Rejected Mate

Chapter Three: Internship

“Good things happen when you meet strangers.” Yo-Yo Ma

It’s Monday. Who likes Mondays?

Well, right now, I do. This is the most exciting thing I’ve been anticipating since. . . forever. Today is the day I get to see how games are designed and developed. Hopefully I get to try some.

I shot up from my bed, full of energy. I played some music while I hit the shower. I had everything prepared for today, even a list of questions I’d make sure to ask about the business. I’ll be presentable and professional, and hopefully score myself some free goodies.

I’m really hyped for a Monday that even my mum gave me a strange look when I jumped the last few steps to get to the kitchen. And let me tell you, if my mum gives you a weird look, it means you’re super weird.

Let’s just say that she’s the queen of weirdness. Believe me!

“Someone is chirpy this early in the morning.”

“And someone isn’t.” I nodded towards the bottle of vodka she had on the kitchen island. “I see you started early.”

“It’s late somewhere.” She shrugged.

“Hangover?”

She hissed as she gulped down her drink. “Yep, so I’ll continue drinking.”

I brewed some coffee while watching my troublesome mother.

“You’re a witch. You could’ve made one of your magical remedies.”

She chuckled playfully, shaking her half full glass. “And miss out on this. Never.”

Something is wrong, for sure.

I sat next to her, staring at her right in the eyes. “You fought with dad, didn’t you?”

She pouted and mumbled something under her breath. I rubbed her back, making her look up. The sight of her tearful blue eyes saddened me.

“What is it?” I whispered.

“Your father stayed at work yesterday and forgot my birthday.”

And just like that, I narrowed my eyes and pushed away from my stupid mother.

“Your birthday is today.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“Yes, it is”

“Is not.”

“Nope. I’m not doing this s**t again. Your birthday is today.”

“You’re just like your father!” She yelled once she realized she’s at fault.

“Take it back.” I threatened, stalking her way while holding a cup full of the hot coffee I brewed.

“Never.” She snorted her drink and abruptly stood up. She hissed and held the counter.

“I shouldn’t have done that.” She whined.

“That’s what you get for getting drunk.”

She scowled, stealing my cup off my hand and taking a sip. I looked at her unkempt black hair, her reddened cheeks and her small stature in one of my dad’s sweaters, which made her look adorable.

“You’re not cute at all.” I sniffed, and she giggled. “Give me my cup back."

“But I need it.” She whined, taking a large gulp.

“You traitor!” I yelled. I charged and carried her on my shoulder, and all she did was laugh when I threw her on a couch. “For what you did, I won’t do chores for a month.”

“I’m your parent. I can make you do them.”

“Heh, you’re a child.” I mocked.

Her eyes widened as she gasped, and I thought she’d spew some nonsense, watching her hurry back to the kitchen island and grab her phone.

“Oh, my goddess! I left your father the nastiest voicemail ever yesterday.”

“Your funeral!” I yelled, stepping out from the house. I jumped when I found Zeke by our front door.

“You scared the s**t out of me!”

“I should be saying that.” He hit me in the chest and it hurt, but my pride made me suck it up.

Did he forget that he’s a wolf while I’m just a human?

Lucas whistled from the back seat of Zeke's car, winking at me once our eyes met.

“Looking sharp, Mr. Blackwell.”

I smirked, dusting the sleeves of my well-fitted blue suit.

“I look sexy, don’t I?” I asked Ezekiel, who in return grinned and leaned closer to my face.

“Very.” He purred. “So sexy that I’m thinking of ditching Rachel and take you to the homecoming party instead.”

I blushed, which made him cackle like a fool.

“You need to wisen up, dude, or anyone can have it easy with you.”

“Let’s go, asshole.” I huffed to hide my embarrassment.

“Yeah, let’s go, cool guy.”

The ride to downtown was smooth as I sat in the passenger seat with my earbuds on, listening to music. I could see Lucas and Zeke talking, and by the look of it, they must be bickering.

The usual.

I don’t get out much or visit the city, so I’m always fascinated whenever I see the skyscrapers, the busy streets and the crowd of people marching with an aim.

I’m a person for simple life. I love the woods and the sound of nature. A hyper city could be fun, but not for me. I mean, I get anxious easily when I’m around people. Even the air seems different in the city, somehow suffocating. I get it now when my father comes back home stressed, urging to let go and run freely in the woods.

Soon enough, we were in front of a tall building. I stepped out of the car, feeling out of place as passersby stared at us.

