Chapter 20
Aeson’s POV
Hades’s summons later in the day was unexpected, his tone curt and edged with authority. By the time I arrived at the private conference room, he was already seated at the head of the table, his steely gaze pinning Caiden and me in place. The tension was thick as we took our seats.
“We need to address this now,” Hades began, his voice like the rumble of distant thunder. “I don’t agree with hiring Serena without conducting the general review of the shortlisted candidates.”
I leaned back, folding my arms across my chest. “She’s different from the others,” I countered evenly. “Most of them were here to rub shoulders with us, Hades, not to actually work. Serena…she’s not like that.”
Caiden nodded in agreement, a smirk playing on his lips. “Aeson’s right. She seems capable and genuinely interested in the job. And if I’m being honest, she’s refreshing compared to the usual ass-kissers we get.”
Hades’s gaze narrowed, his jaw ticking. “Refreshing or not, we have a protocol, and it wasn’t followed. She should be sacked.”
I slammed my hand on the table, the sound echoing through the room. “No, Hades. That’s unfair, and you know it. You’re acting as if she’s a threat.”
“She’s not a threat,” Hades said sharply. “But I am the CEO, and I decide who stays and who goes.”
“No,” I corrected, my voice low but firm. “You’re not just the CEO. We’re a unit-three alphas with equal say in this company. You don’t get to make unilateral decisions just because you’re in a mood.”
Caiden leaned forward, his tone playful but edged with finality. “It’s two against one, Hades. I like Serena, and I see no problem with her. So let it be.”
Hades went silent, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table. For a moment, I thought he’d let it go, but then he turned to me, his gaze sharp and probing. “Why did you offer her a transfer to your pack?”
I stiffened, my brows knitting at his pointed question. Hades rarely got this inquisitive unless it concerned him directly.
“It’s not your business,” I said coolly.
“It is,” he pressed. “She’s an employee of this company, and your decision affects all of us.”
I sighed, forcing myself to remain calm. “She works for us, and I want her to be safe. We all know Alpha Pedro won’t take kindly to her working here. He’s bound to cause trouble for her.”
Hades leaned forward, his voice low. “So why do you care?”
I stared at him, searching his expression for a reason behind his sudden fixation. “I have to care,” I replied simply.
Before Hades could say more, Caiden chimed in, his tone unusually serious. “Take back your offer, Aeson.”
I frowned. “Why?”
“Because Aurora won’t like it,” Caiden said, his words slow and deliberate.
My eyes narrowed, his meaning clear. Aurora-my chosen mate. “Aurora doesn’t live in my pack,” I countered. “She has no say in whoever I want to be in my pack.”
Caiden leaned back, arms crossed. “She doesn’t have to live there to feel threatened by Serena. You know how insecure she can get. Think about it.”
“Caiden-”
“No,” he interrupted, his tone firm. “Let Serena transfer to my pack instead. It’s better for everyone.”
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Hades snorted, his expression dark. “Are you trying to lure her to your bed, Caiden?”
Caiden groaned, rolling his eyes. “Seriously, Hades? Don’t start with that nonsense. She’s not some conquest.”
“She’s not your type,” Hades snapped, his voice low and dangerous. “So back off.”
“And she’s not yours,” Caiden retorted, his tone sharp. “You can’t tell me what to do.”
Hades growled, the sound low and primal, his wolf dangerously close to the surface as his skin was almost morphing. I raised a hand, my tone calm but commanding.
“Enough. Whatever Serena decides will be it.”
Caiden smirked, his confidence grating. “I bet she’ll choose my pack over yours.”
I clenched my fists, hating how smug he looked. My wolf, Tyson, growled in my mind. “She’s our mate. Let him stay clear.”
1 really wanted to tell them that she’s my mate but I couldn’t. Its going to complicate things one way or another. I wasn’t ready for it.
The office was quiet as closing hours approached, the usual hum of activity reduced to the faint shuffle of papers and the occasional muted chatter. I made my way to Serena’s office, my steps slow and deliberate. My wolf, Tyson, stirred restlessly, urging me to see her. I tried to shake off the growing pull but failed. I needed to check on her-that’s all. Just to ensure she was handling her new responsibilities.
The door was slightly ajar, and I knocked lightly before stepping inside. She was at her desk, her head bent over a stack of documents, her caramel hair falling in soft waves over her shoulder. She looked up at the sound, her eyes meeting mine with a flicker of surprise.
“How are you doing?” I asked, my voice softer than I intended.
She tilted her head, her brows drawing together in confusion.
I cleared my throat, straightening. “I mean, how are you handling the work?”
Her lips curved into a small smile, the kind that made something in my chest tighten. “Jace is putting me through. And Caiden… Alpha Caiden, I mean. They’ve both been helpful.”
“Good,” I replied, nodding. I shifted my weight, glancing toward the door as if to leave, but my feet wouldn’t move. Tyson growled in my mind, urging me to stay. I turned back to her, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “What have you decided about my offer?”
She blinked, her expression cautious. “Actually…”
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “If I may… I think you should consider my pack.”
Her brows furrowed, her lips parting as if to speak, but I didn’t give her the chance. “I know Caiden must have asked you to transfer to his pack,” 1 continued, my tone even but laced with an edge I couldn’t quite hide. “And it’s not a bad idea. But… it wouldn’t be convenient for you.”
“Oh?” she said softly, her eyes searching mine,
“Yes,” I said, my gaze steady, “Caiden’s packhouse… it’s not exactly quiet. He has a series of women trooping in and out every day. I wouldn’t want you caught up in that.”
She nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful, but her silence didn’t ease the restless knot in my chest. I just needed her close. The idea of her being away, even for a moment, was unbearable–though I refused to acknowledge why. Tyson growled again, pushing me to say more, to claim her, but I forced the
words back. Not yet.
The air between us felt charged, thick with unsaid words and unacknowledged emotions. She looked at me, and for a moment, I thought she might ask something, but the words never came. I couldn’t look away, my heart pounding as I waited-for what, I wasn’t sure.
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