As I watched him walk away, I couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of anticipation and dread settling in my stomach. This partnership could either make or break me, and only time would tell which outcome awaited me.
Chapter 24
Liam
ThemomentItoldErica we'd be working together, I couldn't help but notice the blush that spread across her cheeks. Her light red hair framed her face as she glanced down at the floor, attempting to hide her attraction to me. It brought a smirk to my lips, and I revelled in the effect I had on her. She was struggling to maintain her composure, and it only made me want her more.
"Are you okay?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as she fidgeted with her fingers.
"Y-yes," she stammered, not quite meeting my gaze. "I didn't expect we'd be working so closely."
"Neither did I," I admitted, though secretly enjoying the prospect. "But I'm glad we are."
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Lucy, my father’s assistant, entered the room. Her eyes darted between us for a moment before she addressed Erica.
"There's a meeting starting soon in the main conference room," she informed her.
"Thank you, Lucy," I said, earning a nod from her before she left the room. Erica looked flustered, her green eyes wide as if she'd been caught off-guard. She bit her lip nervously, and I couldn't help but imagine how it would feel to have those lips wrapped around my cock. I shook the thought away, knowing now wasn't the time for such fantasies.
"Come on," I said, offering her a reassuring smile. "We don't want to be late."
As we walked through the halls, Erica muttered under her breath,
"I can't do this."
"Hey," I said, stopping her in her tracks and making her look up at me. "You're going to do amazing." Her eyes held a mix of gratitude and disbelief, but she nodded hesitantly. The vulnerability in her gaze made my chest tighten, and I couldn't help but reach out to brush a strand of her hair behind her ear. The contact sent a shiver through her, and it took everything in me not to pull her into my arms and claim her then and there.
"Thank you, Liam," she whispered, her breath warm on my skin.
"Anytime," I said, the words barely audible as we continued our way to the conference room. My mind raced with thoughts of Erica as we walked, and I knew it would be difficult to keep those desires at bay. But for now, I had to focus on the task at hand - and that meant keeping my hands off Erica for just a little while longer.
The moment we entered the conference room, I could feel the tension in the air. I glanced at Erica, noticing her green eyes widen as she took in the scene before her. My father stood tall and imposing at the head of the table, his dark eyes scanning the room with authority. As he caught sight of us, he gave a curt nod and motioned for us to sit in the two empty seats near him.
"Welcome," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "We have much to discuss." I guided Erica to her seat, my hand lingering on her lower back for just a moment longer than necessary. The room was packed with various pack staff members, all seated and waiting for the meeting to commence. Through our mate bond, I could sense Erica's anxiety rising, her heart racing like a trapped bird in her chest.
"Alright, let's begin," my father announced, his eyes flicking between Erica and me as he started the meeting.
As the discussion began, I couldn't help but steal glances at Erica, watching how she tried to maintain her composure despite being overwhelmed. I wanted to comfort her, to let her know I was there, and that she didn't have to face this alone. Beneath the table, I reached over and placed my hand on hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. Her fingers felt warm and delicate under mine, and it took all my restraint not to interlace them together. Her gaze met mine, and I flashed her a reassuring smile.
"Thanks," she whispered, squeezing my hand back. I could see the gratitude in her eyes, and my chest swelled with pride that she was starting to trust me.
"Of course," I replied, turning my focus back to the meeting but keeping my hand on hers. As the discussion continued, I felt the burning need to be closer to Erica, to feel her body against mine, to taste her lips and claim her as my own. But I knew I had to be patient, to wait for the right moment to show her just how much she meant to me.
"Before we conclude this meeting," my father announced, "I'd like to welcome a new member to our pack's executive team. Erica Hallows will be joining us to help manage and expand our businesses." He paused, scanning the room before adding, "You may have heard she has unique experience and skills that will prove invaluable to our pack. We'll be holding an evening event in her honour on Saturday." The murmurs of approval and curiosity filled the room, but as I glanced at Erica, I could tell she was far from thrilled with the announcement. Her green eyes flickered with apprehension, and her lips pressed into a tight line. I squeezed her hand again under the table, hoping to reassure her that I would be there for her every step of the way.
"Thank you, Alpha Declan," Erica said, her voice steady despite her visible unease. "I look forward to working with all of you and contributing to the pack's success."
"Here, here!" a few of the pack members chimed in, toasting Erica with their water glasses.
I casually let my hand slide up her leg, holding my breath, wondering if she'd push me away. But she didn't. Instead, her breath hitched ever so slightly, and the look in her eyes was one of curiosity mixed with desire. My hand continued its journey up Erica's leg, fuelled by her silent encouragement. Her breathing grew heavier, and she closed her eyes, leaning into my touch.
"Erica," I murmured as I began to rub between her legs over her clothes, teasing her with slow, deliberate motions. I could feel her growing warmer beneath my hand, and it only served to stoke the fire that burned within me.
"Please, Liam," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of our laboured breaths. My inner wolf howled in response, eager to claim what was rightfully ours. The scent of her arousal filled the air, intoxicating me with its heady sweetness.
"Meeting adjourned," announced my father, jolting us both back to reality. With one final squeeze of her thigh, I withdrew my hand reluctantly, knowing that now wasn't the time nor the place for what we both craved.
"Come on," I muttered, my voice husky with unspoken desire. I stood up and pulled her to her feet, guiding her through the office as I tried to ignore the way my body screamed for more.
