18 Chapter 18 Time To Play Game 1 Draven's POV I stood in the restaurant , telling Ryan about what had happened today . His eyes widened as I reached the end . " Wait , she's wearing that tiny dress with nothing under it ? " Ryan lowered his voice , his wolf clearly interested . When he said it out loud , possessiveness surged through both me and Alaric . He growled with satisfaction , knowing Caroline was exposed that way only for her Alpha . Yet my protective instincts as pack leader kicked in - she could find herself in a compromising position when I wasn't there to guard her . Though I had shredded her underwear in our passionate moment , and even if I hadn't , my wolf still wouldn't have let her have it back . " This she - wolf is testing my control ," I admitted , running a hand through my hair . " Today she seemed intent on challenging every boundary of my wolf's dominance . " Ryan laughed . " Don't complain , man . You started this game . What did you expect ? " I sat back in my chair, clearly upset . " I asked her to come early to play a small joke . I didn't plan to touch her , " I said , holding my water glass tightly . " But then she came in wearing that tight dress . When she sat down , you could see her legs . And those high heels ... I shook my head . " As soon as she walked in , Alaric wanted to take control . It's crazy . I can't help myself when she's near ." " And apparently , neither can she , " Ryan observed with a knowing smile . " Draven , there's no escaping it . She's got you wrapped around her finger . Something between you two is inevitable . " He took a sip of his drink , eyes twinkling . " I'm going to thoroughly enjoy watching how long you can resist this connection . " I growled low in my throat . " She plays hard to get . I won't be the first to surrender ." " What's your next move then ? " " Not sure yet , but I know she'll make another play today , " I said , straightening my tie . " I'm returning to that office prepared for battle ." A wicked idea flashed in my mind , making Alaric rumble with approval . I was going to end Miss Bennett's little game . " Oh no ," Ryan laughed , recognizing my expression immediately . " I know that face . You've thought of something devious , and I want details ." My lips curled into a predatory smile . " I'm going to apologize to my assistant . With new underwear ." Ryan's booming laughter drew glances from nearby tables as he shook his head in disbelief . " You've got such a twisted taste . I already know exactly what style you're going to buy , " he said . After parting ways with Ryan , I headed straight to an upscale boutique . I picked out a simple black lace thong , elegant yet seductive . This lingerie suggested temptation without being obvious . The delicate fabric felt so fragile in my hands , and I knew I'd have to control the urge to tear it off her body . If this continued , I might end up destroying every piece of lingerie she owned . The thought made me smirk with satisfaction . 07 38 112 I also grabbed a pair of black thigh - high stockings with lace trim . She would look irresistible in them . And I wanted to be the one to remove them , slowly , perhaps with my teeth . I asked the saleswoman to wrap it elegantly and left the store with my confidence restored . Caroline wouldn't dare continue this game after what I had planned . When I arrived back at Thorne Enterprises , she was already at her desk , a small package containing chocolate cake sitting beside her computer . Perfect timing . I approached her desk with a serious expression . " Miss Bennett , could you please get me a printed copy of the financial report from Kyle ? I need to review it immediately . " She could have easily requested it by phone or email , but I wanted her temporarily away from her desk . As soon as she left , I swiped the cake and retreated to my office , settling comfortably on the leather couch . When she entered moments later , I maintained my businesslike demeanor . " Miss Bennett , please lock the door . We need to discuss sensitive financial matters , and I don't want interruptions . " She looked wary but approached with the report . I made a show of studying each page with exaggerated attention while she stood waiting . " Have a seat , Miss Bennett . This might take a while ." She hesitated before noticing the gift bag beside me . As expected , she chose the far end of the couch . Her eyes caught sight of her cake on the coffee table , and though they widened slightly , she remained silent . Alaric approved ; a worthy mate knew when to challenge and when to observe . She shifted uneasily , sensing my scheme , but I deliberately drew out the moment . The power balance had shifted back in my favor , and it was intoxicating . I spent the next hour focused entirely on work , giving her detailed notes which she dutifully recorded on her tablet . The professional atmosphere seemed to relax her , making her forget my potential ulterior motives . Finally , we managed a completely appropriate business interaction . Finishing my review , I set aside the papers , retrieved her cake , and settled back . I opened the package with deliberate slowness , taking a bite while feeling her eyes on me . " Absolutely divine ," I murmured , briefly closing my eyes . " You don't mind sharing , do you ? " I met her gaze with practiced innocence . She wavered between confusion and annoyance but shook her head . I handed her the gift bag . " A peace offering , Miss Bennett . I hope it meets your approval ." As she reached for the bag , I struggled to contain my predatory smile . Alaric purred with satisfaction inside me . Time to play , Miss Bennett . Let's see how wild I can make you . 07-38 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!