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“That’s what I thought.” Alaric leans back, the same cold expression on his face as he adds, “Let’s move on.”

As I start the meeting, my thoughts wander to the man seated by me, following me with his eyes and attention.

He knew Amanda would try to challenge me, didn’t he?

He didn’t stop her because he knew I could stop her myself.

I should feel angry and humiliated for what Amanda did at the beginning of the meeting.

But my mind focuses on what Alaric did. For me.

He did it for me.

No, I can’t go there. It’d be delusional to think he did it for me.

The meeting adjourns an hour later. Fifteen minutes after the meeting, I’m still waiting for the elevator doors to open.

I stay back for a moment, debating whether to say something. Maybe a simple “thank you” for what he did back there. But before I can even open my mouth, Alaric steps past me without so much as a glance, his expression unreadable.

He walks away, his long strides purposeful with Amanda trailing beside him, rambling about doing better in the next meeting.

I clench my jaw, the sting of his cold indifference settling in my chest.

Fine. So that’s how it is.

I push the thought aside, shaking off the sudden weight pressing on my chest. It doesn’t matter. It shouldn’t matter.

Just then, my phone rings loudly in my purse. The sound snaps me out of my thoughts, and when I pull it out and see Patty’s name flashing on the screen, my stomach drops.

Lina.

Something’s wrong.

“Hello, Lila? This is Patty from Little Oaks Daycare and—”

“What happened?” I almost choke on my fear.

“Lila, I'm so sorry. Lina came down with a fever and suddenly passed out. The paramedics had to rush her to the hospital. I’ll send you the location right now. Please hurry.”

Chapter Seven

ALARIC HELLS

Focusing on finding Irene has only led me down one path…coveting and lusting over my secretary.

Lila Winter has worked for me for less than a week. That’s a few days too many.

The woman with killer heels and black skirts that hug her curves has been in my head twenty-four fucking seven. I told myself I’d see her for what she is.

An employee.

But Goddess help me, I’ve been feeding myself that same bullshit, and my wolf still hasn’t gotten the memo.

Take the meeting earlier, for example. Lila defended herself like a pro.

Sure, I gave her the ammunition to destroy Amanda, but everything after that? That was all her.

She didn’t just stand her ground. She owned it. She made it clear she’s not here to be pushed around, and by the time she finished speaking, every person in that damn room was staring at her in shock.