HAILEYAfter Carter's yelling, I resumed work the next day. The whole day, I had ignored Carter and it was easy because he ignored me too.The only time we spoke to each other was work related. Our relationship had basically turned to that of employer and employee. There was no use speaking to him, I was making his wish come through by treating him as air. That way, he wouldn't address me as a liability next time.Soon it was time for lunch but I had no intention of going out for lunch. I didn't have any appetite whatsoever, perhaps it was because I was still recovering from sickness or maybe, I just wasn't happy enough to eat.While focusing on my computer screen, I sensed someone approaching me but I didn't look up. Hopefully, the intruder would sense my disinterest and leave me alone but wishes weren't horses....Malachi approached me and I stood right in front of me. "Hailey, it's glad to see you're back." He said, smiling cheerfully."Thank you" I looked up at him with a polite

CARTERThrough my see through glass, I could see Hailey sitting in her desk. I resisted the pressing urge to walk up to her and talk to her but I couldn't. But I couldn't, I shouldn't.I needed to show Hailey that she wasn't in control of me. I wouldn't let mere words from her, change my supposed line of action.If this was a game of silent treatment, I'd win. It's high time I put a leash on my feelings.I had thought Hailey would fold first but even as she came to submit a document, she spoke formally, not for once crossing the line of employer and employee.Though I hated to admit, it was frustrating. Her, not speaking to me made me cranky. I had force myself to focus on something other than her.Soon, it was time for clocking out and usually, we went home together, with me calling for her but this time, I decided not to.Instead, I passed right in front of her, secretly hoping she'd speak to me or at least follow me but Hailey sat still, not even looking up to acknowledge me.I was

CARTER "Malachi harassed me" Hailey's words repeated in my head several times and I tried to process what I had just heard. "What?!" I said in disbelief. Malachi harassed her? I just couldn't believe it. I had worked with Malachi for some time now and he had proved to be nothing but reliable and trustworthy. "I knew you wouldn't believe me" Hailey muttered dejectedly and rose from her seat. It was then that my mind fully registered Hailey's words. Malachi had assaulted her! I definitely won't be lenient with him. "I believe you." I told her, standing up and then muttered to myself, "but he's not gonna believe what I'll do to him." I strode out of my office and Hailey ran after me, "where are you going? What will you do?" Funny enough, Hailey sounded extremely concerned for someone who had hurt her. It made me more furious than I already was. Though she tried to act tough, she was too good for this world. When I made a promise to Hailey that I'd protect her, I really meant it.

CARTERI carefully set Hailey down on the couch to sleep. I didn't mind her taking a break from work, I would work all night for her, as long as she got the rest she needed.After I was certain she was comfortable, I got out from my office and took the elevator straight to the rooftop. I knew he'd be there."Surprisingly, you're back early" I said to Xavier as I strolled to meet him."I underestimated him" Xavier said, "Malachi is missing, before I could reach him, he disappeared. It seems as though he ran away. We need to be careful.""He wouldn't try anything." I tried to dismiss Xavier."Carter," Xavier called me by my name for what seemed to be the first time in a long time, "Malachi was your beta. He knows a lot about you and the pack. There's a high chance he'd come back for revenge. Do not make the mistake of underestimating your enemies, that's not you"I nodded. Xavier's words made sense. Malachi had threatened me by saying it won't be the last time I'd get to meet him. I had

XAVIER"Oh my goodness. Thank you for coming to my rescue, you were awesome." The lady continued blabbing and I wondered if how she could talk so much without pausing to breath. "At a point, I thought they'd catch up with me. I was already saying my last prayer until I saw you." She finally paused and inhaled, then she continued immediately, "I didn't know you'd play along. You're such a knight in shining armor. I-""Excuse me, miss but I really don't care about your shenanigans." I cut her neverending blabbing shut.It was obvious that she was my mate and I wanted nothing than more than to stay far away as possible from her. I could sense trouble radiating from her and I wanted nothing to do with it."My name is Temmy, " She beamed causing my heart to skip a beat, "what's yours?"I ignored her, turned around and subconsciously placed my hand to calm my racing heart. Then I began walking away from her but she ran after me. "I see you're mysterious," She laughed as though she had hear