Chapter 1

Chloe's POV

"Excuse me," a hard, masculine frame pushes past me, sending me stumbling.

"Whoa!" The four boxes of cupcakes I'm carrying wobble dangerously in my hands.

I grab onto his arm instinctively, my fingers tightening around his firm, warm skin, trying to catch my balance.

He spins, and his piercing blue eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that cuts through me.

For a split second, I can't breathe, and it's not just because I almost fell. There's something primal in the way he watches me, like he's trying to assess whether I'm a threat or prey.

His biceps, sculpted from hours spent training, move beneath the sleeves, but it's his scent that invades my senses—deep, rich, like pine forests after rain, mixed with something warm and musky that makes my pulse race.

For a moment, I forget myself, breathing in his scent involuntarily.

My inner wolf stirs, the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end, sensing him—his power, his dominance. He's an Alpha, I realize suddenly, the realization making my heart beat faster.

"You good now?" he asks, his voice low, sharp like a growl.

I nod quickly, forcing myself to stand taller, even though my wolf feels a strange unease, the desire to shrink away from the intensity of his presence battling with an undeniable pull toward him.

"Great." He narrows his eyes, and my chest tightens. Why does he look so... angry?

Confused by his hostility, I attempt to offer a smile, though it feels strained. "Do you want a cupcake?"

His eyes widen slightly, surprise flickering in them for a brief second before they narrow again, studying me with an almost predatory gaze. "Cupcake?"

I gesture toward the boxes in my arms. "Yes. I baked them. It's my grandma's secret recipe. It's my first day at my internship, and I thought I'd do something nice for my new coworkers and boss."

"Well, it can't be a secret if you have it, now can it?" His gaze lingers on me, his eyes flicking over my face, my neck, then down my body, like he's scanning me in some way.

My wolf stirs again, a low growl building deep in my chest, but I force it down.

His eyes drift lower, lingering on the soft yellow of my sundress, and my body reacts before I can stop it.

Heat floods my cheeks. My wolf inside me growls again, this time more urgently, sensing something in his gaze, something that sparks my own desire.

He's an Alpha, and I'm just an intern. What do I expect?

He grunts, and then his gaze shifts to my hand, still gripping his arm. I don't even realize I'm holding on until he looks down, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"If you can stand on your own two feet, I've got important things to do," he mutters.

Horrified, I immediately release him, my fingers burning where they'd touched his skin. He gives me a final, disapproving look, his gaze flicking over me once more before turning to leave.

I can't help but watch him as he steps toward the elevator, the muscles of his back rippling beneath the fabric of his suit.

My inner wolf tenses, almost growling in frustration at the loss of his presence.

As if sensing my gaze, he spins around and catches me looking. His smug, knowing expression makes my insides twist with something I don't want to acknowledge.

His gaze meets mine, almost daring me to keep staring, until the elevator doors finally close with a soft, final thud.

I shake my head and try to calm my racing heart.

My wolf is still unsettled, but I take a few deep breaths to center myself, focusing on the fact that I'm here to work, not to get distracted by some arrogant Alpha.

I push through the gates, up to the top floor, and step out of the elevator. A woman with curly red hair smiles at me warmly. "Can I help you?"

"I'm Chloe, the new intern," I answer, trying to keep my voice steady, despite the fluttering still lingering in my stomach.

Her face brightens. "Ah, yes! I'm Amanda, Alpha Taylor's Director of Operations. You'll be working with me."

I hold out the cupcake boxes. "I baked some cupcakes for everyone. Is there somewhere I can put them?"

"Oh, that was sweet of you!" Amanda says, eyeing the boxes with interest. "What kind?"

"A variety," I reply, setting the boxes down on the receptionist's counter. I open one box, motioning to the rows inside. "Do you want to pick one before the others do?"

She grins and grabs a chocolate-raspberry one. "Mmm, guess this one's mine."

As we walk through the corridors of the office, everything seems pristine, exclusive. It feels almost too perfect, like everyone is walking on eggshells. But then, Amanda stops in front of a closed door.

She knocks softly, and a muffled voice calls, "Come in."

Amanda opens the door. "I wanted to introduce you to our new intern, Chloe, who'll be working closely with us."

The door swings open, and there he is.

Joseph Taylor.

The Alpha from the lobby.

My heart skips a beat, and my wolf inside me growls low in my chest.

This man—the man who has no respect, no patience, the man whose scent makes my body react against my will—he's the one I'll be working with?

Joseph's gaze locks onto mine, and for a moment, everything else fades. My wolf wants to run, but it also wants to fight for dominance.

