-Athena-

"How was the shoot Athena?'' Amunet asks again. This time I catch a hint of malice in her voice.

My grip on the car handle tightens. I resist the urge to jump out of the now moving car and storm into her office to reposition her smug face. Theo's hand shoots out and he starts rubbing it down my back to calm me down.

It works and my breathing has now slowed down at its normal pace. ''Why?'' I ask her, my voice now raspy, like I was seconds away from breaking down into sobs.

''Why? Is that all you have to say to me Athena?'' she cackles like a witch. ''Honestly, I expected more from the great female alpha. Come on Athena, give me some something.''

Theo grabs the phone from my hand and growls viciously, ''I'd watch your back if I were you bloodsucker. If you thought she is alone, then you're wrong. You can't harm a single hair on my mates' head as long as I'm standing.''

''Oh, but I already did Theo,'' she replies. I could picture her smirk, making the anger in me rage like a wildfire.

SNAP!

''Oooohh, looks like you have something more important to take care of alpha. Keep her on a leash will you? I just don't want to kill her, yet,'' she declares and cuts the call.

''Athena!'' Theo shouts. I turn to look at him staring at me, a worried look plastered on his face. ''You need to calm down love.''

''She is well on her way to ruin me Theo and you want me to calm down!'' I shout at him before looking down at my lap to see my iPad, now in two pieces. ''Well, shit.''

''Look we're already here. Let's get home and think of something. Okay?'' I nod in response as he swerves into the parking lot and stops.

The ride up to the penthouse was unusually quiet. Theo made the wise choice to stand in the far corner of the elevator, while I on the other end. I shoot him a grateful smile and he nods at me understanding the meaning behind it.

As soon as walk in the penthouse I'm met with three pairs of eyes. Two, holding worry in them and one looking around in awe.

''Nancy? What are you doing here? I thought I told you to go back to the office?'' I inquire.

Her eyes snap towards me and immediately light up. ''Oh Athena. Thank god you're back. I almost thought you'd be on your way to Amunet's office to strangle the life out of her.''

''That was the plan but I'm saving it for a rainy day. Now, how about you get back to telling me why you're here?'' I raise an eyebrow at her.

''Ohh right. I was at the office alerting the department heads and board members of the emergency meeting when I got a call from Charles telling me to sit the in the car waiting for me downstairs,'' she starts.

''And you believed him! You just walked out and sat in the car!'' I yell at her.

''She flinches at the sound of my voice rising but otherwise maintains her posture. ''Yeah, Athena. I mean, It's just Charles right. He is your friend, isn't he?''

''Just Charles!! Seriously, I mean, what if it was a kidnapper or a murderer??'' I yell.

''Hey, I'm right here!!'' Charles shouts, offended by my remark.

''Oh my goodness. What-what am i- I just- I,'' I stop myself from fumbling more and take in a deep breath.

''Athena just calm-'' Mila speaks up but a low growl reverberating from me stops her.

''If one more person asks me to calm down, I will burn this whole house down.''

She takes a fearful step backwards, not saying another word. Charles walks up to her and drapes an arm over his mate's shoulder. While Theo does the same to me.

''Remember we have a human here love. Try to keep it in control,'' he bends to my height and whispers softly. I stiffen at the sudden closeness at first but then relax and lean in to his touch.

''Okay,'' I whisper back.

He hums in agreement and takes a step back but not before placing a soft kiss behind my ear. All the anger dissipates and my knees buckle, making me grab onto the nearest thing for support, which just happened to be Theo himself.

My gaze lands on the beta pair who are sporting identical smirks. Nancy on the other hand looks amused, to say the least.

''Now that Athena is feeling much, much better,'' Charles winks playfully before his smile drops. He now sports a serious look which I have never seen before on him. Or maybe I did, but I don't remember. Damn memory loss.

''Amunet's strike has you cornered Athena. Everyone knew you were counting on your fourth line and this photo-shoot to put you back in with the big leagues. She struck you right where it hurts. Luckily for you, my man here has a plan,'' He walks towards Theo who is now standing by the couch where I'm seated and pats his back.

''You do?'' I turn to look up at him only to find him staring at me already.

''Yes, Yes I do. That's why I suggested that we come home first so I can discuss it with you before you present it to your board of directors.''

''Well then, let's hear it.''

''Argent group of companies will host a benefit gala to give you a platform to show off your designs. All the big shots will be present, you will get the exposure you need to make your fourth line a hit and if that doesn't shoot your stocks high, I don't know what will. So what do you say?''

''I-I-I umm,'' I sputter like a fish.

''Athena, you're supposed to say yes,'' Charles hisses at me from across the room.

''Why? Why? Would you do that. I cannot let you do this Theo. Hosting a gala costs so much. I can't let you do that for me,'' I shoot up from my seat and face him square. Well, I tried to. If only he didn't tower over me.

