Chapter 7

Caroline's POV

As Clara was explaining everything to me, I carefully noted down all the important information. We had established a good work rhythm, and the afternoon was flying by. She told me someone from the IT Department would bring me a company phone that should be kept on at all times.

Soon after, a tall, skinny guy with a nerdy look entered the room and was startled when he saw me.

"Wow! Um... sorry, who are you?" he asked.

"Miss Caroline Bennett?"

I nodded, keeping my smile professional. He grinned and held out a new phone and tablet.

"These are for you. The phone's set up with your company line. Alpha's number is already in your contacts, and your work email is ready. The tablet has the company system and both your schedule and Alpha's loaded. Need any help with them?"

I smiled back. "No thanks, I can manage. Your name was...?"

"Leo, from IT. Fifth floor if you need anything."

"Thanks, Leo. That's helpful."

He turned to leave but looked back. "You're really pretty, Caroline. Are you with anyone?"

After two years of raising my pup Liam alone, I'd learned to guard my heart well.

"I'm not looking for a mate right now," I told him simply. He smiled and said to let him know if I changed my mind, then left.

I could hardly believe my ears. After the unprofessional conversation, I dragged myself back to my desk with a belly full of anger.

Just as I sat down, the phone rang again.

"Thorne Enterprises, Executive Office. How may I help you?"

"You again?" The deep, powerful voice on the other end carried a hint of impatience. That Alpha presence was palpable even through the phone. I began to wonder if I had done something wrong.

"Yes, Mr. Thorne. Still me, your new assistant. Haven't forgotten me already, have you?" I tried to keep my voice professional.

"You're quite good at reminding people."

"It's my job, sir," I replied through gritted teeth, growing impatient myself. Even an Alpha couldn't be this rude!

"You're quite bold." He seemed surprised.

"And you're quite rude." I shot back without backing down. Rory whimpered inside me, anxious about my disrespect toward the Alpha, but I couldn't hold back anymore.

"Have you forgotten who your boss is?" His voice instantly turned cold. "I have little patience and don't accept challenges to my authority."

"And I don't accept unwarranted rudeness!" I slammed the phone back onto the base, trembling with anger.

What a crazy Alpha! I was just doing my job properly. He treated me like an enemy. I was still staring at the phone in shock when Clara appeared behind me.

"Did you just... hang up on your Alpha boss?"

"Ms. Clara, I'm sorry, but he was being impossible!" Rory remained agitated, torn between respecting the Alpha and staying loyal to me.

Clara burst out laughing, tears forming in her eyes.

"This is getting interesting!" she said between laughs. "But you did the right thing. Don't let him walk all over you. His wolf, Alaric, needs to learn some manners too."

"Ma'am, he doesn't even know me, yet he talks like he's about to banish me from the territory."

"Caroline, Draven doesn't like weakness in the workplace. If he thinks you're too submissive, he'll kick you out immediately. He's testing you, wanting to see how you and your wolf react. So when he confronts you in person, use your head. I need to leave early today—the office is yours."

I nodded, and she left.

Minutes later, the phone rang again. I sighed, hoping it wasn't my emotionally unstable Alpha boss.

"Thorne Enterprises, Executive—"

"Where's Clara?" he demanded rudely.

I closed my eyes, preparing to deal with this difficult Alpha again.

"Mr. Thorne, Ms. Clara isn't in the office right now. Can I help you with something?"

"Do you know how annoying you are?" he scoffed.

"Sir, I'm your assistant. My job is to help you with your work."

"But I want to talk to Clara! She hasn't flown to London yet."

"No, sir, but she's preparing to leave. From now on, all your requests need to go through me."

"You're such a busybody! I doubt you'll last long here, especially after hanging up on me!"

I paused for a moment, then had an idea, a smile forming on my lips. If he wanted to fire me, I'd at least give him a 'good reason'.

"Perhaps I am a bit meddlesome, but isn't that what you're paying me for? To handle things for you? Of course, if you think I'm doing something wrong, you're welcome to redefine my responsibilities. I will adapt. As for the previous call, I didn't hang up. Must have been a problem with the line." I told an innocent lie.

"Very well, since you're so eager to take on everything, let me warn you—I have many demands. When I return to the territory, I'll personally tell you exactly what I expect from this position. About that 'reasonable salary' you mentioned, should we consider a discount?" His words still carried that suffocating Alpha pressure.

"Since you brought up salary, with increased responsibilities, perhaps you should consider giving me a raise. Especially when I have to make calming herbal tea for you and your wolf."

I smiled, waiting for him to be speechless. Most Alphas shut up when we asked for a raise. I was even starting to consider asking Alpha Gerald for my old job back. This new boss was impossible, clearly looking for an excuse to drive me from his territory.

"I'm beginning to wonder if you're worth your salary, having time to argue with me while thinking about a raise. As for the tea, you might need to do more to calm us down."

"Actually, I have a pile of work to do, but it's you, my Alpha boss, who keeps calling and preventing me from completing my tasks. So really, you're the one hindering my progress. Don't worry, I'll handle your little moods."

"Then you'd better be prepared when I return to the territory, Miss Caroline!" Alpha Draven left these cold words hanging.

Damn! Had I made the Alpha even angrier? Was he planning to drive me from his territory to satisfy his grudge?