Passion and Power

Chapter 7

As soon as Hanni closed the door Danielle marched back into the room.

"So, let me see if I have this straight. You're telling me Minji Kim was the alpha on the plane? And now she's invested heavily in the team....and now you're...dating?"

"Well, I wasn't telling you anything...you just sort of...guessed..."

"Hanni! Don't dodge my question."

"OK, yes, she was the alpha I was with on the plane. And yes, she did just finalize a 10-year deal with the team. But no, we are not dating! We're just getting to know each other as friends..."

"Right! Well, it looked very friendly when I walked in. And it smelled friendly, too. Hanni. Can't you see this is a phenomenally bad idea? What if something goes wrong, if she gets upset with you? You don't know her at all! Don't you see how much power she has over the team? And in turn, over you?"

"It's not like that, Danielle. And anyway, she already told me the deal is final, and there's nothing I can do to mess it up."

"You're so naive, Hanni! You don't think the team won't want to keep her happy?"

"She's not like that. She's really...different... Danielle, you weren't there. She really...took care of me on the plane. She was really worried about what might happen to my career. She's not trying to take advantage of, or pressure me, in any way. You saw how quickly she left when you got upset. Is that typical alpha behavior? You haven't had a chance to get to know her. She respects my decision to not date alphas. We're just friends! I promise."

The two women were still standing, facing off in the foyer. Danielle was becoming more exasperated, animatedly waving her arms while Hanni wished she could just shrink and get past her to go to bed.

"I know you're telling yourself that, but I saw your face when she said she was leaving. You looked completely crushed! You're lying to yourself, Hanni if you think that's all you want from her."

"Danielle, I..."

"Listen, I've never been a fan of your 'no dating alphas' rule. I know you've had bad experiences and I understand why you decided that, but I don't think it's fair to just knock out such a big part of the population. But that was your decision, and I respect it. And if that's your decision, do you really think spending time with Minji, potentially leading her on, is really the best idea? And what about your training? I can imagine having a person like Minji Kim in your life would be very...distracting. You have a lot on the line right now, Hanni."

"I know that, Danielle. That's why I'm not dating her! You're right, I am attracted to her. But I don't have to act on that." Hanni gulped, realizing she just set herself up.

"Sure, that's why you had sex with her on a plane, because you didn't need to act on your feelings!"

"That was different! I was triggered and trapped next to her for 10 hours! I just..." Hanni realized how weak her explanation sounded and stopped.

"She clearly has quite an effect on you." Danielle said. "Listen, it's your decision, obviously. I just...worry. I only want what's best for you. Are you sure pursuing a friendship with Minji Kim is the right thing for you right now?"

"I don't know. No, that's not true. I actually know it's probably a terrible idea. I'm not that naive! But I can't help it, I just really want to spend more time with her. So I thought if we could get to know each other as friends it would be a good compromise."

"I'm sorry, Hanni. I just don't see any good coming of it. But you're a big girl. I know I act like I've forgotten that sometimes. I only want to protect you, and help you protect the career you've worked so hard for."