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.

Kaida

The door swung open before I could knock. My hand remained suspended in mid-air, poised to knock, as I stared into the welcoming eyes of the third Ragnar brother: Asher Ragnar. This morning might hold promising auspices.

I had conducted a thorough survey on the brothers before applying, and Asher was reportedly the most amicable of the three.

"Morning," he greeted, his hazel eyes aglow with a warm smile. He glanced at my still-raised hand, an amused expression crossing his face. Talk about having a propensity for embarrassing myself nonstop.

I flushed deeply, muttered a hasty "Sorry" under my breath, and withdrew my hand. "Morning," I responded, squaring my shoulders.

"You're the new house help, I assume," he stated.

I confirmed with a nod, compressing my lips into a thin line. I quickly scanned his features. Standing this close to him, he was as handsome as his media pictures suggested, perhaps even more so with his clean-shaven and fresh-out-of-the-shower appearance.

A fluttering breath escaped me as the wind carried a whiff of his cologne toward me. The scent was a heady, earthy blend of bergamot and spice. My nostrils flared, and my body visibly shuddered in reaction.

A sudden chill spread over my skin, making goosebumps crawl across my flesh. My body felt numb and heavy, my heart racing into panic mode in mortification at my body's reaction to him, and the obvious fact that he was aware of it. Damn the Ragnar Brothers for their scrumptiously good genes.

I mentally chided myself, offering a small, awkward smile in return at Asher. I knew he was being kind, but embarrassment still rippled within my belly. I must have been flushing red as a tomato under his scrutiny. No matter what, I was here for the money, not to be swayed by the allure of any of the brothers. I mentally reminded myself of this, steeling my traitorous mind into order.

Asher's gaze also lingered on me, his eyes pausing briefly on my bust-a scrutiny I was accustomed to. However, he cleared his throat and withdrew his gaze with unseemly haste, as if he had been caught off guard. His expression was far from that of a man impressed by what he saw. He looked me over with infinitesimal scrutiny, which somehow left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I knew I was far from the surreal beauty he was often captured with in pictures, those being models with runway figures, but I was still beautiful in my own way. I was only here as house help, after all, and decidedly out of his league. Moreover, my fashion sense leaned toward a more conservative, old-fashioned style rather than the trendy aesthetic of my generation. Nonetheless, I was a woman with functioning senses. Regardless, I would have appreciated it if a handsome man hadn't glanced at me like I wasn't worth the effort, even if I wasn't his type.

Or had I misjudged his look? Had he looked away quickly not because he was disinterested, but because he was a man of integrity? A grin began to spread across my face. I vaguely registered Asher's mouth moving, lost in my own reflections.

KAIDA! I mentally barked at myself to stop. What was I here for? The selection? I needed money, not to be a lovestruck, giggling idiot. A snort escaped my throat before I could help it.

It was then that I realized Asher had been talking to me. My eyes widened in horror, my mouth parting open. I composed myself, asking, "You said?"

"I wonder what's going on in that head of yours," he said, looking even more amused by the moment. I felt ridiculous. Asher gestured to the interior, opening the door wider and stepping back for me to enter. "Come in," he invited.

I nodded awkwardly, following his cue. A deeper flush painted my cheeks as I stepped inside, with Asher closing the door behind me. His skin brushed mine lightly as he passed by me to stand before me, and the hairs on my skin stood on end.

I attempted to calm my racing heartbeat, feeling increasingly embarrassed in his presence. His wolf senses could undoubtedly detect my reaction to him. I was too mortified to meet his gaze.

This was not my first time around the opposite sex; in fact, I typically felt little to no pheromonal response when interacting with other males. It was as though both my sexuality and wolf had been suppressed. Yet, Asher's presence evoked inexplicable sensations within me.

I reminded myself that he would be my boss, biting down hard on my lower lip to regain composure. The pain helped, and I focused on it, biting so hard that I nearly drew blood, while awaiting further instructions. Gripping the handle of my shoulder bag tightly, like a lifeline, I raised my head to meet his gaze. "Is there a problem?" My voice sounded breathier than intended, and I frowned.

"Careful, you may injure yourself," he warned, his gaze drifting to my hand, which was clenched around the bag's handle. Asher turned abruptly after his caution, his broad, muscular back dominating my line of sight.

A lump formed in my throat, and I took a moment to swallow it down, the action proving painful. I angled my chin forward before managing to accomplish it. I followed Asher to the living room where I had been interviewed by Caspian the day before.

My steps faltered as I approached, the atmosphere suddenly growing tense. Nervousness enveloped me, heating my skin. I exhaled subtly through my mouth. My circumstances were too dire for a nervous breakdown.

The three Ragnars were present, each exuding a dominating and intimidating aura. They appraised me with sharp, piercing gazes that made me squirm, and I instantly regretted my wardrobe choice.

None of my wardrobe choices appealed to the eye, seeming drab, unflattering, and dull. My fiery red hair, however, stood out – a fitting metaphor for my current financial state, which was firmly in the red. As I stood before them, I felt overwhelmed, like stepping into a predator's den blindfolded. Yet, I could see the formidable adversaries they presented, lounging in their seats with an air of confidence that unnerved me, making my knees weak.

The thought of them invading my private space sent a shiver down my spine. I envisioned being trapped between their bodies, and my imagination ran wild with visions of sweaty bodies tangled in a wave of lust and passion.

