Blackwood Tower stood as a monolith of glass and steel, an imposing structure that dominated the city's skyline. Its modern architecture contrasted with the dark stories woven within. On its highest floors, where panoramic views of the city could make anyone feel small, was the headquarters of Blackwood Enterprises, one of the most powerful corporations in the world, an empire that operated in sectors such as technology, biotechnology, and sustainable development. But, behind its facade of innovation and success, a much deeper and more secret reality was hidden.

A large part of its employees were part of a secret society, as mysterious as it was ancient, werewolves.

But, Blackwood Enterprises not only employed werewolves, a society that had managed to hide from the eyes of the world for millennia, but also employed humans whose abilities were adept enough to grow the ancient empire.

The werewolves, these supernatural beings, known as shifters, coexisted with people, had managed to adapt to the human pace of life to the point that often none of them realized, or had any idea of their true nature.

At the top of this hidden empire, was Damian Blackwood, the Alpha of one of the most powerful packs that existed, one of the strongest and most powerful men in all existing aspects in both worlds.

Damian was not only a businessman, he was the leader of a community that had decided to remain hidden and safe, Damian owned a capacity for control that overflowed everything humans could imagine, he possessed an aura of power and absolute self-control. Every move of his was calculated, every word measured coldly. He was not a man who smiled easily or gave confidence to anyone. His employees respected him, some feared him, but no one could deny his intelligence and his ability to grow the empire he had built from scratch.

To humans, he was a ruthless magnate. To his pack, he was a firm but fair leader. Protecting his species was his priority, and that is why, he had designed the company as a refuge for his own, offering them stability and security in a world where they had to hide their true nature.

His presence in the boardroom was unmistakable: at almost six foot three he looked imposing, his figure sculpted by years of physical training generated many conversations among the women who worked there, and his natural elegance made everyone, no matter in the room he was in, and without exception or distinction of race, feel his dominance without having to raise his voice. His eyes, a deep blue, seemed to pierce the soul of anyone who dared to hold his gaze, and his hair, almost white blonde, was always perfectly combed, reflecting a meticulousness that could be seen even in the smallest details.

He was a man who had built an empire from scratch, and he had done it with a cold and calculating mind. In business, Damian was known for his efficiency and his intelligence, but within his pack, he was revered as an unstoppable and above all fair leader. To humans, he was just a ruthless magnate; but for the werewolves who worked at Blackwood Enterprises, he was much more. He was their protector, their leader, and the only one capable of keeping his species safe in a world that, if it were to discover their existence, would destroy them without mercy.

Damian did not show weaknesses, because in fact he had none. Not before his employees, not before his pack, and much less before himself. His self-control was absolute, and he had learned to keep at bay any emotion that might interfere with his decisions. However, there was something that lately began to break his balance. Something that was completely alien to his nature as Alpha: the strange attraction he felt for one of the new employees of the company. A young human woman who had managed to reach an outstanding position within the corporation thanks to her intelligence and perseverance.

Selene, was a bright young woman of twenty-five years. With a strategic mind that did not go unnoticed, she had managed to stand out at the University, earning thanks to that the opportunity to work at Blackwood Enterprises, obtaining a strategic position in the marketing department. Her ability to generate innovative ideas had catapulted Blackwood Enterprises to new heights. Since she had started at the company, she had earned the respect of everyone around her for her dedication and her way of facing the challenges that were presented to her with total courage.

But there was something else that made her stand out. It was not only her sharp mind or her ability to assume responsibilities with surprising calm, but also her beauty. The young woman had long, dark hair that fell in soft waves to her waist, a deep look of coffee-colored eyes that often seemed to see beyond the surface of things, and a figure that, although it could have caused jealousy in other women, or been a reason to skip some steps to advance in her career, she never used in her favor. The young woman stood firm in her professionalism, always seeking recognition for her work and not for her appearance.

