Kaida

Present day

I woke up with a scream, clutching my throat and bolting upright in bed. Sweat had molded my nightdress to my skin, a result of the chilling nightmare I had endured.

Legends claimed that disrespecting an Alpha always came with adverse consequences, but I expected those superstitious beliefs to be outdated and ineffectual by now. After all, we were in the 21st century.

Although a few details, such as packs, healers, and distinguishable titles like Alpha, Beta, and Omega, still lingered from the past, we were no longer living in an era where a single ruler-the Alpha-presided over the future of a community irrefutably. It was a free world around here, with communal rules we lived by, but nothing like the old system of leadership.

Months had passed since I had crossed paths with the Ragnar Brothers, and I had learned from Meredith that they descended from a line of powerful Alphas and were back in town for reasons known only to them.

Ever since their arrival, their reputation had instilled terror in the hearts of the locals. Their names were whispered on every local's lips, and nobody dared to gossip about them loudly for fear of repercussions. These people acted like gods who had descended out of nowhere into our town, intimidating the inhabitants with their presence.

My life hadn't improved over the months, and I was tempted to attribute my recurring nightmares to their influence. I was still the same jobless individual, working odd jobs to get by until I could secure a stable job that matched my qualifications. However, the prospect looked bleak with each passing day. Perhaps I would remain unemployed for life.

My nightmare never ceased to leave a sour taste in my mouth. My heart felt pinpricked, with pain spearing through it. I dragged my hands through my hair, releasing a frustrated breath.

In my dream, I was often chased by predatory creatures with gleaming red eyes that I couldn't make out in the darkness and blurriness. The snarls and tension had coaxed a shudder from me, and the sensation of fear still lingered, my body trembling in reaction.

I scrambled out of bed, throwing the covers aside, and stepped onto the floor of my bedroom. The small space, originally meant to be a closet or storage, had been converted into a makeshift bedroom for myself. I didn't possess many belongings, having sold most of them along with the house to clear some of my outstanding debts. Despite the few items I possessed and the small student bed I slept on, there was barely enough space to navigate around the room.

I headed out to the kitchen to cool my parched throat with a glass of water. I observed the time displayed on the grandfather clock in the corner; it was almost morning-5:30 a.m. I had no reason to wake up early, as I had no tangible commitments for the morning.

With a heavy heart, reminded of my predicament, I rinsed my cup and returned it to the cabinet. I doubted I could sleep again now that I had woken up. It often took me longer to fall asleep, unlike Meredith, who dozed off immediately once she lay beneath the covers. She could sleep through an earthquake, but I was a light sleeper; the tiniest sound could rouse me awake.

Having nothing better to do, I retrieved my phone from the bedroom and continued my job hunt, hoping I might encounter a stroke of luck. Persistence, they say, is the key to success, and one never knows when they might find the answer they've been seeking.

I headed back to the minimalist sitting room and plopped down on the retractable couch, surrounded by two armchairs and a three-seater cushion, all arranged around a short, circular dark mahogany table with sturdy, arched legs. The table sat atop a silky plush brown matte rug, while the rest of the floor featured dark marble flooring.

The house rent was substantial, and its decor was highly attractive – a testament to its price. Meredith took on the higher portion of the bills, thanks to her family's contribution, while I struggled to pay the lower half of the household expenses due to my unemployment.

I occasionally found gigs to supplement my income and avoid depending solely on Meredith, but the pay was barely enough to cover my needs. The labor was often more than the remuneration was worth, but I took on these jobs nonetheless; beggars can't be choosers.

I continued scrolling through job vacancies, searching for any opportunity I could apply for.

Meredith swept into the room later, dressed and ready for work. She looked professional and attractive in her attire, her long, shapely legs being the most captivating feature of her physique.

In contrast, I was short and curvy, with a more voluptuous figure, while she was slim and tall, with rich golden blonde hair that accentuated her enchanting blue eyes.

Meredith had the smile of an angel and the physique of a runway model, with moderate assets that made her look smart and poised in her attire. Unlike me, whose curves often jiggled or spilled out of my dresses, Meredith's elegance was effortless.

I wasn't ashamed of my figure; I was an hourglass, after all. However, I sometimes wished I could be taller and more like my friend – Barbie-replica attractive.

"Morning," Meredith chirped, her excitement infectious despite the gloom that had settled around me.

I managed a smile in response. "Morning, Meredith."

