Chapter 1 #2
“Of course. I have all the documentation here.” Mila opened her portfolio, grateful for the familiar comfort of organized papers.
“The venue is confirmed for next Saturday evening at the Hawthorne Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Capacity for two hundred guests, with cocktails beginning at six followed by dinner and the literacy program presentation. ”
“Perfect. And the catering?” Gerri’s blue eyes twinkled with something that looked like admiration.
“Local farm-to-table menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options.” Mila handed across the catering contract. “The chef specializes in New England cuisine with modern twists. I thought it would appeal to both local supporters and your foundation’s broader network.”
Gerri’s eyes—definitely flashing gold now—studied the contract with approval. “Very thoughtful. What about photography?”
“Local professional photographer booked, plus a social media coordinator to capture real-time content for your foundation’s platforms.” Another document passed between them. “I’ve also arranged for a videographer to record your presentation for future promotional use.”
“And you arranged all this in less than a week?” Gerri’s gaze felt like sunlight, warm and penetrating.
Mila just nodded, unsure how to respond to praise she rarely received.
Her father cleared his throat. “Mila is quite efficient. However, regarding the legal agreements for the sponsorship—”
“Tell me, Mila,” Gerri interrupted smoothly, “what drew you to include the silent auction component?”
“I noticed your foundation focuses on adult programs in underserved communities.” Mila’s confidence grew as she spoke about work she was genuinely proud of.
“The auction items are all donated experiences—cooking classes, art workshops, writing courses. Things that reinforce the joy of learning rather than just raising money.”
“Clever.” Gerri’s approval made warmth bloom in Mila’s chest. “You see connections others miss. That’s a rare gift.”
Riley shifted in her seat. “While the silent auction is lovely, shouldn’t we discuss the sponsorship terms? I’ve reviewed the agreement and—”
“Mila, how do you handle pressure exactly?” Gerri’s question came out of nowhere.
“I...” Mila stammered as she felt everyone staring at her. “I suppose I just focus on what needs to be done.”
“Even when everyone around you is distracted or demanding, and there is drama involved?” Gerri pressed further.
“Especially then.” The answer surprised Mila with its honesty.
“And when people underestimate you?” Gerri mused softly.
The room went silent. Mila felt her father’s annoyance radiating across the table, while Riley’s amusement had transformed into something more cautious.
“I let my work speak for itself,” Mila replied shyly.
“That’s wise.” Gerri leaned back, satisfaction evident in every line of her small frame. “You have remarkable composure, intelligence, and adaptability. Plus, your work shows empathy and vision. These aren’t common qualities, especially not all in one person.”
She can’t be serious. Mila’s cheeks burned with confusion and unexpected pleasure. No one talked about her like this—like she was someone worth noticing.
“Ms. Wilder,” her father interjected, his voice tight with barely controlled frustration, “perhaps we should focus on—”
“Oh, I am focused, Mark. Very focused indeed.” Gerri’s smile could have powered the building. “Mila, you’ve exceeded every expectation. This event will be perfect because you refuse to accept anything less.”
Two minutes later, the meeting concluded with signed contracts and final confirmations, but Mila felt like she was floating through someone else’s life. Her father and Riley walked Gerri out, their voices carrying down the hall as they discussed networking opportunities and future collaborations.
Mila gathered the signed documents, her hands unsteady as she placed the papers inside her portfolio.
What just happened? She’d attended hundreds of meetings, but never one where she felt so.
.. seen. Gerri had looked at her like she was solving a puzzle, finding pieces that fit together in ways Mila couldn’t comprehend.
She made her way back toward her office, her mind still spinning, when she pushed open her door and froze.
Gerri sat in Mila’s desk chair, looking perfectly at home among the organized chaos of case files and event planning materials.
“Is there something else you need?” Mila’s voice came out higher than intended.
“Yes, actually.” Gerri stood, her high heels clicking against the hardwood floor. “I want to buy you a drink. You look like you could use some unwinding.”
“Oh, that’s very kind, but I really should finish up here.” Mila gestured toward her computer. “There’s still so much to do for next week—”
“Nonsense.” Gerri waved her hand dismissively. “When’s the last time you let loose?”
“I don’t really—”
“That wasn’t actually a question, dear. More of an observation.” Gerri moved toward the door with the confidence of someone accustomed to getting her way. “There’s a lovely little place down the street. I won’t take no for an answer.”
Mila found herself reaching for her purse before her brain caught up with her actions. Something about Gerri made resistance feel impossible—not through force but through an inexplicable certainty that this was exactly what was supposed to happen.
“I suppose one drink wouldn’t hurt.”