Even so, despite her confident and determined attitude, there was something about Damian Blackwood that disconcerted her. Something she could not understand, but that attracted her irremediably. She knew that he was different from everyone else: his dominant presence, the way he moved through the office, the way his eyes always seemed to observe everything with an intensity that was unsettling. Often, Selene found herself disconcerted by him, by that dark magnetism that emanated despite his distant and cold behavior.

In meetings, Damian did not hesitate to impose his criteria, and Selene, although respectful, sometimes could not help but challenge him. Her ideas were innovative, but sometimes clashed with the inflexible vision of the CEO. Despite the tension that was felt between them, she could never avoid that underground current of attraction that seemed to intertwine them in every word, in every look that crossed in the boardroom.

The Blackwood Enterprises boardroom was a sleek, modern space, with enormous windows offering a panoramic view of the city. At the head of the table, Damian Blackwood observed those present with his typical hard and impassive expression. Across from him, Selene held her tablet firmly, containing the frustration that was beginning to build inside her due to her boss's constant interruptions or refutations of her proposals.

"With all due respect, Mr. Blackwood," she said, maintaining her composure, "I believe we should focus on a more interactive strategy to attract new generations. Social media offers us a unique opportunity to connect with the public."

Damian crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat with an air of forced patience, looking directly into her eyes.

She didn't look away.

"We don't need connection, Miss Montero, we need results," he replied in a firm voice. "Our company has been built on solid foundations, and I doubt that changing our image to please a volatile audience is the best strategy."

Selene felt a chill run down her spine. His authoritarian tone was unbearable, and although she wanted to confront him, slap him a couple of times to make him see reason, she knew she couldn't. The authoritarian subject was her boss, the owner of the company, the one who could have the security guys throw her out on the street with a snap of his fingers, without giving her a chance to do anything. Still, the girl wanted to argue her strategy.

"But, sir... If you would only give me the opportunity to expand on my proposal..."

"The decision has been made, Miss Montero," he interrupted her, with a cutting look. "We will implement the strategy proposed by the financial team. End of discussion."

The meeting continued for a few more minutes, but Selene barely heard the rest. Her wounded pride forced her to maintain a neutral expression, although inside she was seething with indignation. She still didn't understand why the man rejected her proposals, although he had accepted some before, this was because she had asked her colleagues to present them as their own. The conclusion was that he rejected them because she was the one presenting them.

When she finally left the room, she did so with apparent calm, walking with a firm step to the company cafeteria, where her best friend, Carla, was already waiting for her with a coffee in hand.

"And that face?" Carla asked, raising an eyebrow as soon as the girl was in front of her table.

Selene dropped into the chair in front of her with an exasperated sigh.

"I can't stand it!" Her friend tilted her head trying to understand, although she already imagined what it was about. "Blackwood, I can't stand him!" she blurted out. "He's arrogant, stubborn, and controlling. No matter how hard I try, he always has to have his way in the end."

"Well... he's the boss," Carla said, shrugging. "Did he reject your proposal?"

"Yes, according to him, he doesn't want to risk pleasing a volatile audience."

"That's new," her friend replied. "But don't worry, maybe you're not the only one who can't stand him, if it weren't for the fact that he's unbearably sexy, I'm sure no one would."

Selene rolled her eyes, although she couldn't help but remember those intense blue eyes and that presence that made her feel... too aware of him.

"Oh, but I can assure you that if I give the same proposal to one of the guys, he'll accept it without a peep!"

"Well, friend. Don't stress, better tell me about the guy you met the other night," Carla said changing the subject, and the girl began to tell her about her experience with a young man she met through a social network.

Meanwhile, in Damian's office...

"I don't understand how that woman can be so stubborn!" Damian growled, placing his hands on the desk in his office.

His Beta and childhood friend, Marcus, watched him in silence, hiding the amusement it caused him to see his friend in that state.