She smiled back, heading to the kitchen to prepare her usual cup of coffee before leaving for work. I listened to the whir of the percolator, focusing on my task until Meredith returned with two mugs of steaming coffee.

"Here," she said, handing me one.

"Thanks," I replied, inhaling the rich aroma before taking a sip.

"How long have you been awake?" Meredith asked, sitting down in the chair across from me as she waited for her coffee to cool. It was 6:50 a.m., and she didn't start work until 8 o'clock.

"It's been over an hour now," I replied, rubbing my undereye to relieve the strain of staring at the screen for an extended period.

"Any luck so far?"

I shook my head, a sigh escaping me. "The platform is dry." I was thinking of loading another page to continue my search when Meredith walked in.

She offered a sympathetic smile and words of encouragement. "I heard from a source that the Ragnar Brothers are employing."

I blinked, frowning in disbelief. "Again?"

Meredith shrugged. "They pay handsomely. That must be the reason why the job demands are excessively pressured."

"Or they're terrible people to work with," I countered, recalling Rosa's account. Rosa, a girl I met on one of my short-paying gigs, had mentioned working with them and broke down in tears. She claimed she had resigned after a week due to mounting pressure and was currently undergoing therapy to deal with anxiety issues triggered by her experience with the Ragnar Brothers.

Meredith twisted her mouth contemplatively when I shared Rosa's story. "I was just thinking... one man's poison is another man's cure. You can't assume you'll encounter similar challenges as another person in your career."

I raised an eyebrow at her relentless persuasion. "I've heard stories from three of the endless list of staff they've employed over the past two months. They scar people, Meredith."

"You can't tell until you try," she said, her tone unwavering.

I narrowed my eyes, wondering if her persistence was rooted in her frustration with my increasing debts. "Is this your way of telling me you're fed up with putting up with me and my financial struggles?"

Meredith's blue eyes flashed with surprise. "Kaida, I'm only looking out for you. You need money, and those jobs won't make a dent in your growing expenses. If anyone can survive working for the Ragnar Brothers, it's you. You've put them in their place once."

I recalled our encounter two months ago, where I flipped them the bird without direct confrontation. Working closely with them might mean offering myself up for retribution.

"You're stronger, determined, and have come this far despite the pressure you've dealt with," Meredith continued, her words laced with conviction. "This is an opportunity for you, and the pay is highly attractive."

Her emphasis on "highly" was not lost on me. After Meredith left for work, I sat alone in the sitting room, weighing the pros and cons.

What if I couldn't handle the pressure? What if I ended up like the others, seeking therapy?

What if I succeeded? A silent voice echoed within me, reasoning that the pay was attractive and could help me pay off my debts and get by fine.

I was already struggling financially; what more pressure could derail my mental health than my current situation?

I made up my mind: I would apply.

Kaida

I waited for the door to be opened after the chime announced my presence. I heard the shuffle of feet from inside as someone approached to answer the door.

My heart thudded loudly in my ears, and my lips were pressed into a grim line. I pressed my resume flat against my thighs, nervousness flooding through me.

I fidgeted, wondering which of the brothers would be opening the door, and praying it wouldn't be the thieving one. I had a poor record of effectively masking my emotions, and even though it had been months, the granola bars he stole from me still radiated fury within me whenever I reflected on that day. It wouldn't be in my best interest to glare at my potential boss with my fate hanging on their acceptance.

I forced a smile onto my face as I heard the click of the door lock and the heavy wooden door swung open.

Surprise flashed across Caspian's face when he saw me.

He was the older brother, and I had researched the three brothers extensively that morning. Aside from their Alpha genealogy, the Ragnar Brothers had made a name for themselves abroad as oil and shipping magnates, with a net worth spanning hundreds of millions of dollars. My eyes had practically widened in astonishment when I read the estimates on Forbes.

Those brothers were incredibly wealthy; I wondered what they were doing in this small town, changing employees frequently and reportedly tormenting them into seeking therapy sessions.

I braced myself for my own future here, focusing on the money before I balked and decided again that the financial reward wasn't worth the risk to my mental health. However, the poverty I was enduring had already taken its toll.

"Hello. Good evening. My name is Kaida Wilder. I heard you were employing house assistants," I said, trying to sound confident.

His amber-brown eyes scanned me, as if he was still in disbelief that I was standing at their doorstep.

I inwardly cringed, recognizing that I had probably lost points with them before we even discussed my eligibility for the position, given our previous encounter. Nevertheless, Caspian stepped aside, granting me permission to enter.

