Her Impossible Mate

19- My Hero

...Raine...

Zander was true to his word in taking care of the article. Within the day, the story was removed from the internet. While some other news outlets shared snaps of us entering the office together, none had scathing comments on my character and intentions. And there were most definitely no more pictures of me half-naked dancing at the club.

Jamie had contacted me shortly after I made it to the safety of my desk. He expressed his sincere apologies and had no idea how such a photo had been captured. He promised to look into it and would tighten security measures to ensure it never happened again. Thankfully, he didn't address his previous unanswered texts about going on a date and was really just sweet to check in on me. I feel bad that I left him high and dry after our steamy session in the club. I have no doubt had we not been interrupted, things would have only got steamier. But that was before. I've chosen my path now.

Has it been plain sailing since I decided to throw myself headfirst into this mate bond with Zander? No. In fact, I have barely seen him since Monday. He ducked into meetings after he devoured me in the elevator, and that's it. He'll text me sweet things about missing me, but often it's after 11pm, the time I assume he's arriving home. I find it hard in the lonely nights to not listen to the little voice of nagging doubt that tells me this life is not for me. It stings that after declarations of commitment to each other, this is the situation we're in. I feel hollow and desperate for his touch, and it makes me feel pathetic. He has so much that demands his attention, so his days without me are still full. And maybe because my life is empty, this withdrawal burns more. Maybe, I burn alone.

Monday had been so exciting- before the drama. Zander picking me up to take me to work made me feel positively giddy. Since then, the luxury black SUV has pulled up at my apartment building with a second-rate substitute. Poor Luca has been assigned as my keeper, and while he is sweet and enthusiastic, he's not my preferred company. He tries his best to cheer me up, and although it's hard not to absorb his positive energy, it doesn't shift the dark raincloud at the absence of my mate. 

Each day feels like a chore, as the likelihood of seeing Zander feels less and less. Further to the gaping void left by Zander's absence, any attempts to fill that hole and make friends have been futile. I thought I was anti-social and unapproachable, not compared to the Crescent wolves. Despite my ventures into the break room, so far, all I have engaged in is some half-hearted smiles and nods of acknowledgement. 

The only excitement I incurred this week has been dress fitting with Lena. There is something undeniably thrilling at trying on dresses that cost a years worth of rent. Lena told me to enjoy the experience, and we laughed and played dress up for hours, with champagne, of course. There was no way I could ever afford any of the dresses Lena had selected, though she continued to pressure me to choose one 'if I had the money'- a dangerous game. 

I settled on a classic red silk sheath that skimmed seductively over my curves. The neckline dipped to reveal a modest amount of cleavage while the back scooped dangerously low to the base of my spine. The colour, the shape, the fit, everything was divine and entirely out of my price range. Despite my protests, Lena purchased it along with her own and labelled it a business expense. It felt wrong to accept such a lavish gift. More than that, it made me feel like the label of 'golddigger' from the skim read section of that cruel article is true. 

But no matter what I said to try to wriggle out of accepting the dress, Lena had an answer, much like Zander would. So I had to concede, and now the dress hangs over the door in my apartment, ready for tomorrow evening. 

My stomach grumbles as an indication of lunchtime, and I check the clock to confirm. Sighing heavily as I stand, I make my move to the break room for a coffee and to try again to make nice with some people. This is Friday, so fifth times the charm, right? I'm not holding out much hope.

On my approach, my ears tune into a conversation I wish I hadn't heard. My feet freeze in place as I catch my breath to listen in further. 

"I've heard she's not even connected to purebloods. She's full mongrel!" The unknown female voice has a smug tone. I can tell they are talking about me. Who else is there to mock in this place?

"Zoya, your jealousy is showing! He's smitten with her. There is something about her." At least they are not all so cruel, though it doesn't help this crushing feeling weighing down on me.

"Yeah, the fact she opens her legs at the drop of a single!" The group cackle together, turning my stomach inside out. 

I want to run back to my desk and pretend I hadn't heard their cruelty. But I'm all in. Just like with the reporters, I'll show them their words can't break me. 

I strut purposefully into the break room, and their cackling laughter fades quickly. Deliberately, I pass my eyes over each of them with a sweet smile. 

"Good afternoon." I say to the room, trying desperately to keep a soft tone. Their faces drop, some shuffling awkwardly at the obvious timing of my entrance. They know I heard them.

I head to the coffee machine and grab a cup. As I work hard to stop the nervous shake in my hand as I pour, one of the group clears their throat. 

"Raine, is it?" I take a calming breath before turning to look over them with a gentle smile. 

