Chapter 19
“Come in,” I called, my voice steadier than I felt.
The door opened, and there he was. Caiden. His boyish grin was disarming, but there was something in his eyes that put me on edge.
“How’s my new assistant doing?” he asked playfully, walking in like he owned the place.
I straightened in my chair. “Fine, sir.”
He dropped into the seat across from me, his grin widening. “Enjoying your new office?”
“It’s fine,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
“Really? If it’s not, I can arrange something better.” He winked, and I quickly looked down, pretending to shuffle through my papers.
His gaze sharpened, and his smile faded. “Hey, why do you have that hair tie on again?”
I looked up, confused by his sudden change in demeanor. “I like it this way.”
“No.” His tone was curt, surprising me. “I don’t like it.”
“Oh.” My lips pressed into a thin line as I bit back the retort rising in my throat. Who did he think he was to dictate how I wore my hair?
His expression softened as he leaned forward slightly. “I’m sorry,” he said unexpectedly.
“Huh?”
“You just looked… more beautiful with your hair down.” His smile returned, but it was softer now, almost genuine.
I didn’t know how to respond. My throat tightened, and I quickly busied myself with the files on my desk.
Then he stretched out his hand. “I’m Caiden. I think it’s best I personally introduce myself.”
I hesitated, then shook his hand. “Okay, sir.”
“No,” he said, his grip firm but not uncomfortable. “Don’t ‘sir’ or “boss” me.”
“But it’s only proper to address you with respect. You’re an Alpha and my boss.”
He shrugged, leaning back in his chair. “I’m not like Aeson or Hades. Don’t be formal with me, Serena.” He paused, then added with a smirk, “You can call me anything you want, though.”
I stared at him, unsure whether he was being serious or just playing another one of his games.
He leaned forward again, his gaze intense. “You can come live in my pack, Serena.”
“What?” I blinked, certain I’d misheard him.
“Nightshade Pack,” he said smoothly. “It would be more convenient for you and your family. What do you say?”
I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
“Our pack has everything-security, luxury, you name it,” he continued. “You’d never have to worry about anything.”
1/2
I finally found my voice. “Alpha Aeson offered something similar-
“Forget his offer,” Caiden interrupted, his tone firm. “Think about mine. Give me your answer tomorrow.”
I nodded numbly, trying to make sense of his sudden proposal.
He smiled, his tone lightening. “Don’t worry about Aeson or Hades. They’re your bosses, but I won’t let them lay a finger on you.”
Something about the way he said that made me look up. His eyes held a promise, one that felt too personal, too intense.
“That, I can promise you, Serena… because you’re mine.”
I froze. “Huh? What do you mean?”
His gaze held mine, unwavering. “Don’t you feel it? The connection between us?”
I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. “Like… what?”
“Something extraordinary,” he snapped, frustration flickering in his eyes.
I shook my head again, confused.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “You don’t have a wolf, do you?”
1 hesitated, then nodded. “No. I don’t.”
“Have you met your mate?”
I chuckled bitterly. “If I have, he probably rejected me the moment he realized I was wolfless.”
His jaw tightened. “No one can reject you. They’d be cursed.”
I looked at him, his words sinking in as his features softened. Something about the way he looked at me made my heart race, and for the first time, I wondered if he truly meant every word he said.
