Chapter Six: Sparks and Tensions

Kaida

The door swung open before I could knock. My hand remained suspended in mid-air, poised to knock, as I stared into the welcoming eyes of the third Ragnar brother: Asher Ragnar. This morning might hold promising auspices.

 I had conducted a thorough survey on the brothers before applying, and Asher was reportedly the most amicable of the three. 

"Morning," he greeted, his hazel eyes aglow with a warm smile. He glanced at my still-raised hand, an amused expression crossing his face. Talk about having a propensity for embarrassing myself nonstop. 

I flushed deeply, muttered a hasty "Sorry" under my breath, and withdrew my hand. "Morning," I responded, squaring my shoulders.

"You're the new house help, I assume," he stated. 

I confirmed with a nod, compressing my lips into a thin line. I quickly scanned his features. Standing this close to him, he was as handsome as his media pictures suggested, perhaps even more so with his clean-shaven and fresh-out-of-the-shower appearance. 

A fluttering breath escaped me as the wind carried a whiff of his cologne toward me. The scent was a heady, earthy blend of bergamot and spice. My nostrils flared, and my body visibly shuddered in reaction. 

A sudden chill spread over my skin, making goosebumps crawl across my flesh. My body felt numb and heavy, my heart racing into panic mode in mortification at my body's reaction to him, and the obvious fact that he was aware of it. Damn the Ragnar Brothers for their scrumptiously good genes.

I mentally chided myself, offering a small, awkward smile in return at Asher. I knew he was being kind, but embarrassment still rippled within my belly. I must have been flushing red as a tomato under his scrutiny. No matter what, I was here for the money, not to be swayed by the allure of any of the brothers. I mentally reminded myself of this, steeling my traitorous mind into order.

Asher's gaze also lingered on me, his eyes pausing briefly on my bust—a scrutiny I was accustomed to. However, he cleared his throat and withdrew his gaze with unseemly haste, as if he had been caught off guard. His expression was far from that of a man impressed by what he saw. He looked me over with infinitesimal scrutiny, which somehow left a bitter taste in my mouth.

 I knew I was far from the surreal beauty he was often captured with in pictures, those being models with runway figures, but I was still beautiful in my own way. I was only here as house help, after all, and decidedly out of his league. Moreover, my fashion sense leaned toward a more conservative, old-fashioned style rather than the trendy aesthetic of my generation. Nonetheless, I was a woman with functioning senses. Regardless, I would have appreciated it if a handsome man hadn't glanced at me like I wasn't worth the effort, even if I wasn't his type. 

Or had I misjudged his look? Had he looked away quickly not because he was disinterested, but because he was a man of integrity? A grin began to spread across my face. I vaguely registered Asher's mouth moving, lost in my own reflections. 

KAIDA! I mentally barked at myself to stop. What was I here for? The selection? I needed money, not to be a lovestruck, giggling idiot. A snort escaped my throat before I could help it.

It was then that I realized Asher had been talking to me. My eyes widened in horror, my mouth parting open. I composed myself, asking, "You said?" 

"I wonder what's going on in that head of yours," he said, looking even more amused by the moment. I felt ridiculous. Asher gestured to the interior, opening the door wider and stepping back for me to enter. "Come in," he invited. 

I nodded awkwardly, following his cue. A deeper flush painted my cheeks as I stepped inside, with Asher closing the door behind me. His skin brushed mine lightly as he passed by me to stand before me, and the hairs on my skin stood on end.

I attempted to calm my racing heartbeat, feeling increasingly embarrassed in his presence. His wolf senses could undoubtedly detect my reaction to him. I was too mortified to meet his gaze. 

This was not my first time around the opposite sex; in fact, I typically felt little to no pheromonal response when interacting with other males. It was as though both my sexuality and wolf had been suppressed. Yet, Asher's presence evoked inexplicable sensations within me. 

I reminded myself that he would be my boss, biting down hard on my lower lip to regain composure. The pain helped, and I focused on it, biting so hard that I nearly drew blood, while awaiting further instructions. Gripping the handle of my shoulder bag tightly, like a lifeline, I raised my head to meet his gaze. "Is there a problem?" My voice sounded breathier than intended, and I frowned. 

"Careful, you may injure yourself," he warned, his gaze drifting to my hand, which was clenched around the bag's handle. Asher turned abruptly after his caution, his broad, muscular back dominating my line of sight. 

A lump formed in my throat, and I took a moment to swallow it down, the action proving painful. I angled my chin forward before managing to accomplish it. I followed Asher to the living room where I had been interviewed by Caspian the day before. 

My steps faltered as I approached, the atmosphere suddenly growing tense. Nervousness enveloped me, heating my skin. I exhaled subtly through my mouth. My circumstances were too dire for a nervous breakdown. 

The three Ragnars were present, each exuding a dominating and intimidating aura. They appraised me with sharp, piercing gazes that made me squirm, and I instantly regretted my wardrobe choice.

None of my wardrobe choices appealed to the eye, seeming drab, unflattering, and dull. My fiery red hair, however, stood out – a fitting metaphor for my current financial state, which was firmly in the red. As I stood before them, I felt overwhelmed, like stepping into a predator's den blindfolded. Yet, I could see the formidable adversaries they presented, lounging in their seats with an air of confidence that unnerved me, making my knees weak.

 The thought of them invading my private space sent a shiver down my spine. I envisioned being trapped between their bodies, and my imagination ran wild with visions of sweaty bodies tangled in a wave of lust and passion.