''I expected this,'' he sighs and pushes his hair back in frustration. There it is, that sexy hair-push again. I look away from him before he could see me ogling. ''Why are you worrying about the money? You won't have to pay a dime Athena. All this is on me.''

''Look, we all know the aftermath of this incident. You will be bankrupt just from paying for everything you had booked for this shoot. Think about it. I'm trying to save you from drowning.''

I think about his words but my pride gets in the way. ''No. No, I don't think this is a good idea,'' I throw my hands up in the air and storm off towards the balcony but Nancy blocks my path.

''Athena. Think about it. From where I'm standing, I don't see any other option. This is our only hope.''

''I can think of something else Nancy. I know I can,'' I try to contradict her.

''When, Athena? Because, come tomorrow you will be the laughingstock of the industry. No one will take you seriously after this. We will lose all our deals. This kind of thing can ruin you and Amunet knows that very well. Remember, she did tell you she will bring you down.''

I sigh in defeat, knowing she is right. They are all right. ''What do I do?'' I look at her helplessly. This is the first time I've ever felt this helpless and I don't like it one bit. I'm used to being in control.

''Why don't you put a smile on that pretty face and tell Mr. Argent that you agree to his offer. He is trying to help you. Oh and also, anyone can see that he is so into you,'' she whispers the last part, but I'm sure all three wolves in the room heard her very clearly.

I clear my throat loudly and walk up to my mate. ''Okay. I agree, but, I have a condition.''

''And what is your condition love?'' Theo asks, a knowing smile playing on his face. Something tells me he expected me to say this.

''I will pay you whatever it is that I owe you once I'm back on my feet. Deal?'' I state.

''That's not necessary love. But, I know you won't back down so I'll think about it okay?''

''That's not an answer Theo,'' I grit my teeth at him.

''Well, that's my answer. Tell me when you're ready. I will set my team to work, we shall have the gala this Saturday,'' he declares.

''What, so now you won't ask me when I want the gala to take place?'' I yell, getting irritated by each passing second.

''Oh right. When do you want the gala to take place love? is this Saturday fine?''

My eyes widen in shock and I almost choke on my own spit. What has gotten into him? Why is he so adamant about this?

''Nothing to say? Thought so. Charles start making the calls, make sure to keep Athena in the loop. I've got to get to the office, I have a conference in thirty minutes.'' And with that he leaves the house, his leathery scent lingering behind.

''What just happened?'' I manage to say after a few minutes of silence.

''He just saved your ass from going bankrupt cookie. Now come on, chop chop, get your feet to the office, you have to tell your team about this,'' Charles says while pushing Nancy and I out of the house.

''So that went well huh?'' Nancy nudges me as we walk out of board room. We presented the idea, and much to my dismay, everyone voted that we should go ahead with the gala option. Though one of them asked why a multi-billion-dollar company is interested in doing this for us so I just wrote it off as a sign of goodwill.

I'm still not fully on board with this idea. Theo has his own company to run and I don't want him to waste his hard-earned money on hosting an event for me. But right now, I'm not in a position to argue on this. I need to take whatever it is I'm getting. What was that saying, ah yes, beggars can't be choosers.

''Hey, you okay? You zoned out a little bit,'' Nancy pats my shoulder. ''Yeah, yeah I'm okay,'' I reply. ''Now come on, we need to contact Leo.''

''It's lunch time Athena. Don't you want to grab a bite or something?''

''Food can wait Nancy. I only have two days to see this through. You can take your break if you want to, I'll handle this,'' I tell her as I grab the telephone receiver and dial Leo's office.

'''Hello?'' he answers after a few seconds.

''Leo, hi, how are you? It's Athena.''

''I know it's you,'' he chuckles, ''recognized you from your voice. How are you? I know this morning's incident is a huge bump on the road, but you will get through it. I'll help you in any way possible.''

''Yeah umm, that's why I'm calling. Theo offered to help, and we are hosting a gala this weekend in hopes of presenting the fourth line.''

''Oh okay. Umm, well that's nice of him,'' he replies. I catch a hint of uneasiness from his tone but choose to brush it off.

''Yeah so can your team get my clothes here latest by tomorrow noon? The gala is on Saturday and the venue is yet to be set so I'd rather have the designs here with me.''

''The event is two days from now and you don't have a venue? Athena are you sure you're doing the right thing?'' he asks.

''Yeah. I think I am. I- I trust Theo to do the right thing,'' I reply. I don't know what possessed me to say that, but a force of warmth flooded within me when I did. It just- it just felt right.

''Okay. You know better. I'd advise you to be careful but since you already trust the man, what else can I say.''

Wait, was I that spite I detected? Was he jealous of Theo? Oh wait, of course he is. I shake my head and banish those thoughts away.

''Yeah. So um- I'll see you that gala then. Don't worry the invites will be sent out this afternoon,'' I tell him as soon as I read the email Charles sent me. How did he get this done so fast?

The date time and venue were all mentioned in the e-invite and I couldn't help but be impressed by these two men. As if on cue my phone rings. ''Charles.''

