CHAPTER 18: CHAPTER 18 TIME TO PLAY GAME 1

Draven’s POV

I stood in the restaurant, telling Ryan about what had happened today. His eyes widened as I reached the end.

"Wait, she’s wearing that tiny dress with nothing under it?" Ryan lowered his voice, his wolf clearly interested. When he said it out loud, possessiveness surged through both me and Alaric. He growled with satisfaction, knowing Caroline was exposed that way only for her Alpha. Yet my protective instincts as pack leader kicked in—she could find herself in a compromising position when I wasn’t there to guard her.

Though I had shredded her underwear in our passionate moment, and even if I hadn’t, my wolf still wouldn’t have let her have it back.

"This she-wolf is testing my control," I admitted, running a hand through my hair. "Today she seemed intent on challenging every boundary of my wolf’s dominance."

Ryan laughed. "Don’t complain, man. You started this game. What did you expect?"

I sat back in my chair, clearly upset. "I asked her to come early to play a small joke. I didn’t plan to touch her," I said, holding my water glass tightly. "But then she came in wearing that tight dress. When she sat down, you could see her legs. And those high heels..." I shook my head. "As soon as she walked in, Alaric wanted to take control. It’s crazy. I can’t help myself when she’s near."

"And apparently, neither can she," Ryan observed with a knowing smile. "Draven, there’s no escaping it. She’s got you wrapped around her finger. Something between you two is inevitable." He took a sip of his drink, eyes twinkling. "I’m going to thoroughly enjoy watching how long you can resist this connection."

I growled low in my throat. "She plays hard to get. I won’t be the first to surrender."

"What’s your next move then?"

"Not sure yet, but I know she’ll make another play today," I said, straightening my tie. "I’m returning to that office prepared for battle."

A wicked idea flashed in my mind, making Alaric rumble with approval. I was going to end Miss Bennett’s little game.

"Oh no," Ryan laughed, recognizing my expression immediately. "I know that face. You’ve thought of something devious, and I want details."

My lips curled into a predatory smile. "I’m going to apologize to my assistant. With new underwear."

Ryan’s booming laughter drew glances from nearby tables as he shook his head in disbelief.

"You’ve got such a twisted taste. I already know exactly what style you’re going to buy," he said.

After parting ways with Ryan, I headed straight to an upscale boutique.

I picked out a simple black lace thong, elegant yet seductive. This lingerie suggested temptation without being obvious. The delicate fabric felt so fragile in my hands, and I knew I’d have to control the urge to tear it off her body. If this continued, I might end up destroying every piece of lingerie she owned. The thought made me smirk with satisfaction.

I also grabbed a pair of black thigh-high stockings with lace trim. She would look irresistible in them. And I wanted to be the one to remove them, slowly, perhaps with my teeth.

I asked the saleswoman to wrap it elegantly and left the store with my confidence restored. Caroline wouldn’t dare continue this game after what I had planned.

When I arrived back at Thorne Enterprises, she was already at her desk, a small package containing chocolate cake sitting beside her computer. Perfect timing.

I approached her desk with a serious expression. "Miss Bennett, could you please get me a printed copy of the financial report from Kyle? I need to review it immediately." She could have easily requested it by phone or email, but I wanted her temporarily away from her desk. As soon as she left, I swiped the cake and retreated to my office, settling comfortably on the leather couch.

When she entered moments later, I maintained my businesslike demeanor.

"Miss Bennett, please lock the door. We need to discuss sensitive financial matters, and I don’t want interruptions."

She looked wary but approached with the report. I made a show of studying each page with exaggerated attention while she stood waiting.

"Have a seat, Miss Bennett. This might take a while."

She hesitated before noticing the gift bag beside me. As expected, she chose the far end of the couch. Her eyes caught sight of her cake on the coffee table, and though they widened slightly, she remained silent. Alaric approved; a worthy mate knew when to challenge and when to observe.

She shifted uneasily, sensing my scheme, but I deliberately drew out the moment. The power balance had shifted back in my favor, and it was intoxicating.

I spent the next hour focused entirely on work, giving her detailed notes which she dutifully recorded on her tablet. The professional atmosphere seemed to relax her, making her forget my potential ulterior motives. Finally, we managed a completely appropriate business interaction.

Finishing my review, I set aside the papers, retrieved her cake, and settled back. I opened the package with deliberate slowness, taking a bite while feeling her eyes on me.

"Absolutely divine," I murmured, briefly closing my eyes. "You don’t mind sharing, do you?" I met her gaze with practiced innocence. She wavered between confusion and annoyance but shook her head. I handed her the gift bag. "A peace offering, Miss Bennett. I hope it meets your approval."

As she reached for the bag, I struggled to contain my predatory smile. Alaric purred with satisfaction inside me.

Time to play, Miss Bennett. Let’s see how wild I can make you.