Moonbound: The Alpha's Chosen

Emily stared at her blank document, the cursor blinking mockingly. Three days into her investigation, and the article still lacked concrete evidence that would satisfy Catherine.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Catherine Howard's sharp knock preceded her entrance. Today, the editor wore a blood-red suit that emphasized her predatory elegance.

"Please tell me you have something substantial," Catherine said, perching on Emily's desk.

"I'm making progress," Emily replied, instinctively touching the wolf pendant at her throat. "The locals are hesitant to talk, but—"

"Hesitant?" Catherine interrupted, leaning closer. "Or are you hesitant, Emily? This story could make your career."

Emily caught a whiff of Catherine's perfume—expensive, with undertones of something wild she couldn't identify. "The evidence is circumstantial. A Group owns the forest land, yes, but connecting them to the attacks requires more than—"

"I don't want excuses," Catherine cut in, her manicured nails tapping impatiently. "I want results. Exclusives. Something our competitors don't have."

Emily felt a surge of defiance. "Journalistic ethics still matter. I won't publish accusations without proof."

Catherine's expression hardened momentarily before softening into something more calculating. "You know, I have connections who might help." She traced a finger along Emily's keyboard. "People close to the Stone family."

Emily's heart skipped. "What kind of connections?"

"Let's just say I move in certain circles," Catherine smiled enigmatically. "Old money. Old blood. People who know Lucas Stone isn't the golden boy he pretends to be."

The way Catherine said Lucas's name—with intimate familiarity—sent an unexpected pang of jealousy through Emily.

"Have you met him before?" Emily asked carefully.

Catherine's smile turned knowing. "Lucas? Oh yes, we've had... encounters. He's quite memorable." Her gaze sharpened. "Is there something personal in your interest, Emily?"

"Professional curiosity," Emily lied.

"Of course." Catherine stood, straightening her immaculate suit. "Two days, Emily. I want a draft on my desk. With actionable evidence, not just theories." She paused at the door. "Unless you're finding the assignment too challenging?"

The implicit threat hung in the air. Emily straightened her spine. "I'll have it ready."

After Catherine left, Emily exhaled shakily. The pressure was mounting, and with it, her suspicions about her editor's unusual interest in this specific story.

Her phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number: "Their secrets aren't yours to expose. Watch your back."

Emily deleted it, unnerved but determined. As she gathered her notes, she couldn't shake the feeling she was being watched. Glancing toward Catherine's office, she caught her editor staring through the glass wall, expression unreadable, eyes reflecting light in a way that seemed almost... animal.