“Let’s go, Jon.”

I followed the guys inside the building. Stepping inside a double glass door, I was met with cold air carrying an inviting scent. Something about the place made me feel welcomed, as if I belonged here.

Ezekiel approached a cheerful receptionist, who greeted us with a bright smile.

“Oh, you’re the new interns, too!” She exclaimed. “How many are we getting?” She mainly asked herself, typing on her keyboard.

“Mr. Cooke will be in charge of you. Please take a seat next the others, I’ll call him.”

I glanced back to see who are the ‘others’ she was referring to; two guys around our age sat on one of the grey couches.

Ezekiel’s nose twitched, and I figured that they were wolves, too.

We sat there and waited. I was growing restless and anxious the longer we waited. Finally, the guy who’ll be in charge of us showed up. A petite, chubby guy, wearing one of the thickest glasses I’ve ever seen.

“Sorry, to keep you guys waiting.” He smiled widely. “I’m Brenan Cooke, but you guys just call me Brenan.”

We shook hands, and I noticed the guys’ awkwardness as they did. It wasn’t unexpected since we’re in a company owned by Lycans, but I’m impressed how they’re trying so hard not show any hostility.

Brenan showed us around, and god, by the end of the tour, I was left out of breath. I wanted to try anything and everything. I was eager to see all, especially their secret labs. I could imagine the smart and nerdy people they have there, coming up with new game ideas.

He escorted us to a board room, where he said we'll sit and observe how a business meeting is held. He called it a onetime experience that not many people get to witness, yet he warned us to be quiet.

Apparently, their boss wasn’t as merry, known for a short temper. At least, that’s what Dustin and Rick, the guys we met in the lobby, told us.

He left us in this large room and went to get some files for the meeting. I was getting jittery again, and it turned out I’m not the only one.

"I'm starting to regret this." Ezekiel stammered.

“It’ll be fine.”

He held a look that troubled me. It was uncertainty mixed with fear, and it made me doubt my choice of coming to this place.

“I don’t know.” He said and looked away. He clenched his jaw, as if he was trying so hard not to say much.

“I get it. I’m nervous for being out of my comfort zone, too.”

"I'm nervous as well." Rick conceded. “Imagine the boss snaps at us or something?”

“I heard he can’t help it. He’s always had a short temper.”

"Maybe he should get laid." Lucas said playfully, sticking out his tongue, in an attempt to lighten up the mood. I guess he could smell the stress in the air.

I giggled at his remark, and Ezekiel just rolled his eyes.

"What? People tend to relax once they get laid." He added.

"How do you know, Virgin?"

Dustin laughed loudly and couldn’t help questioning what Zeke said. “You still haven’t found your mate?”

Saddened, Lucas shook his head.

“You’ll meet them soon. I promise.”

I smiled, and to save myself from being on the hot seat next, I asked Rick.

“You seem to know a lot about the CEO.”

“Are you kidding me? Who doesn’t? That dude made a name of himself out of nothing. I recently read in some magazine that he faced some hardships growing up, which explains why he doesn’t trust people easily.”

"Well, that only explains why the latest game they released sucked."

"What do you mean?”

“How can you come up with a beautiful game if you don’t trust the people you’re working with?”

"I see what you mean.” Rick agreed.

"At least you played the game. I’m not much of a gamer.” Dustin frowned. “That probably gives you an insight of what this company is looking for in games."

"In that case, this company has the worst taste in games.” I joked. “Maybe we should just go ahead and leave. What’s there to learn here if they’re unable to come up with a functioning game."

Okay. They weren’t that bad, hint why they hold a name in the gaming industry. It’s just their last game left me salty, especially since I’ve spent some hard-earned cash from my part-time job on it, for it to turn out to be a failure.

Ezekiel gave out a brief chuckle and seemed to relax a bit, but that was all shortly lived when a hidden door behind a bookshelf opened.

We all sat up straight. My heart hammered as I stared at the group of people that walked in. A buff, Asian, snooty guy came in first, looking very pissed, soon followed by two guys, who took their seats after they greeted us.

The angry guy held my interest, the whiff of his cologne tingled my senses. He had a cool demeanour but seemed aloof, especially since he didn't even look at us or greet us.

How rude. At least he should've welcomed us.

The big door next to us opened, and Brenan got in followed by some other people. They all filed in, wearing friendly smiles and settled down around a round table next to the other three.

