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.

Kaida

I cleared my throat, drawing the brothers' attention toward me. Three pairs of eyes snapped in my direction, their gazes sharp and piercing. My gaze, however, was fixed on Asher. He didn't seem pleased with Caspian's action, and neither was I. Did I get a say in who escorted me to my room? I was clearly in no position to choose.

Asher threw me a playful smirk. "Don't be scared, Red. We weren't about to go feral."

I smiled faintly, my mouth parting wordlessly. I clamped it shut, opting for a soft humph instead. I felt Caspian's glare burning into my skin, but I ignored him.

Asher waved a casual salute at me, starting to move. "See you around, Red." He began to walk back in the direction of the exit.

"It's Kaida," I told him when he reached my side. He merely hummed, smiled once more, and left. I watched Asher until he was out of sight, feeling a sense of relaxation wash over me. He had that effect on me, and on everyone, from what I'd read.

Kai got to his feet as well. My head swung in his direction at the abrupt movement. He stormed off without sparing me a glance, following in Asher's wake. I promptly moved out of his way, lest he barrel into me with his shoulder. As if there weren't enough room for him to weave his way to the exit, why did he have to pass exactly where I was? That rude jerk. I glared at the back of his head before turning my attention back to Caspian.

"Are you done ogling my brothers?" Caspian threw at me with a bite in his voice. He looked unusually expressionless, like anger was simmering beneath his impassive features.

My head reared back at his question. "Excuse me?"

"Follow me," he barked, turning abruptly.

It was a struggle to keep up with his long strides. I had to jog after him to maintain his pace. What was it with these alpha males and their bad attitudes? Why couldn't they be more like Asher, who was nice and easy to get along with?

Kai and Caspian were undoubtedly the reason behind the past helpers' need for therapy. They were in for a surprise if they thought they could break me like the others. For the money, I was willing to stoop so low, but there was a limit to how much I could temper down the hellion side of me.

I might look dainty and couldn't win a one-on-one fight against them, but they clearly didn't want to provoke me. Battle is not often won by physical strength or size. I was being unwise to contemplate challenging two alphas, but when push came to shove, I wouldn't hesitate in putting these two brats in their place. I turned my mouth upward, scrunching my nose in distaste as I followed Caspian.

He led me across an artfully lush hall with a polished marble floor that would put a master architect to shame. The surroundings were exotic, and each turn he took led me further away from the sitting room to the living quarters. We passed several doors before he finally stopped at the entrance to one. He turned to face me abruptly as he reached that door.

I was taken by surprise, caught in the act of glaring at his back with my mouth turned upward in contempt. Slowly, I relaxed my mouth, forcing my eyes to meet his gaze without wavering.

"This is your room, Kaida. Go in and change into your uniform. I expect you to be out in an hour for further instructions."

"Uniform?" I made a face, parting my lips.

"It's part of your contract. You'll find the physical document on the bed in your room. You have an hour," he repeated.

"I heard you the first time you said it," I responded.

He appraised me with a look I couldn't fathom. "You have an attitude."

I tsked. "Coming from you, that's shocking." Kaida! I mentally growled at myself. Why was I hell-bent on sabotaging my future here? Glaring, mouthing off at them, being sassy – I clearly wanted to break the record for the shortest time an employee had worked with them. I bit my tongue in caution. However, Caspian didn't remark on my apparent rudeness. Instead, he began to walk away.

"Kaida."

I heard him call me when he was a few distances away from me, and I turned to look at him. "Yes."

"My brothers are off-limits."

I choked down a scoff, narrowing my gaze.

"You're here to work, and I expect you to conduct yourself accordingly. Understood?"

My mouth parted as I rolled my tongue in my mouth. Annoyance bristled under my skin as I watched him. What was he trying to imply? That I would try to seduce his brothers?

I hissed under my breath. I had no intention of making advances toward men who were far too attractive for me to handle. My self-esteem was already fragile enough without the added burden of heartbreak.

I forced a smile at him. "I understand, sir. May I be excused, please? I'm certain a non-fraternization policy is included in my contract." I hate you guys, I thought. If not for my circumstances, I would gladly remain enemies with you until karma avenges my case against you. But I couldn't say that, could I? So, I dutifully smiled at him while awaiting his permission.

Caspian watched me for a brief moment. "No."

"Time is ticking. My hour will be up soon," I reminded him.

"A non-fraternization policy was not included in your contract," he told me, fixing me with a blank stare.

I blinked. "Perhaps you should consider revising it," I suggested.

"Obey the rules, Kaida, and there will be no trouble. Otherwise," he concluded, leaving the threat implicit as he walked away.

I bit the inside of my cheek as I watched Caspian's retreating back. I clenched my fist, itching to hit him hard, damn the consequences. The man was infuriating.

The idea that I could have any romantic interest in his brothers was laughable. Kai was a walking red flag. Asher, on the other hand, was a green flag, but even if he was nice, it didn't mean he wanted to be friends with me.

My eyes might widen at the sight of vast wealth, but I'm not a gold digger. Seduction is the furthest thing from my agenda. That Caspian perceived me as that kind of woman rattled me. But I didn't blame him; I blamed my body for giving the wrong impression. I'm a full-blooded woman, not an alien. Of course, my body would react to the sight of a handsome male. However, that didn't mean my mind and body often coincided. I still harbored resentment toward the Ragnar brothers, except perhaps for Asher.

"You have an hour!"

I jumped, my eyes widening as I gasped. I could have sworn I heard Caspian's voice in my head. My head spun toward the hallway he had exited through, and I quickly opened the door to my room and rushed in, clutching my racing heart.