Claimed by the Alpha
858 Words
The silence in the executive office was deafening, broken only by the rapid, erratic beat of Clara’s heart.
Ethan’s hands remained planted on the dark mahogany door on either side of her head, trapping her in a cage of pure heat and muscle. His golden eyes glowed in the dimming afternoon light, reflecting a wild, possessive hunger that made her shiver.
"Y-your bride?" Clara stammered, her voice barely a whisper. She pressed herself harder against the door, her hands still instinctively shielding her stomach. "Ethan, you aren't making sense. The Blood Moon is tomorrow. You have to marry Victoria Laurent to secure the pack's alliance. I'm just... I'm your secretary."
"You are carrying my child," Ethan growled, his voice vibrating deep in his chest. The sound was primal, sending a strange, thrilling warmth straight to her core. "And my wolf has chosen. He wants *you*. I want you."
He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her temple.
> *“Let the board protest. Let the Laurents threaten war. I will tear down everything I built before I let another man touch you, or let anyone take what is mine.”*
"But I'm human," Clara cried softly, her eyes filling with tears of overwhelming anxiety. "Your people... your pack... they will never accept a human Luna. Especially one who..." She trailed off, unable to voice her deepest fear. She knew how ruthless the supernatural world could be. If the board found out she was pregnant with the Alpha's heir, she wouldn't be seen as a bride. She would be seen as a target.
"They will accept you, or they will face me," Ethan said, his tone leaving absolutely no room for negotiation.
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### The Interruption
Before Clara could protest further, the sharp buzz of the intercom on Ethan's desk shattered the tension.
Ethan stiffened, his head snapping toward the desk, his eyes flashing dangerously at the intrusion. He didn't want to let her go, but the urgent vibration of his phone forced him to step back. The sudden loss of his body heat left Clara feeling cold and strangely exposed.
He swiped the line open. "I said no interruptions, Richard."
*"Ethan, we have a problem,"* his Beta’s voice came through, sounding tense and strained. *"Victoria Laurent just arrived at the building. She didn't wait for the scheduled meeting tomorrow. She's in the lobby right now, and she has her father’s lead enforcers with her. She’s demanding to see her future mate."*
Clara’s breath hitched. She looked at Ethan, panic flashing in her green eyes.
Ethan's jaw clenched so hard a muscle ticked. He looked at Clara, his protective instincts flaring to a dangerous peak. The Blood Moon was close, and the primal urge to shield his pregnant mate from any potential threat was screaming in his blood. Victoria Laurent was a powerful Alpha female—and she was ruthless. If she caught even a whiff of Clara’s scent on Ethan, or smelled the pup growing inside her, Clara’s life would be in immediate danger.
"Block her at the executive elevator," Ethan commanded Richard. "Do not let her up."
*"I can delay her for ten minutes, Ethan, but she's an Alpha's daughter. She knows her rights,"* Richard warned. *"If I bar her completely, it will look like a declaration of war."*
"Then buy me ten minutes," Ethan growled and cut the connection.
---
### Safe Keeping
Ethan turned back to Clara. In three strides, he was in front of her again. Without a word, he reached down and gently but firmly took the leather-bound folder from her hands, tossing it onto a chair.
"We are leaving. Now," he said.
"Leaving? But my desk—the files—"
"Forget the files," Ethan commanded, grabbing his tailored suit jacket and draping it over her shoulders. The jacket was huge on her, smelling heavily of him—of cedar, rain, and raw power. It completely enveloped her, masking her sweet human scent with his overwhelming Alpha aura. "My driver is waiting in the private basement garage. You're going to my penthouse."
"Your penthouse?" Clara's jaw dropped. "Ethan, I can't just move into your home!"
Ethan stopped, his hands resting on her shoulders. He looked down at her, his golden eyes burning with absolute sincerity.
"The Blood Moon rises tomorrow night, Clara. The air is already thick with pheromones, and the city is going to become highly volatile for humans. But more importantly, you are carrying the next Alpha of the Obsidian Ridge Pack. You are the most precious, vulnerable thing in my life right now." He cupped her cheek, his thumb gently wiping away a stray tear. "I need you where I can protect you. Please."
The vulnerability in his voice threw her. The ruthless CEO was gone, replaced by a man—a beast—who was practically begging to keep her safe.
Licking her dry lips, Clara slowly nodded. "Okay. I'll go."
"Good," Ethan murmured, a look of profound relief washing over his handsome face. He gripped her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers as he led her toward his private office elevator. "Let's go home."
- Writer
