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“Yes. That’s perfect. I will see you then,” Aileen replied.
“Very good. See you soon,” she replied before ending the call.
Aileen pondered the conversation for a moment. Could it be this easy? What were the chances that things might actually fall right into place like this? At her first meeting, she had filled out an extensive questionnaire and taken several tests designed to determine her personality and match it with a client. Still, it seemed like a long shot. She’d believed it was happening when she had a contract in her hand, if she even went through with it. In the meantime, there was packing to be done. After a breakfast of cold pizza and soda, she went about packing up her life in preparation for a move to, well, nowhere really.
The following morning, she made her way to the agency and waited to be called. Instead, Charlotte came stepping out of her office with her hand extended in greeting. Aileen rose and shook it.
“Good morning, Aileen. I’m so pleased to see you. Come on and we’ll talk on the way,” she said.
Aileen followed her out a backdoor and into a small parking lot. She pressed the button on the key fob in her hand and a taupe Mercedes chirped back at her. Charlotte motioned for Aileen to get in and they were quickly pulling out onto the street and heading for a destination unknown.
“Okay, Aileen. So, the client’s name is Yakov. He’s from a dragon clan just over the county line from here. You’ve probably run across him or some of his clan at some point.”
Aileen furrowed her brow, trying to remember the name, but nothing came to her. “I don’t think so.”
“Well, you may recognize him, anyway. He’s fairly prominent, even in this county. His clan operates a large construction company that builds mostly industrial complexes. He is the second-in-command and looking to make first before the year is out. Both he and another Alpha are under consideration from their clan to replace their elderly leader.”
“I don’t follow.”
“Usually a clan’s leader is selected by the outgoing leader, unless that leader dies or is otherwise incapacitated. The leader of Yakov’s clan is in a state of health decline and incapable of selecting his replacement. When he was in his proper mind, it would have definitely been Yakov, at least according to him, but now it is up for a vote and he is no longer the favorite.”
“Why is that?”
“He is older, forty-two years old compared to his twenty-six year old opposition. His personality isn’t exactly the warmest.”
“What do you mean?”
“He is, well, I won’t mince words just between us girls - he’s cocky and arrogant, but he is a good man, at least according to our research.”
“Your research?”
“Yes, we check out all of our clients, just as we did you. I am not about to let my agency put any woman in danger by sending her into a bad situation.”
“I see. Why does he need a fake marriage?”
“I’ll let him explain that to you, but he seems to think it is his best option.”
With that, she pulled into a large parking lot not far outside the city limits. Aileen was familiar with the site, as it was the location of a large apartment complex that was being built. She’d seen it advertised while looking for a place just yesterday, but it wouldn’t be open for another six months yet. In front was a small portable building. Charlotte pulled up to it and made a face as white dust settled around them.
“Ugh. I’ll have to get the car washed again today,” she groaned. “Anyway. Let’s see if you two kids are a match.”
Aileen almost laughed at her referring to them as kids. Of course, to her, maybe they were. She was guessing the woman was in her late sixties or maybe even early seventies though she carried herself like a much younger woman. They stepped out into the dust and made their way to the office, knocking on the door heavily to be heard over the construction noises that surrounded them. A deep voice boomed at them from inside.
“Come in.”
They made their way inside the cramped quarters. A man sat with his back turned, pouring over some sort of drawings until he saw the two women entering. He rose to his feet, his head almost touching the ceiling. He was an impressive figure, broad shouldered and ruggedly handsome. His age was apparent from the thin lines around his eyes and across his forehead, but he seemed in exceptionally good condition for what Aileen would have deemed a middle aged man.
“Hello again, Mr. Seputre. This is Aileen Venegra. I’ve brought her to discuss a potential agreement between the two of you,” Charlotte said in a very formal manner.
“Ah, good. Thank you. Have a seat,” he said.
