CHAPTER 12: CHAPTER 12 WHAT DID YOU THINK OF ALPHA

Caroline’s POV

I collapsed into my chair in my office, my legs completely weak. I had somehow maintained my composure through that entire scene, though I still couldn’t believe how unpleasant Ella Howard had been. But what truly shook me was his unexpected reaction.

When he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me against his chest, I felt his hard dick pressing against my back, instantly awakening both me and Rory. His whispered command not to move sent heat straight to my core, leaving my pussy wet and throbbing—a sensation I hadn’t experienced since that unforgettable masquerade night.

And my Alpha boss, his massive erection grinding against me... Moon Goddess, how was I supposed to keep this job when just his touch made me drip with need? The way his body responded to mine made it clear this situation was dangerous territory.

"Caroline, you’re in deep trouble!" I muttered to myself, feeling Rory’s agreement rumble through my chest.

I grabbed my phone and texted Elle about meeting the Alpha.

"Met my boss today."

"OMG! Is he as hot as everyone says? Did he fire you? Tell me everything!" Elle replied instantly.

"He definitely didn’t fire me. In fact, he had his hands all over me. And yes, he’s incredibly hot."

"WHAT? You better spill all the details at dinner! Did you wear that sexy dress we bought?"

"Of course I did. And let’s just say it had quite an effect. I’ll tell you everything tonight."

I put my phone away as Linda walked into my office.

"Caroline, I’m so sorry! That spoiled princess always causes chaos. I hope you didn’t get in trouble with the Alpha because of me," Linda said, looking genuinely distressed.

Linda was our executive secretary, an attractive she-wolf in her thirties. With her tall, slim figure, professional brown bun, and serious black-framed glasses, she commanded respect at her desk by the elevators. She oversaw all comings and goings on our executive floor, which housed both the Alpha’s and Beta’s offices along with their assistants’ spaces. The floor also included various meeting rooms and a beautiful rooftop garden terrace.

Linda was essentially the eyes and ears of Thorne Enterprises, knowing everything that happened within these walls.

"Don’t worry about it, Linda! Alpha Draven was furious with her, not us. She’s Mr. Howard’s daughter, isn’t she? The pack elder?"

"Yes, she is. Despite her father being both our financial director and a respected elder, she’s always lurking around here pursuing Alpha Draven, but he can’t stand her," Linda replied, her disapproval clear in her eyes.

"Has Mr. Howard been with the pack long?"

"Thirty years. He started before Alpha Draven took over, beginning as a financial assistant and working his way up to director under his father. His daughter and our Alpha grew up together, and she’s been obsessed with him since childhood, always showing up uninvited. Her father constantly promotes her as the perfect Luna. As a pack elder, he has significant influence." Linda lowered her voice, "After Alpha Draven’s parents died in that rogue attack, Mr. Howard started claiming it was both families’ wish for them to mate. But Alpha Draven absolutely hates that."

I smiled sympathetically. In wolf society, mate selection was sacred—not something to be forced or manipulated.

"Well, don’t worry, Linda. Alpha Draven wasn’t angry with us. Actually, he ordered security to ban her from both the building and pack territory."

Linda’s eyes lit up with delight as she returned to her desk, exclaiming, "Finally!"

Just then, Clara walked in with Ryan, both wearing broad smiles.

"Is it true?" Beta Ryan asked eagerly. "Did Alpha Draven really ban Ella from the building?" His face beamed with pure joy.

I couldn’t help but laugh, nodding to answer his question. He let out a hearty laugh, and Clara joined in.

When they finally stopped laughing, she said to me, "Caroline, darling, I heard you’ve already met your Alpha. And in quite an unconventional way." Oh Goddess, Ryan is such a gossip—he’s already told Clara everything through their mind-link.

I felt my face flush with embarrassment, but I smiled at them and blurted out, "Beta Ryan, you could show some mercy," I groaned. "I thought I was going to die of embarrassment. Clara, I still don’t know whether to laugh or cry about the whole thing."

Ryan’s eyes sparkled with amusement, his scent of pine and winter frost reflecting his playful mood.

"Trust me, Caroline, Alpha Draven would never let that harpy anywhere near you," he said with a reassuring smile before turning to Clara with an exaggerated pout. "Clara, why did you give this lovely assistant to our Grumpy Alpha? I’m much more fun to work with than him."

I couldn’t help but laugh at his charming antics. Beta Ryan certainly knew how to lighten any situation.

"Because you’re a Casanova, dear. You hit on every she-wolf who crosses your path, and she wouldn’t last two days here. Caroline isn’t like the women you usually chase after; I hope you respect that and keep your distance," Clara replied affectionately but with a serious warning.

