CHAPTER 23: CHAPTER 23 ADDICTIONS

Caroline’s POV

I returned to my desk near the end of the workday, trying to focus on completing my remaining tasks despite the lingering tension from Howard’s confrontation. I was just finishing up when Kyle came in singing, "Oh! Pretty Woman."

"Kyle, you’d make it big as a singer," I smiled at her, grateful for her lighthearted presence after such a stressful day.

"Maybe, maybe," she grinned, "but I like the vibe in this office. Linda told me everything; I was on the third floor making copies. Are you okay?" Her eyes searched mine with genuine concern.

"Yes, I am. Thanks for asking." I appreciated how quickly I’d been accepted into this tight-knit pack, even if I wasn’t officially part of it yet.

"Well then, my friend, I’m heading out. My mate called; he got home early and said he has a surprise waiting for me." Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "I love his surprises; I can’t wait!"

"Look at you, lucky wolf. Have a great night!" I teased.

"Thanks. I’ll tell you what he was up to at lunch tomorrow. Oh, should we plan something for the weekend? I told him about you, and he’s excited to meet you."

"That would be great! Can I bring Eleanor?" I asked, knowing my best friend would love to meet more members of the Storm Valley Pack.

"Of course you can. See you tomorrow, pretty she-wolf!"

I smiled at the playful nickname she gave me, and then felt a warm breath against my ear as a deep voice rumbled, "What am I going to do with you, Caroline?" Draven’s rich scent sent shivers down my spine. "My beta Ryan howls like a lovesick pup whenever he sees you, Kyle calls you ’pretty she-wolf,’ I can’t control myself around you, and now I’m addicted to chocolate cake. How will this end?"

His scent, that intoxicating blend of cedarwood and musk, enveloped me completely.

"Be careful with those addictions, Alpha Draven," I replied without turning around. "They have a way of becoming quite unmanageable."

Rory preened inside me, pleased with my response. "That’s right. Let him chase us."

"Hmm, perhaps I don’t want to manage this particular addiction," he murmured, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Come, let’s show off your beauty at Golden Petal. Let’s enjoy dinner and a pleasant evening after such a tense day." His fingers brushed lightly against my shoulder. "But don’t think I’ve forgotten about our unfinished conversation."

He winked and strode toward the door where Ryan and Clara were already waiting by the elevator. The knowing look Ryan gave me suggested he saw right through our little dance.

The dinner was genuinely pleasant and fun. Golden Petal’s ambiance was intimate without being overly romantic, with soft lighting and elegant décor. The food was absolutely delicious, and after dinner, Draven ordered a slice of chocolate cake and leaned in to whisper in my ear, "Share this cake with me?"

The question carried weight beyond the simple dessert offering. I nodded; it was impossible to resist. He was charming, charismatic, and devastatingly handsome. When he looked at me with those violet eyes, my resistance crumbled.

Ryan didn’t miss the opportunity to tease, "Hey, Clara, our Alpha’s now addicted to chocolate cake. I’ve told him he’ll end up getting fat."

"That’s why," Draven replied smoothly, sliding the plate between us, "I’m sharing my cake with my executive assistant."

"Caroline," Clara said, "you need to make it clear to these two and Kyle that you’re the one in charge. Don’t forget what I taught you about handling alpha males."

"Oh look," Ryan laughed, "Clara’s already trained the new Beta-in-charge."

"The worst part," Draven said, his eyes never leaving mine, "is that the new executive assistant already has me wrapped around her finger." His admission made me blush furiously.

When it was time to leave, Clara offered to drop me home, but Alpha Draven wouldn’t allow it, insisting on taking me himself so Clara wouldn’t have to go out of her way. As we pulled up in front of my building, he turned off the engine and turned to face me.

"Today was... intense," he said, his voice softer than I’d heard it before.

"Draven," I began, finally using his first name, "I want to apologize. I wasn’t professional today. I gave in to provocations and crossed lines that shouldn’t be crossed between an Alpha and his employee. I completely understand if you want to reconsider whether I’m the right person for this position."

I took a deep breath before continuing, "I was actually prepared to hand in my resignation at the end of the day, but then the incident with Howard happened. I can submit it tomorrow if you prefer. This isn’t like me—I don’t behave impulsively or act without thinking, but you... you awaken something in me that I can’t explain. When you provoke me, I just... I lose control."

When I finally looked up at him, he was smiling, his violet eyes glowing softly in the dim light.

"Caroline," he said, "this is the first time you’ve called me by my name without formality. I like it. Can it be like this from now on?"

I nodded, confused by his reaction, and he continued, "Look, I know exactly who you are. When I was deciding on new staff, I asked Clara to send me your resume, and I even spoke with your former supervisor at BuildRight Corp. I know you’re typically composed and professional."

He leaned closer, his scent intensifying. "And honestly? You’d have to be made of stone not to respond to me when I’m deliberately trying to get under your skin."

"So you admit you’ve been provoking me intentionally?" I challenged, feeling braver.

"Completely guilty," he confessed with a wolfish grin. "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching you react. But during that video conference..." He groaned, running both hands over his face in that gesture I already found endearing. "I didn’t catch a damn thing that happened in that meeting, and I’m usually laser-focused on business. Do you have any idea how difficult it was watching you when I couldn’t... participate?"

"I’m sorry," I replied, not feeling sorry at all. "But I was furious after what you did after lunch."

"Don’t apologize," he said, his voice dropping to a growl that made Rory whimper with anticipation. "Just remember next time that I want to play too." The wicked smile that crossed his lips sent heat pooling low in my belly.

"And what exactly are we playing at, Alpha?" I asked boldly, surprising myself.

His eyes darkened at my challenge. "Something dangerous and delicious," he replied. "But I’m not going to fire you; you’re exceptionally competent, and whatever happens between us won’t affect work. Can we agree to that? Let things flow naturally?"

"And if I say no?" I tested, needing to establish some boundaries.

"Then I’ll respect that," he said seriously, his eyes holding mine. "I may be an Alpha, but I’m not a monster, Caroline. I won’t force anything you don’t want."

I nodded, strangely touched by his assurance. "Then yes, we can let things flow, but no more making me lose my composure during important meetings."

"I make no promises there," he laughed. "Now go rest. You must be exhausted."

He took my hand, surprising me by bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss that lingered just long enough to make my heart race. As I got out of the car and headed toward my building entrance, he called after me, "Caroline?" I turned back to find him leaning out the window, eyes gleaming mischievously. "I’m definitely going to keep provoking you."

His laughter followed me all the way to the elevator, and I couldn’t help but smile despite myself. Goddess help me, I was playing with fire, and I knew it.