Page 2 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

"Unacceptable." She lifts her palm, cutting through my explanation like a knife. "Vanda coeruleaorchids are nonnegotiable. My grandmother wore them at her wedding. My great-grandmother wore them as well. I could go on and on. A matriarchal wedding isn’t just any wedding. It’s a declaration of a clan’s power."

I blink at this new information, feeling all the more like I’m drowning in a sea of sand. It’s that uncomfortable.

“I know what’s at stake.”

“No.” Her eyes narrow, irises shifting from violet to a sharper amethyst. “You really don’t.”

I try to swallow, but all I manage is to push an air bubble down my clenched throat. The pain is vivid and sharp, but I don’t dare make a sound.

"This wedding is all about tradition. It’s about bloodline. It’s about power. I am to be the next matriarch of the oldest dragon clan on the eastern coast. Every element matters."

Her gaze flicks to the centerpiece again. She moves closer. Fingers trail across the marble and her mouth purses as she picks up the purple orchid, then shakes her head.

"I took a chance on your company despite your lack of experience because I thought a young woman like you had ambition. Don't make me regret it."

The sting of her words hits harder than she knows. Or maybe she does know. Dragons are apex predators. They have excellent instincts for weakness.

“Then I’ll keep calling.” I take a breath, although I feel like crawling under the nearest desk. “If any supplier has some available, I will find them. But if we want a chance at matching your vision, we need to contemplate the possibility of a replacement.”

Seraphina’s eyes turn to slits and she opens her mouth to counter, but a knock interrupts her. Courtney, my assistant, pokes her head through the polished oak door of the office, blond ponytail bouncing and cheeks pink, clearly flustered by navigating the manor's mazelike halls. Clutched protectively under one arm is her ever-present silver laptop, while the other hand carries a bag so large it’s a miracle she can lift it.

“I brought the favor samples,” she says, cheerful and slightly breathless. “They’re so lovely, I’m certain you’ll be delighted!”

Seraphina turns slowly. I catch the tiny twitch in Courtney’s smile as she tries to read the temperature in the room. It drops by another few degrees when Seraphina says nothing.

“Right,” Courtney mumbles, stepping fully inside. “We have four final options, all based on your initial feedback…”

She lays them out on the desk with shaking hands, nearly knocking over the centerpiece in the process. I catch it just in time, giving her a reassuring nod. This is not her fault. She's only been with me for six months, my one and only hire since opening my new company.

"Perhaps we should focus on selecting the favors this morning," I suggest smoothly. “I’ll update you when I have new information on the orchids.”

Seraphina's gaze stays locked on mine. After what feels like an eternity, she turns sharply toward the desk.

"Show me."

Courtney jumps into action, opening the first box. "This is the miniature crystal sculpture we discussed, featuring you and the groom." She presents a delicate figurine of two dragons in flight, their tails intertwined.

Seraphina picks it up, examining it with a critical eye.

"The second option is the blown glass orb containing the Draak and Ashbane crests in gold leaf." Courtney reveals a stunning sphere that catches the light, projecting golden shadows across the walls.

"And these are the gemstone coasters featuring both family crests," she continues, displaying a set of four polished stone discs, etched with intricate dragon designs.

"The fourth option?" Seraphina asks, setting down the crystal sculpture with visible disinterest.

"Custom-blended tea in porcelain jars," Courtney explains, showing her a delicate white jar with blue dragon motifs. "The blend contains jasmine and spices as you specified."

Seraphina examines each option with meticulous attention, saying nothing. The silence stretches until I can hear the distant crash of waves against the cliffs outside.

“These are… they’re all very high-end.” Courtney shifts beside me, eyes darting between us. “The glass orb is imported, and the crest is hand-etched—”

“Julia,” Seraphina cuts in. “Which one do you prefer?”

“The orb.” I don’t blink. “It’s the cleanest design. Visually elegant. Impossible to forget.”

She lifts it, examines the gold-leaf detail inside, then sets it down again.

The pause is unbearable.