Page 1 of Knot in Their Wildest Dreams: Part 1

Chapter 1

Oneyearprior

Celeste

You are cordially invited to the most anticipated event of the year: The Darlington Ball - a distinguished gathering where the finest single omegas and the most respected, affluent packs shall come together to forge bonds, alliances, and, perhaps, destiny itself. Held in the grandeur of Roebri Castle, nestled in the heart of the Eastern Province, this event promises a rare and exquisite experience tailored exclusively for the esteemed participants…

I stopped reading and slipped the invitation into my purse with a sigh. Another event, another performance. I didn’t have time for this. Not with the board vote looming in just two days.

“Celeste?” My uncle’s voice broke through my thoughts. He was watching me sternly from the other end of the limo. “Remember, you need to be on your best behavior. The press are going to be all over this event.” His words grated on my nerves. Like I didn’t already know how to act. As if I hadn’t already been to this ball before, years prior. But he had just as much to lose as I did if my reputation faltered.

“Yes, uncle.” I muttered, staring out the tinted window. Other omegas stepped out of sleek cars, awe on their faces as they took in Roebri Castle’s towering spires. For many, this ball was the pinnacle of their lives - where fairy tales began.

For me, it would be another boring event. I probably already knew half of the packs who would be attending. Many of them had already reached out to me, practically begging for a chance to court me. I was, after all, one of the wealthiest omegas in the country. I’d been in the spotlight for most of my life, and that came with many perks. It also came with its own set of drawbacks. I took my sunglasses off and motioned to the driver. It was time to get this over with.

My team followed me in as I glided through the castle, smiling and waving as heads turned and recognition sparked in people’s eyes. Most of them stuck to murmured comments and quiet whispers, but a few bold omegas hesitantly approached asking for a greeting or a selfie. I happily obliged - every person who could attest to my kindness was a win in my book. The media had a knack for creating a reputation for me, one which I was fighting daily. And in the next few days, I needed everything to go smoothly. The most important event of my life so far was drawing near, and it had nothing to do with this ball.

I made my way through the old, beautiful castle and settled in my private suite, quickly pulling out my phone to check the news once I was alone. There were already several headlines running that mentioned me.

High-Stakes Vote: Board to Decide Fate of Heiress Celeste Harringday’s Leadership

Merger on the Table: What’s Next for Harringday Industries?

Heiress in the Hot Seat: Will Celeste Keep Her Crown?

“In just two days, the board of Harringday Industries, widely known as Harringday, will cast a pivotal vote that will determine the future of the company - and its current interim CEO, Celeste Harringday. The decision centers on a proposed merger that, if approved, could see Celeste removed from power, shifting control of the company to new leadership. However, if she secures enough votes in her favor, Celeste will not only retain her position but make history as the first officially recognized female omega CEO in the Eastern Province. With tensions running high and powerful interests at play, all eyes are on Harringday Industries as the clock ticks down to this critical moment.”

I clicked away from the video and put my phone down.

The vote was two days away. Forty-eight hours stood between me and the decision that would determine my future - and the future of Harringday Industries. I just had to get through the next few days without incident, and then I could shift my focus to securing my position.

I forced myself to stay calm, to push away the nerves tightening in my chest. I knew that the board was nearly split. My uncle backed me, but several members weren’t convinced I was the right choice to lead the company, and thought the merger was an opportunity to remove me and usher in a different leader. An alpha, of course.

Reginald, one of the longest-serving board members and an old family friend, had made it clear that he believed in me. He’d known me since I was a child, and had been one of the few to offer both encouragement and a warning.

"Celeste, I have faith in you. But earn it. Show me you’re responsible."

I intended to. I just needed the next two days to go smoothly. By the time I laid down in the massive bed, exhaustion weighed on me, but my mind refused to quiet. Sleep came reluctantly, my thoughts spinning with anticipation for what lay ahead.

The next day arrived with the same sense of pressure hanging over me. Morning meetings and correspondence filled the hours until afternoon, when I found myself seated in a chair while my team worked tirelessly on my hair, makeup, and wardrobe for the evening’s big event. Tonight would bring endless photos and public scrutiny - two things that held considerable sway over the looming vote.

My reputation had taken a hit recently, with whispers of excessive partying and reckless behavior tarnishing my image. Those rumors hadn’t just made the media rounds; they’d also rattled the confidence of my uncle and a few key board members. I needed to project poise, control, and responsibility tonight. Anything less could jeopardize everything I’d been working toward.

While I did enjoy going out here and there, I was far from a party girl. I took my position way too seriously to ever get to kick back and let loose. I’d been image-conscious since I stepped into the public eye, and even more so since I started working at my family's company. But somehow, the media always found a way to spin the most innocent outing into a scandal. Even now, I checked emails in between getting my hair and makeup done.

The Darlington Ball traditionally opened with the presentation of all eligible omegas, followed by the introductions of the attending packs. As the evening approached, my team finished the final touches on my hair and wardrobe before ushering me toward the grand hall, where a procession of omegas was already forming. One by one, names were called, and when mine rang through the hall, I lifted my chin, squared my shoulders, and strode onto the stage.

I walked out, the light almost blinding me as I gave one of my award winning smiles to the crowd. The roar of appreciation from the packs made it seem like I was the only omega here. Although the omega side of me flourished at the attention, I knew deep down that they weren’t here for me as a person. These packs were power hungry. They wanted my name, my wealth, and access to my family’s legacy.

I stepped aside as the rest of the omegas were introduced, silently counting the minutes until I could slip away back to my room. The host started presenting the visiting packs, and I turned to chat with one of the other omegas.

That was when I saw them.

Out of the corner of my vision, they appeared - three alphas, every inch of them exuding power, charisma, and intelligence. Clad in impeccably tailored suits, they looked every bit like they belonged here. Handsome as sin and with egos to match.

Pack Lockwood.

The bane of my existence, and my corporate rivals. Why weretheyhere?

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