Page 5 of Falling for My Shifter Boss

"My assistant," I state flatly. "Maya Ramirez."

If Lucien notices the growl underlying my clipped tone, he doesn't comment. He simply extends a hand, palm up, in a ridiculous show of courtly manners. "A pleasure, Miss Ramirez."

Maya doesn't hesitate—of course she doesn't. She shakes his hand with a firm grip, flashing a smile that's all polite confidence, though I catch the slight uptick in her heartbeat. "Likewise, Mr. D'Arcy."

Lucien chuckles, clearly entertained as he gestures for us to sit. "Charming," he murmurs as he settles back into his chair. His gaze flicks between Maya and me, too knowing for comfort. "She doesn't flinch at all, does she, Blackwell? Rather... refreshing."

I don't respond, but my fingers press harder against the table's surface.

A server appears, refilling Lucien's glass with something deep, red, and unmistakably laced with blood. He swirls it lazily before taking a sip, his eyes never leaving us.

"Let's skip the posturing," I say, leaning forward, my hands clasped in front of me on the table. The sooner we finish this, the better.

"Indeed," Lucien muses. "You want my support for your little gala. More specifically, you want my endorsement. The backing of the D'Arcy Coven." He tilts his head, gaze glittering. "And why, pray tell, should I offer it?"

I grit my teeth. "The gala isn't just for show. Strengthening supernatural alliances is the only way we stand a chance against the hunters. My vision for Whispering Pines—"

"Yes, yes," Lucien sighs dramatically. "Your grandvision." He taps a single, elegant finger against the rim of his glass. "You call yourself a lone wolf, Adrian. Yet here you are, building sanctuaries, forging alliances." His smile turns razor-sharp. "One might wonder what changed."

Maya shifts beside me, and the movement draws both our attention. Her amber eyes are fixed on Lucien, thoughtful and sharp. Before I can formulate a response, she speaks.

"Funny," she says lightly, flipping her curls over one shoulder. The motion sends another wave of her scent washing over me, and I have to force myself not to inhale deeply. "I'd imagine a vampire of your status would appreciate this kind of forward-thinking, Mr. D'Arcy."

Lucien raises an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

Maya shrugs, but there's steel beneath her casual tone. "I mean, it's not like your kind are thriving in isolation, either. The days of hidden covens tucked away in dark castles are kind of over, right? Everyone needs safe places, strong partnerships." Her eyes flash. "Adrian's just building something that actually makes that happen."

Lucien watches her, a slow smirk spreading across his lips. Something dark and ancient stirs in his gaze. "You have a sharp tongue, little wolf."

Maya grins, unfazed. "So I've been told."

The air between them crackles with tension, and my wolf growls, not liking the way Lucien's studying her. But there's something else too—a grudging respect in his expression that wasn't there before.

"You make a compelling point," he admits. Then he turns his gaze back to me, and there's definitely amusement dancing in those ancient eyes now. "Fine. I'll attend your gala. And I'll bring the coven's support with me."

There's no reason for the satisfaction that surges through me when Maya beams.

But there it is.

The rest of the meeting flows smoothly enough. We arrange the necessary agreements, confirm details, and by the time we step outside into the crisp mountain air, the tension in my shoulders has eased—but only slightly. Lucien might be amused for now, but I know better than to trust his good mood entirely.

"Such a delightful meeting," Lucien purrs, his silver-gray eyes fixing on Maya. "Your assistant is truly... enchanting, Adrian. A rare find indeed." He takes Maya's hand, brushing his lips across her knuckles with old-world charm. A low growl builds in my chest before I can stop it.

A sleek black car glides to the curb, and Lucien steps toward it with fluid grace. "Until next time, my dear," he says to Maya with a smile that sets my teeth on edge. The car door closes behind him with a soft thud, and I watch it disappear around the corner, my jaw clenched.

Maya stretches beside me, rolling her shoulders. The movement draws my eye to the elegant line of her neck, and I force myself to look away. "That went well," she says, casting me a sidelong glance. "You're welcome, by the way."

I shoot her an unimpressed look. "For what?"

She smirks, and something warm curls in my chest at the sight. "For reminding D'Arcy that you're not entirely devoid of good ideas."

I exhale sharply, shaking my head. "You're insufferable."

Her laughter is bright, unguarded. It hits me like a physical thing, that sound, making my wolf stir with interest I can't afford.

Something about her pulls at me, at my wolf, in ways I can't explain. She stands there, defiant and beautiful, amber eyes flashing with that familiar spark of challenge. The late afternoon sun catches in her dark curls, making them shine like polished mahogany. My fingers itch with the sudden, maddening urge to reach out and touch them, to see if they're as soft as they look. It's dangerous, this loss of control she inspires. More dangerous still is how much I'm starting to crave it.

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