Gabriel (POV)
Three months later
I’m sitting at the head of the table in my conference room, beside an important client. He’s listening intently to a presentation from my top marketing agent explaining a new ad idea for his product. I look over to watch the client's expression as Tom explains his idea. So far, the client seems impressed, which is great for my company; ‘Spencer’s Ad Agency’. My company is the largest in the world. I have clients from all over seeking me out to create ads for their products.
When Tom finished, he looked from me to the client and asked, “What did you think?”
I watched as the client slowly, very slowly began to nod his head. “I like it. It will draw attention to the masses of people, which is what I want.”
“I agree.” I began, “Which is why I approved Mr. Cleary to present it to you.”
“Well, I am hugely impressed with this agency and all the challenging work you all put into my products. So,” He stands up and turns to me as I rise. “I leave my products and my good name in your hands.” He holds his hand out and I take it and shake it. He then turns to Tom. “Mr. Cleary, Keep up the excellent work.” He shakes Tom’s hand.
“Yes, sir, and thank you.”
After the client leaves Tom turns towards me and smiles. “That went well.”
I chuckle, “Did you have any doubts?”
Tom has been with me since day one of the company's launch a decade ago, and my friend since. He was fresh out of college, and I saw his potential early on, convincing him to join my company. We quickly grew to become the number one sought out ad agency. I have more marketing agents than I can count, Tom being my top man. With us being a multi-billion-dollar company, we have clients from all over the world.
“With Mr. Chan being our biggest client, I wouldn't have trusted anyone else with his account. Excellent job Tom.”
I could see Tom beaming at the compliment. He looked up at me rubbing the back of his neck, he seemed to do that when he had something on his mind.
“What is it, Tom?”
“What do you mean?”
“After ten years, I know when something is on your mind.”
“Umm yeah, okay here it is. My sister has this friend who happens to be having a tough time with things. I was hoping to offer her the receptionist position since it has yet to be filled since Arlene left.”
I grinned, “Your sister asked you to ask me, didn’t she?”
He nods.
I sigh, “Does she have any experience?”
“According to my sister, yes she does. The company she worked for went belly up and doors closed leaving her without a job. My sister tells me she needs this job. I told her I would ask, but no guarantees.”
“Does she have a resume I can look at?”
“My sister gave me one this morning. I placed it on your desk before coming here.”
I nod, “Alight I will take a look at it. If she is qualified, you can interview her. I will leave the rest to your discretion. I trust your opinion.” Before I leave, I turn back to him and say, “Oh, and tell Sarah I said hello.”
“I will,” he smiled as I left to head to my office.
As I got to my office door I looked over at the empty desk where my receptionist used to sit before leaving my company. Her husband’s job transferred him to another state, so she gave me a two-week notice and I have been in search of a new receptionist since. I opened my door and walked in and sat down on my chair picked up the resume and looked it over. I made a few phone calls to her old employers who couldn’t stop talking about what a great receptionist she was and how they regret losing her as well as their business. All seems to be in order. I called Tom and told him he could call her in for the interview. He said he will get right on it. Normally we have people who do the hiring and interviews, but this is a favor for my best friend's sister. And this woman does have the experience and I desperately need a new receptionist so why not.
With that done I lean back and close my eyes and my mind goes to a certain night three months ago. I was riding my Harley back from having dinner with Tom and his sister’s family when I heard a woman’s scream. It was nearing late night and the alley the scream originated. It was pitch black so when my headlight pierced the darkness as I turned in, what I saw angered me. A man was atop of a woman. As he was getting up, he smashed his fist to her head before taking off while pulling his pants up. I would have run after him but seeing the woman dazed with blood running down her face became my focal point. I looked down at her and she looked up at me with such piercing green eyes I will never forget before she passed out.
I carefully picked up the woman and rushed her to the hospital on my bike. Holding her tight against my chest in front of me as I rode my bike. The feel of her against me is a feeling I will never forget. She was petite, not very tall and her long auburn red hair smelt of roses and I could smell the scent of the rape upon her. As I rode my bike with her cradled in one arm. I would look down and study her face every chance I got. She was not incredibly beautiful. Some might say she was rather plain but there was something different about her. Her full lips looked kissable and soft, but I fought the urge to do so. Since that day it was her eyes, I will never forget it is burned into my memory. The way she looked up at me before losing consciousness I knew I had to care for her.
I drove her to the hospital and rushed in with her in my arms. Once she was laid upon a gurney and tended to, I slipped away to never see her again.
I took a deep breath clearing my mind from the past and the woman and continued my work on the computer. My cell went off and I looked down to see a video call from my brother Mitchell. I hit accept and his ecstatic smiling face gazed up at me.
“How’s it going, Brother?”
I nod, “Going good.”
“How's the search for a new receptionist going?” Mitch asked.
“I may have found one that sounds like a good replacement for Arlene. I won’t know for sure until after her interview tomorrow.”
“Let’s hope she is good-looking with a great body” Mitch is always the playboy. I rolled his eyes.
“That is just like you, Mitch. Thinking with your dick.”
