Page 5

Chapter 5

NATE

“Hold the door!”

I remain still, but one of the other three people in the elevator steps forward to stop the doors from closing. I sigh, already knowing the next face I'm about to see.

Madeline appears with a smile that feels like a ray of sunshine. “Thank you,” she says to no one in particular before scurrying over to me. “Good morning,” she murmurs.

“Morning,” I respond.

We stand side by side, saying nothing as the elevator climbs. The three people with us remain completely unaware of our presence. They don’t notice that Madeline is inching closer to me ever so slightly.

The door opens once more on our floor where we’re the only ones to get off. I walk toward the cubicles with Madeline in tow. She walks right behind me, not saying anything but keeping herself close enough for our scents to mingle.

It's been three days since the incident in my office, and I still find myself replaying moments from it in my mind. Not just the physical intimacy, but seeing that adventurous part of her that I once fell in love with. Can I really trust what I see?

“Hey, boss man.”

I turn to see Olivia walking over to me, and Madeline's expression changes.

“Good morning, Olivia,” I return.

“Good morning. Did you get the sample I sent? I thought about drafting another one, but I'm not sure how many is too many.”

“It was fine,” I assure her. “If I need any help, I'll let you know.”

Olivia replies with a nod and a smile and walks away. I continue on to my office with Madeline trailing me. I expect her to go to Cora's office, but she ends up coming to mine instead.

“Madeline—”

“Good morning, Olivia,” she mimics. “Do you go around flirting with everyone in the office?”

I pause before bursting into a short laugh. “Are you crazy? Olivia and I aren't like that. We're barely even friends, she just works for me.”

I go to my chair and sit, booting the computer immediately. Madeline walks around the office like this is her first time in it. Her eyes wander to everything except me.

“You were so concerned about whether I'd been with anyone. What about you?” Madeline stops at the window, admiring the view.

“Do you think I ran away from you just to go and end up with someone else?” I ask. Madeline shrugs. “That's not what happened.”

“You could've had a change of heart.”

I scoff. “Please.”

I can't even tell her that the scent of every other woman repulses me. There's no way I'm going to be with someone else.

Madeline hums softly but doesn't say anything before moving closer to me. I can already feel the warmth of her skin, and I know she's doing this intentionally.

“I have a lot of work to do, if you don't mind,” I say before clearing my throat.

“I see, I see. Sorry to bother you. I have a bunch to do as well, you know.”

“You better get on that.”

She reluctantly moves away, but I miss her presence. I watch her walk away, noticing that every movement of her body is intentional. She turns her head to the side without fully moving her body.

“I'm not that far away. Feel free to come over anytime.”

“I doubt I will, but thanks for the offer.”

“We'll see.” She walks away, and I finally breathe easy again.

Having Madeline close to me is a risky game. I feel like I'm holding back a dam that's ready to burst. The moment I give in, I know I'm in for overwhelming pleasure.

That's what makes this so tempting. At least she hasn't been with anyone else. She must feel the same way I do.

I try to avoid being alone with her the rest of the day and a few more days after that. Thankfully, Cora keeps her busy in the office most of the time, but the second I sense that she has a break, I head out too.

The strategy works for a while until Graham begs me for a favor. “I need you to do this for me,” he says, “just this once. It doesn't have to be a big deal, just address the interns and tell them they're doing a commendable job.”

“Why do they even need a pat on their back anyway?”

“It's for boosting morale,” Graham answers plainly. “I have errands to run, so please, just do this now and you'll never have to do it again.”

“Even I know that's not true. They're already waiting for you in the conference room.”

Graham pats me on the back and walks away. I shake my head with a sigh before heading to the conference room. It's one of the smaller ones, which surprises me even more when I see the sheer number of interns waiting there.

They all mumble greetings as I walk in, but I silence them with a raised hand. Once I get to the front of the conference room, I turn to address them.

