23 Chapter 23 Addictions Caroline's POV 1 I returned to my desk near the end of the workday , trying to focus on completing my remaining tasks despite the lingering tension from Howard's confrontation . I was just finishing up when Kyle came in singing , " Oh! Pretty Woman " " Kyle , you'd make it big as a singer , " I smiled at her , grateful for her lighthearted presence after such a stressful day . " Maybe , maybe , " she grinned , " but I like the vibe in this office . Linda told me everything ; I was on the third floor making copies . Are you okay ? " Her eyes searched mine with genuine concern . " Yes , I am . Thanks for asking . " I appreciated how quickly I'd been accepted into this tight - knit pack , even if I wasn't officially part of it yet . " Well then , my friend , I'm heading out . My mate called ; he got home early and said he has a surprise waiting for me . " Her eyes sparkled with excitement . " I love his surprises ; I can't wait ! " " Look at you , lucky wolf . Have a great night ! " I teased . " Thanks . I'll tell you what he was up to at lunch tomorrow . Oh , should we plan something for the weekend ? I told him about you , and he's excited to meet you ." " That would be great ! Can I bring Eleanor ? " I asked , knowing my best friend would love to meet more members of the Storm Valley Pack . " Of course you can . See you tomorrow , pretty she - wolf ! " I smiled at the playful nickname she gave me , and then felt a warm breath against my ear as a deep voice rumbled , " What am I going to do with you , Caroline ? " Draven's rich scent sent shivers down my spine . " My beta Ryan howls like a lovesick pup whenever he sees you , Kyle calls you ' pretty she - wolf , I can't control myself around you , and now I'm addicted to chocolate cake . How will this end ? " His scent , that intoxicating blend of cedarwood and musk , enveloped me completely . " Be careful with those addictions , Alpha Draven , " I replied without turning around . " They have a way of becoming quite unmanageable . " Rory preened inside me , pleased with my response . " That's right . Let him chase us . " " Hmm , perhaps I don't want to manage this particular addiction ," he murmured , so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body . " Come , let's show off your beauty at Golden Petal . Let's enjoy dinner and a pleasant evening after such a tense day . " His fingers brushed lightly against my shoulder . " But don't think I've forgotten about our unfinished conversation . " He winked and strode toward the door where Ryan and Clara were already waiting by the elevator . The knowing look Ryan gave me suggested he saw right through our little dance . The dinner was genuinely pleasant and fun . Golden Petal's ambiance was intimate without being overly romantic , with soft lighting and elegant décor . The food was absolutely delicious , and after dinner , Draven ordered a slice of chocolate cake and leaned in to whisper in my ear , " Share this cake with me ? " The question carried weight beyond the simple dessert offering . I nodded ; it was impossible to resist . He was charming , charismatic , and 07:39 113 devastatingly handsome . When he looked at me with those violet eyes , my resistance crumbled . Ryan didn't miss the opportunity to tease , " Hey , Clara , our Alpha's now addicted to chocolate cake . I've told him he'll end up getting fat . " " That's why , " Draven replied smoothly , sliding the plate between us , " I'm sharing my cake with my executive assistant . " " Caroline ," Clara said , " you need to make it clear to these two and Kyle that you're the one in charge . Don't forget what I taught you about handling alpha males ." " Oh look , " Ryan laughed , " Clara's already trained the new Beta - in - charge ." " The worst part ," Draven said , his eyes never leaving mine , " is that the new executive assistant already has me wrapped around her finger . " His admission made me blush furiously . When it was time to leave , Clara offered to drop me home , but Alpha Draven wouldn't allow it , insisting on taking me himself so Clara wouldn't have to go out of her way . As we pulled up in front of my building , he turned off the engine and turned to face me . " Today was ... intense , " he said , his voice softer than I'd heard it before . " Draven , " I began , finally using his first name , " I want to apologize . I wasn't professional today . I gave in to provocations and crossed lines that shouldn't be crossed between an Alpha and his employee . I completely understand if you want to reconsider whether I'm the right person for this position ." I took a deep breath before continuing , " I was actually prepared to hand in my resignation at the end of the day , but then the incident with Howard happened . I can submit it tomorrow if you prefer . This isn't like me - I don't behave impulsively or act without thinking , but you ... you awaken something in me that I can't explain . When you provoke me , I just ... I lose control ." When I finally looked up at him , he was smiling , his violet eyes glowing softly in the dim light . " Caroline ," he said , " this is the first time you've called me by my name without formality . I like it . Can it be like this from now on ? " I nodded , confused by his reaction , and he continued , " Look , I know exactly who you are . When I was deciding on new staff , I asked Clara to send me your resume , and I even spoke with your former supervisor at BuildRight Corp. I know you're typically composed and professional . " He leaned closer , his scent intensifying . " And honestly ? You'd have to be made of stone not to respond to me when I'm deliberately trying to get under your skin ." " So you admit you've been provoking me intentionally ? " I challenged , feeling braver . " Completely guilty , " he confessed with a wolfish grin . " I've thoroughly enjoyed watching you react . But during that video conference ... He groaned , running both hands over his face in that gesture I already found endearing . " I didn't catch a damn thing that happened in that meeting , and I'm usually laser - focused on business . Do you have any idea how difficult it was watching you when I couldn't ... participate ? " " I'm sorry ," I replied , not feeling sorry at all . " But I was furious after what you did after lunch ." " Don't apologize ," he said , his voice dropping to a growl that made Rory whimper with anticipation . " Just remember next time that I want to play too ." The wicked smile that crossed his lips sent heat pooling low in my belly . 07.39 213 " And what exactly are we playing at , Alpha ? " I asked boldly, surprising myself . His eyes darkened at my challenge . " Something dangerous and delicious , " he replied . " But I'm not going to fire you ; you're exceptionally competent , and whatever happens between us won't affect work . Can we agree to that ? Let things flow naturally ? " " And if I say no ? " I tested , needing to establish some boundaries . " Then I'll respect that , " he said seriously , his eyes holding mine . " I may be an Alpha , but I'm not a monster , Caroline . I won't force anything you don't want . " I nodded , strangely touched by his assurance . " Then yes , we can let things flow , but no more making me lose my composure during important meetings . " " I make no promises there ," he laughed . " Now go rest . You must be exhausted . " He took my hand , surprising me by bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss that lingered just long enough to make my heart race . As I got out of the car and headed toward my building entrance , he called after me , " Caroline ? " I turned back to find him leaning out the window , eyes gleaming mischievously . " I'm definitely going to keep provoking you ." His laughter followed me all the way to the elevator , and I couldn't help but smile despite myself . Goddess help me , I was playing with fire , and I knew it . 1 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!