Lucian's POV

The scent hit me before she even entered the restauraunt - soft, familiar, maddening.

Vanilla and rain.

Tessa Morgan.

I clenched my fists, nails biting into my palms. I'd spent the entire night trying to forget the sound of her laugh, the way her eyes softened when she smiled at me. The way my wolf stirred every damn time she was near.

My control was a thread stretched thin, and one wrong move, one wrong word, I'd snap.

"Alpha Lucian," Damon's voice broke through my thoughts. He stepped into my office, closing the door behind him. "You called?"

I nodded, turning toward the window. "Something's... wrong," I muttered.

"Wrong how?"

"My control," I said quietly. "She's throwing it off."

Damon arched a brow. "The human PA?"

A low growl escaped me before I could stop it. "Don't call her that."

His smirk faded. "Then what should I call her?"

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. "Tessa." Her name came out like a confession. "She was before all this, she was mine."

Damon's expression softened. "You mean that Tessa? The one from before you shifted?"

I gave a single, sharp nod. "Yes. And now she's here again. Working for me. Looking at me like I'm a stranger."

He was silent for a moment, then said carefully, "Maybe it's not a coincidence, Lucian. Maybe the Moon Goddess-"

"No." My voice cut through the air, harsh and final. "She's human. It's not possible."

"Are you sure?" Damon's gaze was steady. "Because the way your wolf's acting says otherwise."

I turned back toward the window. My reflection stared back; cold eyes, clenched jaw, the ghost of a boy who once believed he could love freely.

"She's human," I repeated, quieter this time. "And humans break."

Damon sighed, crossing his arms. "Then you'd better find a way to control yourself, Alpha. Because if she really is your mate-denying her might destroy you faster than claiming her."

The words lingered long after he left.

And for the first time in years, I wasn't sure which would destroy me more. Staying away from her... or giving in.

Tessa's POV

I heard something outside.

At first, I thought it was just my car being returned.

But then it stopped.

The night was unnervingly quiet. No crickets. No wind. Just... stillness.

Curiosity got the better of me. I grabbed my cardigan and stepped onto the porch. The air was cool, laced with the faint scent of rain and pine. I glanced around, only to see nothing but the familiar outline of the driveway.

No one was there.

Still, I could feel that prickle at the back of my neck, like I was being watched.

Something shifted in the woods. The bushes moved once, twice deliberately.

I swallowed, trying to convince myself it was just the wind, or maybe a deer. But the moment I turned to go back inside, the door refused to budge. It had jammed.

Panic tightened in my chest.

And then I saw them.

A faint glimmer between the trees - eyes. Not one. Not two. Dozens.

All glowing, low and golden in the dark, like predators lurking just beyond the line of shadow.

My brain screamed run.

Run inside, lock the doors, call someone.

But my body stayed frozen, caught between disbelief and fear, until, one by one, the eyes blinked out of sight.

For a long time, I stood there, the silence pressing in, heartbeat loud in my ears. All this time, I thought I had been seeing things... but I wasn't.

I made up my mind. Tomorrow, I was going to ask Eli about the eyes.

Then I locked the door twice - and went to bed.

Tomorrow was my second first day at work.

The next morning, I woke up feeling like I hadn't slept at all. My head was pounding, my mind replaying last night - those eyes, that silence, the feeling of being watched. But today wasn't the day to fall apart. Today I had to look.... normal.

I stood in front of the mirror, pulling on a plain white blouse and dark slacks. My hair stayed in a loose bun. No excessive make-up, a gentle spray of perfume. The goal was simple: blend in, disappear.

I got to the office 30 minutes early. Didn't want to upset the cold boss today. Whispers followed me as I walked in, fake smiles masking judgement. So much for blending in.

When I reached his floor, I nearly turned my back, but when his eyes lifted to mine, something in his gaze snapped. For a moment, I didn't breathe, neither did he.

He looked at me from head to toe, as if he was checking me out. He didn't hide it, he just stared.

