Page 25 of Obsessed Wolf Daddy

We pause on the walkway overlooking the reception area as I conclude our tour of the new facility. In all honesty, I just didn't want to be alone in my office with her. The moment Carmela arrived, she was all over me. My wolf practically snarled in disgust, so I decided the best thing was to put a bit of professional distance between us. Not that it appears to have had the desired effect, because she’s persistent with her not-so-subtle touches and overly enthusiastic displays of affection.

She's still talking, and I'm trying to find a break in the conversation to excuse myself. I've already given her team the conference room so they can prepare for this afternoon's presentation. Frankly, I need some air before then. Standing there, my wolf suddenly goes alert, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Ignoring Carmela's occasional intimate touches, I look around the vast space. Standing on the opposite mezzanine level, I see Saffy. Her eyes lock onto mine...and then flick between Carmela and me.

Shit.

It only takes me a moment to notice that Terrance, that stupid intern, has his arm flung around Saffy’s shoulder. She’d told me there was nothing between them, and it's true, I wouldhave scented him on her. But looking at them now, I can’t be so sure their relationship isn’t moving in that direction.

My claws partially descend as I take in the scene. Saffy’s already walking away, and I want nothing more than to chase after her. Instead, I stay rooted to the spot and witness her shake off Terrance's arm.

Good girl.

Turning back to Carmela, I spot Jonah approaching, then attempting to turn back as he notices us. Too late.

"Jonah," I call, waving him over. "Look who's here. I have to run through a few things for some international partners,” I tell Carmela. “Jonah will make sure you have everything you need."

She looks disappointed. "Why him?" she whines.

I suppress a mirthless laugh as Jonah glares at me, his mask of a smile reappearing as he turns to Carmela. "Now, now,” he says to her. “Is that any way to greet a friend?"

Carmela rolls her eyes. "We are not friends, Jonah. But you can get my team some coffee."

I can practically feel the tension and animosity rolling off the pair of them as I walk away, and I couldn't care less. If Carmela's team has a legitimate business proposal, then I'm happy to hear it. If she wants to see Annie, I'm happy to facilitate it. And if Jonah wants to whine about this later, I'll give him five minutes to get it off his chest. But right now, I'm done with this shitshow.

Walking into my office, I slam the door behind me and stand in front of the large picture window, concentrating on the mountains and taking some deep breaths. God, Annie deserves so much better than that woman.

Instinctively, I activate the security cameras in Saffy's department and take a seat as I have done every day for weeks now, leaning back in my chair as I study the screen. Saffy's backat her station, and that idiot Terrance is nowhere to be seen, thank God.

Just seeing Saffy soothes my wolf somehow. Seeing Carmela today has only solidified how much I want Saffy. Deep down, I know I'll be too rough with her. I know my wolf wants to corrupt her innocence. This probably makes me a bastard, but ultimately, I always get what I want.

I actually think I've shown considerable restraint in pursuing Saffy. Fucking the beta's clearly innocent little sister would probably be a foolish move. It's hard to operate in the mountain without the respect of the alpha. Diego and I have an understanding—I respect the pack and his leadership, and he allows me to live on the periphery, which allows me to maintain my global interests. I know he recognizes my wolf's need for autonomy. And I acknowledge my daughter needs this pack to flourish and embrace her shifter side, which she'll need to do if she's going to balance her magical heritage.

If I fuck Saffy and cause an uproar, I know there will be consequences. But it feels inevitable, and I'm growing tired of trying to control my wolf around her.

Heading out after I wrap up some calls, I deliberately take the long way to the meeting room, intending to grab a coffee on the way. I smirk as I consider getting one for Jonah, too, as a peace offering for leaving him with Carmela.

The hallway is quiet, the only sound my purposeful strides hitting the polished concrete floor. I sense Saffy’s presence before I even look up from the message I'm typing on my phone.

She pauses, seemingly frozen to the spot about five feet from me. My lips curl into a smile that I'm not sure scares her more. She takes a step back, but I cover the ground too quickly for her to retreat.

"Were you about to run away from me?" I ask, secretly loving the way she gasps slightly as I pull her into one of the glass alcoves overlooking the central staircase.

Her eyes go wide as she turns to me. "W-what do you mean?"

I'm about to say something light and teasing, but I pause, taking in her appearance. I didn't see it on the screen or from a distance, but up close, she looks distinctly more tired than normal.

"Were you at the store last night?" I ask, stroking her cheek absentmindedly and marveling at the shiver that spreads through her body.

"Er," she pauses. "Yes, why?"

I sigh. "You look tired. I appreciate a strong work ethic more than anyone, but this internship is demanding. You still have college work, I'm sure, too."

I stop short of telling her not to work at the store. Though if she keeps showing up looking this tired, it's not in my nature to let her keep running herself into the ground.

Christ. Do I want to fuck her or take care of her?

Both?

The thought is temporarily unnerving, and I find myself pulling back slightly.

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