My mate's scent is something I can still pick up, even though there are like two dozen other people. I spot her immediately at the back of the room, where she flashes me her best smile.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I know you're eager to wrap up for the day. I am too, but I've been told to address you and commend you on the great work you've been doing.”

The interns smile and look at each other. “Excuse me. Sorry about that. Can I move past?” Madeline weaves her way to the front of the group, offering sufficient distraction for me.

I do my best to focus on my speech, making sure I don't lose myself. “All I want to say is you've been doing great work and I hope you continue to keep it up. This will look really good for you when you're out of law school. I know some of the law firms have eyes on you now, so I’m glad you’re making the most of this opportunity. That's all, have a great day.”

I rush out of the conference room like I'm being chased, ignoring the people who want to stop me to ask questions.

I hear Madeline, directly behind me. “I can't believe you were so distracted. Was that because of me?”

“That's it.”

I push the door open and bring Madeline into my office. She seems very pleased to have gotten a reaction out of me.

“You need to stop this now,” I growl.

“What are you talking about?”

“Madeline, I know what you want and it isn't me.”

“Don't say that. If you knew what I wanted, you wouldn't have run away.”

“That's exactly why I left. I can't provide the love and affection you want. I'm not wired that way.”

“I understand that. But you can't deny that the pull of the mating bond is strong.”

I let out my frustrations with a groan. “You don't understand. Just because we're fated mates doesn't mean that we're automatically perfect for each other.”

“I understand that you believe it, but that's exactly what it means.” she says patiently.

“No,” I counter. “You thought that because you were young and somehow you still believe that today. Madeline, if things were so black and white, why did your aunt choose not to stay with her own fated mate?”

“This isn't about her, it's about us. There's no one else here. Do you truly feel nothing for me?” she asks quietly.

“I—I—”Words fail me.

“I’m not here to claim you or push you. We both have to deal with the needs of our wolves,” she states, almost changing the subject.

“Why won't you understand?” I ask plaintively.

“Why won't you?” she argues. “ These feelings are normal, we are mates”

“We may not even be compatible.”

“Compatible?” she scoffs. “Have you forgotten that we've already slept together before and it was the best thing in the world?”

“That was so long ago,” I say firmly. “Who's to say we're still the same people? Our thoughts, our preferences—they could’ve changed.”

“That’s true,” she admits softly. “I guess we’ll never know.”

“I wanted you then,” she continues, her eyes locked on mine, “and I want you now. Believe me when I say nothing’s changed.”

I shake my head. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Really?” she challenges. “You think we’re not compatible anymore?”

“We’re not,” I say, trying to convince myself more than her.

“You can’t just say that and expect me to take your word for it,” she says, arms crossed. “If you really believe we won’t work, then show me. Prove to me that you and I don’t fit.”

“I know what I’m saying—”

“Then stand on it,” she fires back. “Prove it. Otherwise, admit you're scared. Admit you know what we have is real, and it terrifies you.”

I watch her for a long second. The challenge in her voice. The fire in her eyes. Damn, she’s serious.

“Alright then,” I say, stepping closer. “Let’s settle this once and for all.”

Her brows lift. “What are you talking about?”

“Come with me.”

She stares like she thinks I’m bluffing. I’m not.

I lead her out of the building and into my car. She’s quiet, confused, which only sharpens the edge of anticipation cutting through me. The ride is short, maybe ten minutes tops. But when we pull up, her breath catches.

It’s a hotel. Upscale. Discreet. One I’ve passed a hundred times but never bothered to walk into—until now.

She glances at me, wide-eyed. “Nate …”

“Feel free to back out anytime,” I tell her coolly. “But you won’t get another warning.”

She squares her shoulders. “I’m not going anywhere.”

We check in. The suite is at the top. Expensive. Private. Perfect. Once the concierge leaves, it’s just us. Madeline walks in first, eyes sweeping the space. I follow, closing the door with a soft click . She turns toward me—and that’s all it takes.

I step in, pin her gently against the wall, and press my mouth to hers. No more words. Just truth.