Kane’s POV

I had a few more hours before I had to get up and freshen up. After I got ready, I checked my phone.

I left the room to check on Zara. I knocked on her door and didn’t wait any longer: she appeared, all neat in a dark blue summer dress. It hugged her in all the right places, and the sight of her made my wolf happy.

She was dazzlingly shining, like a newly bloomed blue rose, and for a few seconds, I froze, staring at her. She smiled awkwardly and greeted me.

"Good morning!"

I guessed that she would need some time to wash away the memories of yesterday.

"Good morning! How are you feeling?"

"I appreciate your concern for me, Almighty Alpha," she expressed her gratitude, smiling widely. Her rosy cheeks swelled, and I just wanted to touch.

"It’s okay, let’s go get breakfast." I hid my smile at the word of Almighty Alpha, but curious did she had done anything wrong.

We went down to the dining room; after a hearty breakfast, where I made sure she had eaten enough, we headed to the Sterling Empire.

***

Zara

Zara

Our plane ride was quiet, and I constantly worried about whether I’d make it to my apartment.

Alpha Kane turned on Death Note and watched it calmly. The slate-gray suit he’d chosen that day reflected his gloomy mood.

He didn’t discuss our late-night antics anymore and barely paid attention to me, and I didn’t want to bring it up anyway.

I looked out the window at the endless blue sea below, with ships scattered like crumbs. The vastness of the oceans has always fascinated me.

We landed soon after, and Alpha’s car was already there.

My hands clenched nervously in my lap. When I thought about my family. Alpha Kane must have sensed my tension.

"I’ll get you to your apartment," his voice was perfectly calm, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t ease the tension in my muscles.

I just hoped Dad wouldn’t meet Alpha Kane face-to-face, or else my cover would be blown. That thought alone heightened my anxiety.

"Yes, I’m counting on it."

Alpha Kane turned his head and looked at me carefully before speaking grumpily.

"Everything that happened between us over the weekend must be erased when you return to work on Monday. We won’t talk about it; it means nothing. Do we understand?"

’Of course! He became stern again.’ Nova chuckled.

"Understood, sir! I know how to remain professional." I adjusted my bag.

"I trust you on that." As soon as he said those words, the car pulled up in front of my apartment.

Grabbing my purse, I was about to get out of the car, but Alpha Kane hesitated before speaking.

"Wait!"

I stopped and turned to look at him, and our eyes locked.

Did I imagine a flicker of gratitude in his words? And then he spoke, leaving me speechless.

"Thank you! Zara." I froze at Alpha’s words.

Did my iceberg-cold Alpha boss just appreciate me?

Blink... I blinked again, dumbly, unsure of what to say.

"Okay, don’t look so stunned. It’s not like the first time..." He interrupted me, waving his hand in front of my wide eyes to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

"I’m not dreaming, right? You just thanked me? And yes, this is the first time, dear Alpha," I answered him evenly, and he merely shrugged his broad shoulders.

"I guess there’s a first time for everything."

I couldn’t help but smile triumphantly. Extracting Alpha’s gratitude was no small accomplishment.

"I had a good time too. Good evening, sir. See you tomorrow."

Olfi opened the door for me, and I stepped out into the fresh air, wrapping my coat around me. As usual, the car stood there until I swiped my card and entered the building. Olfi put my suitcase inside, even though I insisted on carrying it. Only then did the car move.

We arrived at the Sterling Empire late at night. Alpha Kane had left me at the pack because he had an emergency. Beta Hunter had called Alpha Kane, and his call seemed to indicate that there was a serious problem.

My father had left me his voice a new message on my phone a few hours ago. Go away, letting me know that everyone was already asleep. Ryan was at the club too, but he left a few hours earlier.

When I walked in, the house was dark and eerily quiet. I trudged to the bedroom and pulled off my dress. I jumped in the shower.

I managed to undress, shower, and dress again.

***

I’m late for work.

Damn! Alpha Kane’s going to be mad at me.

I quickly texted Miranda that I’d be a little late, so at least take him some coffee.

Sprinting to my Lexus RZ, the color of my natural hair, I hurriedly got behind the wheel. I drove like crazy, honking at other cars to let me pass, even cursing.

After 10 minutes of reckless driving and numerous angry looks from drivers, I finally made it to my office and rushed inside.

Luckily, I’d decided to wear pumps and a pantsuit instead of a skirt today. It gave me more freedom of movement. The elevator dinged, and I glanced at my phone. I had three missed calls from Miranda.

15 MINUTES...

I was a full 15 minutes late and was sure Mr. Microseconds would be smoking.

I rushed into Miranda’s office, where she was pacing back and forth, her fist pressed to her lips.

"Zara! You’re finally here." She seemed relieved to see me and rushed toward me.

"Good morning!" I waved sheepishly. "Sorry, I’m late."

When is he not in a bad mood?

I was beginning to believe Mondays were cursed; every time I returned from the weekend, Alpha Kane was in a pretty bad mood.

Instead, I asked.

"What happened?"

"Our order is late, even though it was supposed to arrive last Friday. We’ve already accepted orders, and they could be delayed and cost us dearly. This is a large order, and if we don’t deliver it on time, it could be canceled, and believe me, that never happens under Mr. Sterling," She concluded.

It was terrible, very terrible.