"Are you referring to Selene?" he asked mockingly, showing that he knew the girl's first name. "I don't know what you're up to with her, she's a very effective employee, since she's been working with us there have been very good variations within her area."

"Selene?" Damian inquired, ignoring everything his friend had said. "Whatever!"

"I didn't know anyone could get you so worked up."

"She doesn't get me worked up," Damian replied, his voice tense. "I just don't like having my decisions challenged."

Marcus burst out laughing.

"Sure... It's not that you mind being challenged, it's that you mind that she's the one doing it."

Damian didn't answer. He just looked out the huge window, trying to ignore the unsettling feeling that the young human woman affected him more than he was willing to admit.

After her vent in the cafeteria, Selene returned to her office with a firm step, still feeling the heat of rage on her skin. She dropped into her chair and sighed as she turned on her computer. She tried to concentrate on the pending reports, but her mind returned again and again to the meeting.

The sound of the keys echoed in the air as she began to write an email, but her concentration was interrupted by Carla's fingers tapping on the door.

"Are you still upset?" her friend asked from the door, leaning against the frame with a cup of coffee in her hand.

"Upset?" the young woman scoffed. "No, not at all. It's just that I love that my boss is a despot who likes to always have the last word."

Carla smiled with amusement.

"And what are you going to do?"

"Keep working and show him that my proposal was better."

Meanwhile, on the upper floor, Damian was trying to focus on the stack of documents on his desk, but his keen hearing clearly picked up the sounds of the building: the murmur of conversations in the hallways, the clatter of heels on the marble floor and, in particular, the unmistakable voice of the girl, even from a distance.

He forced himself to concentrate, leafing through the financial reports with a frown. However, the echo of his discussion with her was still in his head. The way she had faced him, without fear or submission, irritated him... and, at the same time, awakened something inside him that he preferred to ignore.

Marcus, sitting in an armchair in front of his desk, couldn't help but smile as he noticed the rigidity in Damian's jaw.

"You're still upset," he commented with feigned indifference.

"I'm not upset."

"No, of course not," his Beta scoffed. "You're perfectly calm. So much so that you've been looking at the same sheet for five minutes without reading a single word."

Damian slammed the file shut and stood up, heading to the window. From there he could see the bustle of the city, the lights flickering in the distance.

"I don't like it when people question my decisions," he said softly.

Marcus raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe it's not people in general, but one person in particular. And I think you should find out why. Let's agree that it wasn't Selene's proposal that you didn't like, but that she was the one presenting it."

"That's not true," Damian replied.

"Oh, no? Then why did you accept the previous proposals, knowing that they were hers? Because you can't deny me that those who presented them were not the ones who had devised them."

Damian didn't answer. But in his mind, the image of Selene, with her eyes shining with defiance, remained etched with a clarity that frustrated him more than he was willing to admit.

Work at Blackwood Enterprise offered no respite or rest, especially after Damian Blackwood, having been convinced by Marcus, his friend and right-hand man, decided to grant the creative team the opportunity to present a new proposal. One week was the time he had given them.

Needless to say, Selene was angrier than ever, and she was determined to prove that her theory that the CEO had a specific problem with the proposals she presented was not merely her imagination. So, she suggested to Alan, one of her colleagues, that he present the same proposal that she had presented days before, assuring him that there would be no problem with him claiming it as his own.

The young man, who knew that Selene's proposal was highly viable, accepted immediately, as the girl had very firm values ​​and always kept her word.

So, when the day came to present the proposal again, the entire work team gathered in the boardroom.

Obviously, the CEO was at the head of the table, Damian Blackwood dominated the scene with his imposing presence. His impeccable bearing, the perfectly tailored suit, and the serious expression that never left his face, made him a figure who inspired respect and, for some, fear. His blue eyes severely scanned those present until stopping at Selene.

From the moment Alan began presenting his proposal, the CEO dedicated all his attention to him, at times nodding in agreement, at others taking some notes.

