Phoenix:
"You wanted to see me, Alpha?" I tried to keep my voice respectful. His office smelled the same.
Paper, ink, and faintly coffee.
He didn't even bother to look up.
When he gave a short nod, his eyes stayed glued to the paper sitting before him on his desk. I stood there in silence, waiting for him to speak.
He was taking his sweet time and was busy writing something on the paper. For a moment, I wondered if he had already forgotten I was even standing.
Finally, he set the file aside and leaned back in his chair, his gaze at last lifting to mine, "Yes, Phoenix," he smiled, and for the first time, I felt like it was a forced smile, "I called you so that I can discuss your certifications… everything you earned in the last two years in this pack. You'll need those documents before you leave."
The words didn't surprise me, but they still stung. I forced myself to meet his eyes.