"Alright! Good morning everyone. I hope everyone had their coffee and ready for this meeting.”

A blond guy started with a dazzling smile to lighten the gloomy mood that filled the room. Too bad he was met with a tough crowd, his audience seemed worn out and dead inside. Well, all except for Brenan and some weird dude who keeps smiling at me whenever our eyes meet.

“First, we have some noobs joining us today." The man continued in the same upbeat tone, who I figured was not the boss.

I bet it’s the Asian. I have a feeling that he’s the boss. The guy looks like someone s**t in his breakfast this morning. And talking about looks, he sure looks yummy in that midnight blue suit. It’s well-fitted and fashionable, complementing his tan complexion. The cravat was what surprised me. I've never seen anyone look this good with a cravat before. He looks chic, fashionable, and definitely my type.

I guess he’s European and definitely gay.

Don't ask how, I just can tell.

"I'm Phillip MacMillan, senior executive of G-Deviant.This is Tyler Roberts the vice president."

The cheerful man introduced the attendees of this meeting. Mr. Roberts, a tall guy with broad shoulders formed a crooked grinned, nodding at us as a sort of greeting.

I can't stress enough how much I hated introductions. It’s uninteresting and trivial to me, knowing I'd forget most of the names once I leave through that mahogany door.

"This is Cynthia Fernandez, our fashion manager. . . Beatrice Cooke, the DevOps engineer and head of the programming department. Brenan Cooke, her husband. He’s our game developer and your supervisor."

Brenan gave us a hearty smile. There was a certain smugness to it in response to the baffled gazes we have on, watching the beautiful woman that held his last name.

How did he manage to hit that?!

"And this guy here," Mr. Macmillan placed his hand on the shoulder of a handsome guy sitting next to him. "is Dilan O’Connor. He's our game designer and our second Irish, best friend.” He joked. Mr. O’Connor just rolled his eyes, greeting us with a smile.

“The goofy guy over there," He pointed at the weirdo who kept smiling at me. "is David Kelly; our game animator, the first Irish best friend. . .There are some others which are busy currently, but you'll soon meet them. . .And oh! . . .This is our Creative Director and boss, Mr. Chris Matthews."

I knew it! The Asian is the boss. I smirked at my power of deduction.

So, he’s the one behind that terrible game. Because if they need to blame anyone for that failure, they should blame the creative director. He was the one responsible for the overall look and feel of the game. And so far, he did a terrible job.

"The meeting starts now." Mr. Macmillan said and took his seat.

Everyone sat there silently. Some were flipping through papers, trying to look busy, reading through them, while some were communicating telepathically by the funny looks on their faces.

The guys beside me looked confused and uncomfortable by the intense atmosphere. As for the big bad boss, he had his head rested on his left palm, staring at his employees with a deep frown.

Awkward. It got really awkward, until he spoke.

"Now, explain to me why aren't we doing good on sales? And where is Kirsten?"

He looked at the big guy beside him, who I think his name was Tyler Roberts. The poor guy cleared his throat and gulped before meeting his boss's gaze.

"She said that she has some important work." He was cut off by the furious boss.

"Well, she's not doing good so far, is she?!"

I hoped the guy wasn't stupid enough to answer the question. That was a trap to start an argument. I know from experience. I have Ezekiel as a best friend, and I know how it goes.

After a brief pause and a few awkward stares, Mr. Matthews sighed.

"Now, can anyone tell me what should we do about this? The game is not getting us anymore profit, and now we have a sequel coming up that I can't release, since our first one is failing so hard!” He yelled out in frustration, and all I was thinking of, is damn how hot he looks when angry.

It’s weird I’m behaving this way, but in all honesty, I’m enjoying this new side of me.

“So yeah, anyone has any bright and brilliant ideas?" Mr. Hot stuff went on with the real question that made everyone gulp.

They all looked at Mr. MacMillan to save the day. He was the only that didn't seem intimidated by his glare.

"We can sponsor some youtubers to advertise the game on their channels?" He suggested solemnly, and the boss glared at him.

I s**t you not. I could see the smoke coming out of his nose and ears. He was livid by the looks of it, and boy, he needed to chill the f**k down. He should really take Lucas' advice and get laid. It should unwind him a bit.

"Do you know how much they cost me for the first game?!" He yelled, and the guys next me jumped, startled by how dark his tone was. I did as well, not going to lie. It was bone chilling. . . yet hot?