"That's me." A beautiful woman with a sympathetic grimace has stepped forward to address me. 

"I'm Clara. This is Zoya and Kenneth." She gestures to the pair behind her. They don't seem as apologetic. I smile and nod at each of them, then return to adding milk to my coffee.

"Hey. You're new here. Maybe you want to grab some lunch with us?" Zoya makes an audible scoff, and I remember where I'd seen her- and heard her- before. She was at the reception desk on the very first day I came here looking for Zander. She's also the butthurt b***h who was unhappy that day he came down to greet me at reception. Jealousy is a b***h, and her name is Zoya, apparently. She steps forward, a sadistic smirk across her filler filled lips.

"Yeah, then we can find out what's so special about you to have caught the Boss's attention. Because, no offence, I don't see it." Offence taken b***h. Her eyes rake over me, picking me apart. I want to smack that sick smile from her face, but I refuse to stoop to her level. Even in this intimidating environment, I feel confident. I'm sure I have some smart mouth response to knock her down with. 

Before I can respond, the air shifts with the dominant presence of another. My chest hums at his proximity, knowing exactly who it is before I lock eyes with him. 

Zander strides over to my side as I watch with glee at the colour draining from Zoya's face. His face is nearly a snarl as he scans over the group with displeasure. 

He reaches me and sweeps his hand possessively around my waist, placing a tender kiss on my head. I just stand in my smugness, watching the others squirm. Not that I need Zander's protection, but it does feel nice to watch Zoya's dread.

"Raine won't be able to join you for lunch. She has a prior engagement with me." His voice has a threatening rasp, his frown deep and foreboding. Zoya visibly gulps in the tense air. I decide to cut the tension and allow her to escape. Not that she deserves my kindness.

"Thanks for the invite, though. Maybe another time?" The group nod silently at my calm request. I tug gently at Zander's arm to get him to move. He fights me for a moment, and Zoya looks as if she might faint at his unmoving stance.

I tug firmer, and he gives me a disgruntled look but follows. He grabs my hand and holds it firmly in his as we walk away.

"You're mean." I whisper up at him as we walk past ever-watching eyes. His eyebrows raise, and he glances down at me.

"I'm mean? They were mean." He pushes me slightly with his hip causing me to fall out of stride and giggle. 

"Y'know, I'm stronger than you give me credit for." He drags me into the elevator so I stand in front of him, folding my arms in a fake huff.

"I know you're strong. But I don't want you to have to deal with stuff like that. I want to protect you." His brow quirks as he hovers over me. I break my pout to smirk. Placing my hand head, I flutter my eyes and fall into him with a fake swoon.

"My hero." He catches me mid-fall and attacks me with tickles to my ribs to have me cackling as the elevator closes us in. 

"Making fun of the Alpha? I have half a mind to throw you over my shoulder and march you straight to your punishment." The tickles stop as his voice becomes thick. I gaze up at him through my lashes, chewing at my lip at his suggestion. His fingers trace under the hem of the mini skirt I wore today, licking his lips hungrily as he does.

"But I worry in this skirt, everyone would get an eyeful of the sweet treasure that belongs to me." His hungry eyes skim down to hover at my core. I move to close the gap between us, our time apart making me even hungrier for his touch. Annoyingly, the elevator halts, and the doors ping open, and I'm forced to restrain myself and stand calmly at his side. 

He pulls my hand into his again, and we step from the tension. 

"I can't wait to taste you again." He growls down at me, making me blush. I push him playfully, and he chuckles as we continue our carefree walk through the busy floor. The stares don't bother me anymore; all I see is Zander. 

Elijah greets me professionally in Zander's presence, but his eyes twinkle with familiarity. I smile brightly back at him. He seems like a sweetheart. 

Seconds after the door closes Zander and I in his office, his lips capture mine. He hums in approval at the touch as he devours me. I've craved this all week, the memories of our time away consuming my dreams and waking me in a lusty sweat. Now we're alone, there is only one thing I want. 

He calms the kiss, much to my reluctance, and places his forehead on mine. He sighs deeply with content.

"F*ck, I've missed you." I chuckle at his admission. It eases some of my worries that this has been an easy week apart for him. Though if he missed me, why couldn't he see me before now? But that's a risky way to think. 

He pulls away and guides me to his desk. Gesturing for me to sit, he reaches over and grabs an expensive-looking flat red velvet box. I frown, looking over the box he holds out in front of me expectantly. 

"I have it on good authority this will match your outfit for tomorrow night." He beams down at me and moves the box to my hands. 

"Zander, I don't need-"

"Open it." I take the box at his command and roll my eyes up at him. 