"Miss Morgan," he finally said.

"Sir," I said quietly, refusing to meet his eyes. Silence stretched between us, thick and awkward.

Then, just as the elevator chimed, he said, "You'll be moving offices today."

"Moving?"

He nodded once, leading me out when the doors opened. His stride was confident - the kind that dared you to keep up. I followed, heels clicking softly against the marble.

"To where exactly?"

"Closer to mine."

I stumbled a step. "Why?"

He glanced over his shoulder, a hint of amusement in his tone. "It's easier for me that way."

That was all he said, but the words lingered easier for what, exactly? Easier to see him? Easier to call my name or look into my eyes? I don't know how I'm supposed to concentrate like that.

He stopped by a smaller glass-walled office beside his and gestured toward it. "You'll work here from now on."

It was neat, modern, and far too close to his. I could practically see straight into his space.

"Right." I forced a smile. "Because nothing says professional boundaries like shared walls."

The corner of his mouth curved just slightly. "Don't worry, Miss Morgan. I don't bite."

"Good to know." I replied sarcastically.

He stepped closer, close enough that his shadow brushed mine as he adjusted something on the desk. His scent hit me again, stronger this time.

"You cut your hair," he said suddenly.

I blinked. "What?"

He looked up, catching my gaze before I could look away. "It's shorter than it used to be."

Something flickered in his eyes - warmth, familiarity.

"How would you know?" I asked, confused.

He froze for a heartbeat, then turned away. "Company records," he said too quickly, straightening the papers on the desk. "Old ID photos."

"Oh." I nodded slowly, though something about the answer didn't feel right.

He cleared his throat. "You'll start with the shipment reports. I'll send you the files shortly."

And just like that, the warmth in his voice was gone.

But as he brushed past me to leave, his arm grazed mine - deliberate or not, I couldn't tell and my breath caught. This man was driving me crazy and, unsurprisingly...... I loved it.

He paused at the door, his tone lower this time. "Welcome to your new office, Miss Morgan."

And then he was gone.

I spent the entire day working. At least I finally had a productive day at work. It was past my closing hour, but I didn't want to go back to that cottage.....at least not yet.

By the time I finally sat down to relax, I was a mess of nerves, so I did what any sane woman would do - I called Eli.

He picked up on the first ring.

"You sound breathless," he said. "Please tell me it's because of stairs and not your boss again."

"I'm at work, Eli," I whispered. "And no, I didn't run up the stairs. I'm just-"

"Flustered by Mr. Tall, handsome, hot - ?"

I groaned. "Don't start."

He laughed softly. "Girl, I've seen the man. If I worked under him, I'd literally quit HR for harassment prevention."

"This isn't funny. He.....he moved me to a new office right next to his."

"Of course he did. Men like that always want proximity to their favorite distraction."

I sighed. "It's not that. Something's off. Last night, I saw eyes in the woods again. Dozens. I thought I was imagining things, but-Eli, it felt real. Like I was being watched."

That wiped the humor off his tone instantly. "Tessa... what kind of eyes?"

"Golden. Or silver. I couldn't tell."

There was silence on the line for a beat. Then, carefully, "You need to be careful. And maybe... keep your distance from your boss."

I frowned. "Why are you saying it like that?"

He hesitated, then forced a laugh. "Just my instincts. They're rarely wrong, honey."

"Eli-"

"Promise me you'll call if anything weird happens again. Promise."

"I promise," I said softly.

But even as I hung up, my gaze drifted through the glass wall - and straight into Lucian's eyes.

He was already looking at me, expression unreadable.

For a second, it felt like the world went still.

And something deep inside me whispered - he's not just your boss.

LUCIAN'S POV

The moment I caught his scent in the hallway, I knew trouble had found me.

Eli never came here without a reason - and none of his reasons were ever good.

He stepped into my office without knocking, all sharp edges and defiance. "We need to talk."

I leaned back in my chair, suppressing a growl. "You forget who you're speaking to."