If I were a normal she-wolf, I would claim the brothers as mine. Female wolves would go feral to have them in their bed. But I'm not that sexually responsive. I don't feel the way they might expect me to. So, this little crush thing I might be having for Asher, I know it's bound to disappear over time.

I've had my share of fleeting attractions, and they never lasted. I don't plan on acting on this one either. The list of past crushes is endless, and I'd rather not dwell on it.

I huffed, shifting from one foot to another, wondering how long I'd stand there before being acknowledged. The silence was suffocating, and my temper was rising. I was on edge, wondering how long I'd last before submitting my resignation. I'd heard their past helpers needed therapy after leaving; I now understood why.

The pressure was mounting, and I was on the verge of exploding in frustration. By all accounts, a girl could lose her mind from the frustration these people inspired. I scanned the room, my heart racing, as the silence continued. What was going on here? I curved one corner of my mouth, my brows furrowing in frustration.

I swept my gaze across the faces of the men, despite the reactions they stirred within me. I'm here for their money. However enticingly distracting they appeared, I had enough dead weight in my life to care about their charms.

My life had been a series of bad decisions; I didn't intend to add another to the towering list. This wasn't fiction where a wealthy billionaire falls for his lowly help, replete with twists, turns, challenges, and clichéd endings where love triumphs in the end. This was my life at stake. I needed this job, and if a staring contest would help me secure it, so be it. I met their gaze head-on, bulging my eyes pointedly.

Asher burst into laughter, breaking the silence that had ensued, struggling to control his amusement. There was a hint of a look in Caspian's eyes that I couldn't quite place; I attempted to decipher it, but it kept eluding me.

Kai, on the other hand, remained impassive, looking like someone who desperately wanted to be anywhere but there. That rude, thieving jerk. I cast a glare in his direction, quickly averting my gaze when our eyes connected. Jeez! Why did it suddenly feel cold in here? That was unnervingly terrifying. Better to steer clear of that one's path; I couldn't take him on in a fight. Better to keep my aversion for him private, stay out of his sight, and focus on my mission.

Yes, my mission. I clapped sharply, the sound echoing in the spacious living room.

"Is there a problem, Ms. Wilder?" Finally, His Majesty spoke.

"The pay – we didn't discuss that yesterday," I replied promptly.

"That has been addressed already in the mail sent to you earlier this morning," Caspian replied.

I furrowed my brows. "I didn't receive any mail."

Caspian gestured for me to check.

With my mouth pursed and brows still knitted, I turned on my phone and opened my email. Lo and behold, the email from them had indeed been forwarded to me. I checked the time; it was sent a few minutes after I left home that morning.

Were they for real? Aware that I would be resuming work this morning, why hadn't they sent it last night so I could review it?

A silent voice in my head threw back at me: Why did you come to resume work when you weren't notified of the compensation and terms of employment?

I had banked on the hope that they couldn't pay as poorly as my past jobs. Burning with curiosity, I scanned the content of the email, my target being the compensation package. I whooped when I saw the amount listed.

Light have mercy! I might be out of their lair sooner than I had anticipated. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be offered as much as this – $200,000 annually? "You've got to be kidding me!" I exclaimed in surprise.

"What? Isn't it up to your expectation?" Caspian's voice drifted to my ears, and my head jerked up in his direction.

I struggled to contain the excitement coursing through me and maintain a professional demeanor as I replied, "No, it's fine." Fine was a gross understatement; the compensation was exponentially better than the meager remuneration I had grown accustomed to in the past. With sustenance and lodging no longer concerns, the substantial burden of debt on my shoulders would be alleviated with remarkable swiftness.

The expectations they held for my service, including rules and explicit instructions, were outlined extensively in the email; I would need time to meticulously review their demands and address any that seemed excessive before committing further. Given the offered amount, they might be expecting an extraordinary level of dedication and service. I returned my attention to the phone, trying to glean as much detail as possible while we were gathered.

Asher rose from his seat, distracting me. "Come along; I'll show you to your room so you can settle in. You can thoroughly review your contract details, sign, and commence work when you're ready."

I nodded.

"I know you've likely conducted research before arriving; I'm Asher. You may call me Ash," he introduced with a warm smile.

"Kaida," I responded, managing a small smile. "Nice to meet you, Ash."

Asher reciprocated with a smile. "The pleasure is mine. This is Malachi, Kai for short, and Caspian, Cas for short," he introduced his brothers.

I nodded, discreetly biting my upper lip. "Noted."

"Come on," Asher gestured for me to follow, turning to depart.

A sense of relief washed over me at Asher's amiability, particularly in contrast to his brothers' less-than-hospitable demeanor. I began to move when Caspian stood, asserting with his customary authoritative tone, "I'll take her."

Asher turned to him, his expression inquiring. A silent, intense exchange seemed to transpire between the two as they locked gazes. The atmosphere grew perceptibly cooler, the tension between them palpable.

Kai remained seated, impassive and unruffled by the unfolding silent conflict. I shifted uncomfortably, my mouth curling into a faint grimace as I waited for the two to break the impasse. It didn't take long before Asher relented, his shoulders sagging in acquiescence. Their staredown was brief, lasting mere seconds, yet it was intensely potent, leaving a shiver coursing down my spine.

"I will take her," Caspian repeated, his words enunciated with even greater precision.

Don't tell me I'm about to witness a brawl between brothers over me. I'm no Katherine Pierce or Elena Gilbert. You have a high opinion of yourself, Kaida Wilder.