The Unmasked Heiress: Isabella Hartman is back

**Liam's POV**

It's now five to seven in the morning, the fifth time looking at my watch anxiously, while I am waiting for my employee. My fingernails in turn are jitterily striking the polished surface of my antique mahogany desk. All my emotions are jumbled-up fragments consisting of only excitement and dread. I can't wait to see her and finally have some alone time with her! Oh, but why can't I shake off this feeling of unease? Her serious expression yesterday, still very fresh in my mind's eye, has had me on edge up until now. I really hope nothing's wrong.

Laura has been working at the Snug Bistro for five months as a waitress, but she is not just any regular employee, she is my fated, my beloved mate. Alas, she would not know this, because she is a human. What makes things worse, my mate is currently in a relationship with another. Oh, how I wish I'd met her first. I would have courted her like any mortal man would and let her love for me develop at a normal pace. I'd love and treat her like the rare jewel she is. Although the bond has been driving me insane, I am not the type to just take her for myself like my barbaric full-blooded brethren would.

"It's not barbaric! It is a blessed pairing giving you the right to take what belongs to you!" snarled Ozouf, my wolf part of my chimaera beast.

"That'ss, not how thingss work in thiss part of the world dog, maybe if she was a werewolf then yesss, but our mate is not," hissed Krait, my serpent head, of my chimaera. I start to rub my temples in frustration, once these two start, there will be no end to it. Ozouf and Krait never see eye to eye, in fact, they are polar opposites. One being cold, scaly and calculative while the other is warm, fuzzy and impulsive.

"Oh shut up you scaled worm! What does a cold-blooded reptile like you know about fated bonds? That's why I'm the head and you are the tail," Ozouf snarled trying to snap at Krait behind him.

"I can easily bite you in the arssse furball, making sure that you will not be able to ssit for a week," Krait spat displaying his fangs warningly.

"Just try—"

"Can you both at least try to act civil for once?! It's bad enough that I'm stuck sharing a body with you! Now, behave! It's rare for us to have one-on-one time with our fair cherub, so please don't ruin this endearing occasion!" shrieked Giaan, the eagle head of my chimaera. Out of the three heads, he has the most sense.

Ever since we discovered our beautiful mate, my chimaera has been in a sour mood and an absolute nightmare! The three of them are quick to bicker with one another over the smallest of things, but I can't fully blame him. Our mate is currently with another man, and we see her every day, only able to admire and observe from the shadows. We can smell the fucker on her, plaguing us each passing day. What drives my chimaera up the wall the most is he knows she had given that man her most valuable gift, intended for us.

As a mystical being, I should have felt my mate's presence the moment our fated infinity vine mark appeared on my arm six years ago. However, since she is human, we were unable to find her, until she showed up at my bistro looking for employment.

Three knocks tore us from our bickering. "Come in," I said in my usual tone after clearing my throat.

The door delicately opened, revealing my enrapturing mate. All four of us let out a collaborative sigh at her presence. I took a deep breath and put on my earnest manager mask, but I couldn’t help feeling powerless. I gazed upon her helplessly. She was bewitchingly beautiful, with long black hair and large grey eyes that seemed to magically transform with every outfit she wore. Slightly plump curvaceous body, only more for me to love.

"Ssso breathtakingly beautiful," Krait breathed salaciously.

Ozouf rolled his eyes, but couldn't agree more, his tongue was out, panting like a happy puppy, whining, begging for the chance to lick her face. Giaan's feathers fluffed up whilst cooing helplessly. I found it astonishing how my mate's presence, so easily subdued my large beast. He turned into a tamed infant only pining for her affection and touch.

"Morning Mr. Custos, thank you so much for letting me come see you," she said as she entered my office timidly.

My heart fluttered as I heard her mellifluous voice. Dammit, get a hold of yourself, Liam! "No problem at all. Please have a seat, Laura." I nearly betrayed myself as I spoke her name. Why is this so fucking difficult?! I'm not even a pure-blooded werewolf! Forget that I thought I’d never be blessed with a mate; being entirely enchanted like this by the bond is ridiculous!

"It's true love, my confused shell. Love harnesses a power none of us can make sense of," Giaan murmured helplessly. I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard my mate sit down.

"So what do I owe the pleasure of this rare visit?" I asked somewhat giddy.

She developed a shy smile, then cleared her throat before she spoke. "Although I really enjoy working as a waitress here, I have a dream of becoming a chef one day," she said, making my heart almost stop. Is she going to leave the bistro? Please no, I can help—

"I wanted to ask if I could maybe start working part-time in the kitchen as a dishwasher?" she asked with unease, and I could hear her nervous heartbeat.

