Caroline's POV 1 Ryan handed me a glass of water , which I accepted with trembling hands . It wasn't until Draven's fingers gently brushed across my face that I realized tears were streaming down my cheeks . " Easy , Caroline ," he murmured , his voice a soothing rumble as he rubbed small circles on my back . " Howard has no power to harm you . You're safe here ; that worthless elder can't touch your position . " I felt my wolf , Rory , stir inside me , unusually comforted by his touch despite not being a member of his pack yet . " That's right , Carrie , " Ryan chimed in supportively . " Don't pay any attention to Howard . The man's a complete ass . You're a strong she- wolf ; don't let him intimidate you . " Draven's head snapped toward his Beta . " Since when do you take the liberty of using nicknames with my executive assistant ? " His eyes flashed violet , jealousy evident in his tone . " Since we became friends ," Ryan replied with an easy grin , completely unfazed by his Alpha's possessive growl . " And don't be a knothead of an Alpha yourself ! " Despite everything , I couldn't help laughing at their familiar banter , the tension in my shoulders easing slightly . Draven stood up and gently cupped my chin , tilting my face until our eyes met . " Not a knothead ," he smirked , flashing a smile . " Just protective of what's mine ." Moon goddess , why did this infuriating Alpha have to be so breathtakingly handsome ? My body remembered all too well what those hands were capable of , even if my mind couldn't place the memory properly . " For Moon goddess's sake , you two are dancing around the inevitable ! " Ryan exclaimed with a knowing smirk . " Carrie , I was just telling your Alpha that I've made reservations for our dinner tonight , and he's not allowed any excuses . We're going to enjoy the company of two amazing women . We're going to Golden Petal ; it's Clara's favorite restaurant , and you'll love it there . " He paused , eyebrows raised . " But Alpha Draven , I can't figure out why Carrie thinks you'd object to her joining us tonight ." " As if I'd have a problem with that ," Draven replied . " On the contrary , having Carrie at dinner tonight will be ... absolutely delightful ." The way he used my nickname felt intimate , almost claiming , while his eyes held mine with mischievous intent . " And they serve an extraordinary chocolate cake there , Carrie . " His scent - cedarwood and musk - intensified slightly as he leaned closer . " What's with your obsession with chocolate cake today ? " Ryan laughed . " You had a slice this morning , I saw the plate on your side table . You ordered another during the video conference , and now you're already thinking about having more at dinner ? You'll end up getting fat , pretty boy Alpha . " " Oh , my friend ," Draven replied with a suggestive smile that made my cheeks flush hot , " I've developed quite an addiction to ... chocolate 07.20 1/3 cake . " The intensity in his gaze told me he wasn't talking about dessert at all . A gentle knock interrupted the charged moment , and Clara entered followed by Linda , " Carrie , are you alright , honey ? " Clara asked . " Howard has always been unpleasant , but he's crossing serious pack boundaries now , Draven . " The older woman's usually calm demeanor was clearly ruffled . " I'm fine , Clara , thank you ," I assured her , squeezing her hand gratefully . " It was unsettling and caught me off guard , but I'll be okay . " " Don't worry , " Draven's voice carried that commanding Alpha tone that made everyone instinctively straighten . " I'll handle this personally . Clara , tell me , does Howard behave this way with others ? " " He's far worse than just rude , " Clara's voice burned with unusual anger . " He's arrogant , abusive , and particularly vicious toward female staff . He's outdated , Draven . I know his financial expertise is valuable , but staff morale is suffering under his behavior ." Draven's eyes darkened to midnight violet . " Linda , I want immediate restrictions on floor access . Pack rank doesn't override protocol , and I won't have my staff endangered ." He activated the speakerphone . " Jake , implement new security measures for the executive floor . Linda will provide authorized personnel lists . Set unique codes for the core team : Ryan , Kyle , Caroline , Clara , Linda , and myself . All others need explicit clearance from Linda , and visitors require authorization from code holders . Elevator access requires verification , and secure the emergency stairwell from inside . Announce this directive to all employees now . " " Yes , Alpha , " a deep voice responded from the other end . " It will be implemented today . " Draven ended the call and looked around the room , his gaze lingering on me protectively . " This should deter the more audacious ones . Linda , thank you , that will be all . " Linda nodded respectfully before leaving and closing the door behind her . Ryan immediately took the opportunity to bring Clara into the dinner plans , and we spent a few minutes chatting while Ryan recounted how Alpha Draven had come to my rescue . His storytelling had us all laughing , the tension from earlier dissolving into something more comfortable . But I couldn't ignore the way Draven's eyes kept finding mine across the room . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!