Alpha’s Badass Mate novel

---- behind to speak to the other employees. Alex's office was quite a luxury. As the frosted glass doors closed behind him, Ashly glanced around for somewhere to sit in the expansive room. She quickly took up a spot in a plush -looking chair by the desk. God, she'd really needed to sit down; standing too long was starting to make the ache in her gut burn hotter. "Are you feeling alright, President?" Alex asked warily. Ashly hadn't even realized she'd squeezed her eyes shut for a moment there.

Shaking her head, she waved off Alex's concern. "Call me by my name; it's much faster ," Ashly shot back, gittering her teeth." We're here to work together on this merger , aren't we? Speak casually when we're not in front of the employees." "Yes, Ashly." Alex smiled softly. ''Please do the same." "How are you, Ashly?" "Mrs. Alex, we are here for work, not some past sh*t." Alex smiles like he doesn't even care. Well, he really never cared. "Sure Ashly".

Ashly hummed her approval as she looked Alex up and down, assessing the man before her. ''So, to start ---- off, your group would like to get a full top-to-bottom overview of your business and assets. This will include partners, products, and resources." Alex's brow creased at the mention of resources . He clearly knew what that was code for. "We were promised there would be no layoffs ," he said firmly. Taking a step forward, he towered over Ashly, tapping his desk with an anxious finger.

"It's in the contract." Ashly sighed, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Alphas could hide their scent, but they were terrible at hiding their red-blooded reactions. Alex was clearly trying his best, but there was a huffing flare in his nostrils that easily gave him away. "We still need to do a top-down assessment, including resources . No layoffs are planned ," Ashly clarified. She leaned forward, smirking at the disgruntled Alpha.

"I promise," she purred ina submissive tone she knew would ease whatever was riling up inside the man. Alex's eyes narrowed slightly, but with a nod, he seemed to make the decision to trust her. "Right, it will take a few minutes for my PA to collect the first batch of documents and get them ready in a room for you. Can I pour you a coffee while we wait?" Thinking of her stomach, Ashly grimaced and shook her head.

"I'm fine." "Are you sure you're feeling well?" Alex asked again, ---- worry creasing his brow. Ashly exhaled and forced a calm expression. "I'm fine, " she said again, just barely keeping the bite out of her tone. Alex nodded , but he seemed to want to say more, so Ashly cut him off. "When did you become CEO?" she asked, leaning back in her seat. A little small talk would help take her mind off the pain in her stomach. "Ah," Alex sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Just last night, actually." Ashly hummed, blinking back her surprise. "You must be tired." Alex shrugged. "Coffee helps," he said with a smirk as he went over to pour himself a cup from the carafe his PA always kept fresh for him. Ashly nodded, a slight smile flashing across her lips before disappearing just as quickly. She tapped one agitated hand against the arm of her chair. "It must be hard, traveling so much." Her gaze dropped coyly before gradually lifting to meet Alex once more.

"Do you have anyone back there who's going to be missing you while you've reinstated yourself here, or do you like to run around from your love once?" She didn't usually poke her head into other people's business , not when she met new people, but when it ---- came to Alex, well, he is not new to Ashly, and Ashly just needed to know: Did he have someone in his life? "T always miss my love," Alex chuckled into his mug. " My pack, my mate," he admitted a moment later with a private smile.

Ashly glared at him. Ashly bit her bottom lip, holding back a laugh. "Well, well, Alex, how many close friends do you have?" Alex didn't dignify that with a response , but he did smile. He had a handsome smile, which Ashly couldn't help but notice. There was something soft and innocent in his features, something that Ashly wasn't used to seeing in an Alpha. It made her feel more at ease. But no, he is Alex. The one who leaves her Ashly stood then and walked up to Alex.

When they stood only a pace apart, she extended a hand. "I think we'll work well together, Alex." Alex set down his coffee to take the proffered hand in his. He went a step further, cupping a warm palm over the back of Ashly's knuckles. He squeezed firmly. Alex's smile spread wide. "I look forward to it, Ashly."