Chapter 16: Chapter 16
I turned to face him. "I think you’re used to getting what you want. And I think you’re not used to being told no."
"Is that what you’re telling me? No?"
The question hung in the air between us, loaded with possibility and danger.
"I’m telling you that I need this job," I said finally. "And I can’t afford to lose it because of whatever this is between us."
"What if I told you that you don’t have to choose?"
"Then I’d say you’re lying to yourself." I moved back to my chair, needing the distance. "Your father made it very clear what the consequences would be if I interfered with your future."
Christian’s jaw tightened. "My father doesn’t control my life."
"Doesn’t he?"
Before he could answer, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, and his expression darkened.
"I have to take this," he said, but his eyes never left mine. "We’re not finished talking."
"Yes, we are."
He answered the phone, his voice shifting to business mode. "Knight."
I gathered my files and headed for the door, but his voice stopped me.
"Sophie." He covered the phone with his hand. "This isn’t over."
I didn’t respond. I just walked out of his office and tried to pretend that my wolf wasn’t howling with loss.
The afternoon passed in a blur of spreadsheets and competitive analysis. I threw myself into the work, desperate for any distraction from the memory of Christian’s eyes, the way his scent had filled his office, the electricity that crackled between us every time we were in the same room.
By three o’clock, I was exhausted. My wolf was restless, pacing beneath my skin like a caged animal. I needed air, space, or something to clear my head.
The break room seemed like a safe bet. It was public, neutral territory where I could grab a coffee and maybe find a few minutes of peace.
I was wrong.
"Well, well. If it isn’t the new girl."
I turned to find Vanessa Whitmore standing in the doorway, her ice-blue eyes fixed on me with predatory intensity. She looked as if she’d stepped out of a magazine—perfectly styled blonde hair, a designer dress that probably cost more than my car, and a smile that could cut glass.
"Ms. Whitmore." I kept my voice neutral, professional. "How can I help you?"
"Oh, I think you know exactly how you can help me." She stepped into the break room, closing the door behind her with a soft click.
My wolf went on high alert.
"I’m sorry?"
"Don’t play dumb, Sophie. Can I call you Sophie?" She moved closer, her heels clicking on the tile floor. "It’s so much more personal than Miss Turner, don’t you think?"
"I prefer Miss Turner."
"Of course you do." Her laugh was like broken glass. "You know, I’ve been hearing the most interesting things about you."
"Have you?"
"Oh yes. The office is just buzzing with gossip." She leaned against the counter, blocking my path to the door. "Apparently, you made quite an impression on Christian yesterday. And again today."
"I don’t know what you mean."
"Don’t you?" Her smile turned predatory. "Funny thing about wolves, Sophie. We can smell lies. And right now, you reek of them."
My heart hammered against my ribs. She knew. Somehow, she knew about the attraction between Christian and me.
"I think there’s been a misunderstanding—"
"The only misunderstanding here is yours." Vanessa pushed off the counter, moving closer. Her scent hit me like a physical blow—expensive perfume and predatory musk that made my wolf snarl. "You see, Sophie, I’ve been very patient. Very understanding. But my patience has limits."
"I don’t understand."
"Then let me make it crystal clear." She stepped close enough that I could see the gold flecks in her eyes. "Christian Knight is mine. It has been since we were teenagers. Will be until the day I die."
"I’m not interested in Christian Knight."
"Liar." The word came out sharp as a blade. "I can smell him on you. Can smell the mate bond trying to form. Do you have any idea how insulting that is?"
"I didn’t ask for this."
"No, I don’t suppose you did." Her voice was almost sympathetic. "But that doesn’t change the facts. Christian is promised to me. Our fathers signed the alliance papers years ago. The engagement will be announced at the pack gathering next month."
The words hit me like a physical blow. Engagement. Next month.
"I see."
"Do you?" She tilted her head, studying me like a cat with a mouse. "Because I’m not sure you understand the full implications of your situation."
"Enlighten me."
"You’re a lone wolf, Sophie. No pack protection. No allies. No one to avenge you if something unfortunate were to happen." Her smile was all teeth. "Accidents happen all the time in this city. Car crashes. Muggings gone wrong. Sometimes people just... disappear."
The threat hung in the air between us like a blade.
"You’re threatening me."
"I’m educating you." She stepped back, smoothing her dress. "Consider it a friendly warning from one wolf to another."
"And if I don’t listen?"
"Then you’ll learn what happens to wolves who don’t know their place." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Stay away from what’s mine, Sophie. Because I promise you, if you don’t, you’ll regret it."
She moved toward the door, then paused, looking back over her shoulder.
"Oh, and Sophie? Next time you want to play with fire, make sure you can handle getting burned."
The door closed behind her with a soft click, leaving me alone with the scent of her threat and the sound of my racing heart.
I stood there for a long moment, my hands shaking, my wolf snarling with rage and fear. Vanessa Whitmore had just declared war, and I was caught in the middle with no allies and no way out.
My phone buzzed. A text from Christian.
*We need to talk. Tonight. After work.*
