The Mad Alpha's Substitute Bride

(ALICE)

Katherine jerks at his words, but her expression does not betray her feelings. "Thank you for understanding our position. Another term that we wish to discuss is the marketing aspect. Pinnacle Group has always used Victor Marketing Solutions to meet our marketing needs—"

Darian’s lawyer does not even let her finish the sentence before jumping in, his metaphorical claws extended. "What is this, Miss Lockhart? It’s clearly stated in the contract that all marketing of your device will be done through the company we have been using for years—"

"If you wish to advertise your technology," I slide in with a pleasant smile, "feel free to use your own marketing company." However, selling us a small component for our product, thus acting as a supplier, does not put you in a position to dictate how we sell this product or how we market this product. Your demand is ridiculous. You’re trying to force your way into how Pinnacle Group does business. I’ve never heard of a supplier acting so entitled."

If they want to speak rudely, I can do the same. Katherine gives me an alarmed look, but I squeeze her leg under the table. She needs to trust me. These are wolf shifters. They’re here for a fight. And that’s what they’re going to get.

"Collaborating with us, Miss Lane," Darian interjects, studying me with that cool gaze of his, "means that certain rules have to be followed."

"It is laughable to assume that this technology will remain yours alone for the next decade," I scoff. "Pinnacle Group is currently working on multiple projects. We have no problem putting a pin in this one to wait for somebody else to develop something similar. However, even though you are a multinational, you will end up losing a large amount of money. After all, this technology that you’ve produced has not been used much. We both know that this is only the second time someone has asked for it. You are overplaying your hand, Mr. Wild. You need us as much as we need you. And we will not be bullied into conceding to your unreasonable demands."

Darian leans back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Is that what you think we’re doing, Miss Lane? Do you think we’re bullying you?"

It’s the way he says it, the dark, taunting edge to his tone, that has my hands trembling with an emotion that I never wanted to feel again. I clench my hand into a fist. "Do you have another word for it? Would you prefer I use the word ’pressuring’?"

"The firm we use knows how to market our technology in a way that will reach greater depths of the industry. I’m sure the company Pinnacle Group is currently involved with has its merits, but the one that works for us will open international markets for you. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."

I exchange a look with Katherine, who is wearing a thoughtful expression on her face. After a moment, she says, "I would like to discuss this further. I am intrigued, but before we decide on anything, I will need some more information."

She launches into questions for Darian, but it is the man sitting on his left who engages her. Darian just watches me, not even bothering to take part in the conversation. I keep my eyes trained on Katherine, ignoring the way his gaze is burning a hole in the side of my head.

I won’t give him the satisfaction of looking over at him.

There are still a few things that need to be worked out. When it’s my turn to speak again, I bring up two of our biggest concerns.

"Renegotiating the contract after a certain amount of sales have been reached does not work for Pinnacle Group." I hold out a piece of paper to Katherine, who scans it. "What if we renew the contract, you raise the profit stakes, and we pay your exorbitant fees once again, only to make sales in the double digits? If it were just the license fees, I would understand, but this brings us back to the same problem as before. If you’re profiting from the sales, then why are you trying to charge us for the use of the technology, in addition?"

"And what do you propose, Miss Lane?" Darian raises a brow, that same smirk on his lips again. I feel irritated. It’s not escaping anybody’s notice that he’s only engaging in the meeting when I speak. Even Katherine glances at me curiously.

I look at him, my voice hard. "You are already profiting from the sales that we make. You are also profiting from the massive one-time fees we will pay you upfront for using the technology. Don’t try to fleece us. Greed can also be your downfall, Mr. Wild."

My blood boils when I see the amusement in his eyes. My fists are already clenched on my lap, but now my claws extend and dig into the skin of my palms. I barely manage to stop myself from drawing my own blood.

"So, you want us to give up the second renegotiation?" Darian asks calmly. "That clause only serves to show that you are trying to take advantage of us —"

"Consider it done." He shrugs. "Are there any other requests that you would like me to fulfill, Miss Lane?"

Dammit. Why is he singling me out like this? I wonder how much trouble I could get into for picking up a chair and slamming it into his pretty face.

Assault, most probably. I might not lose my license entirely if I call it a bout of temporary insanity.

I choose not to answer him, and I also decide not to jeopardize my job. Looking at Katherine, I lift my chin slightly, and she understands. It’s time for her to take over.

It’s surprising that Darian is so willing to make changes to the contract when they are put forward by me, but when Katherine tries to discuss something, his lawyers are ready to tear her apart. I keep having to step in.

When the meeting is coming to an end, most of the details have been finalized. I breathe a sigh of relief, and Katherine gets to her feet. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Wild. I think we’ve made real progress today. If you have any further questions, your lawyers can reach out to Miss Lane at her office."

"My business card is in each of your files." I look toward Mark, who has been the most vocal of Acme Intech’s lawyers. He takes out my card to study it, but Darian, who is standing next to him, plucks it from his hand.

"This has your office number on it."

My lips press into a line. "Because your lawyers will be contacting me at my office. It also has my email address, in case they’re not able to get in touch with me immediately. I check my messages multiple times a day, as does my assistant."

"What about your personal number?"

My blood runs cold. "There’s no need for my personal number." My tone is harsh, and Katherine gives me a surprised look.

Darian, on the other hand, refuses to budge. "I would like to have it in case I have any questions."

My voice turns sharp. What does he even want with my personal number? "I don’t give out my personal information, Mr. Wild. I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline."

Katherine wraps her hand around my wrist, out of sight of everyone, a silent warning that I need to calm down. "If you have any further questions, Mr. Wild, you can contact me," she says brightly. "I think we have managed to sort everything out from the legal standpoint."

Darian now diverts his attention to Katherine. "I’m disappointed, Miss Lockhart. I expected cooperation from every end. In our company, employees are available in and out of the office."

My temples throb with rage, and I snap. "I guess I should consider myself lucky that I don’t work for you, Mr. Wild."