Page 43 of Obsessed Wolf Daddy

I clarified that I wasn't calling him for permission. About anything.

When my phone beeps a few minutes later, I grab it eagerly, assuming it's Saffy. I feel nothing but disappointment when I see Carmela's name flash on the screen. However, my interest is immediately piqued as I read her message.

I'm ready to present our new program. The preliminary results are even better than expected. This is a game changer, and I'm authorized to go to 50% market share with Brite Corp. I'll send over the overview to whet your appetite, and then we'lldiscuss it at 8 am. This is big, Cole, so set aside your drama and get on board.

I open the file, my eyes quickly scanning the project outline, and I chuckle slightly. She's done it again. For all Carmela's faults, she's a fucking genius.

You're on,I reply.

Today couldn't have gone better.

Chapter 22 - Saffy

It's been two days since I've seen Cole properly. Not because we don't want to see each other again, but because I've been holed up, working on trying to piece my project back together. Cole's been busy, too. Some huge deal has come through, so he and Jonah have been working around the clock.

His late-night calls have kept the fire simmering between us, though, with his intoxicating descriptions of everything he wants to do to my body. My cheeks burn at the way he can so casually awaken my body and soul with his words. His low, rumbling voice practically ouches me through the phone, a whisper against my skin.

I'm becoming bolder in my response, the strength of emotion attempting to override my shyness. But I'm still painfully aware of my innocence around him. His wolf dominates mine completely, though I think he thrives on it.

Cole's obsessed with Terrance. He's convinced he's still a threat and has offered to send security to the cabin. Zack is already unhappy about me seeing Cole, so I can't imagine he'd take kindly to Cole insinuating I'm not safe here. Ironically, I think Cole and Zack are quite similar. I spent all weekend fielding Zack's well-intentioned concerns over Cole. Finally, Tanya stepped in to remind my bone-headed brother that the age gap is the same between them as it is between Cole and me. That seems to have shut him up for now.

Even Diego called me to offer his opinion on the subject. I get the feeling Cole isn't his favorite person, either. Though, Diego giving me advice when he literally kidnapped his mate is beyond ridiculous. Not that I told him that.

Being around so many controlling, dominant wolves makes my head spin and my own wolf retreat. At least hiding behind my computer has enabled me to piece most of myprogram back together. Tanya has been monitoring Terrance's accounts to see if there's any mention of my program. Perhaps he doesn't realize what he's actually stolen yet. I just need a couple more days before it's ready to present to the team.

Pulling into the lot at Brite Corp, my heart rate picks up as I notice Cole's vehicle pulling in behind me. I wait until he parks, taking a few deep breaths as I check my reflection in the mirror. We haven't even talked about whether we'll be together openly yet, despite his proclamations the other night. I don't want to come across as totally naive, but I'm still unsure how to proceed at work.

Stepping out of the car, I smile broadly when I see him. "Saffy!" a little voice calls out from behind him, and I see Annie running toward me.

I pull the little girl in close. Her enthusiasm is infectious. "Have you come to take over the company?" I laugh as she giggles.

She shakes her head. "No, but my daddy says his big chair will be mine one day."

"You're very clever, so I have no doubt," I tell her. Just then, she begins a series of sneezes, and I look to Cole, concerned. Shifters don't get sick often, but Annie is a half-shifter, so I'm not sure.

Cole steps forward and ruffles his daughter's hair. "It's just a little sniffle. She was supposed to be with the nanny today, but we have a big announcement, and I thought it would be more fun if she came." Turning to his daughter, he adds, "You can have the big chair today if you want."

"A big announcement sounds interesting," I say, hoping he'll drop a hint, but he just smiles knowingly.

"I'm not giving anything away, but I think you'll be impressed," he says. "They're all setting up now, so maybe Annie and I can steal you for a coffee in my office?"

Annie jumps up and down at that suggestion, making my heart clench. Is this Cole's way of making room for me in their family? I can't help smiling as he looks at me hopefully.

"I would love that,” I say. “If they don't need my help setting things up, obviously."

"I'm the boss, Saffy," he says, leaning closer. "And I need you more."

His words are everything I want to hear. The next half hour is spent coloring with Annie and having a coffee with Cole in his office. This space feels like a private sanctuary from all the hustle outside. Whatever this announcement is, they're making a huge deal out of it with a small stage in the reception area and a champagne bar for toasts.

"Have you heard from him?" Cole asks me when Annie is occupied. He leans close, his proximity scrambling my mind. It takes a second for me to realize who he's talking about.

"No,” I whisper. “Terrance wouldn't be so stupid.”

"Well, he's already shown himself to be stupid twice now where you're concerned. I won't let it happen again."

"I can take care of myself," I say. His eyes flash in response, but I decide to change the subject. "My project is almost ready to present to R&D. Maybe you'd like to see it first?"

He smiles softly. "I'm glad you were able to salvage it. Of course I'll look through your college work."

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