“Hey, one of us has to. You haven’t dated in a few years. When was the last time you got laid?”
“That is none of your business, bro and what I do with my life and who I date is my business. Just because I don’t go chasing anything with a skirt.”
Mitch chuckled, “Well it’s been nice being surrounded by so many women here. You know back home women are scarce. Therefore, we decided to come here to Earth.”
“Shhhh.” I shushed him. “Not so loud, bro. We don’t need a worldwide panic on this planet. You know they haven’t been visited yet by other worlds. We came in secret to begin a new life and find the right brides for us.”
“I know but there are just so many to choose from.”
“Just don’t jump the gun and choose poorly. Our lives and species depend on us and this mission no matter how long it takes.” I remind him.
“I know, I know. How is the true search coming along for you?”
“I will know her when I find her. I am sure it will have something to do with her scent. I know I have read that somewhere on the ship.” My thought went to a pair of green eyes.
“I hope for your sake and ours that it is true, Gabe.”
We finished our talk, and I went back to work thinking about the conversation with Mitchell. I am positive I will know her when the time is right. Just because his one brother likes to play the field doesn’t mean I have to. I desire to find that one special woman. I know I will know her scent and it will call to me. I just need to wait. For now, I will focus on my work and forget about that conversation with my brother.
The next day I got to work earlier than normal. I really do miss Arlene and how she would bring me my coffee and a danish. This morning I stopped by and grabbed a coffee to go. As the morning wore on, I suddenly stopped typing on my computer and sniffed. I couldn’t pinpoint the smell I was smelling but it was familiar. That’s the one thing about my kind. We have a sense of smell. This smell could be anywhere in this twenty-something-story building. I lean back in my chair, closed my eyes. Sniffing the air again trying to identify the smell. Whatever it is? It seems to be calling to me. It’s a sweet, floral smell. A smell that makes my inner dragon thrum. I can’t seem to stop sniffing the air. My eyes suddenly open as I realize it is getting stronger. Like it is getting closer. I listened and could hear Tom talking to someone coming off the elevator. Which happens to be on the other side of the building. Another perk of a dragon. Great hearing.
It sounds like Tom is speaking to a woman as I could barely hear her soft voice answering his questions and making Tom laugh. This must be the woman he interviewed for the receptionist position. He must have hired her and is bringing her my way for the introductions. It must be her scent that is enticing me so much. This could be what I was speaking to my brother about. She could be the one who is meant for me, to be my mate. Yet why is her scent so familiar? I stood and braced myself for the knock on my door and the introduction. As soon as I heard the knock my heart began to race. That enticing scent is so sweet and succulent. I took a deep breath and said, “Come in.”
As the door opened, I was hit with that succulent aroma that made me catch my breath. Tom entered first, then a small framed auburn-haired woman entered after. She first looked around then her eyes focused on me. Green eyes. The eyes that kept haunting my dreams. The same woman I rescued that night three months ago. And she was standing before me in my office. As her eyes landed on me her eyes widened in surprise then took a deep breath and composed herself.
“Gabriel, this is Alana Thomson. Your new assistant and receptionist.”
“Miss Thomson,” I said, extending my hand out as she took it in hers. I couldn’t help but notice how soft and small it was compared to my large hands.
“Mr. Spencer, a pleasure.” She smiled, an act that didn't completely reach her eyes. And is that fear behind them? I imagine what she had been through three months ago must still haunt her dreams.
I am already feeling a strong need to protect her, but from what? I don’t know. As she stands here before me, I realized she isn’t as plain as I first believed. She is quite stunning in fact. And her strong enticing smell. “Welcome aboard,” I say with a smile.
Alana (POV)The moment I saw Gabriel Spencer, I was surprised. I hadn’t expected a young CEO. To be honest I was expecting someone middle-aged. But he is not. He is tall well over six feet, handsome, and well-built like a bodybuilder. This isn’t my idea of how an owner of a multi-Billion-dollar company should look. His looks nearly take my breath away. And his eyes, are so blue and when he looks at me, I can feel my heart beat faster making me breathless.“Thank you for giving me this opportunity.” I began, “You have no idea how much I need this job.”“I am happy to finally have a receptionist again.” He smiled at me, and I noticed the dimples on his handsome face, almost giving him a boyish appearance. I find myself smiling back. A real smile this time, which surprises me. I had not felt like smiling for a long time. Not since that night three months ago and especially not since I found out I was pregnant. Of course, I intend to keep the child; after all, it is innocent in all this.