As I slowly open the box, I am blinded by the sparkle of several diamonds. Not just several, too many. I gasp in awe, taking in the full sight of Zander's gift. He almost bounces in delight as he watches me take in the gorgeous necklace and earrings set. I shake my head in disbelief, never having been so close to such extravagant jewellery. 

"I can't accept this... I-" I'm lost for words, my mouth dropping and closing as I struggle to respond. The delicate drop earrings sparkle as the sunlight shines on the mixed cut diamonds. The necklace is a full circle of large diamonds that would encircle my neck like a loose choker. There has to be over fifty individual diamonds, cut in a mix of styles; round, marquise, baguette and more. It's simply stunning with modern elegance and regal allure. I cannot even comprehend what a piece like this could cost. I give up on words and let my mouth hang slack.

"Do you like it?" He watches over me nervously, waiting for my response. I puff out a breath, unsure of what to say. It's absolutely beautiful, but it's so much. How can I accept?

"I love it. B-but..." He kneels quickly before me, his eyes staring straight into mine.

"No buts. It's yours." His voice is firm, with no room for negotiation. I nibble my lip in defeat and nod. His face breaks into a wide grin.

"So, about tomorrow... I'll have to meet you at the event. Do you want me to send a car to pick you up?" He stands again and leans casually back on the desk. My stomach drops in disappointment. 

Is this going to be my life? Flashy gifts to compensate for his absence. I avoid his gaze but try to remain indifferent, desperate to be a 'cool girl' and not one to force him close to me. I feel his eyes roam over me, taking in my response. 

"I'm f*cking this up, aren't I?" His hand runs roughly through his slicked hair, loosening it slightly. I catch my breath then force it out in a disappointed laugh. Standing to move in front of him, I caress his cheek in reassurance. 

"It's just-" I shuffle awkwardly between his legs, my thumb stroking over his stubbled cheek. "I thought we'd have time together. I haven't seen you all week." I shrug and try not to seem too needy. But realistically, I should see my mate more than twice a week. Hell, Lena manages to juggle this job, her mate and her girlfriend. I deserve a bit more surely. 

Zander drops his head defeatedly into my chest and sighs heavily. One of my hands tangles in his ruffled hair while the other rubs soothingly at his back. 

"I've missed you so much, but this week-" He sighs into my chest again. "I'll do better." He pulls his head up so his sad sapphire eyes meet mine, a sombre smile etched across his delicious lips. 

"Hey, we're both learning here." I smile down at him then place a soft kiss on his nose. Just being alone with him again eases my worries. The truth is we are both new to this. Things will take time for us to find our balance. 

"So, lunch?" I try to lighten the mood by focusing on the initial reason he scooped me out of the break room drama. At the suggestion, he smirks mischievously and his lustful stare returns. 

"That little skirt of yours has given me an idea of what I want for lunch." His eyebrow raises suggestively as his tongue runs the length of his bottom lip. I grin, the memory of his 'breakfast' desires from the weekend flooding my body with the warmth of untamed lust. 

He quickly switches us places, me now sitting on the desk and him in between my legs. He wastes no time in his attack on my lips as I scoot the hem of my skirt up to expose my black lace thong. His hands slide teasingly up the tops of my thighs, the rough skin of his palms causing tickles and shivers to run up my legs. His hands roam further to grab the side of my thong as his hot kisses trail down my throat, my head tipping back in the ecstasy.

I push myself up slightly so he can sweep the thong from under me and off my legs. He pauses his tantalising kisses and nibbles to bring the small swatch of fabric up to his face. He inhales deeply, his eyes rolling back into his head as he growls lowly. 

"I'm keeping these." He grumbles as he tucks the thong into the chest pocket of his suit. I don't object, content that the scent of my arousal will be on him all day. 

With that, he can't hold himself back any longer. He tips my hips by wrapping my legs over his shoulder and kneeling before me. His head plunges straight between my legs as I allow my head to roll back and arch into him. Buried between my thighs, he lets out his own groans of pleasure as he ravages me completely. Already he threatens to tip me over the edge. Heat pulses over me as my skin litters with goosebumps, the contrasting sensations confusing and entirely pleasing. One hand fists in his hair as I reach the edge, the other hand coming to my own mouth as I bite down to hold back the scream of pleasure threatening to break loose. Zander doesn't let up his punishing attack as I shudder and shake over the edge and start a new ascent to new highs. I feel him smirk against me as he pushes for another c****x. 

Apparently, there is only one thing on Zander's lunch menu; orgasms. And I'm not complaining.