“I’ll handle the engagement,” he said finally, his voice careful. “I’ll handle everything. But Isabella, you have to keep quiet about our bond for now. Just until I tell my mother myself. Until I tell the pack.”
“You want me to hide it.” Tears pricked my eyes before I could stop them.
“No—”
“That’s exactly what you’re asking.” My voice came out smaller than I intended. “Dimitri, I thought—”
“That’s not what I’m saying.” This time, his voice held conviction, though his eyes still carried that shadow of worry. “I just need time, Isabella. I want to do this right—to prepare things so no one can use this against you. You know how my mother is. If she finds out the wrong way, she’ll twist it, turn the entire pack against you before I can even explain. I won’t let that happen.” He reached out, brushing his thumb across my knuckles. “Let me handle it. Please. I need to make sure when the truth comes out, you’re protected.”
The rational part of me understood. If Maia discovered that Dimitri and I had slept together, that we were Fated Mates—she would lose her mind. She’d make my life even more unbearable than it already was. Maybe worse.
He was trying to protect me.
I nodded, managing a small, halfhearted smile.
Dimitri responded by pressing his lips to mine. Thekiss was long, desperate, clinging—like he was trying to seal a promise he wasn’t sure he could keep. I let myself drown in the taste of him, in the warmth of his mouth, in the hope that everything would be okay.
“Trust me, Isabella,” he murmured against my lips, deepening the kiss. A faint smile tugged at his mouth as he pulled back just enough to whisper, “Besides, my wolf will kick my ass if I let you go. He’s made it very clear he only wants you. He…and I…wouldn’t have it any other way.” The teasing tone was soft, but the way his voice roughened on the last word made my pulse stumble all over again.
The Mate bond flared between us, desire snapping taut like a live wire. Dimitri’s hand moved to pull down the blanket, but I caught it, holding the fabric in place.
“I have to get to work,” I said reluctantly.
He groaned but pulled away, frustration in his features. “You’re killing me, Isabella.”
I forced a small smile, clutching the blanket tighter around me as I stood. “Someone has to keep things running around here.” I said, trying to imitate his “bossy” voice, and he chuckled, though it lacked any humor. His eyes were locked on me. For a moment, it looked like he might pull me back, but instead, he just ran a hand through his hair and exhaled sharply.
I gathered my clothes and slipped out of the study,
Back in my room, I pressed my hand to my chest where the bond hummed contentedly, my wolf practically purring with satisfaction. I’d just found my Fated Mate. It was supposed to be the happiest feeling in the world.
So why did I feel so hollow?
I spent longer than usual in the shower, scrubbing until my skin stung. Three rounds of soap, maybe four—I lost count. Wolf shifters could pick up an Alpha’s scent easily, and if anyone caught Dimitri’s on me, it would give everything away. After I got dressed, I doused myself in perfume, layer after layer, until I could barely breathe. Only then did I feel ready to face the world.
When I arrived at the office an hour later, I was immediately informed that Edmund wanted to see me.
I found him in his office.
“You sent for me, sir?”
“Ah, Isabella.” He looked up, then froze. His eyes swept over my face, lingering for a moment too long, as if he could see something I was trying to hide. But he didn’t comment. Thank goodness for that shower and the perfume.
“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we’re sending a team to Zurich to negotiate a merger with Crane Internationale. I’ve included you on the team.”
My heart sank.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Edmund continued. “Even though you’re Mr. Ravencrest’s executive assistant now, you’re still an intern. These kinds of experiences are invaluable for your development.”
Any other day, I would have been thrilled. A chance to work on an international merger, to prove myself, to escape Maia’s constant presence.
But not now. Not when I’d just found my Mate.
“Does Mr. Ravencrest know about this?” The words burst out before I could stop them.
Edmund’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I’ll inform him, but I’m sure he’ll have no objections. Why do you ask?”
“I just—” I scrambled for an excuse. “As his executive assistant, I can’t just leave without notice.”