Definitely, something is wrong with me.

"I've spent a s**t load of money on those good-for-nothing gamers, and it increased the sales by two percent!” He breathed heavily, his eyes fixated on those of Mr. MacMillan.

“Two f*****g percent!" He added aggravated, pointing two fingers at Mr. MacMillan in case he didn't get the picture.

The poor guy, if he was close enough, he would've poked his eyes out with those strong fingers.

Seriously, the guy needed to chill.

Everybody got silent again. They all looked at the files in front of them doing the same trick again. No one was meeting his gaze.

I knew from experience that everyone was hoping the next question wouldn't be addressed to them. The same thing I do when the teachers ask a question I didn't know the answer to.

It’s called operation avoid eye-contact.

The furious boss kept his usual glare at everyone then he broke the ice again.

"Wait, maybe we should ask the interns? They might be useful more than all of you?"

Now It was our turn to avoid his gaze. The guys next to me shifted in their seats nervously as he glared at us. I tried to look away, but he looked almost comical, and I couldn't take my eyes off him. I was afraid my childish self will let out a laughter that sure will be the cause of my death.

"So? I'm waiting. I mean, you had something to say before I got in here, so why not say it now?"

Shit! He heard us!

Well, it figured. It must be why he looked pissed when he got in, or it could be how he looked all the time. I mean, I don’t mind his furious glare, it makes him look badass. And look at those muscles flexing under his jacket. This good-looking man is going to be the end of me.

Focus, Jonathan! Don’t stare too much. f**k, he’s staring back. Should I smile?

I formed an awkward smile, and he looked a tad taken aback. Who knew the big bad wolf can make such expression? He looks adorable when he’s confused.

He narrowed his eyes in an intimidating way.

“Well?”

Everyone looked down again and avoided him except for me. His glare was so captivating, and his voice makes me feel weird. I know that I’m digging my own grave for meeting his gaze, but it’s his fault for being so charming.

"Anyone? Who said they played the game?"

Rick and Dustin looked my way, and Lucas gasped faintly. They practically threw me under the bus, but then again, I was going to say I was the one anyway. I’m no sissy. My mother brought up a brave man.

"I did." Glad my voice didn't fail me, inundated by the new-found feelings sparked by this man.

His deadly glare was on me again, scornful as he asked.

"And why did you hate it?"

You know when you try to act presentable and polite in front of strangers, but your mind says, ‘f**k it, I don't want to work today’? Well, that’s what happened to me, and before I could think of the words I was saying, I blurted.

"Seriously? Have you even tried the game before releasing it? It was s**t, no offense to you guys." I deliberately looked at the guys around the round table, who stared at me in awe. It was bitterness of the money wasted on the game mixed with insubordination towards this man.

"The story is confusing, and the characters didn't hold my interest. . .The game controls were alright but not smooth. And let me not get started on the AI.” I snorted. “I needed to get really close to the monsters, like right on their faces, for them to spot me.”

“What else?” I stopped talking when Zeke elbowed me. My eyes widened, realizing what I just said. I’m dead meat.

Mr. Matthews didn’t say anything for a while, and everyone looked at him eagerly, anticipating his response. I prepared myself to die, already half way through my will when he said.

“What’s this I’m hearing about AI?” His fiery eyes fixated on his team. “All I read in your reports is about the writers and Design, nothing about AI.”

Mr. MacMillan shared his frown, looking at Mrs. Cooke, who bore a sheepish look.

“I needed more time, and you. . . I didn’t get to run a final test .”

“Final test?!” He snarled in a deep voice, and everyone in the room tensed up even more. “You’re telling me that this game wasn’t tested before its release?!”

What? Are they stupid?

Mrs. Cooke shared a look with Mr. Roberts. They all seemed to hide something which frustrated their boss even more.

“Well, speak!” He growled.

Mr. Roberts clenched his fists, gulping under that furious look.

“Kirsten messed up the programming. I asked Beatrice to buy her some time while we try to find and fix the issue.”

Mr. Matthews fumed. “So, instead of coming to me with this issue, you guys went ahead and released an unfinished game?!”

“We did ask to postpone the release date, but you refused.”

“Now you’re making this my fault?!”

Mr. Roberts was sweating and looked like he was trying hard to rein his wolf. “I’m not saying it’s your fault, but. . .”

“But, what?!”

“You did refuse all of our requests!” The man finally snapped, standing up. “The only answer you know is ‘No’!”