Selene observed each of his reactions and knew perfectly well what the outcome of the meeting would be.

The tension in the meeting room could be cut with a knife.

The girl maintained a neutral expression, although inside she felt her blood boiling. In front of her, Alan continued to present the proposal, relying on graphics and projections that Selene had given him, the same ones that in the previous meeting the CEO had not given her the opportunity to present.

Damian, sitting at the head of the table, drummed his fingers against the polished wood surface. His gaze, like two intense embers, wandered over some documents while listening to his sales director with apparent interest.

When Alan finished, there was a brief silence. Selene's eyes instinctively sought Damian, waiting for him to give his verdict. The proposal had very good scope, it was innovative, with the best long-term margins. She knew it because she had spent nights adjusting every detail, anticipating objections, preparing answers.

And she didn't even flinch when Damian spoke.

"Excellent proposal, Alan, accepted," he dictated firmly, as if there were no possible discussion.

The words fell like a sentence. Brief. Forceful.

Selene felt a knot forming in her stomach, but she concealed it perfectly. She did not allow the disappointment to be reflected on her face, although inside a silent fury began to seethe with growing force. Her posture remained straight, professional, although in her mind the acceptance of the proposal was repeated again and again.

The worst part of it was that for a couple of presentations now, Damian's objections seemed to be preying on her proposals. It didn't matter how much technical support she had, nor the exhaustive analyses she presented. He dismissed them with the same indifference with which he had just chosen the option that Alan had just presented, which was none other than hers.

"Any comments?" Damian asked, meeting the eyes of each of those present, stopping for just a second on Selene.

She held his gaze, firm, almost defiant.

"Not from me," the girl replied in a serene voice, although under the table, her nails dug discreetly into the palm of her hand.

She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of seeing her falter.

Damian nodded, calling the meeting to a close. The attendees began to get up, collecting their things amidst murmurs, since more than one realized that Alan's proposal was the same as the previous week's.

As Alan left with a smile and a look of gratitude towards his partner, Selene felt rage burning inside her like a burning ember. It wasn't just professional frustration. It was something deeper, a growing suspicion that Damian Blackwood was not being objective. That, for some reason that escaped her comprehension, he was determined to contradict her.

"What the hell does he have against me?" she thought, taking a deep breath to calm down.

The whole situation was disconcerting to her.

For his part, Damian had remained in his seat, thoughtful, trying to understand the young woman's attitude. He had faced many employees before, board partners, rivals, CEOs of other companies, even other Alphas who tried to challenge his authority. But none had awakened in him that level of irritation he felt when she held his gaze without showing an iota of fear.

"What an irritating woman," he thought with a grimace that he didn't know if it was a smile or a repressed grunt.

He got up from the chair, walked to the window and crossed his arms over his chest, contemplating the clouds that were beginning to turn a stormy gray. The weather seemed almost symbolic to him. Deep down, he knew that she was right on some points, but accepting her ideas directly would mean yielding ground in a silent battle that neither of them was willing to lose.

Marcus, who was still in the office, looked at him with a mocking gesture.

"Did you realize that it was the same proposal as last time? Right?" he inquired. Damian watched him as if asking him not to continue.

But since Marcus, in addition to being his Beta, was his best friend and had known him for almost a century, he did not remain silent.

"You know what the worst part of all this is?" he commented, approaching with a folder in his hand, his friend looked at him through the glass of the window knowing that even if he did not ask him, Marcus would still speak. "That deep down you like that she contradicts you."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Damian replied immediately, but his tone did not have the conviction of other times.

Marcus left the folder on the desk with a soft thud.

"You can fool everyone, Damian. But not me," he said, leaving the office before the Alpha could respond.

The afternoon fell slowly over the city. In her office, Selene reviewed the latest reports with her jaw clenched. The discomfort of the meeting had not left her, but inside her, a spark of rebellion grew stronger.