His scent fills the room, his power radiating off him like an aura. I want to back away, but my feet are glued to the floor.

Chapter 2

Chloe's POV

He looks up from his desk, and for a brief moment, shock floods his expression, mirroring my own.

I can feel the tension in the air tighten, my inner wolf stirring uneasily.

"Alpha, meet Chloe Miller," Amanda declares.

He rises slowly, his movements deliberate, his broad shoulders filling out his suit with dangerous grace. He furrows his eyebrows and says, "Chloe Miller?"

My heart races, a strange mix of embarrassment and pride swelling within me.

"Chloe Miller, the cupcake lady," he mutters, his voice rougher than I expected.

The words sting, but I force a smile. "Do you want one? I can go to the break room and grab it before they're all gone," I offer, trying to sound lighthearted, but his presence makes my pulse quicken, my wolf instinctively on edge.

He stares at me, his gaze sharp and assessing, like he's sizing me up, deciding whether I'm a threat or just another weakling in his territory.

The air grows thick between us, and I can feel his wolf pushing against mine, both of us silently sizing each other up.

"No," he replies, his tone colder than I expected. He turns quiet, his focus now fully on me, and the tension grows thicker with each passing second. My heart hammers in my chest.

Amanda clears her throat, her tone growing uncomfortable. "So, you two have met?"

He snaps his sneer at her, his body language defensive, and a low growl rumbles in his chest—like he's already irritated with everything about me.

"Yes. In the lobby. Ms. Miller didn't introduce herself."

I bite my lip, pushing back the anger rising inside me. "I was supposed to know it was you?" I blurt, unable to keep the sarcastic edge from creeping into my voice.

"Yeah. Everyone knows me. You're no different, so don't pretend to be," he shoots back, his words sharp and cutting, like he's trying to put me in my place.

I feel my wolf stir in response, a growl building in my chest, but I swallow it down, determined not to show how he's rattling me. "I had no idea who you were. Why would I know you anyway?" I argue, hoping to keep my composure.

He scoffs, his eyes flicking up and down my body, like I'm somehow beneath him. "Of course we don't. But I'm sure you did your homework researching our company, right?"

My pulse races, and the wolf inside me growls softly, sensing the challenge in his voice. "Yes, I did," I reply, my words tinged with irritation. "But only the CEO's photo is on the website. It only mentions your name, along with other heads of the corporation."

He narrows his eyes, a small smirk pulling at his lips. "I'm all over the internet. Let's not act like you didn't do a search on me," he accuses, his gaze never leaving mine, as if daring me to deny it.

Appalled at his audacity, I insist, "I did no such thing."

The silence between us stretches, thick and heavy. I can almost hear the sound of our wolves growling at each other, sensing the conflict that's brewing beneath the surface.

Amanda glances between us, sensing the tension, and clears her throat before awkwardly interjecting. "Not everyone knows you, Alpha."

He doesn't respond to her, still focused on me, his scowl never leaving his face. His wolf seems to be testing mine, like we're two pack leaders circling each other.

She continues, trying to diffuse the situation, "While we have your attention, are there any additional documents you'll need this morning for your meetings?"

Joseph crosses his arms, and his biceps strain against the expensive fabric of his suit jacket. I can't help but look at them.

I curse myself for letting my eyes wander, but before I can look away, I catch him staring at me. His gaze is hot and intense, like a wolf eyeing its prey, and my heart skips a beat.

If anyone else looked at me like that, I'd slap them. But something about the way he watches me—almost possessive, almost knowing—makes my body ache in a way I can't quite explain.

"Not that I'm aware of. As of now, everything is adequate, Amanda," he says, his voice sharp, but his gaze remains fixed on me.

Why does he have to be so… hot?

He's not.

I do everything in my power not to appear scared of him, straightening my back and trying to steady my breath. "I look forward to working with you, Alpha," I say.

His lips purse into a thin line, and his eyes narrow slightly, like he's weighing my words, deciding whether I'm being genuine or not.

"Welcome to Taylor Enterprises," he says dryly, his tone colder than before.

"Thank you," I cheerfully respond, then quickly spin and leave, my breath escaping in a long exhale once I step outside his office. I go to the desk Amanda assigned to me, turning to face the pile of files waiting for me.

She offers a smile and points to the pile on my desk. "If you can start with those files, I'd appreciate it."

"Sure," I reply, sitting down at my desk and turning on my computer.

I punch in the passcode written on a sticky note. It prompts me to create a new one, and I stare at Joseph's closed door for a moment, thinking.

Then I type in, KillHimWithKindness4Ever.

There. That will remind me to stay calm.

As the screen loads, a message in the portal pops up.

