Chapter 9

Clara Bennett

I couldn’t sit still. After Victor left, the apartment felt too small, too quiet, and way too dangerous. My hands wouldn’t stop trembling as I paced the tiny living room. Ryder’s text still glowed on my phone screen...

I stared at it for the hundredth time. Should I reply? What if I sounded too eager? What if I sounded cold and he got suspicious?

“Ugh,” I muttered, rubbing my face. My throat felt dry from all the crying. I needed water.

I walked to the kitchen on shaky legs, my bare feet cold against the cheap tiles.

I grabbed a glass from the cupboard, filled it with tap water, and took a big gulp.

The cool liquid did nothing to calm the storm inside my chest.

My phone suddenly rang.

The glass nearly slipped from my hand. Ryder’s name flashed on the screen.

My heart slammed against my ribs like it wanted to escape. I stared at the ringing phone, frozen. *Pick up. Don’t pick up. Pick up.*

On the fourth ring, I swiped to answer, pressing the phone to my ear with a shaky hand.

“Hello?” My voice came out smaller than I wanted.

“Clara,” Ryder’s deep, smooth voice filled my ear. “I hope I’m not calling too late...I got your number from your file...I am sorry. I hope I am not disturbing.”

I leaned against the kitchen counter, my free hand gripping the edge so tightly my knuckles turned white. “Mr. West… no, it’s fine. I was just… uhm...We can talk.. I hope i am not in trouble.”

There was a short pause. I could hear him shifting in his seat, probably still in that expensive car.

“I wanted to check on you,” he said, his tone surprisingly gentle. “After dropping you off, I kept thinking about what you told me. About your mom...I can imagine what you are going through. I hope you’re okay.”

My eyes stung with fresh tears. I blinked them back hard, biting my lip. Why did he have to sound like he actually cared?

“I’m… managing,” I whispered, my voice cracking a little. “Why are you checking up on me? I’m just your new assistant. You don’t have to do this.”

Ryder let out a low chuckle that sent warmth straight through my body despite everything. “Because I like you, Clara. You’re different from the others who work for me. I want to be friends. Even if I’m your boss.”

“Friends.“

The word hit me like a slap and a caress at the same time.

My heart was beating so fast I felt dizzy.

I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady myself.

“Friends?” I repeated, my voice shaky. “You really mean that?”

“Yes,” he said firmly. “I don’t say things I don’t mean. Think about it. No pressure.”

I closed my eyes, guilt twisting like a knife in my stomach. Here he was, being kind, while I was planning to betray him. But guilt wouldn’t save Mom.

I needed those confidential papers I saw in his car. Friendship was the perfect way in.

“I… I’ll think about it,” I said softly, my fingers tightening around the phone.

“Good,” Ryder replied, sounding pleased. “Also, I have a small gift for you. I’ll give it to you tomorrow at the office.”

“A gift?” My eyebrows shot up. “You don’t have to....”

“I want to,” he cut in. “Sleep well, Clara. I’ll see you in the morning.”

The call ended.

I stood there in the kitchen for a long moment, staring at my phone. My hands were still shaking badly. My cheeks felt hot. Guilt ate at me, but I pushed it down. *This is for Mom. I have to do this.* Getting close to him was the only way to save her. The documents in his car… I had to find a way to get them.

*****

**Ryder West's pov**

I sat in my car outside the massive gates of my mansion, the engine still running.

The half moon hung low in the sky, casting silver light over everything.

I leaned back in the driver’s seat and let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through my hair.

“Why the hell did I call her?” I muttered to myself. “She’s just an assistant.”

But even as I said it, I knew it was a lie. Something about Clara Bennett pulled at me like nothing else ever had.

My wolf...Timber...stirred inside me, purring with raw need. It wanted her. Badly.

The half moon was already making it harder to control.

I could feel the beast pushing against my skin, restless and hungry for the woman who smelled like wildflowers and honey.

I reached into my glove compartment and pulled out the small vial.

The dark liquid glowed faintly under the moonlight.

I popped the cap and drank it in one swallow, grimacing at the bitter taste.

“Thank you, Mom,” I whispered. That potion was the last thing she left me before she died. It helped cage the wolf, masked my scent, and kept my secret safe. No one could suspect what I really was.

The surge of power hit me instantly. The wolf calmed, but the attraction to Clara only burned hotter. I had never felt this strongly about any woman. Not like this.

I reached into the center console and pulled out the moon stone necklace.

The stone shimmered with inner light ...a powerful protective charm.

I placed it carefully inside a small red gift box and tied it with a black ribbon.

A small smile crossed my lips.

“This should protect her,” I said quietly, staring at the box. “Especially with the full moon coming soon. Protect her… from me.”

I started the car and drove through the gates, but my mind stayed on Clara. Tomorrow, I would give her the gift. Tomorrow, I would get closer.

“I hope she doesn't turn me down.“