7. Passion Or Punishment

Swallowing hard, I stare into those fiery depths—his eyes, wild and intense, seem to burn right through me, reaching down to my bones and the furthest corners of my soul.

Damn… he's gorgeous. And not just in a general sense—he’s masculine, strikingly so. Jet-black hair styled neatly, a trimmed, thick beard, sharp eyebrows, a straight nose, and those full lips, currently pressed into a thin, angry line. I wonder what color his eyes are when the beast isn’t in control?

Hello? Alina?! You're about to get fined into bankruptcy, and all you can think about is his eye color?!

They're furious now. That’s what color they are—angry, scorching hot with disapproval.

There’s no point in lying. No use trying to explain. I messed up—badly. On my very first day. And it just might become my last… and not just my last day of work, but, well, last.

He’s an Alpha—a lawkeeper, a ruler. Surely he won’t actually kill me, right? But the way he's looking at me... I’m not so sure. And I can’t forget—he’s a beast, one of the most powerful of his kind. Unpredictable and unstoppable. He could tear me apart, bury me somewhere in these vast lands, and no one would ever find me. Lakisha did say he’s ruthless with mistakes.

I try to shift slightly, ready to face my punishment—verbal, moral, maybe even financial—but the moment I move, I hear a deep growl rumble from his chest. His snarl is so feral it freezes me in place.

Oh god. He presses me even deeper into the mattress. My heart’s racing from the fear… and from the feel of him above me.

This is it. I'm done for. He’s going to rip me apart! Will I even get a proper grave?

But then—unexpectedly—I breathe him in. That scent again. The same one that clung to his sheets… only now it’s so much stronger, more intoxicating. It sweeps through me, makes my skin prickle and my body shiver.

Then I feel him lower his head to my neck, his nose brushing my skin as he growls softly, breathing heavily.

Oh no. That’s it. He’s going to bite. My mind flashes through a thousand nature documentaries—this is the end.

But then… he licks my neck.

What?

My eyes widen as his tongue trails slowly from my shoulder to my ear, sending waves of tingles through my entire body. My nipples harden instantly beneath my bra. His large hand slides under the hem of my uniform, gripping my backside with firm possession.

I’m stunned—truly stunned—but even as my mind scrambles for logic, my body responds instinctively. I ache, deeply, sweetly.

Wayland buries his face in my hair, breathing heavily, and I feel his teeth rest over my pulsing vein. He holds me there, firm but gentle. I should be afraid, but instead, heat pools low in my stomach, making me moan softly.

What the hell is happening to me?

It must be his aura—his strength, his dominance—it overwhelms my senses like a hypnotic force. It’s not just fear. It’s attraction. Craving. Thrill.

He suddenly pulls back with a growl, his breath ragged. My dress tears under his grip, buttons scattering across the floor. Now I’m left in just my underwear—not the best set I own, definitely not what I’d wear for a moment like this.

I try to cover myself, but a warning growl halts me. His eyes… oh god, they’re devouring me. Hungry. As if I’m the most delicious thing he’s ever seen.

And I… melt.

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again—he’s sinfully sexy. And I, apparently, have turned into a hopeless housewife fantasizing about her boss.

Then I glance down… his zipper is unmistakably strained, and my body throbs in response.

Let’s be honest—this job? Probably gone. But a man like that in my bed? When would that ever happen again?

I’m a single woman. Not a virgin. I don’t owe anyone explanations. And this Alpha? He’s awakened something primal in me. Something I don’t want to ignore.

I did not succeed with work, so maybe in return, I at least fuck well!

I'm an optimist! There’s always a silver lining—even in the most unexpected situations.

So I make my choice.

I want this. I want him.