"Oh, I remember perfectly, Alpha," he said, spitting the title like it burned. "That's why I'm here."

I watched him, my jaw tightening. "Then say what you came to say."

"You're losing control, Lucian. I can smell it. The entire pack can."

My muscles tensed. "Watch your words."

"It's her, isn't it?" he snapped. "Tessa."

The name hit harder than it should've.

I didn't respond. Didn't have to. The silence said enough.

Eli stepped closer "You think no one notices the way your scent spikes when she's around? The way your wolf reacts like she's already yours?"

"She's human,"

"Maybe," he said, "but that doesn't change what's happening to you."

I stood, the chair scraping against the marble floor. "You think I haven't tried to stop it? You think I want this?"

"She's not Tessa from before," he said. "She doesn't remember you. And if she finds out what you are-"

"Then she'll run." My voice was quiet. Final. "Like everyone else."

Eli's expression softened, just for a moment. "You can't keep pretending this is under control. One wrong move, and you'll expose everything."

"I have it under control."

"Do you?" he challenged. "Because from where I'm standing, you're one heartbeat away from snapping."

I didn't realize my claws had extended until the faint scrape echoed against the desk.

I curled my fists, forcing them back. "Get out."

Eli didn't move. "I said, get-"

"Out!"

The roar tore through me before I could stop it, shaking the walls. The air in the room shifted, dense with power.

And that's when I heard it.

A soft gasp.

I turned toward the door.

Tessa stood there - frozen. Her wide eyes locked on mine.

For a heartbeat, neither of us moved.

Her scent hit me again - warm, grounding, maddening.

But this time, it wasn't just attraction, it was recognition.

My wolf pressed forward, whispering one word that made my chest ache - mate.

No.

Not possible.

Eli swore under his breath, stepping forward, but I raised a hand to stop him.

"Tessa," I said, forcing my voice steady. "It's not what it looks like."

Her voice trembled. "Then what is it? Because every time I think I understand you, something else-"

Her gaze flicked to my eyes. "They were.....different. I saw it."

"Leave," I said quietly. "Please."

She shook her head. "You're hiding something from me."

I took a step closer before I could think better of it. "And you should thank me for it."

Her breath caught. "You're scaring me."

Those words cut deeper than claws ever could.

I froze, muscles locking, forcing my wolf back down where it belonged.

"Please," I whispered, softer this time. "Just go."

She hesitated, eyes searching mine one last time before she turned and left, her heels echoing down the corridor.

The moment the door closed, I slammed my fist into the wall out of rage.

Eli's voice came quietly behind me.

"You're going to lose her again, brother. And this time... I don't think either of you will survive it"

TESSA'S POV

I didn't stop walking until the elevator doors shut behind me.

My pulse was wild, my hands trembling as the last image replayed in my head - his eyes glowing like molten fire. That wasn't human. Nothing about that was human.

I pressed a palm against the wall, forcing myself to breathe. It must've been the lighting, I told myself. The stress. Anything but what I actually saw.

"Tessa."

I turned. Eli was there - leaning casually against the opposite wall, as if nothing had happened.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice sharper than I meant.

He smiled, too easily. "I was just passing through. Thought I'd check on my favourite workaholic."

"Don't." I shook my head, taking a step back. "Don't lie to me right now."

His smile faltered. "Tess-"

"I saw you," I said. "In his office. You were talking to him. Like you knew him. Like you've known him for years."

For a second, something flickered behind his eyes - a crack in that calm, joking mask. Then he laughed, forced and flat. "I think you're overreacting."

"Eli." I swallowed hard. "What's going on? Who is he?"

He looked at me for a long moment, then sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You shouldn't be asking questions you don't want answers to."

"That's not an answer," I snapped.

He met my gaze - and for a heartbeat, his eyes glimmered faintly under the lights.

My chest tightened. "Eli..."

"I'll take care of this," he said quietly. "Just... stay away from him. Please."

"Why?"

