Chapter 12 Undeniable Feelings
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, thinking of what to do with my hair. I wanted to pack it in a ponytail like I always did, but the thought of doing something different came to my mind.
I let it down and stared at my reflection again, shaking my head as if to brush away the thought of wanting to look different. I packed my hair back into a ponytail.
Since when do I care about how I look?
Ever since the war that made Layla and me lose our parents, we’ve been living together, and most times when Layla is out partying, I’m doing a part-time job to pay the bills. I didn’t have time to care about how I looked or what I wore.
I grabbed my bag from the bed and walked out of the room, resisting the urge to look toward the vanity mirror.
The ride to the company took a while, and I rested my head against the chair, thinking and planning on what to do. I needed to try my best to avoid anything that would make my heart beat for Alpha Warren.
But that turned out to be harder than I thought. The moment I stepped into the building, the first person I saw was him. He was walking down the lobby with Jane standing close to him as they discussed something in a hush. I looked away quickly and tried to get to the elevator, but he turned toward my direction.
“Diana,” he called in a soft, solemn voice that made my heart tingle.
Without hesitation, I rushed to meet him. My cheeks flushed as beads of sweat gathered around my forehead. “Yes, Alpha,” I answered, and when our eyes met, I immediately looked away.
“I want you to get the documents containing sales from the past three months,” he said, glancing at me once more before walking away.
I nodded and turned, catching the angry stare Jane shot at me. Her eyes were sharp, full of something I didn’t want to deal with that morning. I ignored her and stepped into the elevator.
The elevator doors closed and I finally breathed out. I placed my hand on my chest as I remembered how he looked at me, calm, gentle, almost like he saw something more. But I shook my head. I was probably thinking too much. Someone like Alpha Warren wouldn’t look at me that way.
When the elevator reached the top floor, I walked out and headed to the counter. A lady with short blond hair looked up from her work.
“Good morning,” I said. “Alpha Warren asked me to get the file for the sales of the last three months.”
“Give me a minute,” she replied and walked to the back room to get it.
I rested my hand on the counter and tried not to think about him and focus on work, but two women nearby were talking in lowered voices, and their words forced themselves into my ears.
“They’re almost done with the preparations for the Luna mating ball,” one said.
“I heard. The Alpha’s mother was so excited to finally meet her son's mate. She said she’s going to crown her at the ball.”
“The Alpha’s mate is so lucky. He’s such a handsome man. And to think he waited eighteen years for her…”
My chest tightened. Their words settled inside me in a way that made my stomach twist. Lucky. Beautiful. Chosen. Those were the kind of words meant for someone else, not me.
The blond lady returned with the file. I thanked her, but as I turned to leave, I bumped into someone. The files she was holding scattered across the floor.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry,” I said, kneeling down to help her pick them up.
“It’s fine,” she said kindly. She looked around my age and had gentle eyes. “I’m Cora.”
“Diana,” I said, handing her the last sheet. “I’m really sorry.”
She shook her head with a smile. “Don’t worry about it.”
I nodded and hurried away. My mind was already too heavy for small talk.
Once I stepped into the elevator, I pressed the button to the Alpha’s office floor and leaned against the wall. I tried to breathe, but the words I overheard kept replaying in my mind.
Why did it hurt this much?
Why did I feel like something in my chest was cracking open?
I was a lone wolf. I don't even have a pack. I shouldn’t feel anything for an Alpha. Especially not my boss. I needed this job. I needed my salary to pay rent. I couldn’t do anything that would get me sacked.
The elevator dinged, and the doors opened.
I walked toward the Alpha’s office, still holding the file tightly in my hand. Before I could knock, the door opened, and Alpha Warren stepped outside.
He stopped when he saw me.
He looked… different today. His dark hair was brushed back but still had a few loose strands that made him look effortlessly handsome. His brown eyes looked warm, steady, and somehow deeper when they landed on me. He wore a black fitted shirt tucked into dark grey trousers, the kind that showed his broad shoulders and strong arms clearly. His sleeves were rolled up just enough to show his veins, making him look relaxed but powerful at the same time.
Everything about him made my throat dry.
“Is that the file?” he asked, nodding toward the documents in my hand.
“Yes… Alpha,” I said, trying not to sound nervous. I handed it to him, but when our fingers brushed, something warm ran through me.
I froze, hoping he didn’t notice the small breath I took.
His eyes softened a little, like he felt something too.
“Thank you, Diana,” he said quietly.
The way he said my name felt heavier than before, like there was something in his voice he wasn’t showing.