#6

Eve’s POV:

I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, my fingers smoothing out an errant strand of hair. My nerves were jangling like a piano wire, each note a discordant reminder of the choice I was about to make. 

Working with Raven meant trouble for Ryan, my ex-mate. Although I shouldn't have cared about his feelings after everything he put me through, a nagging voice in the back of my mind whispered "traitor."

Back when I was part of the pack, I had been deeply involved in Ryan's business endeavors. Walking away from it now meant abandoning years of hard work and starting from scratch. I knew if Ryan ever found out, he'd see it as yet another betrayal.

Thankfully, Ryan rarely visited the city, even when I was still part of the pack. I wasn't going to let him take this opportunity away from me. I needed this fresh start, this chance to be in control of my own destiny. I'd pledged my loyalty to Ryan as his mate, but he'd cast me out and break our bond. That pledge was no longer binding.

From now on, I was responsible for my own fate. I didn't depend on anyone and I didn't need anyone... Well, except Amy. She was a true friend, my rock.

Dressed in a sleek black dress that accentuated my figure while maintaining a professional air, I felt ready. My hair cascaded freely around my shoulders, and my makeup was understated. I'd always preferred a more natural look, with a focus on my lips and eyes, which I considered my best features.

Slipping into a pair of heels, I heard a knock on my door. Amy stood there, similarly dressed and prepared for our meeting.

"Ready to show your ex what you're made of?" she quipped.

I chuckled and shook my head. "Let's focus on the task at hand, Amy. This isn't about Ryan; it's about us."

"You're absolutely right," she replied with a warm smile.

Together, we made our way to the car. Yet, as the cityscape passed by outside the window, I couldn't shake the thoughts of Ryan that clung to me like shadows, a constant reminder of a past I was determined to leave behind.

We parked in front of the impressive building and made our way to the entrance. Raven was waiting for us with a welcoming smile.

"Welcome, ladies. Let me give you a tour of the new mall," he invited, holding the door open.

As we entered, my eyes widened in amazement. The interior was nothing short of spectacular. It had everything one could imagine: recreational spaces, elegant fountains, cozy cafes, a variety of shops, and even a dedicated children's center. 

My mind buzzed with ideas, envisioning the incredible events we could create in this space. It was a canvas waiting to be filled with the vibrant colors of our creativity.

I glanced at Amy, and her face mirrored my excitement as she admired the new building.

“Raven,” I began, my thoughts racing, “how much creative freedom do I have here? I'm already brimming with ideas, and I…”

He met my gaze, and a slow, confident smile spread across his lips.

"I'm well aware of what your company is capable of, and I have complete faith in your abilities. You have carte blanche with this project. Your budget is unlimited, and I want this place to make a big splash."

A rush of enthusiasm surged through me, and I couldn't help but return his smile. "You've got it," I replied. This was going to be a project like no other.

"Now, if you'll excuse me for a moment, I have to meet someone, but feel free to explore," Raven said before walking away.

Amy and I exchanged excited glances, unable to contain our enthusiasm.

"Oh my God, this place is going to be incredible," Amy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

I pulled out a piece of paper and started sketching my initial ideas. "I can't wait," I replied, my mind already racing with plans and possibilities.

"Eve, honey, I've got some work to do at my bakery. I'll leave you here. You'll be alright, won't you?" Amy asked.

"Of course, go ahead. I'll work on some sketches, and we can discuss our next steps tonight," I assured her.

She smiled gratefully and headed off to her bakery.

I wandered around the mall, finding a peaceful spot by one of the fountains to work on my sketches. As I focused on my ideas, I suddenly felt a shiver down my spine, and I knew something was amiss.

A cold presence, unmistakably familiar, surrounded me. The wolf in me had long since gone into hiding but I still retained some of my basic werewolf instincts – the ability to sense the presence of other werewolves and, to some extent, identify them.

I could feel him before I saw him. There was no mistaking the unique scent and aura that had been imprinted on my senses.

It was Ryan.

My heart raced, and my hands trembled as I hid them behind my back. Our eyes locked from across the fountain, and my breath caught in my throat. Surprise flashed across Ryan's face briefly before it gave way to a deep scowl, anger radiating from him like a storm cloud.