"I’ve already been warned by Alpha Draven that she’s off limits, so I’ll control myself and my wolf. But we can be friends," he replied with a smile and winked at me. "But you’re very beautiful, Caroline—you’ll make many she-wolves around here jealous."

"Thank you, Beta Ryan, that’s very kind, but I hope not to have any more problems," I replied with a smile, fully aware that my lack of scent as an unmated she-wolf would likely protect me from most jealousy issues.

"Please, call me Ryan. Seriously, consider me a good friend," he told me sincerely. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see how my Alpha is doing after you fell into his lap." I turned crimson with embarrassment watching him walk toward Alpha’s office and enter without knocking—a privilege only the Beta would dare take.

Ryan was really a wonderful person: kind, polite, and very positive about life. One of those wolves who charmed others and offered genuine support and friendship. I was happy thinking it would be very pleasant to work with him.

"So, Caroline, what did you think of Alpha Draven?" Clara asked, full of curiosity.

"Oh, Clara, despite the incident that really infuriated him, he was very courteous. I think we won’t have any problems." Pure lie! I was in trouble; that man was indecently handsome and seductive, and even unintentionally had already awakened both me and my wolf Rory.

"I know that. I want to know what you thought of him, the man. He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?" Clara said with a widening smile. I felt my cheeks burning. "Ah, no use denying it—you were impressed by him."

"Yes, Clara, I wasn’t expecting my Alpha to be so young and handsome. And he has the same eye color as Liam," I said as if thinking aloud, instantly regretting mentioning my son’s distinctive feature.

"What do you mean?" Clara asked, intrigued.

"Well, Clara, my son has violet eyes—the same color as Alpha Thorne’s eyes. They’re beautiful and very rare," I said, looking at her and trying to keep my voice casual while my heart hammered in my chest.

"Yes, they are. I’ve only known Alpha Draven and his father to have eyes that color in our pack lineage. Now I’m curious to meet your son. Who did he inherit his eye color from?" She seemed somewhat surprised.

"He has the same eyes as his father—a deep and beautiful violet. Oh, come have dinner with us tonight. Elle really wants to meet you, and my Liam is such a sweetheart," I said cheerfully, quickly changing the subject.

During my hiring process, I had informed Clara about being a single mother to a two-year-old son.

"I accept. I’d love to meet Liam and Elle. We’ve talked about them so much that I feel like I already know them. It’s settled! Now I’m going into that room to see Draven. This young Alpha is like a son to me; I even changed his diapers when I was just a young she-wolf myself," she said with affectionate eyes and entered my Alpha’s office.

I picked up my phone again to let Elle know that Clara would be joining us for dinner. But first, I saw her message, "OMG! Girl, I’m so curious. I want to know all the details about the hot Alpha!" I smiled and sent her a message confirming that I would tell her everything.

The phone on my desk rang. Alpha Draven wanted me in his office. I grabbed my tablet, and when I entered, I froze. His smile was devastating, lighting up those stunning violet eyes. I was in serious trouble; he looked even more handsome when he smiled. Rory whined appreciatively inside me. His smile widened, as if he knew exactly what effect it had on both me and my wolf.

"Miss Caroline, come in and close the door. Ryan has quite the story about our troublesome visitor." He gestured to the chair before his desk, his powerful cedarwood and musky scent filling my senses.

Ryan enthusiastically acted out Ella’s dramatic exit, complete with foot-stomping tantrums and threats. His impression of her voice and mannerisms had us all laughing. Then his tone turned serious.

"But we need to be careful. That crazy she-wolf swore she’d get your assistant fired." He turned to me. "Caroline, watch out for both Ella and her father. They’re vindictive, almost like rogues. Don’t trust them."

I tensed at the warning, but Alpha Draven’s response left me breathless.

"Don’t worry, Ryan. I’m the only one allowed to handle Caroline from now on," he said, his intense gaze fixed on me. His wolf Alaric’s dominance flooded the room, making me flush with heat and something else entirely. Working with this Alpha would definitely test my self-control.

Ryan, ever the troublemaker, grinned at my obvious discomfort. "Caroline, looks like our Alpha has special plans for you!"

Alpha Draven’s violet eyes sparkled with mischief. "Perhaps I need some calming herb tea." His seductive wink made it clear his wolf was interested in mine.

Seeing my deepening blush, Clara intervened. "Boys, don’t make Caroline quit. I’m heading to the London pack soon and I won’t be finding you another assistant, Draven!"

"Alright, Clara," Alpha Draven conceded, though his eyes still held mine.

"Let’s discuss Caroline’s new responsibilities and compensation package. With your promotion, her role will be expanding significantly."

Rory practically purred inside me as Draven continued to hold my gaze, making me flush all over again.