~BLOOM~

Whatever transpires around it, cash is not all that matters. By the time you have something to look back on in the future and marvel at, you will smile and say, Yes, I lost a huge amount of money for something worth it.

"What would have made you think, Alex, that money would make me want to sell my years to those people and that company? You should have known me better by now."

While this was something to laugh about, Irene was somewhat angry. It was laughable for Alexandra to even suggest that. She had been with her for so many years; she should know better.

Irene raised an eyebrow, expecting to see some vengeful expression on Alex's face. But no, she saw none. Her assistant's face was as strict as ever.

"I couldn't believe this," Irene thought. "Although I was a little angry at Alexandra, I would have loved to see that beautiful, cold expression crack, but I couldn't."

It was very boring being with Alex. Irene rolled her eyes, giving more side glances at her.

Alexandra cleared her throat and finally asked, "Luna, please. Have I done something wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"No, I'm not looking at you at all. Um, I'm just looking at the clock," Irene said, shaking her head and awkwardly glancing at the nonexistent clock behind Alexandra.

Alexandra tilted her head slightly, appearing to partially take in what Irene was saying.

She sighed and sat down next to Irene. Then she picked up some of Irene's old poetry and began reading through it.

"The winter never calms down," she read halfway, then looked at Irene slightly. "Your poetry used to be childish."

Irene lifted an eyebrow. "What? My work from before might have been juvenile, but it is enjoyable to readers," she replied, shaking her head with suppressed giggles.

She couldn't believe that her assistant was teasing her about her writing.

She wanted to burst out laughing but kept it in.

That moment of lightening up with Alexandra helped keep her emotions balanced and serene.

"What do you think my next poem should be about? Should it be about breaking free from problems or about the stronger emotions that can't be felt? What do you think?" Irene asked, staring directly at her assistant with an inspirational smile.

Alexandra cleared her throat and let her gaze slide to the neat files resting in her lap. "Luna, it's up to you what you'd want to write about. Besides, you've never taken my opinion anyway—except when it came to giving me the beta responsibility, of course."

---

The curtain blew in at the window, giving a clear view of the city lights outside.

In the office, Simeon sat reading a magazine but was thinking about Irene. What was she probably doing? Maybe insulting him.

That wasn't a problem as far as he was concerned, as long as the thought of him was in her heart.

A slight smile arched on his lips.

Yes, he had fallen deeply for Irene. He was in love with her, though their dynamic seemed to suggest the opposite.

Maybe it was also because she was human, and he was a werewolf.

Thoughts of Irene filled his head.

He couldn't believe he was thinking so hard about her. He paused at the door for a while, his eyes lingering on the paper on the table.

A soft knock at the door pulled him out of deep contemplation. Jason entered, clipboard in hand, his composure steady.

"alpha Simeon," Jason said calmly. "Here's the report on the business deal we've been working on."

Simeon waved a hand dismissively. "I don't need it right now. What's going on at the park tonight?"

Jason didn't bat an eye, flipping through the papers. "There's another challenge for the position. Another Alpha thinks he can take over Moonlit Park. The fight is set for tonight when the full moon rises."

Simeon sat up straight. "Is it the same guy from last time?"

"No, this one's new," Jason said. "But there's something wrong with him. I heard rumors he's been taking something—he might be on drugs."

Simeon's eyes narrowed. "Drugs?" His voice turned cold. "That's cheating. No one challenges me with an advantage."

Jason hesitated. "It's not just that. They say he's using something to give him unnatural strength. He's dangerous, Simeon."

Simeon stood, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Then I'll make sure to send a message. Cheating isn't welcome in Moonlit Park. Let's go."

They walked out of the office and toward the arena, where distant roars and howls echoed from the pack. Moonlit Park meant more than just a company to Simeon—it was his turf. Tonight, he'd remind every Alpha who it belonged to.

As they entered the great outdoor arena, the full moon was rising, casting a silver glow over the scene. The crowd roared, their excitement building. Simeon's piercing gaze scanned for his challenger.

There, in the center, stood the man in question—a tall, broad figure with wild eyes and a feral grin. His movements betrayed the unnatural strength coursing through him, fueling Simeon's anger.

Jason leaned in. "That's him. The rumors are true. He's definitely on something."

Simeon's expression darkened. "I'll deal with it."

The challenger, sensing Simeon's approach, stepped forward. "Well, well. The infamous Alpha CEO himself. I've heard a lot about you, Simeon. But I'm here to take your place."

Simeon smirked, his confidence unwavering. "You can try, but you'll never be worthy of this park."

In one swift motion, Simeon transformed into a werewolf, muscles rippling as fur burst over his skin. The air crackled with the force of his transformation. The other man followed suit—a massive wolf with unnaturally bright eyes. And then, it began.

The challenger lunged at Simeon's throat, but Simeon dodged swiftly and countered with a powerful swipe, slashing his opponent's chest. The man staggered, but something unnatural drove him forward, his movements erratic and unrestrained.

"You're cheating," Simeon growled. "That will be your downfall."

With a roar, Simeon launched himself at his challenger, pinning him to the ground with sheer strength. The crowd fell silent, watching in awe as Simeon's dominance became undeniable.

Simeon pressed his claws into the dirt, pinning the man by his neck, his teeth inches from his face. "Know your place," he hissed.

With a final shove, Simeon slammed the challenger's head into the ground, leaving him unconscious. The crowd erupted in cheers. Panting, Simeon stood tall, his chest heaving. The challenger's unnatural strength had been no match for Simeon's raw power and skill.

Jason rushed forward, grinning. "You did it! You won, Simeon!"

The crowd's roars grew louder, celebrating their Alpha's victory. Simeon surveyed the pack, a sense of power and control filling him. This was his place—his domain. No one would take it from him, not even a drugged-up challenger.

He looked down at the defeated Alpha and growled coldly. "If you can't fight clean, you're not worthy of this park. Get out."

As the challenger was escorted away, the crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch. Simeon stood tall, a proud grin spreading across his face.

Jason clapped him on the back. "Impressive"

To be continued...