I was trapped, with nowhere to hide from his piercing gaze. He began to stride purposefully toward me, and I stood up abruptly, my breath held in anticipation.

He came to a halt right in front of me and I couldn't bring myself to exhale.

"What are you doing here?" he growled, his voice laced with fury.

It was the first time he'd spoken to me since that fateful day he'd banished me from the pack. His anger was palpable, and I found myself speechless in his presence.

Ryan's gaze shifted from mine to someone behind me.

Raven had returned, his lips curling into a sly smile that oozed arrogance.

"What did the cat bring?" he exclaimed, his tone dripping with icy disdain. "And if it's not Ryan, you must have confused the mall. Yours is a bit lower, figuratively and factually,'' Raven added with spiteful amusement.

Ryan, undeterred by Raven's taunts, simply waved away his words, though the irritation simmered beneath the surface. 

"Hello, Raven. I can't confuse my own building with this one. I was just wondering if it's going to be torn down soon because of its deplorable condition, but apparently you've decided to buy junk."

With these words, Ryan's gaze fell upon me again. Raven seized the opportunity to introduce me.

"This is Eve, hire her company, the best event planner in town," he declared with a hint of smugness, adding fuel without knowing it to the already blazing fire of tension in the room.

"I know very well who she is," Ryan replied without taking his eyes off mine.

His sudden grip on my hand sent an electric shock through my body. The mate bond that once connected us, a source of warmth and belonging, now carried an overwhelming sense of rejection and anguish. He pulled me aside, his fingers digging into my arm, causing me physical pain to match the emotional turmoil.

"What is this? Revenge?" Ryan's voice was a low, seething growl. "You decide you haven't done enough damage and decide to ally with my competitor?"

My throat tightened, tears welled up, and I was overcome with a paralyzing sense of terror.

"This has nothing to do with you, Ryan," I forced myself to say, my voice trembling. "I'm working, and, no matter how much you don't believe it, you're not the only thing on my mind."

The words came out with immense effort, as if my heart were threatening to leap out of my chest. I struggled to breathe, feeling suffocated.

"Back off, Eve, I'm warning you," he growled, his grip tightening further.

Desperate, I turned to Raven, my panic mounting. I couldn't handle this. I knew the symptoms all too well – I was having a full-blown panic attack.

“No,” I screamed at Ryan.

Sensing my distress, Raven stepped in and pulled me away from the escalating confrontation.

“I think it's about time you leave. You are not welcome here,” Raven declared.

''I'm not done with you,'' Ryan tells me.

I can only watch as he turns and leaves the building.

Raven turns to me concerned and carefully asks, "Are you okay?"

“I will be,” I whisper.

I could feel my breath becoming shallow and rapid as if I couldn't draw in enough air no matter how hard I tried. Panic gripped my chest, squeezing it tightly, making it feel impossible to expand and fill my lungs. Each inhale was met with a surge of fear, while each exhale felt like a feeble attempt to release the overwhelming pressure building inside me.

My heart raced uncontrollably, pounding in my ears like a relentless drumbeat. Its erratic rhythm echoed the chaos that consumed my mind. 

As Raven led me to an empty corridor, the surroundings became a blur. My focus narrowed solely on his voice, cutting through the chaos that consumed my mind. 

"Breathe," he commanded, his tone firm yet gentle. I tried to comply, but my attempts fell short, my breaths still shallow and ragged.

"Look at me," Raven instructed, his voice coaxing me to meet his gaze. I turned my attention to his face. 

"Good girl," he praised softly, his words like a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. "Take a deep breath now." I followed his guidance, inhaling slowly and deeply, allowing the air to fill my lungs. As I exhaled, I felt a sense of release, a weight lifted from my chest.

Suddenly I realized how close he is to me. His eyes absorbed into mine. My breath hitched again, but this time for a completely different reason. My gaze fell on his lips and then back on his eyes.

Raven's voice broke through the trance, his words reaching my ears like a lifeline. "Are you feeling better?" 

"Yes," I managed to respond, my voice slightly breathless.