Chapter 18 My phone rang abruptly , interrupting her . I sighed and pulled out my phone - it was Neil . Damn it . " Do you mind if I take this ? " I asked quietly . " It's fine , " she replied . I nodded and answered . There was no point walking away - she could hear anyway - but I hoped he wouldn't reveal my identity first . " Hey , what's up ? " " We have a bit of trouble . " Although his tone still sounded calm , I could hear a barely perceptible tension in his voice . That was Neil - he could stay composed no matter how big the issue , which was why I relied so heavily on this deputy . " Just what I love to hear , " I said quietly , pulling Jossie closer to me . Protecting her was instinctive , even when the threat wasn't immediate . " Go ahead . " " The fox brought two different bounties . " I sat up abruptly , startling Jossie , who made a soft " mm " sound . After she settled back against me , I held the phone to my ear , and she gave me a heart - stopping smile . " Whoa , who was that just now ? " Neil immediately asked . 11:32 The Alpha's Regret : Begging for His Outcast Mate Every Min New It's Your Turn Chapter 18 " None of your business . Get to the point . Who is it ? " " One ally , one enemy . " " Excellent ! " I couldn't help raising my voice , my blood stirring with excitement . " What about the elephant ? " " Even better . It's the sirens . " " You're kidding ... " I lowered my voice , my jaw nearly dropping . Jossie immediately turned her head , her eyes showing concern . I silently mouthed " it's fine " to her , but she remained confused . Within seconds I'd gone from happy to excited to shocked - this emotional rollercoaster probably made her wolf uneasy too . " The problem is ... they need transportation support . " " Then arrange it , " I commanded , my tone sharper than usual . He'd interrupted my date with Jossie just for something he could handle himself , which irritated me - even though the news itself was exciting . He sighed , and I knew what came next would only make me more impatient . " They need you to handle it personally . " Damn it . The sirens needed help ... but I couldn't abandon Jossie . " I need to ... " 11:32 A The Alpha's Regret : Begging for His Outcast Mate Propel Your Career Forward Chapter 18 I stopped , looking down at the woman in my arms . She was obviously on guard but still trying to appear nonchalant . I had to find a way to bring her back to my pack - though I wanted to stay here with her , my responsibilities couldn't be delayed any longer . " ... fine , damn it . " " What's going on over there ? We've been working on this for months , I thought you'd be happier . I can have someone else take over your work there . " My brother's tone was teasing , " Those guys would be thrilled to replace you . " " Yeah , but I found what I've been looking for all these years here . It's not that simple . " I looked down at Jossie , her eyes clear and bright in the moonlight . I smiled tenderly at her , completely ignoring Neil's exclamation on the other end . " I'll call you later , don't act on your own , wait for my word . " " Got it . " I hung up and refocused on my mate . " Sorry , I should have put my phone on silent . " " It's fine , " she shrugged lightly , " Do I need to ask anything ? " " If you want to know , I'm certainly willing to tell you , " I replied . Except for those specific details about " shapeshifters " -hopefully her keen senses hadn't pieced together the truth yet . I had nothing to hide from her . 11:32 The Alpha's Regret Begging for His Outcast Mate Never stop learning : From coding to data analysis to Chapter 18 Besides , those special groups were only allowed freedom after settling down . After all , mythical creatures wandering around would be extremely dangerous . I could proudly say that we had the highest percentage of mythical beings living safely outside enclosures - because we could ensure their safety and provide them with lives they couldn't have otherwise . Freedom was their goal , and the freedom I provided was more than sufficient . " Actually , I don't need to know too much ... but it sounded urgent . Do you have to go back ? " " I'll handle it , " I said softly , and her relieved sigh made me smile . " But it's almost midnight now , and you have work tomorrow . Let me take you home , okay ? " " My car is still at the office ." I nodded . " Then I'll pick you up in the morning . " - Another reason to see her , I was so clever . But she shook her head , and I could feel myself unconsciously pressing my lips together . " I'd prefer ... just drop me off there , please . " " If that's what you want . " I wasn't a fool - having successfully gotten her to have dinner with me , I wouldn't push too hard on the first day . " Mm , " she responded , biting her lip and deliberately avoiding my gaze as she stood 11:32 The Alpha's Regret : Begging for His Outcast Mate Propel Your Career Forward Chapter 18 up from the blanket we'd been sitting on . " What's wrong ? " " Thank you . " " You've thanked me so many times tonight , " I said with a smile , standing up and matching her pace . I cleaned up the trash and threw it in the bin , folded the blanket , while she seemed to still be choosing her words . I took her hand and we walked toward the car together . " This is ... quite new , " she said hesitantly . " What's quite new? " " Dating . Not that I'm saying we're- " " No , I like it , " I interrupted her , gently shaking our joined hands . " Dating . " Dating my mate . It felt impossibly wonderful . " I don't really have any friends . My life is ... basically just work . " " I understand the workaholic pattern , " I said gently , " but maintaining balance is actually important . " " Mr. Lawyer , you don't get to tell me how to live my life , " she teased , but I still caught a hint of deeply hidden loneliness . " I love my work . " 11:32 The Alpha's Regret : Begging for His Outcast Mate Propel Your Career Chapter 18 Would it be too arrogant to take credit for this ? The law firm she worked at was my company - even without my knowledge , I'd been providing my mate with a safe place to belong . I could imagine how those guys would laugh at me for being whipped . But honestly , I didn't care . Jossie had me completely hooked , and I didn't want to change that one bit. This woman was mine - my mate, my future , my one and only . ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 19 Chapter 19 Title: Cohabitating Lover by CrushReel In the romantic tale "Cohabitating Lover," Corinne, a runaway bride still donned in her wedding attire, and Andre find themselves mistakenly tangled in a leasing office mix-up. Despite initial reluctance, they become unexpected roommates after a series of arguments lead to an unconventional living arrangement. Exploring themes of love, transformation, and the magnetic pull of opposites, this modern romance unfolds against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and a high-powered office setting. As Corinne and Andre navigate their differences and shared living space, their individual glow-ups and personal growth intertwine in a heartwarming display of vulnerability and resilience. This sweet romance novel stands out for its portrayal of characters grappling with unexpected circumstances while discovering the true meaning of companionship. With a blend of CEO dynamics, modern settings, and the allure of opposites attracting, "Cohabitating Lover" offers readers a refreshing take on love and self-discovery. Escape into this ongoing story available to read at CrushReel for a captivating journey through the complexities of relationships and personal evolution.