Chapter 51 The Invitation She Couldn’t Accept
Eira looked toward Alpha Killian’s office.
She knew exactly who had stalled her exit paperwork.
Before Miles could stop her, she walked in and closed the door.
"Alpha Killian, I gave HR the thirty days’ notice required by my contract. I need my last day confirmed."
Alpha Killian looked up. "What’s the rush? Planning to go back to Hale and play house?"
"No."
The answer came fast and sharp.
First Alpha Sebastian had tried to force her back into the role of a dutiful wife. Now Alpha Killian was trying to control when she could leave her job.
"What I do next is none of your business," she said. "My notice stands."
His brow furrowed at her distant tone.
"You’re really set on leaving."
"Yes."
"And if I refuse to sign off?"
"You can hold up the paperwork, but you can’t reject my resignation. When the thirty days are up, I’m gone."
Her blue eyes held his.
"If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to work."
She turned toward the door.
"Wait."
Alpha Killian pulled the RFP from his desk and dropped it in front of her.
"The Sovereign Processor Initiative is active again. It started as Dr. Thorne’s project, and it’s in your field. Join Sterling Group’s proposal team."
Eira did not touch the folder.
"I can’t."
She had seen confidential material from the original project. Advising one of the bidders now would create a serious conflict of interest.
He paused, then added, "If you think the secretary position isn’t suitable, I’ll transfer you to the R&D center. Effective immediately."
A tech company’s R&D center held zero appeal for Eira.
"No."
Alpha Killian’s expression tightened. "You didn’t even think about it."
"I didn’t need to."
"You’d have your own team, a full research budget, and access to one of the best private labs on the West Coast."
"Still no."
Alpha Killian leaned back, looking personally offended by how quickly she had dismissed the company he had built.
Then he tried one last angle.
"Lila is joining our R&D division after she graduates."
Eira paused.
His expression eased. "Interested now?"
"That’s great for Lila. Sterling Group will give her good experience. After a year or two, Professor Chase can help her move into a federal research lab."
Eira could also put in a good word for her, but Professor Chase’s recommendation would carry more weight in Lila’s field.
Silence filled the office.
She had just called Sterling Group a stepping stone.
Alpha Killian pointed toward the door.
"Get out."
"Of course, Alpha Sterling."
Eira left without hesitation and quietly closed the door behind her.
Alpha Killian stared at the closed door, his jaw tight.
--
When Alpha Sebastian received the invitation, he called an emergency meeting with Hale Group’s senior executives and lead engineers.
He had been following industry rumors for weeks and had already ordered his team to prepare a basic proposal. Now that preparation made him look brilliant.
By the end of the meeting, the project team was in place, the deadlines were clear, and Alpha Sebastian had put himself in charge.
His executives praised him for staying ahead of the curve.
Once the conference room emptied, Alpha Sebastian picked up his phone.
For some reason, he thought of Eira first.
Then he dismissed the idea. She would not understand how important this was. She would probably say That’s nice and ask what he wanted for dinner.
He called Serena instead.
"Sebastian!" Her excitement sounded instant and real. "I knew Hale Group would make the list."
"If we win this, it changes everything."
"It’ll put Hale Group on the map. If you need anything from me, just ask."
"I don’t want to put you in a bad position. You’re bound by your NDA."
"Then I’ll stay out of the technical side." She paused. "Have you told your family?"
"Not yet. You’re the first person I called."
The answer pleased her more than it should have.
"Let me tell them. You have a proposal to finish."
Alpha Sebastian smiled. "The deadline is tight."
"I figured. Go make it count."
As soon as the call ended, Serena contacted the Hale family.
"Hale Group has been invited to compete for a major contract," she told them. "Sebastian is buried in work, so I offered to pass along the news."
Luna Margaret was thrilled. "I knew he would get it. He’s worked harder than anyone for this."
"I thought we could celebrate tonight," Serena said. "Nothing too big. I’ll make a reservation."
"That’s so thoughtful of you," Roger said.
Luna Margaret agreed at once. Serena was already acting like the perfect future Luna, handling family plans without Alpha Sebastian even having to ask.
Then Serena added casually, "Should we invite Eira?"
Luna Margaret’s mood cooled.
"Why would we? She’s made it clear she wants nothing to do with this family."
Serena hid her smile.
"I only thought it might be polite."
"You’ve done enough. Let Eira sulk wherever she is."
The mate dissolution agreement had been signed and filed with the Pack Registry. Under Pack law, the marriage would officially end once the thirty-day waiting period expired.
As far as Luna Margaret was concerned, even that was too long.
She wanted Eira out of Alpha Sebastian’s life and Serena officially recognized as his Luna as soon as possible.
Serena booked a table at The Eden Garden, a new upscale restaurant, and shared the details in the Hale family group chat. Alpha Sebastian received a separate text telling him they were celebrating there that night.
--
Across town, Luna Seraphina had made plans at the same restaurant.
"My beautiful, kind, incredibly generous mother," Lila began, "shouldn’t you be taking Dad? If he finds out we went without him, he’ll complain about it for a month."
Luna Seraphina laughed. "If I take your father somewhere this nice, I have to sit through a business dinner disguised as date night. I’d rather go with you and enjoy the food."
"Smart choice."
"Besides, the restaurant belongs to my friend Monica. It just opened, and I promised I’d stop by."
"If we’re supporting a friend, can I bring one too?"
Lila was already reaching for her phone.
Luna Seraphina glanced at the screen. "Eira?"
Lila looked up. "How did you know?"
"You’ve mentioned her at least six times this week." Luna Seraphina smiled. "And lately, she seems to be the only woman who can hold the attention of both Sterling siblings."
"She’s easy to like." Lila pulled out her phone. "Can we pick her up at Sterling Group?"
"Call her first," Luna Seraphina said. "She may already have plans."
Lila sent Eira a quick text asking if she wanted to join them for dinner. Less than a minute later, her phone buzzed.
Lila grinned at the reply. "She said yes."