Chapter 3

Chloe's POV

Alpha: I need the spreadsheet for Stormborn Pack updated for the ten o'clock meeting.

Amanda: Chloe, it's in your pile. Can you focus on that first?

Me: Absolutely.

When I finish, I email it to Amanda and Joseph, then click on the message box.

Me: I finished the spreadsheet for Stormborn Pack. Would you like paper copies?

Alpha: Yes, that is how we do things around here.

My stomach clenches, but I shake it off. I press print, then type another message.

Me: How many copies would you like?

Alpha: Amanda, please inform Chloe where she can find pertinent information.

Amanda's eyes flick between us, but I feel no relief. My inner wolf growls softly, the hierarchy in the room palpable.

I try to push it back, remembering my grammy's words: "No one is responsible for your feelings except you." Hard to say when Alpha's presence is like a weight on my chest.

Amanda: Will do.

I breathe deeply and focus on the task at hand as Amanda approaches my desk.

"Sorry," I quickly state.

"No worries. It won't take long before you know these things," she says, then takes control of my mouse.

"Great. Thanks for showing me," I say, trying to mask my discomfort.

I grab the printed copies from the printer and head toward Alpha's office. I knock on the door.

"Yeah?" Alpha calls, his voice so commanding, it feels like a low growl in the pit of my stomach.

I open the door and approach his desk. He doesn't look up, his focus completely on his work. I feel a surge of frustration at his indifference.

Does he know what he's doing? His wolf energy is practically radiating from him—dominant, possessive, as though he's marking his territory.

In a condescending tone, he finally speaks, "Is there something you need, Ms. Miller?"

I try to ignore his jab at my name and reply, "I'm here to add the spreadsheets to the presentation folders."

Alpha meets my gaze, his eyes narrowing with a hint of amusement. "Do you want a reward for doing your job?"

I gape, momentarily thrown off by the insult, but quickly catch myself. "No, of course not."

"Then why are you bothering me with this?" he sneers, his tone sharp. His power over me is undeniable, his status as Alpha filling the room, pressing down on my chest.

I stand there, unsure how to respond. My wolf rumbles low in my chest, sensing the challenge in his words.

"Well?" His voice is a sharp demand.

"Don't you have the folders?" I ask, trying to remain composed, but my wolf is on edge. This is a battle for dominance.

He snorts dismissively. "No, Ms. Miller. I do not have the folders. Those are in the conference room, which is where I meet people."

I point to the large table in his office. "You don't meet with people here?"

He laughs bitterly, his gaze cold. "Of course not. How would I ever exit the room when I'm ready if they're in my office?" He leans back in his chair, smug, every inch of him radiating authority.

I feel my wolf bristle in response, but I bite my tongue. I force another smile, masking my irritation.

"It's my first day, Alpha. Excuse my ignorance. I'll make sure these are updated. I won't concern you over this issue again."

He refocuses on his computer screen, muttering, "Good."

I leave his office quickly, my heart still racing from the encounter. I make my way to the conference room and find the folders in a stack. I place the spreadsheets in the same spot as the sample folder and glance around the room.

The atmosphere here feels cold. The sterile, impersonal vibe of the room makes my wolf restless, the coldness of the space grating against my instincts.

There's a buffet cabinet with a pitcher of water, glasses, and coffee mugs—but it feels lifeless. If this is where clients meet, there should be more warmth, more life.

I go to Amanda's office and knock.

She looks up from her desk. "Hey, Chloe. What can I help you with?"

"I added the spreadsheets to the folders."

"Great."

I hesitate.

"Is something wrong?" she asks, sensing my unease.

"Stormborn Pack is an important client, correct?" I ask, not sure how to express the discomfort I feel.

"Yes. They're one of our largest," she admits.

I step closer, lowering my voice. "I don't want to be disrespectful, but the meeting room looks a bit... cold."

Surprise fills her expression, but she doesn't say anything at first.

Then I quickly add, "I was wondering if I could take one of the vases of fresh flowers from the break room and put it in there? Also, maybe add a plate of my cupcakes?"

She shrugs. "Sure. That would be nice."

"Great. Thanks," I say, relieved that she agrees.

I take one vase, cut the stems, and arrange the flowers in a glass globe so they're the perfect size for the conference room table.

I return to the break room, grab a platter of cupcakes, and head back to my desk.

I find some colored sharpies and make four signs listing the cupcake flavors, then return to the conference room and place the platter and signs on the buffet.

Satisfaction fills me when I see the room looking a bit warmer.

I return to my desk and dive into the pile of folders.

Alpha steps out of his office and looks at me. "Follow me."