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.

Kaida

"So, how did it go?" Meredith bounced on the couch, tucking her legs underneath her, her eyes burning with curiosity, and an optimistic grin playing on her lips. "You nailed the interview, didn't you?"

I responded with a slow nod, my lips clenched.

"Yippee!" Meredith squealed in excitement, punching the air with her fist. "You got the job! I'm so happy for you," she gushed.

I gave her a bland look, which eventually forced her to stop her jubilation.

Her smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "What?"

I sighed. The question "Are you that eager to get rid of me?" hovered on the tip of my tongue, but I reconsidered voicing it. After all, she was only looking out for me in the best way she could. She had been generously hosting me in her apartment, despite my not contributing financially. I felt a sense of shame and guilt about that. "It's only on probation," I said instead, in a dry tone. "It's uncertain whether I'll be retained."

Meredith furrowed her brows. "Why would you think so? Don't doubt it, Kaida. That job is yours. There's no opposition."

I roll my eyes heavenward, trying not to interpret Meredith's effusive reaction as insincere or motivated by ulterior motives. She's a good friend, and I push aside any doubts about her intentions.

"Sure." I nodded, forcing a smile, and rose from my seat to check on the dinner I was preparing. That was as much as I could do while staying here - doing chores until her arrival from work. I had arrived earlier than Meredith from Ragnar's today and had put the time to use while my brain anxiously ticked off the countdown to my resumption tomorrow morning.

My encounter with Kai had left my heart pounding until I reached home. He rubbed me the wrong way, and I couldn't understand why. I detested him. I hissed through clenched teeth as I imagined his rude face, wishing I could bash it in with my fist and teach him some basic manners.

I blew air up my nose, muttering a sharp curse under my breath, directed at Kai. Lost in my reflection of our meeting, I didn't realize I had reached the kitchen and stubbed my big toe against the island. Thankfully, the pain was mild, and I hadn't injured it worse. I curled my injured toe and flexed it to alleviate the pain.

I grabbed one of the kitchen mittens and opened the pot's lid. Steam surged into my face, accompanied by a tantalizing smell that evoked a smile and a rumble in my stomach. "Dinner is ready," I announced to Meredith over my shoulder, turning off the gas.

Meredith clapped with delight, coming over to join me in the kitchen.

"Aren't you going to change?" I inquired as we worked in tandem setting the table, angling my chin in her direction.

Meredith had plopped down on the couch the moment she arrived from work, eager for more details about my interview. She had been weary from her day at work, but her expression had brightened at the prospect of hearing the gist.

I still couldn't fathom how a simple "How was your day?" had led me to deviate from my plan to fill her in on the details later, after she had showered and relaxed. Sometimes, my mouth could be loose.

"I'll change after dinner. I'm starving," she groaned, rolling her eyes and gesturing for me to serve quickly.

As we began eating, Meredith asked a question, hiccuping softly into her fist before washing down her food with water. I hadn't caught what she said earlier, so I paused until she set her cup down and repeated the question. "So, when are you resuming?"

"Tomorrow morning," I replied.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "That soon? Good," she said, nodding approvingly. "What about the pay?"

"We haven't discussed it yet," I answered. At that, Meredith narrowed her eyes, giving me a skeptical look. "You know me, girl," I drawled, my mouth curling into a smirk. "I wouldn't wager myself to the devil without knowing the exact price."

"A taxingly high price," Meredith stated matter-of-factly, pointing one finger in my direction.

"Zero shit. They're loaded, and if they're as mean as they're rumored, the pay's gotta be enough to be worth my time."

"That's my girl!" Meredith cheered.

We resumed eating for a few minutes before Meredith posed another question. "But you ought to have talked about the pay first. What was the point of the interview then and asking you to resume tomorrow?" Her eyes narrowed again with that look that questioned if I truly knew what I was doing.

I twitched my mouth, reanalyzing the earlier evening. Meredith was right. However, the moment had been overwhelming. One moment, I was furious about his contempt of my inherent disability, with my mind clearly written off working for them. The next, he took me by storm with his words. My brain had sort of maxed out on emotions, and intelligence seemed to have deserted me in that moment. Calculations ran in my head at the prospect of securing a high-paying job, yet I had skipped the most crucial aspect before agreeing to resume: inquiring about the pay.

"You ensure they clearly outline the job requirements and compensation before you start working. Understood?"

I scoffed dryly. "Of course, I'd do that." As if I would provide my services without pay. I was heading to their house tomorrow morning, fully prepared. I had been thrown off balance by both brothers I met earlier today. I needed to maintain my composure if I was to survive working with them until I could achieve financial stability.

However, one thing was clear: regardless of the high pay for the position I was about to fill, I would still be tied to them for months, given the magnitude of my debts. So, you understand my predicament, right? I couldn't afford to forget to discuss that crucial matter with the Ragnar Brothers, or rather, my potential employers, tomorrow.

I made a mental note to bring up that topic first thing, following greetings.

Let's cut to the chase. What's the pay range?

I nodded in approval, ideas swirling in my head as I contemplated the scenarios that would unfold tomorrow.

I finished my meal mechanically, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of my new job. I felt tense, anxious, and excited all at once. I was about to embark on a challenging situation with my adversary. I hoped I wouldn't emerge more scarred than I anticipated.

"Kaida!" Meredith's voice startled me.

I jumped, losing my grip on the plate I was rinsing. The plate splashed, spilling water from the sink onto the floor. "What?" I gasped. "You scared me."

Meredith studied me with a thoughtful expression, her mouth pursed in concern.

"What is it?"

"Is your heart not in this job? You've never liked them from the start, so I understand your reservations..."

"How I feel doesn't matter, Meredith," I interjected. "I need the job, and as long as it pays better than my part-time jobs combined, I'm in."

"But..." Meredith began to protest.

I shook my head, interrupting her. "No buts. Working with them is a financial opportunity I desperately need. I'll deal with the challenges that come with it when I encounter them."

Meredith's expression turned resolute, her eyes locking onto mine. "Are you certain about this? Don't hesitate to reconsider; if you find the job is more than you can handle, quit immediately, okay?"

I smiled appreciatively, feeling a warmth in my heart at her words. "Alright, Mom."

Meredith rolled her eyes good-naturedly, chuckling. I laughed along with her, feeling some of the tension dissipate from my shoulders.

The day had drawn to a close, its challenges successfully navigated. Tomorrow would present its own set of trials, but I was ready. I would face whatever came my way, undaunted by life's difficulties.

I had come too far to falter now. Bring it on, future bosses. Until tomorrow morning, then.