If I were a normal she-wolf, I would claim the brothers as mine. Female wolves would go feral to have them in their bed. But I'm not that sexually responsive. I don't feel the way they might expect me to. So, this little crush thing I might be having for Asher, I know it's bound to disappear over time. 

I've had my share of fleeting attractions, and they never lasted. I don't plan on acting on this one either. The list of past crushes is endless, and I'd rather not dwell on it. 

I huffed, shifting from one foot to another, wondering how long I'd stand there before being acknowledged. The silence was suffocating, and my temper was rising. I was on edge, wondering how long I'd last before submitting my resignation. I'd heard their past helpers needed therapy after leaving; I now understood why. 

The pressure was mounting, and I was on the verge of exploding in frustration. By all accounts, a girl could lose her mind from the frustration these people inspired. I scanned the room, my heart racing, as the silence continued. What was going on here? I curved one corner of my mouth, my brows furrowing in frustration.

I swept my gaze across the faces of the men, despite the reactions they stirred within me. I'm here for their money. However enticingly distracting they appeared, I had enough dead weight in my life to care about their charms.

 My life had been a series of bad decisions; I didn't intend to add another to the towering list. This wasn't fiction where a wealthy billionaire falls for his lowly help, replete with twists, turns, challenges, and clichéd endings where love triumphs in the end. This was my life at stake. I needed this job, and if a staring contest would help me secure it, so be it. I met their gaze head-on, bulging my eyes pointedly. 

Asher burst into laughter, breaking the silence that had ensued, struggling to control his amusement. There was a hint of a look in Caspian's eyes that I couldn't quite place; I attempted to decipher it, but it kept eluding me. 

Kai, on the other hand, remained impassive, looking like someone who desperately wanted to be anywhere but there. That rude, thieving jerk. I cast a glare in his direction, quickly averting my gaze when our eyes connected. Jeez! Why did it suddenly feel cold in here? That was unnervingly terrifying. Better to steer clear of that one's path; I couldn't take him on in a fight. Better to keep my aversion for him private, stay out of his sight, and focus on my mission. 

Yes, my mission. I clapped sharply, the sound echoing in the spacious living room. 

"Is there a problem, Ms. Wilder?" Finally, His Majesty spoke. 

"The pay – we didn't discuss that yesterday," I replied promptly.

 "That has been addressed already in the mail sent to you earlier this morning," Caspian replied.

 I furrowed my brows. "I didn't receive any mail." 

Caspian gestured for me to check. 

With my mouth pursed and brows still knitted, I turned on my phone and opened my email. Lo and behold, the email from them had indeed been forwarded to me. I checked the time; it was sent a few minutes after I left home that morning.

 Were they for real? Aware that I would be resuming work this morning, why hadn't they sent it last night so I could review it? 

A silent voice in my head threw back at me: Why did you come to resume work when you weren't notified of the compensation and terms of employment? 

I had banked on the hope that they couldn't pay as poorly as my past jobs. Burning with curiosity, I scanned the content of the email, my target being the compensation package. I whooped when I saw the amount listed. 

Light have mercy! I might be out of their lair sooner than I had anticipated. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be offered as much as this – $200,000 annually? "You've got to be kidding me!" I exclaimed in surprise.

"What? Isn't it up to your expectation?" Caspian's voice drifted to my ears, and my head jerked up in his direction. 

I struggled to contain the excitement coursing through me and maintain a professional demeanor as I replied, "No, it's fine." Fine was a gross understatement; the compensation was exponentially better than the meager remuneration I had grown accustomed to in the past. With sustenance and lodging no longer concerns, the substantial burden of debt on my shoulders would be alleviated with remarkable swiftness.

 The expectations they held for my service, including rules and explicit instructions, were outlined extensively in the email; I would need time to meticulously review their demands and address any that seemed excessive before committing further. Given the offered amount, they might be expecting an extraordinary level of dedication and service. I returned my attention to the phone, trying to glean as much detail as possible while we were gathered.

Asher rose from his seat, distracting me. "Come along; I'll show you to your room so you can settle in. You can thoroughly review your contract details, sign, and commence work when you're ready."

 I nodded. 

"I know you've likely conducted research before arriving; I'm Asher. You may call me Ash," he introduced with a warm smile.

 "Kaida," I responded, managing a small smile. "Nice to meet you, Ash." 

Asher reciprocated with a smile. "The pleasure is mine. This is Malachi, Kai for short, and Caspian, Cas for short," he introduced his brothers. 

I nodded, discreetly biting my upper lip. "Noted."

"Come on," Asher gestured for me to follow, turning to depart. 

A sense of relief washed over me at Asher's amiability, particularly in contrast to his brothers' less-than-hospitable demeanor. I began to move when Caspian stood, asserting with his customary authoritative tone, "I'll take her." 

Asher turned to him, his expression inquiring. A silent, intense exchange seemed to transpire between the two as they locked gazes. The atmosphere grew perceptibly cooler, the tension between them palpable. 

Kai remained seated, impassive and unruffled by the unfolding silent conflict. I shifted uncomfortably, my mouth curling into a faint grimace as I waited for the two to break the impasse. It didn't take long before Asher relented, his shoulders sagging in acquiescence. Their staredown was brief, lasting mere seconds, yet it was intensely potent, leaving a shiver coursing down my spine.

"I will take her," Caspian repeated, his words enunciated with even greater precision. 

Don't tell me I'm about to witness a brawl between brothers over me. I'm no Katherine Pierce or Elena Gilbert. You have a high opinion of yourself, Kaida Wilder.