LOGINThe admission confirms my worst fears about the position I've placed her in. By asking her to investigate Derek and Olivia, I've turned her into a potential target while compromising her professional standing. If Derek discovers her searches, he could have her fired for unauthorized access, ensuring
"You look tired, Lila," I say, keeping my voice gentle despite the urgency building in my chest. "Long night?" Her laugh carries no humor, emerging sharp and brittle in the ambient noise of clinking cups and muted conversations. "You could say that." She glances around the coffee shop once more bef
Geneva. Asset redistribution. Contingency plans. The phrases swirl in my mind as I read through the entire thread, each exchange revealing additional layers of coordination between Derek, Olivia, and unnamed external parties. References to account access, documentation preparation, and something cal
Derek Wolfe's communication patterns emerge first, predictable in their professional efficiency. Client emails follow standard templates, internal memos maintain appropriate corporate tone, scheduling confirmations arrive with clockwork regularity. But threaded through these routine exchanges are an
"I hope not," I say simply. "But I need to be certain." She nods slowly, understanding passing between us without the need for explicit explanation. Her pen returns to the paper, capturing the parameters of her assignment with renewed focus. "Complete discretion," she repeats, more to herself than
"Send her in," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. Lila enters with her characteristic energy, a leather portfolio clutched against her chest and a pen already positioned in her hand as if she expects to take notes from the moment she sits down. Her burgundy blazer is perfectly pressed, her shoes
The air thrums with ambition, the kind that leaves marks like teeth on skin. I step into the boardroom, a half dozen pairs of eyes pulling toward me as if gravity's force has just shifted. The glass walls loom like a watchful sky, reflections doubling back on themselves, encasing us in a tower of ou
I gather the pieces of myself and leave the office. My own intentions are as fractured as his. I cannot think straight with the scent of him so fresh, so insistent, so much like a promise. The door swings shut behind me, cutting off the warmth and memory of Derek's presence with surgical precision
I stiffen, a snarl forming at the back of my throat, before I manage to smooth it into something more civil, more human. This is not what I expected, not what I am prepared for. I should have known. I should have known he'd come. "Mara," his voice drawls, easy and confident, but I hear the challeng
The lock clicks behind me as I slip into the office. I am the wolf, even in tailored business attire. Even with it all wrapped up so tight. The edge of my existence cuts deep. The aftertaste of the night clings to my senses, a raw, metallic tang that I cannot swallow away. My steps falter, then re