“That’s the spirit!” Gerri’s eyes flashed gold again, and for just a moment, the air around them seemed to shimmer with possibility.
The bar Gerri selected occupied a narrow slice of historic Salem, its exposed brick walls and dim lighting creating an atmosphere that whispered secrets.
Mila slid into the corner booth’s worn leather seat, her navy skirt bunching awkwardly as she tried to find a comfortable position. The booth felt intimate—too intimate.
“Two cosmos, extra lime,” Gerri announced to their server before Mila could protest. “Trust me, honey. You need something stronger than your usual tea.”
How does she know I drink tea? Mila smoothed her blouse, hyperaware of every wrinkle that marked her as someone who spent too much time working at a desk.
“You were absolutely brilliant today. Showing me exactly how you managed to orchestrate what should be the event of the year for my foundation.” Gerri’s eyes sparkled with genuine enthusiasm.
Heat crept up Mila’s neck. “It really wasn’t that difficult. Just basic event planning.”
“Basic?” Gerri laughed, the sound rich and warm. “Sweetheart, do you know how many seasoned professionals would have cracked under that pressure?”
Their drinks arrived, the pink liquid catching the bar’s amber lighting. Gerri raised her glass with theatrical flair.
“To hidden talents and untapped potential.”
Mila took a careful sip, the vodka hitting her empty stomach like liquid courage. “I appreciate the compliments, Ms. Wilder, but I’m not sure why you’re so interested in me specifically.”
“Gerri,” she corrected with a wink. “And the reason should be obvious. You’re exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Looking for? Mila set down her glass, confusion threading through the alcohol’s warmth. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”
“Of course you don’t, because no one’s ever told you how extraordinary you are.” Gerri leaned forward, her vanilla-and-citrus scent intensifying. “Tell me, what do you know about my real work?”
“Your foundation—”
“That’s my hobby, darling.” Gerri’s eyes flashed gold in the dim light. “My actual profession is matchmaking. I run the Paranormal Dating Agency.”
“Paranormal dating? What is that?” Mila asked, her voice almost a whisper.
“I pair supernatural shifters with their perfect matches. Wolves, dragons, bears—you’d be amazed how difficult it is for them to find love.”
This woman is clearly insane. Mila’s rational mind screamed warnings but something deeper stirred—a flutter of curiosity.
“I’m not really looking for a boyfriend right now,” Mila said quickly. “My work at the firm keeps me too busy for dating.”
“Oh, honey.” Gerri’s laugh held layers of meaning. “I’m not talking about some ordinary boyfriend. I’m talking about a wolf shifter prince who’s soon-to-be king and who desperately needs a future queen.”
The bar seemed to tilt sideways. “A what?”
“His name is Cade. He’s about to inherit the throne of the Ice Moon pack on an alien planet called Nova Aurora.
” Gerri pulled out an old leather notebook, her fingers caressing its worn cover.
“He’s strong, intelligent, devastatingly handsome, and completely hopeless at finding a mate worthy of standing beside him. ”
Wolf shifter prince. Alien planet. Future queen. The words bounced around Mila’s brain like pinballs, refusing to form coherent thoughts.
“I’ve never even met a wolf shifter here on Earth,” Mila whispered.
“Because you’re meant for something bigger than Earth’s little pups.” Gerri’s voice carried absolute conviction. “Nova Aurora’s wolves are magnificent—powerful, primal, built for ruling kingdoms, and protecting what they love.”
Something electric shot through Mila at the word ‘protecting.’ When had anyone protected her from anything? She’d been taking care of herself—and everyone else—for so long she’d forgotten what safety felt like.
“This is crazy,” she breathed.
“Is it? Or is it the first thing that’s made sense in years?” Gerri’s gaze seemed to peer straight through her carefully constructed walls. “Tell me honestly—if you disappeared tomorrow, how long before anyone at that law firm truly noticed?”
The question hit like a physical blow. Not long, hopefully. Riley would miss having someone to compete with. Her father would miss having his problems solved without asking. But actually miss her?
“I don’t even know how to be a queen.” The admission slipped out before she could stop it.
“You’ve been queening your entire life, sweetheart. You just haven’t had a kingdom worthy of you.” Gerri reached across the table, her small hand surprisingly strong as it covered Mila’s. “Sometimes we have to leave everything familiar to find out who we really are.”
Who am I really? The question terrified and thrilled her in equal measure. Here in Salem, she was the reliable daughter, the invisible sister, and the woman who made everyone else’s life easier while her own dreams withered.
But a queen? Someone powerful enough to stand beside a king, to rule and protect and matter?
“What if I’m not extraordinary enough?” The words came out small.
“Oh, dear.” Gerri’s eyes blazed gold. “But what if you are?”