Filed to story: Claimed By My Fiance's Alpha Brother (Callie & Cameron) Book PDF Free
After Adrian was born, we’d managed to move to a slightly better rental -still tiny, but warm and cozy in a way that felt like home. Ophelia had been my lifeline through it all, helping with babysitting and emotional support whenever I needed it.
But with that joy came mounting anxiety. I’d been working at a small marketing firm for over a year since graduation, and while my performance was excellent, my position and salary remained firmly at the bottom rung. The rent on our little apartment was about to increase, Adrian would need to start school soon, and my savings were dwindling fast.
I’d approached my boss about a promotion and raise, hoping my track record would speak for itself. But he’d just scratched his head awkwardly and said, “Callie, you’re one of the most dedicated employees I’ve ever had. Your work quality is outstanding, but we’ve never had precedent for paying omega staff at management levels. Having an omega in a leadership position would also raise questions from other employees. I’m sorry about your situation, but my hands are tied. Maybe you should try your luck at a bigger company.”
The rejection stung, but I’d simply nodded and thanked him for his honesty. Even without overt hostility, the prejudice against omegas was still very real.
Later that night, I collapsed onto Ophelia’s threadbare couch, Adrian already asleep in her spare room.
“He actually said that?” Ophelia’s voice shook with anger as she handed me a glass of wine. “That your bloodline matters more than three years of perfect performance?”
“Not in those exact words, but yeah.” I took a long sip, letting the wine burn away some of the day’s humiliation. “Apparently, being an omega means I’ve hit my ceiling.”
Ophelia was quiet for a moment, then suddenly grabbed my wrist, her eyes lighting up with that manic energy that usually meant trouble.
“Wait. Wait wait wait.” She pulled out her phone, scrolling frantically. “My dad was complaining last week about some corporate headhunter pestering his entire networking group. Something about Nightshadow Industries desperately needing qualified candidates for their executive offices.”
My heart stuttered. “Nightshadow Industries? That’s -“
“One of the biggest corporations in Silver Moon Harbor, I know!” Ophelia was already typing furiously. “Callie, what if they actually meant it? What if a company that size doesn’t give a damn about pack hierarchies?”
“That’s a pretty big ‘what if,'” I said, but I could feel hope kindling in my chest despite myself.
“So what?” She thrust her phone at me, showing a job posting. “What’s the worst that can happen? They reject you like every other company? At least you’d know you tried.”
My heart skipped a beat. Nightshadow Industries? That was the largest corporation in all of Silver Moon Harbor, controlled by the Nightshadow family. Their patriarch was rumored to be one of the most powerful Alphas in the entire werewolf world.
Marco was actually from the Nightshadow family, but during our time together, while he was indeed wealthy, he’d always bragged about his brother being an Alpha -though I’d never met any of his family members, and he’d never offered me any opportunities or connections. I suspected he was just bluffing, probably nothing more than the most unwelcome nobody in that prestigious bloodline.
“But… I’m just an omega. Why would they even consider me?” I asked hesitantly.
“Bloodlines don’t determine ability! Bigger companies might actually be more merit-based!” Ophelia’s enthusiasm was infectious. “What do you say, Callie? Want to give it a shot? I can come to Silver Moon Harbor to help watch Adrian during the interview process!”
That night, I sat in our little apartment with Adrian curled up in my lap, weighing the decision.
“Ayla, do you think we should go for it?” I asked my wolf mentally.
“Of course, Callie. I believe in you,” Ayla replied without hesitation. “You’ve come so far already. This could be exactly what we need.”
The next morning, I submitted my application online. To my amazement, I received an interview invitation within just two days.
The interview was conducted by an elegant woman who appeared to be in her sixties, with sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to see right through me. She carried herself with the kind of natural authority that commanded immediate respect.
“Miss Knight,” she said, reviewing my resume with careful attention, “your academic record is impressive, and your work experience shows consistent excellence. But I’m curious about your motivation for seeking new employment.”
I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “As you can see from my qualifications, I believe I have exceptional work capabilities. However, my previous employer was unwilling to provide compensation commensurate with my performance, solely due to my… bloodline status. I’ve come here hoping to find an organization that truly values merit over hierarchy.”
She studied me intently, her expression unreadable. “As a single mother, are you certain you can handle the demands of this high-intensity position?”
“Absolutely, ma’am,” I replied with conviction. “My son is my greatest motivation. To provide him with a better life, I’m willing to give everything I have.”
She nodded slowly, apparently satisfied with my response. “Excellent. Miss Knight, we believe in equal opportunity based on merit. We’re prepared to offer you triple your current salary for this position.”
I could barely believe what I was hearing. “Thank you! Thank you so much! I… I promise I won’t let you down!”
Before I could fully process my good fortune, she continued with a more serious tone. “However, high compensation comes with high expectations. Previous candidates and new hires have rarely lasted more than a week in this role. I hope that doesn’t discourage you.”
My confidence wavered for just a moment. “May I ask why the turnover rate is so high?”
A slight smile played at the corners of her mouth. “Let’s just say our Alpha has very exacting standards. He’s brilliant, but he can be… challenging to work with.”
“I understand,” I said, straightening my shoulders. “I’m not easily intimidated, and I’m used to working under pressure.”
