I wiped my hand across my eyes to hide my sadness. It turned out hugs were as addictive as pack life, and I was in grave danger of falling victim to both.
Fighting this life was much easier when I had no idea what I was missing.
“Come on,” I said roughly, clearing my throat as I marched toward the row of stairs leading up to the automatic doors of the office block. There was a fancy sign across the top that readReeves Industries. It listed two of the four pack members: Hunter Reeves, CEO; and Slade Riverson, CFO and Securities.
Slade.Kellan had mentioned him when we talked, and I pondered on possibly meeting him today. Not that I was interested in getting to know the last two members of this pack, when the two I’d met already occupied far too much of my mental space.
Inside, cool air surrounded us as we crossed the light marble floors. The reception and security desk were in the middle of the entrance, and as we approached one of the ladies behind the counter, I hoped to get this sorted without having to see Hunter or… anyone else.
“Good morning, welcome to Reeves Industries,” she said, lifting her head to grace us with a practiced smile. In her white blouse with one button open to showcase a hint of cleavage, she was the epitome of professional. Her dark hair was slicked back into a low bun, her makeup completely on point with just enough color to enhance her ivory skin and natural beauty, and her minty scent gave off delta bear vibes. From what I knew,bears and big cats were second to wolves in both numbers and power.
“Hi, Fee, how are you?”
She noticed Cora after the greeting, and the aloofness melted from her smile. “Cores, what are you doing here in the middle of the day? Aren’t you setting up the Norman pack’s new games room?”
Cora was an interior designer and in great demand from what I could tell. “I’m heading over tomorrow to get the preliminary setup done,” she said. “Today I’m here to help a new friend. This is Emme. She’s recently moved to Golden Claw. We need information on available jobs and rentals in the singles building with the higher level security.”
Fee relaxed as she looked me over. “You’ve come to the right place, Emme. If you’ll take a seat, I’ll call up and see if our divisions that deal in career opportunities and rentals are free to see you.”
“Thank you,” I said, hoping my nerves weren’t showing.
Cora and I relocated to their waiting area, and as I sank into a soft beige couch I tried to ignore the slight pounding behind my temples. Being here was harder than I’d expected, especially with the knowledge that my mate sat somewhere above my head.
King of the world.
I reassured myself that a CEO would never oversee rentals or career opportunities, so there was no reason to suspect he’d even know I was here.
“You shouldn’t see Hunter or Slade,” Cora said softly, as if having similar thoughts.
I didn’t reply, too busy watching Fee chat on the phone. When she dropped the handset, it rang not even ten seconds later, and whatever the other person said had her gaze landing right on me. She nodded a couple of times and got to her feet, placing the phone back down once more. She hurried over as fastas she could in her tight suit skirt and black heels. “I’m so sorry about the wait,” she said breathlessly. “If you’ll come with me, Emme, I’ll get you sent up to the correct floor.”
Cora got to her feet as well, but Fee waved her off. “If you could wait here, that would be amazing. I’ve got some paperwork that needs to be filled in while Emme is going over her options.”
My stomach dropped but I forced a smile across my face. “Absolutely no issue. I can handle this on my own.”
“I’ll be right here if you need me,” Cora said, eyeing Fee like she wasn’t quite sure she trusted her. “You have security on every floor, correct?”
“Every floor,” Fee confirmed. “Emme’s safe here, I promise.” She muttered a few words that sounded like,She’s safer here than anywhere else.
Cora’s gaze remained on me as I was led to the elevator, and when I stepped inside, floor twenty was already lit up. The highest level, and I knew exactly who was waiting for me at the top.
My wolf whined as we ascended the floors. It was partly that we’d never been comfortable in enclosed metal boxes shooting into the sky, but it was also the awareness that with each floor, we moved closer to our mate.
Hunter Reeves.
How did that arrogant, dominant asshole even find out I was here?
Glancing up, I noticed the camera and blinking red light, which left my skin itching.
He was watching me.
Narrowing my gaze into a glare, I hoped he knew what he was in for when the elevator doors opened. I swore I heard a dark chuckle, so for good measure I flipped him off and then crossed my arms, leaning back against the rails in the corner of the box.
We reached the top floor fast, and when the doors opened I didn’t move except to press floor one again. As expected, nothing happened.
I was trapped in the sky with a domineering, psychopath of an alpha.
“Well, well, what do we have here? Who’d have thought the lamb would voluntarily wander into the wolf’s den.”
