Chapter 04: Forbidden Flames.

Elara’s body was on fire. Her pulse raced wildly, her skin felt hot all over, and a strange flutter settled deep in her stomach.

Alpha Kael’s reaction was much more intense.

This woman standing right here was triggering every instinct he had.

He had just found his true mate outside with Jasmine, yet his body was craving Elara with raw hunger.

His muscles tensed, his breathing grew heavier, and a deep sexual pull mixed with the mate bond confusion made his blood boil.

How can this be happening? he thought. I just met my mate… but this one… she’s doing something dangerous to me.

“Good day, sir,” Elara said, trying to sound professional. “Welcome. I am Elara Voss and I will be taking your measurements right now. Can you please come forward?”

Kael stepped closer without a word and towered over her.

His warm breath brushed across her face, sending tingles down her neck. Elara felt her knees weaken slightly. His scent, his closeness...everything felt too much.

Slowly, he raised her chin with his fingers, tilting her face up. His dark eyes locked onto hers, searching deeply as Elara’s breath hitched.

She felt exposed, vulnerable, and strangely safe at the same time. Her heart hammered so hard she thought he could hear it.

“Your eyes…” he said in a low voice. “I’ve seen them somewhere but I can’t remember where.”

Elara blinked, taken aback.

For a second she froze, but then she quickly pushed his hand away. “I’m so sorry sir, but I have no clue what you’re talking about. Can we get busy right now?”

She turned to walk away, but he caught her hand.

The moment his strong fingers wrapped around her wrist, she paused. Electricity shot through her body, her heart beat even faster.

Why am I reacting like this? she wondered.

Their eyes met again, The romantic tension was thick in the air and everything around them seemed to fade.

“I’m sorry sir, but I think you are harassing me right now,” she whispered.

Kael quickly pulled his hand back. “Oh… I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. Fuck. Just go on with your measurement.”

Elara nodded, trying to steady herself. She stepped close again and started measuring his sleeve.

While working, she slowly raised her eyes and their gazes locked once more. The moment was so tense it felt like the room was holding its breath.

Orella suddenly walked closer. “Elara, let me do it myself. Hand me the tape.”

“Oh, okay ma,” Elara replied quickly, passing the tape. Her heart was beating fast.

She prayed Orella hadn’t seen anything strange because she could not afford to lose this job.

Orella began measuring, but Kael leaned in and whispered into her ear, “Give the tape back to her. I need her to do it.”

Orella looked into his intense eyes, sighed heavily, and handed the tape back to Elara. “Continue with whatever you were doing.”

She then walked away to get a drink, leaving them alone again.

Elara looked at Kael, her voice low but firm. “Please… I know it’s normal for a man to be attracted to me, but this is my life and my Job. Can you respect it a little and stop showing that you want me?”

Kael softly raised her chin again, staring deep into her eyes. “I don’t want you… but I do not know why I’m drawn to you.”

“I don’t understand. What do you mean by that?” she asked, frowning.

He cleared his throat. “I don’t get drawn to women. They get drawn to me, and I’m not ready to play the victim right now.”

Elara frowned harder, completely confused. When she looked into his eyes again, a different kind of fear filled her body.

She quickly pulled her hand away from his chest and turned her back. “I’m done. I’m done measuring you. Can we clear this up?”

Orella walked back just then. “Are you done with the measurements?”

“Yes, yes, I am done,” Elara answered fast.

Orella nodded. “Okay sir, can you wait here while I go upstairs to get you a card? That way you can reach us anytime.”

Kael gave a short nod. “Yeah. I would appreciate the privacy.”

Orella shot Elara a sharp warning look that clearly said 'Don’t you play dirty while I head upstairs.'

As soon as Orella was gone, Elara sighed heavily and looked at Kael. “I don’t know what your aim is, but please, for the sake of my job, respect me.”

Kael smiled slightly. “Can I take you out on a date?”

Elara laughed. “No, you can’t. Thank you. Actually, I have a boyfriend, so maybe next time you ask a girl out, try to know if she’s available first.”

For a moment, her words seemed to amuse him. He sighed, stepped closer, and grabbed her chin again.

Elara rolled her eyes in disgust. “Do you have a thing for holding a lady’s chin?"

“No… but I think I just figured out why.” His voice dropped lower. "Your eyes.”

The tension between them grew stronger, and their eyes locked.

He leaned in slowly and she leaned in too. Their lips were inches apart, hearts racing, the pull almost impossible to resist.

Suddenly, Orella came downstairs and cleared her throat loudly.

In shock, Elara slapped Kael across the face and pushed him away. She didn’t even mean to hit him that hard....it was pure panic.

Kael’s expression changed instantly. His eyes darkened dangerously.....Being hit triggered something deep and monstrous inside him.

His jaw tightened as the ruthless Alpha side rose, He stared at her like he was fighting the urge to do something much worse.

He glanced at his watch and cursed under his breath. “Fuck it. I need to go now.”

“Sir, you forgot your card and your things,” Orella said.

Kael paused, then spoke coldly, “Let her bring them to my office tomorrow.”

Elara quickly said, “I’m so sorry sir, but I have other work to attend to.”

Orella matched over, gave her a hard look and whispered. “Are you okay? Don’t lose our clients for anything.”

Kael walked close to Elara again. He fought the urge to grab her throat, instead leaning in to whisper dangerously in her ear, “I hate when a human keeps me in a position to repeat stuff. Bring my things to my office tomorrow as early as possible. Have a nice day.”

He turned and walked out fast.

Elara stood there, swallowing hard. Her body was still trembling.

She knew this man was about to turn her life upside down. If she went to his office, it could destroy her job and her relationship.

If she refused, it could also destroy everything.

She was trapped, and she had no idea what the smart move was.