lunch plans with her mother, Josie, at their favorite coffee shop nearby. With a resigned sigh, Carla started the engine and drove towards the familiar café, where she hoped a comforting cup of coffee and her mother's soothing presence would ease her frustrations.
As she entered the café, Carla spotted Josie sitting at their usual corner table, her face already scrunched up in anticipation. Josie was a woman of refined tastes and high expectations, especially when it came to Carla's career prospects. Carla approached the table with forced cheer, inwardly steeling herself for the inevitable interrogation.
"Carla, darling!" Josie greeted with forced enthusiasm, though her eyes betrayed her concern. "Did you meet with Mr. David?"
Carla slid into the seat opposite her mother, her expression darkening slightly. "No, Leo said he's too busy," she replied tersely, her voice tinged with frustration.
Josie's disappointment was palpable. "Too busy? Ridiculous! You should be the one he makes time for," she declared emphatically, a hint of annoyance creeping into her tone. She was not one to mince words, especially when it came to what she perceived as slights against her daughter's ambitions.
Carla couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at her mother's unwavering support. "I know, Mom," she said wearily, running a hand through her hair. "But I'll make sure that when I do interview him, he'll see why he should be interested in me."
Josie's gaze softened, her maternal instincts kicking in. "You've worked so hard for this, Carla," she said gently, reaching across the table to pat her daughter's hand. "Remember, confidence is key. You've got the brains and the charm; now show him why he needs you."
Carla managed a small smile, grateful for her mother's words of encouragement. "Thanks, Mom," she said sincerely, feeling a flicker of determination reignite within her. "I won't let this setback stop me."
Josie nodded approvingly, her expression softening with pride. "That's my girl," she said warmly, her eyes shining with maternal pride. "Now, let's order something delicious and forget about Mr. David for a moment."
And so, over steaming cups of coffee and a shared plate of pastries, Carla and Josie found solace in each other's company. They talked about everything but work, reminiscing about old family vacations and laughing over fond memories. In that cozy café corner, Carla found renewed strength in her mother's unwavering belief in her abilities.
As they finished their coffee, Carla glanced at her watch once more, steeling herself for the challenges ahead. "I should get going," she said reluctantly, already mentally preparing for her next steps.
Josie nodded understandingly, her gaze lingering on Carla with a mix of pride and concern. "Remember, sweetheart," she said softly, reaching out to squeeze Carla's hand one last time, "you've got this. Go out there and show them what you're made of."
With a grateful smile, Carla rose from her seat, feeling lighter than she had in hours. "Thanks, Mom," she said sincerely, leaning in to press a quick kiss on Josie's cheek. "I'll make you proud."
Josie watched her daughter leave the café with a mix of maternal worry and unwavering faith. As Carla disappeared through the door, Josie couldn't help but send a silent prayer skyward, hoping that the next time they met, it would be to celebrate Carla's hard-earned success.
Carla navigated through the bustling mall, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming interview with Shane David. She needed the perfect dress, something that would exude confidence and professionalism. As she scanned the racks of elegant attire in a high-end boutique, her phone buzzed with a reminder of the importance of making a strong impression.
After trying on several options, Carla settled on a classic navy blue dress that accentuated her figure without being too flashy. Satisfied with her choice, she was about to head to the checkout when she overheard a hushed conversation nearby. Two women, Mae and Riesa, were discussing something in low tones while also browsing through dresses.
"...can't believe he's a werewolf," Mae whispered conspiratorially, her eyes darting around to ensure no one was eavesdropping.
Riesa nodded solemnly. "And the powerful alpha of the Silver Stone Moon Pack. It's all over the supernatural circles."
Carla froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Werewolf? Alpha of a pack? She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Shane David, the enigmatic billionaire, was rumored to be a werewolf? It sounded preposterous, yet the earnestness in Mae and Riesa's voices left little room for doubt.
Summoning her courage, Carla approached the two women, her curiosity outweighing her initial disbelief. "Excuse me," she interjected politely, trying not to startle them. "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Are you talking about Shane David, the billionaire?"
Mae and Riesa exchanged surprised glances before Mae spoke up, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "Yes, we are," she admitted, her voice tinged with intrigue. "Are you a reporter?" she asked, eyeing Carla curiously.
Carla hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, I am," she confirmed, deciding that honesty might be her best approach. "I'm preparing for an interview with him, and I... I heard what you said. Can you tell me more about these rumors?"
Riesa and Mae exchanged another look, clearly weighing their options. After a moment, Riesa gestured towards a nearby café. "Why don't we sit down and talk? It's not something we usually share openly, but you seem genuine."
