Alpha Conrad stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. Acrossfrom him, the HR Director, Griffin Benjamin—a seasoned Beta—held a digital tablet as they discussed. 

"I have been remarkably clear, Griffin," Conrad’s voice was a low rumble, dangerous and thin. "I needtactical experience for that position. I need veterans, not children with fresh ink on their diplomas. Why are we even discussing a newbie?" 

Griffin adjusted his glasses, his scent neutral and calm. "Because this 'newbie' has an impressiveCV, too excellent to ignore, Alpha. Her potential is likely going to contribute to the growth of—" 

"Potential?" Conrad spun around, his eyes flashing. "I built this empire...