Gabriel (POV) She’s pregnant. That thought kept going over and over in my head all the rest of the day up until she left for her home. It had to have been from that night. When I heard a slam of a door earlier, I went out to make sure she was fine then I heard her getting sick in the bathroom. I felt concerned, so I stood outside the door to be sure she was okay. I just wasn’t expecting her words. I am pregnant. Then she thought I was upset enough to fire her. Of course, I can’t. Even with her delicate condition, her fragrance still calls to me. I cannot ignore that, so I must keep her near me. Even if as an employee. I shut down my computer and stood, stretching my sore back from sitting so long. Maybe I should head someplace private and shift so I can stretch my wings. It has been a while since I have done just that. So, I grabbed the jacket of my suit and briefcase and walked out the door. The next day I decided to order a welcome bouquet and have them delivered to Alana at the
Alana (POV)I turned on my light and reached up and touched my lips. He kissed me and I let him. The question is why did I let him? And why did he kiss me? I am his employee. I mean yeah, he took me to a nice dinner, but he said it was because he hates to eat alone. So, I said yes to going thinking it was a wonderful way to get to know my boss better. After all, we are working together so I should get to know him. But as a boss only. I need to do what I can to avoid another situation like this. I walked over to my couch and sat down leaning my head back and closing my tired eyes. Only my mind kept replaying that kiss. It was like I had never been kissed before and I dated plenty of men who kissed me goodnight. But Gabe’s kiss? There was something different about it, almost electrical. It was soft at first and when I didn’t stop him, the kiss almost felt like he was claiming me. That is the only way I can describe it.Yet, in the haze at the back of my mind, I have had these dreams at
Gabriel (POV)As she left to go to the break room to get some water for herself. I called ahead to a hotel and booked a suite for Alana. What she doesn’t know is I made sure it was the Grand Hotel across the street from my penthouse apartment. I made sure it faced the east street that faced my apartment so I could secretly keep watch in case she was to need me. I made her a promise and I intend to keep it. I will keep her safe.Later that afternoon I drove her to the hotel and checked her in. I went with her up to her room claiming to help secure it for safety reasons, and not tell her I wanted to see the layout of the suite, to make sure my windows can be seen from across the road. Everything is as I planned, and now, I feel better knowing that I can protect her. No one will hurt my mate. No one.“I don’t feel like being alone right now, “I heard her begin and turned away from the window to look at her standing near the couch. “Would you join me for dinner and maybe watch a movie thi
Alana (POV)The driver dropped me off at the hotel and I rode the elevator up to the top floor where my suite is. I put the key card into the slot waiting for the green light so that I can enter. I closed the door behind me I breathed a sigh of relief. When I told Gabe I would pack to go back to my apartment. I was scared to do so and glad he offered for me to stay here. I didn’t want to go back. The thought scared me. I have an idea of who is behind the threat. But he had not been seen since that night three months ago.I asked the driver to go through a drive-through so I could pick up something for me to eat. I set the bag with my food on the table by the window went to the mini-fridge and grabbed a water bottle. I went back to the table and sat down pulling my dinner out of the bag and began to eat.My thoughts kept going back to Gabe and the kiss of the night before. I have never been kissed like that and it tore me up to put a stop to all this but if that jerk is after me, I mus
Gabriel (POV) I opened my eyes and was lying naked on my bed. I can remember the feel of her soft body against mine. The sweet smell of her and her taste like it was on my tongue. I took a deep breath, and her smell almost seems to be lingering in the air. But how when it was only a dream? I can still taste her on my lips and in my mouth. I have never had a dream so vivid and feel so real as that before. After we made love we gazed deeply into each other’s eyes, while we held each other. And for a split second, I thought I saw fear before she closed her eyes tight. Like shutting out what she saw. It was then I woke up. What had just happened? Why does it feel as if my body feels satisfied? I looked over at my clock and noticed it said 4:30 AM so I decided to get up and shower. After I dressed in my suit and was ready to head out to my office, I call for my driver to come and pick me up. By the time I get to the office, I sat down and pondered the dream. Was it a dragon thing reassur
Alana (POV)I ran out of the restaurant blindly not knowing where I was going. This can’t be happening. It can’t. What the hell is this and why me? I realized how he never answered that question and where the hell is he from. I have never heard of any kind of bond like this. I slowed my run to a walk and kept going. I don’t know where to go now. I can’t stay at the hotel or go back to my apartment. I have my baby to think about. I need to get away from here. Away from all of this and think. I need to think.I was so wrapped up in my thoughts I didn’t hear the footsteps behind me or the hand that grabbed me until it was too late. I was suddenly dragged into an alley and pushed into a car as I screamed something hit me in the head, I felt pain then blackness came over me.I came to and was gagged and tied up. Lying on a cot in a room with a boarded-up window and paint peeling off the walls. I began to feel panicked and fear welling up inside of me. I began to struggle against the ropes
Gabriel (POV)After throwing money down on the table I ran out to follow Alana. As soon as I got outside, she was gone. I began walking and began to use the bond to feel for her. Only I felt nothing. I know I should be feeling something unless something has happened to her. At this point, I was at a loss, but I cannot give up. This bond has proven to me I was right all along. Alana is my one true mate, and I will not lose her. I felt bad to have kept the truth from her that what we have is a dragon bond that happens between mates. If we were on Drakkon the bond is the last part of binding us in unity as forever mates.How could I explain something like that to a human on a planet that has never seen an alien from other worlds? I must break this kind of information to her gently and when she is ready.For now, I am standing on the curb and trying to hail a cab to take me back to my penthouse. If something is wrong, I will begin to feel her. As for now since I don’t, she must be unconsc