Carla followed them to a secluded corner of the café, her mind racing with questions. She ordered a coffee, trying to steady her nerves as Mae and Riesa settled into their seats, clearly eager to share their knowledge.
"So, what exactly have you heard?" Carla asked tentatively, leaning forward in anticipation.
Mae took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Shane David is more than just a billionaire businessman," she began, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "He's also a werewolf, and not just any werewolf. He's the alpha of one of the most influential werewolf packs in the region, the Silver Stone Moon Pack."
Carla blinked, trying to process the information. Werewolves? Packs? It sounded like something out of a fantasy novel, yet here were Mae and Riesa speaking about it as if it were common knowledge.
Riesa leaned forward, her expression earnest. "It's kept under wraps, of course," she explained. "Not many humans know about this side of him. But in our community, it's well-known. He's respected, feared even, among werewolves."
Carla absorbed this revelation, her mind spinning. "But why would he keep such a thing hidden?" she wondered aloud, more to herself than to Mae and Riesa.
Mae shrugged, sympathy in her eyes. "There are many reasons," she offered gently. "Secrecy, protection of his pack, and perhaps to maintain his image in the human world. It's a delicate balance he must maintain."
Carla nodded slowly, her thoughts racing. This added a whole new dimension to her upcoming interview. How would she approach someone who might not just be a powerful businessman, but also a supernatural being with responsibilities far beyond the corporate world?
"I appreciate you sharing this with me," Carla said sincerely, meeting Mae and Riesa's eyes with gratitude. "It's... a lot to process, but it helps to know."
Mae smiled warmly. "Just be careful," she advised, her tone serious. "He's not someone to underestimate, especially if what they say about alphas is true."
Riesa nodded in agreement. "But if anyone can handle it, it's you," she added, her voice tinged with admiration.
Carla smiled faintly, touched by their faith in her. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling a renewed determination settling over her. "I'll do my best."
Unable to contain her curiosity, Carla turned back to Mae and Riesa, who were still lingering over their coffee. "What do you think?" she asked tentatively, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Could a werewolf like Shane David fall in love with an ordinary human?"
Mae chuckled softly, exchanging an amused glance with Riesa. "It's not impossible," Mae replied, a hint of mischief in her tone. "But from what we know, werewolves often prefer their own kind, especially alphas like Mr. David."
Riesa nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "He could choose a human as his mate, but it wouldn't be without complications," she explained. "Werewolf society is complex, and an alpha's choice of mate can have significant implications for the pack."
Carla grinned, intrigued by their insights. "So, it's not just about personal preference," she mused aloud. "There are societal expectations and consequences too."
"Exactly," Mae confirmed with a nod. "A human mate might be accepted in some cases, but an alpha's decision would likely be scrutinized and debated among the pack."
Carla considered this information, realizing the intricacies of Shane David's position in both the human and supernatural worlds. "It must be challenging for him," she remarked thoughtfully. "Balancing these different parts of his life."
Mae and Riesa nodded in understanding, their expressions sympathetic. "No doubt," Riesa agreed. "Being an alpha comes with its own set of responsibilities and pressures."
As the conversation wound down, Carla felt a sense of gratitude towards Mae and Riesa for sharing their knowledge. "Thank you both," she said sincerely, smiling warmly at them. "You've given me a lot to think about."
Mae smiled back, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just remember, not everything you hear is meant for everyone's ears," she teased gently.
Carla chuckled, nodding in acknowledgment. "I'll keep that in mind," she replied, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Goodbye, and thanks again."
With a wave, Carla left Mae and Riesa to finish their coffee, her mind buzzing with thoughts about the interview and the unexpected revelations about Shane David. As she navigated through the mall towards the exit, she couldn't shake the image of Shane David, the powerful alpha businessman, and his hidden life as a werewolf.
Exiting the mall, Carla took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension about the interview ahead. She glanced at the navy blue dress in her shopping bag, now imbued with a new significance. It wasn't just about impressing a billionaire anymore; it was about navigating the complexities of a world she had only glimpsed.
As she drove home, Carla reflected on the conversations with Mae and Riesa. They had opened her eyes to a reality she hadn't considered before, one where humans and werewolves coexisted in ways she had only read about in fiction. It added a layer of intrigue and challenge to her journalistic pursuit, one that she welcomed with both caution and curiosity.
Arriving home, Carla hung the navy blue dress in her closet, a symbol of her readiness to face whatever challenges awaited her. Tomorrow, she would prepare for the interview with renewed focus, armed not just with questions about business strategies but also about the complexities of Shane David's dual life.


The Unforeseen Mate of the Billionaire Wolf
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