I swallowed awkwardly, stepping over the threshold into a space that was nothing short of paradise. The interior was massive, impressive, and exotic, with towering ceilings, strong pillars, and brilliant lighting. Every part of the house I passed through was dazzling and enchanting, incomparable to any edifice I had come across in my entire life. This place reeked of wealth. I inhaled the crisp air, my lungs constricting with a mix of pleasure and awe.

Caspian directed me to sit on one of the plush chairs in the lavish sitting room, setting himself across from me. His gaze was intense as he watched me, and I wondered whether he was thinking of our last encounter.

The chair was so soft that I sank into it, biting down on my lower lip to stifle the sigh that almost escaped me.

I perched on the edge, not used to this luxurious treatment, and cleared my throat. "I know we didn't have a particularly good history, but if you could consider me for this employment, I will serve you to the utmost of my ability."

Caspian's gaze remained focused on my face, its intensity making me feel warm. Was he already intimidating me before I even began to work?

I recalled that Malachi, the thieving and youngest brother, possessed a similar intense look, and my heart twinged at the thought of working under their scrutiny. I could tell now why those people had to quit; they were too overwhelming. I was already feeling lightheaded from the attention. I struggled to maintain my composure, refusing to cave under the pressure.

"Are you going to say anything, or will we keep up this stare-down until the day runs out?" I blurted out in impatience. My eyes widened as I recognized my folly, and I slapped my mouth in mortification. "I'm sorry," I muttered.

Twice, I had disrespected an Alpha. If we were in the primitive ages, my head would have been hanging on a spike right then.

A look I couldn't detect crossed Caspian's eyes briefly – had it been amusement, intrigue, or displeasure? I couldn't tell.

I adjusted in my seat. "I'm highly hardworking and resourceful."

He hushed me with a raised hand as I was about to launch into my strengths and list the reasons I ought to be considered for this job. He inhaled the air, his voice a low, harsh growl that sent shivers racing down my spine.

"Human?" he spat in distaste.

My mouth popped open wordlessly, and I vehemently shook my head. "No." I was a werewolf, born into a family of betas. You would think I would address the Alphas with better reverence, given my genealogy. However, I had spent most of my life in human-populated areas, and their influence had rubbed off on me more than my roots, where I couldn't fully fit in.

Caspian's attractive blonde brows knit in confusion. His own blonde hair was a shade darker than Malachi's, but he was just as ruggedly handsome as the other brother.

"I can't smell it on you," he said, his voice rumbling from his throat like he was suppressing a growl. His timbre was both masculine, scary, and tantalizing.

I clenched my mouth, now feeling very uncomfortable in my seat. I hated talking about my circumstance, but I had been put on the spot by my potential employer. I needed this job; the pay could turn my life around.

"Have you ever shifted?" he questioned before I could speak.

I hesitated, and the possibility of securing employment here seemed to grow increasingly dimmer with each passing moment. Perhaps I should just walk out and spare myself the embarrassment. Or maybe I could see this through to the end; I might be lucky. A second thought kept me settled on the plush chair.

"My wolf... there's been a bit of a complication with it," I answered, a sense of shame washing over me at that admission. I possessed sharp hearing, sight, and unhuman strength like the rest of the werewolves. I could flash my claws at will, but that was the best I could do. I couldn't fully transform or connect with my animal form.

Dad often consoled me whenever I cried about it, mentioning that I was a late bloomer, but as the years passed, I knew what I was.

"You're a Null," Caspian spelled out the word, a hint of distaste in his mouth.

I met his gaze, feeling odd at the amount of antagonism he exhibited toward my kind. Well, there went my chance of securing employment here.

Caspian

She couldn't be the one. But I felt her presence as the doorbell heralded her approach.

I smelled her, and the sensation it evoked within me was unlike anything I had felt in years – a confirmation of her role in my life.

She was my mate, the answer to my long-term unhappiness and emptiness.

I expected better. I doubted she could last a day in my employ before she faltered, let alone handle me for a lifetime. I could be harsh and grumpy at times, and this dainty princess, albeit breathtakingly beautiful, looked like the type to cry under pressure. I didn't want a soft mate. I sought someone to match me.

Why would my wolf choose her?

"You're a Null," I spat with more distaste than I intended.

Something akin to defeat registered in her eyes before she snapped, her sharp silver-gray eyes flashing.

