Page 25 of Knot in Their Wildest Dreams: Part 1

“And Celeste, what exactly was it that made you think these gentlemen were more than just a regular pack? After all, you notoriously only date some of the most well known and wealthiest packs in the world.” Her words hinted at Celeste’s notorious shallow behavior. But Celeste just looped her arm into Vigo’s.

“Well, I appreciate an ambitious pack who knows how to take charge, but also one that can let loose when necessary. These gentlemen certainly fit the bill.” Her words were so carefully crafted - she said so much but so little.

Vigo leaned in, an easy smile on his face. “And we’re always happy to make her laugh, right, Celeste?” He asked while I hid a smirk. If the public only knew how very little humor Celeste found in the situation.

She laughed lightly, though her eyes sparkled with a mix of defiance and mischief. “If by ‘laugh’ you mean cringe at your terrible jokes, then yes!” Her slight jab was playful and made a perfect soundbite for the press. Vigo sat back, and though I expected to feel irritation through our bond, I only felt excitement from him.

But we weren’t here for fun and games. We had a strategy.

I decided it was time to interject. “Yes, the added attention has been beneficial in many ways.” I sat up straighter, my eyes on the reporter. “We can use this to bring awareness and support for fair labor practices, which is one of our passions at Manticore Tech.” I could tell Celeste was watching me as I spoke. “I hope our influence will rub off on our new paramour.”

The journalist leaned in, my comments catching her interest. “Can you expand on these new practices?” She asked, and I knew this was our moment to shine.

“Of course. Our business has always been ethics first, profit second. We won’t do anything that we feel breaks our code. One of our newest policies is to incorporate the designation rights doctrine, currently used by the Western Province, into our business practices from here on out.” It was a bold statement. The Western Province had much stricter labor laws and protections for designations that went way beyond anything in the Eastern Province. But we wanted that to change. We would be one of the first major companies in the province to adopt the rules of the designation rights doctrine, and hopefully set an example for others to follow.

We also knew that when we made this announcement, it would prove that it was possible, and that every other organization had no excuse for disallowing labor rights. We waited to announce it until this moment, for maximum publicity. And because of this, Celeste and her company stood in stark contrast to our forward thinking Manticore Tech.

I looked over at Celeste, noticing that her face had turned slightly pale. The reporter also turned to her, excited at receiving such a big scoop. “And Miss Harringday, is your company also considering adopting the designation rights doctrine?” Her question lingered in the air. I knew damn sure that her company wasn’t implementing it. In fact, once I gathered evidence, we could prove she was doing the opposite of the doctrine. She was cornered now, pinned uncomfortably as we all waited for her to respond.

Celeste shifted in her chair, and for the first time since I met her, I saw her look uncertain.

“Well, Miss Harringday? Do you care to comment?”

Chapter 17

Celeste

I’d been put on the spot before, but not like this. Pack Lockwood had orchestrated this entire interview not just to clear their name, but also to drop this bombshell in one of the most anticipated interviews the public could ask for. And now, next to them, my organization would look archaic, out of touch, and greedy.

The designation rights doctrine was a landmark ruling that launched the Western Province into a peaceful and prosperous time. I’d often admired that they worked to treat all designations with respect, codifying it into law. But it seemed like a pipe dream here. The Eastern Province was not about to lay down a blanket law like that when the people in charge benefitted from things being the way they were. An individual organization could implement it, sure.

But I was an omega, and even with all my money and my family name, I was still struggling with being overruled by men in my own family business. I’d floated the idea of taking steps toward designation rights, but so often I’d been vetoed, told it was never going to happen, and to take things one step at a time.

“Tides turn slowly, Celeste. It takes decades even for a small change to be approved by the public.” My uncle used to say.

“But that’s precisely why they stay the same! I have the chance to make a big change!”I’d argued, and he’d waved me away.

“It will never get past the board. Now focus on something you can change. Like our new product launch.” He said as he dismissed me. I knew why the men in charge didn’t want to fight for designation rights. It would make it harder for them to overrule me - it would take away the power they craved.

“Miss Harringday?” The journalist's voice brought me back to the present moment.

I looked at her, trying to keep my focus on her slight frown as she waited for my response. I swallowed. The pack had intended for me to look this way, to highlight the unfair practices that Harringday Industries used compared to Manticore Tech

“It’s absolutely something that I’m working on.” I said with a tight smile. “I’m a huge supporter of designation rights. It’s part of the reason I rolled out the parental leave process.” My words sounded stale and unimpressive compared to the pack’s new announcement. And I couldn’t promise anything - I already knew the board would be livid that I was even talking about this. And I couldn’t afford to lose support from any of them.

The interview eventually moved to a few other topics, and I kept my face plastered into a smile while I mentally felt myself float far away. Like a robot, I let out canned responses that I’d practiced with my team, wondering how badly the headlines would look now that Pack Lockwood would be made out to be designation heroes, and Harringday stuck in the past.

“Well, I believe that’s all we have time for today.” The journalist’s voice finally drew me back into myself as she stood, thanking us for our time.

The moment the cameras shut off and the journalist and crew exited, I stood, smoothing my dress even as my hands shook with anger. The door clicked shut, sealing us in, and I turned on the pack, my blood boiling as they watched me with smug looks.

“You set me up,” I seethed, my voice low but sharp enough to cut glass. “You knew exactly what you were doing when you dropped that announcement, and you made sure I had no notice to counter it. You’re playing dirty!”

Vigo leaned back against the table, arms crossed over his chest, an infuriating smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "We didn’tmakeyou look bad, Celeste. We just told the truth about our plans. And you did too. So what are you mad about?"

My nails dug into my palms as I clenched my fists. "Don’t act like this was some noble cause for you. You don’t care about designation rights. All you care about is making me look weak."

Dante suddenly stepped forward, his eyes dark and indignant. “Don’t youeverquestion our commitment to designation rights! Just because you can’t fathom doing something without there being a financial benefit, doesn’t mean that everyone thinks that way.” He said with a sharp tone.

---