My Boss Is A Werewolf

Chapter 13

Clara Bennett

The afternoon dragged on slower than I expected. I sat at my desk trying to focus on the expense reports Ryder had asked me to organize, but my mind kept drifting.

The new navy dress felt soft against my skin, a constant reminder of how Ryder had stepped in without hesitation.

Every time I moved, I caught a faint whiff of his scent from the shirt I had worn earlier.

My fingers kept brushing against the moonstone necklace, and each time they did, guilt twisted harder in my stomach.

Ryder walked out of his office carrying a stack of folders. He stopped beside my desk and placed them down gently.

“These need to be reviewed before the gala tonight,” he said, his deep voice calm. “Take your time. If anything doesn’t make sense, ask me.”

I looked up at him, nodding. “Yes, Mr. West. I’ll get them done.”

He didn’t leave right away. Instead, he leaned against the edge of my desk, crossing his strong arms over his chest. “How are you feeling now? The dress fits well?”

My cheeks warmed. I shifted in my chair, smoothing the fabric over my lap. “It fits perfectly. Thank you again. You really didn’t have to do all that.”

“I wanted to,” he replied simply, his dark eyes studying my face. “No one should have to sit through the rest of the day feeling uncomfortable. Especially not you.”

I swallowed hard, my hands tightening on the mouse. His kindness made everything so much more difficult. “You’re… very generous, Mr. West.”

He gave a small smile that softened his usually intense expression. “Call me Ryder when we’re alone like this. At least try.”

My heart skipped. I looked down at the papers quickly. “I’ll try… Ryder.”

The way his name felt on my tongue sent a rush through me. I hated how much I liked saying it.

The rest of the afternoon passed with him checking on me every so often. At one point he brought me a fresh cup of coffee ... black with one sugar, exactly how I liked it ...and set it on my desk without a word. When I thanked him, he just nodded and went back to his office. Each small act made the knot in my chest tighter.

Around 4:30 PM, my phone vibrated in my bag. I glanced toward Ryder’s office to make sure he was busy on a call, then pulled it out.

Victor.

My stomach dropped. I quickly answered and held the phone close to my ear, speaking quietly.

“Hello?”

“Clara,” Victor’s smooth but cold voice came through. “Update. Now.”

I glanced around nervously. “I’m still at the office. I got closer to him today. He’s taking me to the gala tonight as his assistant.”

“Good,” Victor said. “What else? Did you find any documents? Weaknesses? Anything useful?”

I bit my lip hard, remembering the confidential folder in his car and the necklace around my neck. I wasn’t going to mention the gift. I wasn’t going to tell him how kind Ryder had been. “Nothing major yet. He’s careful. But he seems… protective. I think I can use that.”

Victor let out a low chuckle. “Protective? Don’t get stupid and fall for him, Clara. Remember what’s at stake. Your mother’s medicine gets cut off if you don’t deliver. I want real information after the gala tonight. Photos, schedules, anything. Don’t disappoint me.”

“I won’t,” I whispered, my voice tight. “I have to go. I’m still at work.”

Victor hung up without another word.

I put the phone down with shaking hands and pressed my palms against my eyes for a second. The guilt was eating me alive. Ryder had been nothing but kind, and here I was, lying to Victor while hiding how much Ryder was affecting me.

“Clara?” Ryder’s voice made me jump.

I quickly straightened up and turned to see him standing in his doorway again. “Yes?”

He frowned slightly, noticing my tense posture. “Everything alright? You look pale.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a small smile. “Just tired. Family stuff.”

Ryder walked over and placed a warm hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. “If it gets too much, tell me. You can take time off after the gala if you need it.”

His touch sent warmth spreading through me. I nodded, not trusting my voice. “Thank you… Ryder.”

He lingered for a moment longer before going back to his office. I stared at my screen, blinking back tears. *I can’t keep doing this. But I have no choice.*

The rest of the day passed in a blur of small tasks. Ryder stayed close, giving me instructions for the gala and even reviewing some of the photos I had taken earlier in the week. Every conversation felt charged. Every time our eyes met, my heart beat faster.

By 6 PM, he finally stood up and checked his watch. “The car will pick you up at 7. Go home and get ready. I’ll see you at the Grand Ballroom.”

I gathered my things, clutching my bag tightly. “I’ll be there.”

As I walked toward the elevator, I touched the moonstone necklace again. It felt heavier now, like a beautiful lie sitting against my skin.

I had to find something tonight. Something I could give Victor without hurting Ryder too much. But deep down, I already knew that was impossible.

The full weight of my situation pressed down on me as I left the building. Tonight wasn’t just a gala.

It was another step deeper into a trap I had no idea how to escape.