His lips parted like he wanted to tell me everything - then he just shook his head. "Because if you don't, Tess... you'll remember."

"Remember what?"

"Never mind, we'll talk better tomorrow," he said, snatching my car keys from my hand.

"I'll drive, no complaints." he added

And I was left standing there - heart pounding, mind spinning, knowing that whatever secret they were hiding... somehow, I was part of it.

The ride had been painfully silent, except for the faint hum of some pop song he'd turned on halfway through to "lighten the mood."

I wasn't in the mood.

Not after that.

Lucian's voice, the look in his eyes - the way he'd acted like I was nothing but another employee. I clenched her fists as I got out of the car.

"Tessa, wait-"

"I'm fine, Eli."

"You don't look fine."

"Good thing I didn't ask for your opinion."

I slammed the door before he could respond and marched up the steps.

By the time I got inside, I was shaking, half from anger, half from something I couldn't name. I paced around my tiny living room, took off my heels, threw my bag on the couch, and then finally exhaled.

Five minutes. That's all I needed. Just five minutes to breathe.

But then-

A knock on the door

My head snapped up.

Another knock. Firmer this time.

"Eli?" I called out.

No answer.

When I opened the door, my heart nearly stopped.

Lucian stood there tall and composed.

For a moment, my brain refused to connect the dots.

He'd left the building after me.

There was no car following us.

No time for him to get here.

My throat went dry. "How-how did you-?"

He didn't answer. His eyes dragged over my face like he was memorizing every detail.

My words caught in my throat before I could speak. Then he said it, like a confession and a threat all at once.

"I can't stop thinking about you, Tessa."

He stepped into the house without waiting for an invitation. Before I could process it, his lips brushed against mine, passionately like he had been hungry for them for ages.

The argument we'd just had dissolved on my tongue, replaced by the taste of him and the pressure of his hard erection hard on me as he moved even closer.

Oh, how I have longed for this moment.

He didn't break the kiss as he lifted me and carried me towards the stairs, into the bedroom.

He wasted no time. His shirt came off first, the sight of his sculpted chest made my breath hitch. Good gracious, I could get used to this.

He placed me gently on the edge of the bed and carressed my face. My panties already soaked, heavy and hot wth the sudden, undeniable excitement. I didn't care about the world or the consequences. Every part of me yearned for him right now.

It feels so wrong....yet so right, I couldn't explain.

Leaving trails of kisses on my neck, making soft moans escape my from my mouth.

He removed what was left of our clothing, reaching into his back poclet and pulled out a sachet. It was a detail so surprising. He had come prepared. I loved it.

He tore the packet open - my mind, the last tiny rational voice screamed no, stop this insaniy, but my body was already arching towards him, screaming yes.

He hovered over me, his large, beautiful c**k hot against my thigh. Just as he was about to go in - the moment of no return - he stopped.

His eyes lost as if he was just called back to reality. The passion drained away, replaced by a terrible empty look.

"Lucian....Please don't stop," I whispered, reaching for him.

"I shouldn't be here. This is wrong. "

Oh, now you know it's wrong.

"Wait," I cried, trying to sit up, but he was already moving, gathering his clothes with haste. Before he could even cover myself, he was already gone.

He left. Leaving me there, naked and burning and angry.

I felt so stupid. How could I have let him in just like that? All it took was a kiss to weaken my resolve. Damn it, Tessa! I cursed inwardly.

I barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could feel was the ghost of his touch ......and the cold reality of how fast he pulled away. It made me wonder if something was wrong with me. Was I not good-looking?

My body still aches for him, but my mind keeps replaying the way he looked at me before he left, like I was some forbidden fruit.

Like he wanted me... but couldn't have me.

By morning, the embarrassment had settled like a stone in my stomach.

Still, I force myself to go to work.

Maybe he'll explain.

Maybe he'll at least look at me.

Maybe I wasn't completely delusional last night.

I was wrong.

Lucian was already there when I walked in.

He doesn't glance up.

