Page 37

“A–Alaric,” she moans my name, and that’s all it takes.

The bond between us snaps tight, like a wire pulled to its breaking point. It begs to be fed.

One second, I’m trying to stay away. The next, I’m giving in.

Fuck.

I kiss my secretary.

And it’s not just a kiss…it’s a claiming.

I hold her like she’s the most important thing in my world, prying her lips open, growling when her taste fills my mouth. My hands slide to her waist, my fingers sinking into her warm skin.

Lila freezes at first.

But then—fuck, she responds.

Just as needy. Just as hungry. Just as desperate, like she’s been waiting for this just as long as I have.

Like she’s been craving it.

Like she belongs to me.

And then…

“Boss, regarding the upcoming banquet—”

A voice that is neither mine nor Lila’s cuts through the haze.

The moment shatters.

Lila jerks away like she’s been burned. Like my touch itself is a sin she was just caught committing.

I turn to the doorway, rage simmering beneath my skin.

Ethan.

Of all the fucking times.

“I-I, uhm, knocked. I didn’t think you had company, otherwise I wouldn’t—”

“What is it?” My voice is sharp, barely in check.

Lila takes a step back, stiff, avoiding my eyes.

She wants to run. I can feel it in the way she shifts on her feet, but she doesn’t move. One, because Ethan is standing in the doorway. And two, because she’s too rattled.

Too embarrassed.

I can almost hear her thoughts. She hates herself for kissing me. She hates me even more for starting it.

But didn’t she kiss me back?

Ethan glances at Lila before turning to me, brow raised in quiet curiosity. But thankfully, he doesn’t ask questions. Instead, he gets to the point.

“The pack’s banquet has been scheduled for next week. You need to choose a female plus-one.”

Lila pales.