''Did you like it? Are you okay with the venue and the time? Do you want to add something more or maybe omit something out?'' he bombards me with questions.

''Calm down Charles. Calm down. Let me have a proper look at it first,'' I chuckle at his antics.

''Okay cool. Say the word Athena and it will be sent out in the next five minutes. I have a group of people set aside for that only.''

''Okay it looks good. I love the whole white and gold layout. If you could just tweak the gold up a bit more so that it stands out, the white is kind of dulling it out on this one. After that it's okay to go,'' I give him my go ahead.

''Perfect. We shall start mailing these in the next few minutes.''

''Hey Charles?''

''Hmm?''

''Thank you. Thank you so much for doing this for me,'' I express my gratitude towards him.

''Anything for you Athena. Anything. Besides, I'm not the person you should be thanking you know.''

''I know, I will thank him too,'' I reply and disconnect the line just as Summer walks in. ''Ma'am the models are here.''

After a lengthy talk with my models, they agreed to walk the ramp on Saturday save the rude one from this morning. She threw a tantrum over why she was not informed in advance and she had plans for the weekend. So, I made the decision to let her go. She tried to instigate the others to leave but none of them budged. At least I know where their loyalties lie.

But Shaina walking out lead me to another problem. I just lost my showstopper. My first option was to make one of the other girls lead but Rebecca insisted that we get someone else as most of these girls didn't have the charisma Shaina did.

Great now I have one day to find a showstopper. Goddess help me!

All Through the ride back home my thoughts were consumed by finding the perfect replacement. I called a few people, but no one was available on such a short notice.

I had my head buried in my phone when I walked into the house. The mild chatter immediately dies down and they all turn to look at me. That's when I look up and notice them.

''Oh hi,'' I mumble before sitting on one of the couches.

''Athena, you look stressed out. What's wrong?'' Mila asks me, the concern evident in her voice.

'''My showstopper bailed on me and I cannot find a replacement.''

''Bailed on you. Why?'' Charles asks.

''Well not bailed exactly. I kind of told her to leave,'' I shrug and bite my lip instinctively. ''But it was her fault!'' I quickly add before either of them could say something.

Theo walks over with a glass of wine and hands it to me. I tilt my head in question, examining the glass in his hand. ''You looked like you needed it.''

''Damn right I do,'' I reply and take it from him.

''I'll start prepping for dinner,'' Mila says after a while and gets up to walk towards the kitchen.

My gaze follows her as I eye her from head to toe. ''Excuse me, but why are looking at my mate like that?'' Charles asks, watching me, watch his mate.

''It's not what you think idiot. You think Mila would be up for some modelling? I mean she has the body and the height,'' I ask Charles as I observe the beta female.

''Wouldn't hurt to ask,'' he shrugs and leaves the room.

''You okay love?'' Theo asks joining me on the couch.

''Why do you call me that?''

''Call you what, love?'' he chuckles. '' I don't know really. When I saw you for the first time that's the one word that popped up in my mind.''

''Ohhh,'' I mouth before looking away from him to hide the blush forming on my cheeks.

''You better go freshen up; dinner will be ready soon. I'll be in my study if you need me,'' he says then leaves.

I shower and change into my PJs then walk out towards the kitchen. Charles is now helping Mila. They both look up at me, I knew what they wanted to say, so I said it before they could. ''I know, I know. I'm going.''

The door was left ajar, so I pushed it open and walked in. ''Hii,'' I whisper slowly so as not to disturb him.

''Hey there,'' he looks up from his laptop.

Oh goddess does he always look this good or am I going crazy? Theo gets up and my eyes take him in. Oh my, I think I've forgotten how to breath. I didn't realize my mouth was open until Theo, who is now standing in front of me closes it by placing two fingers under my chin and pushes my jaw up.

His fingers start rubbing my neck slowly, working their way towards the mark. My mind is shouting at me to do something, but my body refuses to listen and instead leans into his touch.

His fingers graze the mark on my neck and my whole-body shudders. I close my eyes and a low whimper escapes me when he does that. I grab on to his forearms by instinct to stop myself from falling over.

A part of me wants to push him away and barge out the door, but this other part, this other damned part wants him to continue with whatever it is he is doing. And that is the part that won.

I stayed glued to him like that. Afraid that if I moved even an inch it would ruin the whole moment. Theo's lowers his head down to my neck and places a soft kiss on the mark. A pleasurable moan escapes me while he emits a guttural growl.

''Mine.'' He growls out before kissing the mark again. My grip on his arms tighten and I'm sure I've managed to draw out some blood.

''Theo, please,'' I manage to croak out, my voice raspy as I struggle to balance myself. His large hand comes around my waist and locks me in.

''You're mine.''

***

Thoughts?

Amunet really messed her up didn't she? do you think Theo's plan will work?

Are you guys loving the steam between #theona or what? 😉

Let me know in the comments as usual :)

Also, please vote!

-Jessica.S