Doesn't flinch.

Doesn't acknowledge me.

It's like he took all the heat from last night and replaced it with ice.

"Good morning," I try.

Nothing.

He doesn't even breathe differently.

I feel the sting behind my eyes, but I swallow it, keeping my voice steady.

"About last night..."

"Drop it, Tessa."

His voice is low. Quiet. Deadly calm.

Like he's afraid of what will happen if he lets it crack.

My chest tightens. "Lucian, I just-"

"I said drop it." he shouted, cutting me off. "It's Mr Vale to you." he added.

He obviously regrets everything.

I don't say another word. I just go through the motions of my day, pretending not to notice the way he keeps avoiding my gaze like it burns him.

After what felt like days, I left. I spent my day working....working and working with the cold CEO who wants nothing to do with his assistant, his freaking assistant!

Maybe I should talk to him again.

Maybe I should go to his house.

Maybe-God, I don't even know what I'm doing anymore.

I sighed and started walking, trying to convince myself that the night wasn't a mistake. That he didn't run because of me.

The road is quieter than usual.

Too quiet.

Footsteps echo behind me.

Slow. Heavy. Intentional.

I stop.

They stop.

"Lucian?" I call out, half hope, half fear.

No answer.

I take one more step-

Not Lucian.

Strangers.

Ragged clothes.

Wild eyes.

Predators.

A shiver crawls up my spine.

"Can... can I help you?" I whisper.

One of them smirks, revealing teeth that look a little too sharp.

"Well, well," he says, voice low and amused. "The Alpha's little human."

Alpha?

Before I can react, the second one grabs my wrist.

"H-hey! Let go of me-!"

The first man steps closer, inhaling, eyes sparkling with satisfaction. "He'll come running when he realizes we took his girl."

"I'm not- I don't-!" I struggle, heart punching my ribs. "I'm not his anything!"

"Sure," the man chuckles darkly. "Keep telling yourself that."

A cloth slams over my mouth.

Sharp chemicals burn my throat.

"No-stop-!"

Then, suddenly, everything fades to black, as I passed out.

>>>>>>>>

I jolt awake to the smell of damp concrete and rust. My wrists ache-tied. My head throbs.

Where am I?

Shadows move in the corner.

"Finally awake," one of the creatures says. He squats in front of me, looking pleased. "Don't worry. We won't hurt you. Not yet."

I yank against the ropes. "Let me go! I don't even know what you want!"

"Relax, sweetheart," he says with a shrug. "You're bait. Simple."

My blood freezes.

"B-bait?"

"For the Alpha."

He grins.

"For Lucian."

God.

Lucian.

Why?

Why would they think-

He leans closer. "Tell me. Does he know you're missing yet? Is he tearing the whole town apart for you?"

I bite my lip so hard I taste blood.

I don't even know if he'd notice.

"I'm not his girlfriend," I whisper.

He laughs. "Right. And I'm the Queen of England."

Footsteps echo outside.

Could it be him?

The men-like things turn, annoyed.

"Who the hell-"

The door bursts open.

A figure steps inside-fast, dark, sharp.

His eyes lock onto me immediately.

"Get away from her."

For a heartbeat, no one moves.

Then everything happens at once-

He shoves one of them into the wall, claws flashing, movements too fast, too precise for a human.

The second one lunges at him-he twists, snaps his arm, and drops him like a bag of flour.

I stare, breath caught in my lungs.

The room goes silent.

He turns to me, chest rising and falling, eyes glowing faintly under the dim light.

He breathes, stepping toward me. "Are you hurt?"

His hands are gentle as he cuts the rope binding my wrists.

My throat tightens. "Why... why did they take me?"

"Because they thought you were his," he says quietly. "Lucian's."

My heart stutters painfully.

I open my mouth to speak but his gaze move to my neck, lingering for a fraction too long.

Then he says it.

Then softly, almost to himself.

"You smell like me."

My heart stops.

I don't even know what that means.

And I'm terrified to ask.