"So, what?" she threw back defensively. "Does that make me worthless? I'm not damaged, as high and mighty alpha wolves like you would rather believe. It's not as if I'm auditioning to be your spouse. My inability to connect with my wolf doesn't affect my performance. I can work diligently." She scrunched her mouth, her temper boiling over, and she leaped to her feet. "You know what, screw it. This was a fool's mission from the get-go." She began to leave.

I was taken by surprise by her outburst, the switch of her emotions from dejection to defensiveness. I couldn't say I wasn't impressed by her violent outburst. She had fire within her. Like the mass of untamed shoulder-length red hair set off in natural curls framing her temple, even though it was knotted in a ponytail, she possessed a spark of wildness within that delicate frame of hers.

I might have been too quick to judge her. Perhaps she might be a worthy mate of mine after all. Perhaps, I might keep her. She was undoubtedly an interesting specimen I would like to explore further.

"You might be getting fired soon if you make a habit of being rude," I told her, my gaze boring into her departing back.

I almost choked on my breath as I took in her shapely figure, the succulent curves of her backside, made for a man to cling to as he relished the ecstasy of her warmth.

Her backside was well-rounded, her waist slim. She had a full bust too, I had observed when I opened the door.

Although she was too small for my 6 ft 1 height, and her tastes in fashion were boring, it didn't diminish my wolf's eagerness to claim her as his.

I felt like she was hiding her endowments rather than embracing them as most women would do; many would kill to have her figure, several had gone into surgery, but the results were nothing like the natural endowments.

Kaida was a natural. A solid ten. Pretty face, hot body, fiery temper. Wise selection, Adrick. I appraised my wolf.

She stopped walking abruptly, turning to face me with a stunned look. Her rosy, plump lips were parted in disbelief, and a strong urge to cover her mouth with mine, explore her fiery sweetness until she writhed and moaned for release, surged within me, but I suppressed it.

It was too soon. For all I knew, I could be slapped if I didn't act wisely around Kaida. She didn't strike me as the type of woman to swoon at my feet, given my affluence and status. In fact, it was obvious she cared little that I was an alpha, whereas she was a mere null. That observation still made my eyes twitch.

"You resume tomorrow," I told her, adding, "On probation."

Her jaw fell open before she caught herself. A wide smile burst on her face, hitting me straight in the gut. Her silver-gray eyes radiated with a sharp glow that disarmed me more than I would have appreciated. She looked angelic as she thanked me profusely, her joy knowing no bounds.

"I won't let you down. I will keep myself in check too," she promised, making a show of biting her tongue and folding her lips.

"Good," I grunted in approval, sporting a raging hard-on in response to her actions. "You may leave," I growled too harshly, battling with my body's reaction. She appeared startled by the harshness of my voice. "I expect to see you here by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. We will hash over the full details of your employment, and you'll start."

Kaida nodded enthusiastically, practically bouncing with excitement as she exited the house.

Wasn't she a ray of sunshine – happy that she would be working for me?

If only she knew that she would be getting more than she bargained for. She wasn't here only to be my house help. She was here to be my partner, and the Light knows I would relish the pursuit of making her mine.

A slow smile crept onto my mouth as I anticipated the challenge. Kaida wouldn't be an easy catch, and that excited me.

Adrick howled its approval in response as I headed into the bathroom to quench the fire the fiery red-headed beauty had ignited within me.

****

Kaida

I got the job. Light favor me! I fist-pumped the air when I stepped outside the door of the Ragnar's mansion.

I was so elated, shaking my head giddily in triumph, that I didn't realize I had an audience. Calculations ran through my head at how soon I could pay off my debts before I remembered that we hadn't spoken about the salary.

I was only told I had been hired on probation without a further interview. Why not go over the details with me today?

Someone clearing their throat jostled me out of my thoughts, and my eyes connected with the familiar harsh green shades of the thieving brother.

His eyes ran over me with a heated intensity, curiosity lurking beneath his gaze as he glanced behind me at the door. I assumed he was wondering what I was doing in their house, given our history.

He dismissed me while I contemplated telling him about my newly acquired position in the house, his nose flaring. He burst into the house, his shoulder hitting mine, causing me to stagger a step back.

The door slammed firmly in my face, and I scoffed in disbelief at his disrespectful approach.

"They pay handsomely," I reminded myself. "Focus on the money."

I needed this job, and I wasn't letting anyone ruin my chances before I even started.