Kanto’s POV
Skyler took a couple steps into the lobby before stopping and looking around. There were only a couple lights on but enough to see the basic lay out. What made me laugh was how she skipped over to the fountain that was in the center of the lobby. I watched as her eyes darted around staring at the pennies people have thrown into the fountain over the years. The light at the bottom of the fountain gave a blue hew that somehow maybe Skyler’s eyes stand out even more in the dark. The simple joy on Skyler’s face almost made me forget all about my plan for the night.
“Come on, follow me before the security guard catches us.” I teased her and it worked, she immediately jumped away from the fountain and scurried in the direction I was moving.
I led us to the elevator and we rode it to the top floor. Skyler seemed a bit too distracted to notice we made it to the top floor since she was looking out the elevator window the whole way up. Her child-like wonder at the city below her was adorable. But it also made me appreciate the view too. After working here for so many years I just tuned out the view. I got used to it. But seeing Skyler so excited reminded me of how beautiful the city was.
The elevator dinged, signaling our floor. When we stepped off Skyler was visibly nervous. Little did she know she had nothing to be nervous about.
“Are you sure we are allowed to be here? These seem like the executive offices? Won’t we get in trouble?”
“Come on, we’ll be fine. Don’t you trust me?” I gave her a stoic, cheesy smile that didn’t seem to calm her down very much. “Here this way, I’ll take you to a place to wait while I fix up the food.”
I took her hand again and could hear her sharply inhale from the contact. Could she feel the sparks too? I guided her through the dark building, luckily for me werewolves have great eyesight in the dark. With my free hand I took out my keys while I lead her to my office. As I unlocked the door, I could see Skyler out of the corner of my eye looking around frantically.
“Hey, I said everything will be ok, so stop worrying.” I took my hand and cupped her cheeks, gently tilting her face up so I could see her blue eyes again. I took in a deep breath of her fruity scent before moving my hand away from her soft blushing cheek. “I’m going to go heat up the food. Do you mind waiting here? The security guard shouldn’t come in here and I don’t want to make you worry more.”
“I can wait here, but what about the ice cream?”
“There’s a fridge over by the window behind the desk, it should stay cool in there.” There was enough light in the room that I didn’t need to turn on the lights, I could see Skyler spot the mini fridge in the distant. “I’ll be right back.”
I gave her a warm smile before leaving the room and closing the door behind me. I headed over to the staff kitchen on the floor so I could use the microwave. Other than that everything should be set. I mind-linked the security guard, Harold, on our way over to prepare everything for us so this was the only thing left to do. Harold knew to stay on the lower floors so I knew he wouldn’t interfere, I also made it clear for no one to mind-link me for the rest of the night. I wanted to give all of my attention to Skyler.
Focus on getting her to like you so we can mate and mark her already. I’ve already waited 10 years and at the rate you’re going I’ll be waiting another 10 more. Zenith grumbled, unfortunately there was no way to block out your wolf completely. I just rolled my eyes and continued to prep the finest food a late-night convenience store had to offer. I gathered everything else we would need and headed back to my office.
Seriously Kanto, you need to mate and mark her soon. I understood what Zenith was saying, but I can’t risk it. One false move and Skyler might reject us. She’s human and doesn’t understand the idea of mates yet, she’ll need time.
Or at least that’s what I thought because when I walked back into my office I wasn’t prepared for her to be like this.
There she was, sitting behind my desk with just the desk lamp on. Her dirty blonde hair was now undone from her braid falling seductively beside her face. The light hit her plump lips making them seem more red. She had a stern look on her face as she leaned back in my chair, arms crossed and eyes slightly narrowed. She reminded me of a black and white tv show detective.
“Come in and take a seat… Mr. Boterea.” I could hear her confidence roll off her tongue. I walked in and placed the food on a table near me. As I got closer, Skyler sat up in the chair putting her elbows on the desk and clasping her hands together. Her breasts spilled over the table as she moved to put her chin on her hands. It’s a good thing I sat down in the chair when I did because I could feel my desire growing for her.
“I believe you have some explaining to do.” She tilted her head and said with a smirk.
“What would you like me to explain Miss Skyler?”
“Right now, the name is Ms. McCarthy.”
“My apologies ma’am. What would you like me to explain Ms. McCarthy?” I remove my blazer and drape it on my chair hoping this will fluster her a bit.
But I was wrong, she kept her composure and continued on with her line of questioning. “So your father was an architect and the CEO of Boterea & Buildings. Then you took over the family business, so you’re the CEO of Boterea & Buildings. Meaning I really was freaking out about security for no reason.” Her expression relaxed and she went straight into smiling, to which I smiled back.
“All true, Ms. McCarthy.” I was happy see didn’t seem mad at me for not instantly telling her about my position here. Especially because that wasn’t the big secret that needed to be shared. But then I remembered, “We can finish this conversation at the next place.”
“Next place?” Skyler now looked really confused. I picked up the plates of food and moved towards a door on the side of my office.