“We’ll see about that,” she said, extending her hand. “Welcome to Nightshadow Industries, Miss Knight. You’ll be serving as Senior Assistant to the CEO. We’ll see you Monday morning at 8 AM sharp. Don’t be late -punctuality is non-negotiable.”
Callie’s POV
At exactly eight o’clock Monday morning, I stood on the top floor of Nightshadow Industries, my heart hammering against my ribs. The skyscraper practically dominated an entire block of Silver Moon Harbor’s most prestigious district, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the entire harbor sprawled beneath us like a glittering jewel.
“Welcome to Nightshadow Industries, Miss Knight.” Claire greeted me with elegant grace, radiating the natural authority of a mature female, though her eyes held genuine warmth. “Let me introduce you to everyone.”
The office decor was sophisticated and refined -rich mahogany furniture accented with silver details, and the Nightshadow family crest gleamed from every corner in polished chrome. Everyone I met was polite and welcoming, though I could sense their slight hesitation when interacting with me. After all, omegas were indeed rare in such high-level corporate environments.
“The boss is still handling pack business out of town and won’t return until the weekend,” Claire explained as she showed me around my work area. “You’ll be working directly for our Alpha -it’s quite an honor.”
Alpha… I swallowed hard. As an omega, I’d never imagined I’d one day work so closely with one of the most powerful Alphas in the entire werewolf world.
“Callie, relax. We can do this,” Ayla whispered soothingly in my mind.
Around mid-morning, my phone buzzed with Ophelia’s message: the elementary school had confirmed Adrian’s appointment for this afternoon. I stared at the screen, anxiety tightening in my chest. This was only my first day -how could I possibly ask for time away?
But Adrian came first. Always.
I found Claire reviewing documents near the windows. “Ms. Claire?” My voice came out smaller than intended. “I hate to ask this so soon, but there’s something I need to attend to this afternoon. It’s about my little boy.”
She set down her papers immediately, her attention fully on me. “You have a son?”
“Yes.” I twisted my hands together. “Adrian. He’s four and a half. There’s a school interview today that I really can’t miss.”
“Of course you can’t.” Claire’s response was instant, no hesitation. “What mother would? But what about his father?”
The knot in my stomach loosened slightly, though another tightened. I forced myself to meet her eyes. “I’m raising him on my own. His father… we met briefly. I never even learned his name.”
The words hung in the air between us. I waited for the judgment, the disappointment, the subtle shift in how she saw me.
Instead, Claire stepped closer and placed a warm hand on my shoulder.
“Callie, look at me.” Her voice was firm but kind. “You’re standing here, working hard to build a better future for your child. You didn’t hide the truth when you could have. That tells me everything I need to know about your character.” She squeezed my shoulder gently. “Go. Be with your son. First days are always chaos anyway -nothing here can’t wait a few hours.”
My throat tightened with unexpected emotion. “Thank you. I promise I’ll make up the time -“
“Stop.” She waved away my words. “Just make sure that boy of yours gets into a good school. That’s what matters.”
During lunch, I met Ophelia and Adrian downstairs from the building. My little boy looked adorable in the new clothes I’d bought him, his dark brown curls catching the sunlight, but what drew attention most were those eyes -deep blue with silver flecks that looked exactly like…
“Mommy!” Adrian launched himself into my arms, his smile capable of melting my heart entirely.
The elementary school was wonderful. Adrian passed his interview with flying colors and immediately began playing with the other children. Interestingly, the other kids seemed naturally drawn to him, clustering around him like he was their chosen leader. The teacher commented that she’d rarely seen such natural leadership qualities in someone so young.
“He’s delightful,” the teacher said softly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “You and your husband have done an excellent job raising him.”
I just smiled awkwardly without responding.
I settled back into my workspace around half past one, still smiling from Adrian’s enthusiastic chatter about his new classroom. With Claire still away, I began sorting through the documents I’d reviewed earlier. Sunbeams poured in from the massive windows, painting warm stripes across my desk.
A sudden ring shattered the quiet.
My pulse quickened. This must be it -my inaugural call at my new position. I wiped my palms on my skirt and lifted the receiver.
“Good afternoon, Nightshadow Industries executive suite. How may I assist you?”
Dead air greeted me. Had the connection failed? Then came a sound -an exasperated exhale that spoke volumes. The voice that followed made my breath catch.
Gravelly. Commanding. Laced with barely restrained annoyance and an undercurrent of authority that seemed to pulse through the phone line.
“I need Claire.”
My wolf cowered instinctively. I gripped the receiver tighter, willing my voice not to waver.
“She’s currently unavailable, sir. Perhaps I could take a message or assist you myself?”
An uncomfortable silence stretched between us. I could sense his displeasure building like storm clouds.
“And who might you be?”
My fingers dug into the desk’s edge.
“Callie, sir,” I managed, forcing confidence into my tone. “I’ve just started as the new executive assistant.”
“Listen carefully. When I arrive, Claire needs to be there-waiting. Not catching up on emails. Not finishing her coffee. There.”
“Understood, sir. I’ll relay that immediately.” Something made me add, “Should I let her know who’s requesting her presence?”
The response came like thunder.
“Your BOSS!” The words seemed to vibrate through the handset.
Click. The line went silent.
I remained motionless, phone still clutched in my hand, the dial tone buzzing in my ear. My fingers trembled as I finally replaced the receiver. A strange mixture of dread and adrenaline coursed through me.
