RAKSHAK: THE SECRET ALPHA

Chapter 3: The Beast’s Possession

Inside that luxurious cabin, the silence was so heavy it felt as though the noise of the entire outside world had stopped in a single stroke. Beyond the massive glass wall, the city of Delhi rushed forward at its own frantic pace, but within this room, time seemed to halt at a terrifying crossroads. The words that slipped from Agni Rathore’s lips—“Chasing the ghost of an old memory?”—pulled the floor right out from under Kavya. Her heart stopped for a second. Her eyes widened in sheer shock, and the breath trapped in her throat struggled to escape.

For a few moments, she could only stare into a blank void. Her mind had gone numb. Did this dangerous, influential man know everything about that night? Did he realize what had happened to her in that dark room three years ago? And if he did know, what was the point of staring at her with such calm, piercing intensity?

Kavya steadied her trembling form. Lifting her eyelids, she mustered every ounce of courage left in her and locked her terrified gaze straight into Agni’s deep, cold, and piercing eyes, which were studying her like a hungry predator. She forced her voice to stay steady, even though her soul trembled within, and spoke with absolute firmness, “Sir... I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m only here for a job. I have no old memories to chase, nor any intention of following anyone. If my presence bothers you so much, you can take my resignation!”

Not a single line creased Agni’s face. At the corner of his lips hovered an intensely dangerous, sharp smile. His gaze closely measured every shifting emotion on Kavya’s face and the acceleration of her breath. He knew very well that this girl was hiding a great deal, or perhaps she was completely unaware of the truth that was about to shatter the walls between them. But who cared about that? The words “let go” or “allow to leave” had never existed in Agni Rathore’s dictionary. Years ago on that rainy night, the fragrance that had stolen the sleep from his nights had suddenly walked into his office today—how could he ever let it slip out of his grasp?

Agni didn’t budge an inch from his spot; instead, he took another step forward. Walking slowly, he closed the distance until he stood right in front of Kavya. The heat radiating from his tall, muscular frame and the potent scent of his body completely blended into her breathing now. Kavya felt as though she were suffocating. She tried to step back, but her spine hit the closed door behind her.

Agni leaned his face a little closer to hers. His eyes held her captive like a spell. His deep, intoxicating voice brushed right against her ear, “You’re lying, Kavya... your tongue might lie, but these eyes and this heartbeat of yours are telling the truth. You didn't come here just for a normal job.”

Kavya’s anger shot through the roof. Beneath that heavy shadow of fear, her self-respect flared up. She clenched her fists, trembling with fury, and snapped, “Just who do you think you are, Mr. Agni Rathore? Are you some kind of god who gets to decide everyone's destiny? I came here to earn an honest living, not to beg! Get out of my way!”

The moment Kavya tried to brush past him, the “beast” inside Agni flared up. The color of his eyes deepened even further. Instantly, he shot out a strong hand and gripped Kavya’s wrist. The hold was so secure she couldn’t budge an inch even if she wanted to. There was no cruelty in the grip, but rather a possessive, almost reckless claim.

Agni brought his face closer still, his warm breath brushing against her cheek. This time his voice dropped lower, dripping with danger, “Your way? Letting you go? You are terribly mistaken, Kavya... you walked into this company of your own free will, but from now on, the decision of when you leave rests solely with me.”

Tears spilled over from Kavya’s eyes. She had never bent the knee before anyone, but every weapon she possessed was proving useless against this man. Choking back a sob, she pleaded, “Why are you doing this? What did I ever do to you?”

Agni watched the tears glistening on her face. A strange, sharp pang struck somewhere deep within his heart, yet his cruel expression never faltered. Softening his tone just a fraction, he murmured, “Because you belong to me, Kavya... the sooner you accept that, the better it will be for you.”

Kavya couldn't make sense of what bond this man was talking about. Her mind had completely flatlined. All she knew was that she had stumbled into a trap from which escape was entirely out of her hands.

Agni slowly released her wrist. Stepping back, he pressed the button on his internal phone and summoned Vikram. Within seconds, Vikram appeared inside the cabin.

Without glancing at Kavya, Agni issued a cold, unyielding command, “Vikram, shift all of Ms. Kavya’s files and her new workstation right outside my personal cabin. Her desk must be placed where I can keep my eyes on her every single second. And double her salary. Starting today, she is my special personal executive.”

Vikram was stunned, but defying the boss's orders was never in his nature. He immediately bowed his head and said, “Yes, boss, I’ll arrange it right away.”

Kavya stood rooted to the spot like a stone statue. Her heart was screaming. She had no idea how she was going to escape this man. She had to return home by evening, where her own world awaited her—her little daughter.

Agni walked back and settled into his leather chair. His cold gaze remained fixed on Kavya’s every movement. The beast inside him had finally grown still because his mate was now right where she belonged. But for Kavya, this was the beginning of a harrowing trial that was destined to completely rewrite her tomorrow.