Oh my mate, my dearest! If only you had asked me sooner! You have no idea how far I would go to help you succeed in your dreams! I cried to her in my thoughts. If only you knew what you meant to me, you wouldn’t be so scared of me. I took a deep breath and then responded, "I have something better in mind."

I stared at her with a benevolent smile, hoping to ease her nervousness, and continued, "Why not, in three days, let you start full-time as a porter? You'll receive a stable salary of thirty-five dollars per hour."

Her eyes lit up, and shock was evident on her face. My heart nearly melted at how adorable she looked. "Mr. Custos, thank you so much! I am so, so grateful!"

"Only a pleasure, lov—Laura. I'm pleased you love the idea," I mumbled foolishly as I nearly fumbled over my words. My beast snickered, as he could hear my thoughts. Arsehole.

"Let's see how you settle into the kitchen, then after a few weeks, we can take things further from there," I said, not realising the big grin on my face. Not only was I having alone time with my mate, but soon she would be in the kitchen; no longer having to serve that bastard who had been trying his luck with her the past few months. My chimaera let out a pleased growl as he picked up on my thoughts.

Since recently, I gained a new customer, he began showing up two months after Laura started working here. It was clear that he wasn't here for the food. I was ready to kick him out, but my curiosity got the better of me; I wanted to see how my mate would handle him. Laura obviously knew that he was a wealthy man, and he favoured her, insisting that she be the only waitress to serve him. He would give her generous tips and shamelessly tried to woo her. He even went so far as to persuade her to leave her boyfriend for him, but to my surprise, she declined his pursuit gracefully. It warmed my heart that she remained so loyal to her current partner, even though he is an entitled prick.

"Promise I won't let you down, Mr. Custos! Thank you so much!" her melodic voice sang.

"Only a pleasure! Is there anything else you'd like to discuss? Any questions about the new role, perhaps?" I asked, not wanting my mate to leave just yet.

I watched her as she pondered for a moment before asking, "Are there any rules for the kitchen that you could please send me so that I can get acquainted with them in the meantime?"

I gazed at her in pure adoration. "Hey! Snap out of it; our mate asked a question," Ozouf barked, helping me regain my focus.

"You know what? Why don’t you stop by my office tomorrow at twelve? I can go through everything with you regarding your new role and responsibilities," I said, smiling warmly at her. Gods, this celestial creature is going to be the end of me! How I wish I could freely run my fingers through her bouncy raven locks, hold her in my arms, and touch those tempting, kissable lips.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Custos! I am super excited," my Laura beamed.

I sighed internally as I looked at the clock. There are twenty minutes left before we officially open, and I know she hasn't eaten yet. As I've observed her I become accustomed to her routine. She always arrives at the bistro at seven, then makes herself some coffee and nibbles on something she either made or bought. I've noticed she doesn't eat much; I don't know how she manages during the day. I guess I need to let her go.

"Or you could offer her a cup of coffee to make her stay longer," Ozouf suggested.

"I hate to admit it, but fluffy here made a good sssuggestion," Krait hissed somewhat enthusiastically.

"Go on, be a gentleman! It's something you should have offered our cherub right from the start!" Giaan screeched.

"The lot of you are jerks," I grunted, but they made a fair point. "Laura, would you like a cup of coffee before you start work? I brewed a fresh batch and brought rusks this morning." I smiled, but my stomach knotted. I could see my mate considering my invitation, and I held my breath in suspense.

She beamed blushingly and then said, "Thank you Mr. Custos that is very kind of you, but I have a few things to sort out before the bistro opens. Definitely next time I promise."

I could only let a forced smile plaster my disappointment. "I understand," I said then stood up. As I escorted her to the door, she surprised me with a sudden hug. I was completely taken aback—it felt like I had died and gone to heaven. My heart raced with a whirlwind of emotions. I returned the hug awkwardly. I was afraid my wolf instincts would take over and I'd claim her right then and there! She was so close, in my arms, and her heavenly gardenia fragrance almost put me under a spell. This was the first time I had ever touched her, and my heart was hammering passionately within the cavity of my chest. I swear I could feel her emotions, as though this interaction had unlocked a new level of our fated connection. I want to sink my teeth in her neck and mark her so that the whole world knows she’s mine.

"Thank you once again, Mr. Custos!" my captivating mate sang and then rushed off, just at the right moment, before I did something I'd regret.

I stood motionlessly at the door staring at her shrinking figure longingly, as she continued to her destination. "Please Gods, let my love be set free of that undeserving swine so that she can finally be mine."