THE LYCAN KING’S SECOND CHANCE MATE

ASHANTI'S POV.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the founder and chief designer of Thread Treasure Creations, Ashanti Anderson.” Mother announces proudly as I make way into the spacious conference room with the brightest, yet most nervous smile planted on my face.

I don't know why I'm so nervous, but God, I'm nervous.

All eyes are on me as I make my way to the empty head seat at the other end of the table with legs that feel like jelly. When I get there, I stay standing and as I take inventory of the room, I notice that most of them seem terrified to see me and I quite understand the reason for that.

They have recognized me.

“Oh my Goodness!” A woman, who can't hold it in anymore exclaims with a loud gasp, her hands cupping her mouth to probably prevent the scream in her chest from flying out. They all exchange confused looks while others stare intensely at my mother who keeps smiling and nodding at them.

“Isn't she Ashanti?” A man questions. “Alpha Reagan's true mate who disappeared to years ago?” He asks aghast and I give him a small nod that makes his brain explode in his mind.

“What in the seven hells is going on here?” Another terrified looking man chimes in. “You mean to tell me Ashanti here has been the one creating all those hit designs? She's the chief Designer we've all been longing to meet?” There's a look of complete disbelief on his face.

If I were butter, I would have melted under the heated gazes they are all shooting my way at this moment.

“Yes, it's me.” I reply to the man with a cheerful smile. “I won't go into the details of why I made the decision to stay hidden and anonymous these past years. It’s not important. Also, I know the

moment this information leaves this room, the entire werewolf world is going to be on fire, but I want to assure you all that nothing changes.”

“Oh, I highly doubt that.” It's a woman and she's smiling so brightly. “Don't you get it? You are the Lycan King's mate. You are the Lycan Luna of this world. The moment Alpha Reagan knows your whereabouts, he will come for you!”

“I'm not oblivious to that speculation.” I reciprocate her smile. “Let me be the one to worry about and handle that issue when it comes knocking. For now…” I gently pull out the chair and sit down, hyper aware of the intense gazes I'm getting from each and everyone of them.

I can't blame them. I would be flabbergasted as well if I were in their shoes and this kind of revelation was done. What I'm happy about is the fact that they do not seem to be angry or disappointed in the fact that I'm the Chief Designer. All I see as I look at their faces is pure wonder, a bit of confusion and then amusement.

I love it.

“I just want to let you all know that it has been a pleasure working for you this entire time. You all have been amazing and the Designers have some great talent too. It's with your talent, dedication and hardwork that TTC has reached this height and I hope that this revelation doesn't change anything. We are all colleagues and my greatest wish is for us to keep working together to reach higher heights. Forget about the Lycan King or my supposed position in this Lycan world. I want nothing to do with all that, that's why I left and stayed hidden all this time. This… What we do is the life I've chosen to live. Let's keep up with the good work.”

By the time I'm done with my speech, they are all nodding their heads in approval and the impressed looks I see on some of their faces almost makes my heart burst with pride.

I didn't expect this to go so well. I've been so used to people rejecting me. Both at my father's and Alpha Reagan's pack, all people ever did was hate and reject me at first glance, but it's different here.

It feels surreal.

“Well, Miss Anderson…” And elderly woman who hasn't said anything since I got in finally speaks. “We've all been waiting for this day to come and now that it's here, personally, I'm impressed to see that the Chief Designer is a girl as young as you and I'm happy you followed your heart. I don't know about the others, but seeing you now has only further fueled my determination to work harder in this company.”

Tears burn at the back of my eyelids as I listen to the woman say all those sweet words about me. I blink multiple times to prevent them from escaping my eyes. This is such a feel-good moment and I don't want to ruin it by crying.

“Thank you so much, Mrs James. I'm honored to receive such great words of admiration from you. Thank you.” I turn to the others. “And I talk you all as well for the work you've been putting in for TTC to soar to this great level. From now on, there will be no anonymity and I'll be here on a daily basis, just like you all so we can work together to create even better designs. Thank you.”

“We look forward to working with you too, Miss Anderson.”

Miss Anderson.

Mrs James addressed me as that, but it didn't hit as hard as it just did now.

I have never been addressed as such. It's always just been Ashanti or some swear word used by Rhea or the Harem girls.

I like the new change. It makes me feel like I have an identity. Like I am my father's daughter.

Speaking of my father. I miss him. Now that I'm no longer in hiding, I'm going to find time to pay him a visit.

“Thank you all very much.” I say, looking at each and everyone of their faces and nodding my head. “With that settled, let's talk about Fashion King. After much persuading from my mother, I have finally given in. We are going for the competition!”

“Yes!” A triumphant squeal comes from the other end and I look to see a young guy whom I know as Caleb, driving his right fist through the air over and over again as he does his little celebration. It makes me chuckle. “I hope everyone is as excited about the news as Caleb is.” I'm looking around and everyone is nodding their heads as they unanimously express their relief for the fact that I finally agreed to let the company partake in the competition. “As we all know, there's not much time left. All contestants are supposed to be at the Lunar Crescent Pack by Saturday, which is in three days. So, let's all pack our bags and everything else we need and go show those judges what we've got.” All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

A round of applause erupts throughout the entire room and I join them in the clapping. From my peripheral view, I can see my mother smiling proud at me and my heart swells with pride. It's going to burst soon and I'm going to start crying if this moment doesn't end already.

It's overwhelming.

I cannot believe I've worked hard to become a successful Designer.

I can't wait to get to the Lunar Crescent Pack for this competition. I'm so ready to show them all what I've got.

Them… including Alpha Reagan.