Chapter 41: Dangerous Territory

Amelia's POV

The gift box felt heavy in my hands as I stood outside Alexander's office. A peace offering—that's what I told myself it was. Not that I was trying to win his favor on my first day at Westbrook Industries. No, just a gesture to show we could move past our... complicated history.

When I pushed open the door, the scene before me froze my steps. Seraphina—the gorgeous blonde Executive Assistant to the CEO who'd led me to Alexander last time—was leaning against Alexander's desk. Her back arched slightly, blouse strategically unbuttoned to reveal enough cleavage to make her intentions crystal clear. Her blonde hair cascaded over one shoulder, and her crimson lips formed a seductive smile as she leaned toward him.

"Mr. Westbrook, I think we should review these contracts over dinner tonight," she purred, one manicured finger tracing patterns on the desk surface.

Alexander sat behind his imposing mahogany desk, his broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his tailored charcoal suit. His jawline looked even sharper today, clean-shaven and set in a bored expression. His piercing blue eyes remained fixed on documents before him rather than on the woman attempting to entice him, his raven-black hair perfectly styled despite the long workday.

The moment she spotted me, Seraphina's smile vanished like it had been slapped off her face. Her eyes narrowed, hostility radiating from her in waves as she straightened up, adjusting her blouse with a quick, annoyed movement.

"What are you doing here?" Seraphina's voice cut through the air. "You're supposed to be at your desk waiting for me to complete your training. Not barging into Mr. Westbrook's office unannounced!"

“Wait for you? I wanted to scream. I've been sitting at that desk for two hours with no word from anyone! But the protest died in my throat as her hostile glare pinned me to the spot.”

Her eyes darted to the elegantly wrapped box in my hands, and her expression darkened further, jealousy practically emanating from her like heat waves.

"New employees can't just walk in here without an appointment," she snapped. "You need to schedule time with the CEO through proper channels."

My cheeks burned as I glanced nervously around the room, fingers fidgeting with the edge of the gift box. I shuffled my feet, unsure where to look. My eyes darted from the floor-to-ceiling windows with their panoramic city view to the bookshelf lined with leather-bound business classics, then to the abstract paintings that probably cost more than my yearly tuition.

God, I shouldn't have come here. This was stupid, stupid, stupid.

I bit my lower lip, desperately searching for an excuse. My throat felt dry, and I could feel my wolf shrinking back inside me, intimidated by Seraphina's territorial display.

That's when I spotted it—my portfolio hanging on the sleek coat rack near the door, partially hidden behind what must be Alexander's expensive suit jacket. Relief flooded through me.

"I—I just came to get my portfolio," I stammered, pointing toward the coat rack with a trembling finger. "I left it here after my interview last time." I took a small step in that direction, as if to prove my point, nearly tripping over my own feet in nervousness.

Seraphina's scarlet lips pressed into a thin line, ready to deliver another rebuke, when Alexander spoke.

"Seraphina, I need to speak with Ms. Throne alone." His voice was calm but left no room for argument, eyes finally lifting from his paperwork.

"But Mr. Westbrook, she needs to complete her orientation, and company policy clearly states—"

"I said I need to speak with her!" The command in his voice deepened, his authority ringing through the office, making the glass paperweights on his desk vibrate slightly.

Seraphina's face went rigid, resentment flashing in her eyes. She turned stiffly toward the door, deliberately bumping my shoulder as she passed. At the threshold, she shot me one last venomous glare—a warning—before closing the door behind her.

The air in the room suddenly felt charged with dangerous electricity. Alexander stood and stalked toward me, his impressive height forcing me to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. His blue eyes were intense as they traveled over my professional attire—taking in my silk blouse and pencil skirt. I fought the urge to step back, my pulse racing in my throat.

Don't show weakness. Don't let him know how he affects you.

"Bringing gifts to charm your new boss on your first day?" His voice had a suggestive edge that made my pulse quicken. One dark eyebrow arched elegantly. "Are you applying to be my assistant or... something else, Ms. Throne?"

My face flushed hot, the blush probably spreading down my neck. "It's not—it's not like that. It's just... a peace offering." I clutched the box tighter, my knuckles turning white.

I remembered what Melanie had told me this morning: "Seraphina doesn't like any woman who gets close to Mr. Westbrook. Especially young, pretty ones. She's driven out three female executives in the last year alone."

Alexander's lips curled into a cold smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Many women at Westbrook Industries have fantasies about the CEO position. Or rather, they fantasize about my bed, hoping to become the Westbrook heir's mate."

The sudden tightness in my chest surprised me. An image of Seraphina in his arms flashed unbidden through my mind, making my stomach clench. "And you... with her... with Seraphina..." My voice dropped involuntarily, betraying emotions I didn't want to acknowledge.

He moved to the window, looking out at the city below with contempt, his silhouette powerful against the afternoon light. "They're not worthy of the Westbrook name. But occasionally..." He deliberately left the sentence unfinished, letting my imagination fill in the blanks.

"I understand," I said flatly, though something acidic churned in my stomach. My wolf paced restlessly inside me, bristling with unexpected jealousy, confused by the conflicting signals—wanting to submit to the Alpha but also wanting to claw at anyone who might claim him.

What's wrong with me? I don't even want him. I shouldn't care who he sleeps with.

Without warning, Alexander turned and walked slowly toward me, golden flecks dancing in his blue eyes like sparks in an ocean.

"Were you jealous just now, Omega?" His voice dropped to a dangerous purr that seemed to reverberate through my bones.

I backed away instinctively until my spine hit the cold wall. Trapped. His scent engulfed me—cedar, leather, and raw power that made my knees weak and my wolf howl with recognition.

My wolf strained toward its Alpha, while my human side screamed caution. He's dangerous. He's the man who forced you to write the blood oath. The man who keeps demoting Nathan. Don't forget that.

"What happened to your pride and defiance from our interview?" Alexander's voice was low and dangerous as he placed one hand on the wall beside my head, caging me between his body and the wall. His nearness was overwhelming, his body heat radiating against mine despite the inches between us. "What are you afraid of now?"

I pressed my hands against my chest, trying to push some space between us, feeling the rapid beat of my heart. "I should get back to work..."

He deliberately leaned closer, his lips nearly brushing my ear, his breath warm against my skin. "If you're trying to compete with Seraphina, you'll need to be more persuasive..."

The gift box slipped from my trembling fingers, hitting the floor with a soft thud. The lid popped open, revealing what was inside—a carefully crafted statue of a majestic white wolf leading a pack under moonlight. An exact replica of Alexander in his wolf form during the Luna Festival, every detail perfect from his distinctive markings to the proud tilt of his head.

Alexander paused, his expression softening slightly as he crouched to pick up the sculpture. The predatory tension in his shoulders eased. "This is..."

"Just something Isabelle and I created with 3D modeling and printing at school," I explained quickly, my voice shaking. "It's nothing."

"I should get back to work!" I seized the moment of his distraction to bolt for the door, nearly forgetting my briefcase in my desperation to escape.

I yanked it open and rushed out, only to crash directly into a tall, solid figure in the hallway. I let out a startled yelp as strong hands gripped my shoulders to steady me, preventing me from tumbling backward.

Who the hell...?