Chapter 36

Two days. It had been two days since Marcus had last spoken to Amelia. He had high hopes that she would indeed show up at the office the following day. Even had a desk placed in the open area in front of his office, ready and waiting for its occupant to arrive. But the day quickly disappeared and Amelia had not shown up.

Since Marcus had also pulled the wolves he had stationed to watch over Amelia, Rowan came to give his full report. While Marcus sat behind his desk, Rowan began.

“Alpha, as you can see from the documents. There was no unusual activity around Amelia’s apartment building. The only ones seen entering and exiting the apartment were Amelia and her roommate. Except the night when her roommate had help moving her things—at least that’s what we’re assuming, as she has not been seen since. There were a few others who were helping her carry boxes. But they were not wolves or other creatures that we could tell. As far as this evidence is concerned there was no reason to worry about Amelia’s loyalty. She had no connection to anyone except her roommate, and when she worked here.” The scout gave his speech like a lawyer giving a closing statement. Marcus admired Rowan; he would have made a great lawyer if that is what he'd wanted to be. But Rowan loved his job with the pack, and was good at it.

“Thank you, Rowan,” Marcus replied as he skimmed over the packet with the information Rowan had just described written upon the pages. He knew before the evidence was before him that he had overreacted. His visit to his mother, and to Amelia’s apartment, had cemented that belief. He was hopeful that Amelia would be able to forgive him. He had apologized to her, and if she gave him the chance would spend the rest of their time making up for it.

Or at least for as long as she would have him.

“Alpha? If I may speak freely?” Marcus pulled his attention back to Rowan. A brow raised in question, as he waited for the red-haired wolf to continue. “She is an extraordinary person. Not many humans would have reacted so calmly to being surrounded by us, as she had been that night. She showed no fear, except towards Dalton. Even when she approached you after the fight. If she decides to come back to you, she’ll make a great Luna.”

Marcus nodded his agreement. Amelia was different. That is why he wanted to give her the time she needed, but it was starting to weigh on his heart that maybe she was going to reject him.

He let out a sigh. “Thanks, Rowan, it means a lot coming from you.'' His words were soft. Rowan always was objective when it came to things. Knowing that Rowan supported Amelia as their possible future Luna meant that he saw things from every angle, picking up the small details most would not notice. That is what made the man a good tracker. Not to mention his instinct never seemed to lead them astray.

Rowan nodded and went to turn before hearing a commotion outside the office. Both men walked towards the doorway, but froze as they took in the sight before them.

Amelia dropped a box of items on the desk in the executive lobby. She was dressed like she just stepped off a page of a business fashion magazine, even with her ever trusty black pumps.

“I’m assuming this is mine?” She gave a cheeky smile, placing a hand on her hip as she jutted it to the side.

“Amelia, you came!” Marcus spoke in an excited whisper, almost not believing it. He took a moment to just stare, as if she might disappear if he looked away. Certain she was indeed real, he rushed forward to embrace her, but was stopped as she held up a hand.

“Nu-uh, mister. First I have some demands.” She reached into the box, pulled out a file folder, and held it towards him.

She had spent her time going over everything that she and Marcus had talked about. It would take time for her to fully trust him again, but she was willing to take the chance. But she had stipulations to protect herself this time, which she put in writing to present to him.

Rowan bowed his head and excused himself. Marcus glanced at the file, then back at her face before taking the offered item. He began skimming over the contract. It had all of her requests, from benefits to salary; then to date nights, and even a part that demanded there be no secrets between them.

“Is this all, Ms. Rowe?” he questioned, giving her a sultry smile that had the butterflies in her stomach going wild.

She nodded. “There are a few other clauses in there that I would like to discuss with you, but it can wait till we’re both more comfortable in our situation again,” Amelia added, still trying to maintain the professional facade—but her smile gave her away.

Marcus’ wolf was panting just beneath the surface. “She’s playing hard to get.” the creature murmured. “Doesn’t she know we enjoy the chase?” Marcus was glad to have his other half back. He had missed the animal and all his dirty innuendos, at least when it came to Amelia.

“What might those things be?” he questioned as he inched closer to her. He had sensed Jackson start to move out of his office. His Beta must have quickly understood what was going on, as not a second later he was closing his office door and going about his business. He was thankful that his friend did not interrupt.

“Well, Mr. Wolfe, like I said, it’ll have to wait to see how things progress from here. No need to put the cart before the horse.” By now she had allowed his face to be mere inches away from hers. His lips so close to hers had her losing her focus for a moment, as he set the folder on the desk next to them.

“We can still discuss those, so we can have a plan in place.” His warm breath caressed her skin.

The sensation brought up memories of their previous kisses, and that night in his apartment. It sent a brief shiver down her spine. She tried to dismiss the feeling. She was on a mission, and could not get distracted by his tactics. Not yet anyway.

“Well,” her voice was just above a whisper, “things like living arrangements.” Their lips moved closer and her words became breathy. “And if I will become… a… a...” She got momentarily side tracked.

“Become a what?” His voice was equally quiet, as he watched her look from his lips to his eyes through her lashes.

“A wolf, too,” she finally managed to breathe out.

He paused his torture as he bent down a bit to look her straight in the eye while his hands cupped her shoulders for good measure. “Amelia. That is a big step, and there is a lot to becoming one that you don’t understand just yet. We can discuss that. But know this, I will never make you do something you do not want to do. Regardless of species, you’re mine for as long as you’ll have me.” He watched her face for her reaction.

A mischievous smile curled the edges of her lips. “Then, Mr. Wolfe, all you have to do is sign off on our agreement and you’ll have yourself a new assistant. And you, Marcus,” she added, poking gently at his chest, causing the tingles of the mate bond to return, “will have a chance at your mate again.” She placed the fingertips of her free hand on the file and slid it towards him.

“Oh, she’s a feisty one isn’t she?” his wolf asked the rhetorical question as he was practically drooling over their mate.

“You saucy minx,” Marcus chided playfully before he stood up, grabbing the file as he took a step back. “Come, let us discuss this in a more private area.” He motioned towards his office. He was going to sign the papers, but he also had to read the small print. That was the lawyer in him, all the training said to read everything before you sign. He wanted to make sure he knew exactly what he was getting into.

Amelia smiled triumphantly. She had another chance at a dashingly handsome man, as well as a job where she would not have to worry about much. She chided herself mentally as she caught herself staring at his behind in the well-fitting trousers he wore.

Oh yeah, things were starting to look up.