“Sit down!” Mr. Matthews’ eyes glowed golden, and they were so stunning.

When Mr. Roberts didn’t comply, I figured that he’s also an Alpha. I didn’t come here to witness a fight, and these two idiots must’ve forgotten about us. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see Mr. Big bad wolf fight, but not today.

I glanced at Zeke, who was as shaken as the rest, before looking back at both fuming men.

“Umm, if I may speak?”

Brenan stared at me as if I've lost my mind, and maybe I did. I’ve been acting strange since I came to this place.

Both sweating Alphas seemed to realize that they have a different group in the audience today. Mr. Roberts coughed awkwardly, fixing his tie as he took his seat. Mr. Matthews surprised me, though, when the light in his eyes changed back to that warm chocolate brown.

“Sure.” He said rather softly, surprising me even more.

I blushed like an i***t again.

“Blaming each other won’t solve the issue. I mean, you guys are a team, and one’s mistake is everyone’s mistake. Why don’t we focus on fixing what’s wrong, and maybe, work on communication skills as well?”

Mr. MacMillan snorted a laugh, so I paused. I didn’t understand why he laughed until I saw the look on Mr. Matthews’ face. He was baffled.

"I see." He smirked, and I melted. Not from fear if you catch my drift.

He looked at his employees and barked. "I don't see you taking notes! Didn't you hear. . . uhh?" He gazed at me again, wearing a smug look.

"Jonathan." I murmured, aware of the heat that traveled down my neck. He nodded, looking back at the poor team around the table.

"He's the only one that has the balls to say it. . . I want something to be done about it. Combine your genius minds together and come up with something. Maybe ask the interns to help. . .I need results by the end of this week."

His words held finality as he exited the room. We all breathed relieved at once.

"That was fun." Brenan said as we exited the lift to the cafeteria, and I giggled. It was very interesting and fun for me.

“It was intense.” Zeke countered. “I don’t know how you guys can handle him every day.”

“We’re used to him. Let’s take a seat over there.”

Brenan ushered us to a table in the middle of the cafeteria, and soon Cynthia and Beatrice joined us. We shared a few stories about school and work, keeping it a friendly talk, that until Zeke decided it was wise to drown them in questions.

"So, what's the deal with your boss?" He muttered, and Cynthia laughed.

"What? He scared you?" She teased with a grin.

He scared us all. Even me! And I wasn’t a person to get scared easily. Hearing him bark orders showed the Alpha side of him, and he looked terrifying.

Zeke rolled his eyes and pushed his plate away. "Not that. He's just so uptight."

"That's what leadership does to a man. Besides, he has been through a lot these past years with. . ." Brenan took a bite of his sandwich, avoiding us, like he felt he had said too much.

"Like I said earlier. He needs to get laid." Cynthia giggled at Lucas’ worn-out joke, and I just now noticed how flustered he looked, which got me wondering.

“I don’t know. I felt like he was especially pissed today because we’re here.”

Was he?

I matched Zeke’s inquisitive glare at Brenan, who almost choked on his food.

"Careful, babe." Beatrice started rubbing his back. Seriously, how did manage to get ahold of a woman this stunning? Overall, they look adorable together.

"Not particularly.” Cynthia said softly. “He’s been this way for as long as I can remember. The poor guy had been through some bad relationships, all ending the same way. That's why he's the way he is." She heaved a hefty sigh.

"Yeah, he's a tough guy. I hope he’d just loosen up a bit. At this rate, he will hurt himself." Beatrice added, still rubbing her husband’s back lovingly.

"We all have been through a lot in our lives. You don't see us acting like a complete dick."

Oh, how much I wish Zeke was sitting next to me right now. I would knock some senses into him. How can he be so inconsiderate? Show some empathy to the man! Yes, we all have been through a lot, but it’s different for every person.You might think you’re going through hell, until you hear stories of others.

"Guys, be careful. He might hear you." Mr. MacMillan said as he squeezed himself next to us.

"What do you mean by hear us?" I asked, worried to be jumped by the angry boss.

"Is he here?" Brenan asked, concerned, and Mr. MacMillan shook his head.

"No, but he's in the email room, and you know he can hear you from there."

I looked at him confused. I knew a lot about wolves' powers and all, but never learned they could hear from that distance.

"He's a Hybrid." He clarified, looking behind me. I turned curiously to see what he was looking at; there he was, Mr. Matthews staring at us before walking away.