“This way.”
She walked through the door and started climbing the stairs that were there until she made it to another door. I nodded and she pushed open the door. I heard her gasp as we stepped through the doorway.
The door led to a rooftop patio where bright lights were hung up around the perimeter. A giant blanket was spread out on the ground along with some pillows and extra blankets. Some candles were lit on the ground to illuminate a romantic setting. Skyler cupped her mouth with her hands in surprise. She was frozen there staring at the ambiance until she spoke.
“What- what is this place? How did you do all this?” Skyler said, obviously still shocked.
“The security guard.” I smirked back.
Her shocked expression switched to a sigh and an eye roll, followed by a soft laugh. “You need to give him a raise.” I definitely did.
She took a couple steps forward, her now unbraided hair flowing around her waist. Her dress swayed with the wind along with her hair. The lighting shined around her making it seem like she was glowing, she was truly beautiful. She walked over towards the blanket and sat down. She moved some of the extra blankets and pillows around to get comfortable while facing the majority of the city skyline. Then she turned to me with a big smile and patted the spot next to her. I hustled over and took my seat by her side while handing her her plate of food. We both took a bite of the still warm Hot Pockets.
“Mmmmm.” She moaned with a puffy cheeked smile. I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight, she looked like an adorable chipmunk. She swallowed her food before speaking. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a Hot Pocket. I’ve forgotten how much I used to like these things.”
We ate our food in comfortable silence while enjoying the view of the city. I could get used to this, peaceful summer nights with my mate next to me. I didn’t know how much I missed this peace until tonight. As Alpha, my life is anything but peaceful, being here reminded me of simpler times.
“So why didn’t you tell me you were the CEO of Boterea & Buildings?” Skyler’s facial expression caught me off guard. It wasn’t one of anger or as desire. It was caring and nonjudgmental, I don’t know how to explain it, I could tell she wanted the truth but had no ulterior motives to use it.
“I didn’t want you to run away. Most people say and do what they think I want them to say and do. People act a part when they’re around me, I didn’t want you to feel like you had to do that. I wanted you to treat me as me while being true to yourself. Most people know I’m this person of power, it changes their perspective. I didn’t want you to changes yours yet. Does that make sense?” I realized I wasn’t only talking about the CEO position, I was also talking about my role as Alpha.
“Yea, I understand. You’re a person who shouldn’t be defined by their position. I’d like to also assume that people also try to use you for their own personal gain too because of that position.”
She can use me all she wants. Zenith had be intrigued by our conversations so far but of course he still had one thing on his mind.
Dude, read the room.
Skyler continued “I want to explain why I decided to go out with you tonight. That is if you want?”
“I have been wondering that.” Since Skyler isn’t a werewolf she wouldn’t have the mate-bond to push her on this date. She basically went off with a complete stranger.
“Initially I didn’t truly know why. Maybe it was because I don’t go on many dates. Or maybe I was being shallow and just went because you were good looking.” Her face blushed at that, it was clear she didn’t mean to say that part out loud. “Whatever the reason, some part of me was pulling me to you. Like I knew I would regret it if I didn’t go.”
What if she CAN feel our mate-bond? Is that possible? Zenith was getting excited.
I mean there are rumors that humans can feel it a little bit. I tried to logic with him.
But not to the extent she’s expressing, could she be a wolf and just not know it?
I thought carefully about my answer before replying. No, she can’t be a wolf. She would have shifted and known by now. And we would have been able to pick up the scent of werewolf off her if she was. Maybe she just feels the bond stronger because we are the Alpha.
“I know I sound crazy but it’s the truth.” I was too wrapped up in my conversation with Zenith to notice that Skyler paused for my reaction. Now she seemed a bit stressed running her hands through her hair. Before I could console her, she kept explaining. “But that was the initial reason. After the time we have spent together it was even more the reason to stay. Still we don’t know each other very well but I can tell you are empathetic, thoughtful, smart, playful…”
“Wow so many good things to say about a man you just met.” I put both arms behind my head and partially leaned back.
“You’re also cocky, arrogant, annoying and a bit overprotective.” She smiled at me with an all knowing look.
I laughed at her teasing me. Wait, overprotective? What did she mean by that? Luckily I didn’t need to ask out loud.
“I saw your face at the cashier at the convenience store. I also believe I heard you growl. But that’s alright, he was staring at me all creepy like anyways so I appreciate you stepping in like that. Hence the thoughtfulness.” I noticed Skyler lean a bit closer to me, I could feel the heat radiating off her.
“I couldn’t let anyone stare at you like that. Only I get to do that.” I leaned closer and got more of her intoxicating scent. My eyes were now focused on her pink, luscious lips, my thoughts were wondering how they taste.
Skyler smiled and chuckled a bit “Oh? You think you’re so special?” She got even closer to me, until our faces were only a couple inches apart. She parted her lips a little bit. I took my hand and brushed some strands of hair out of Skyler’s face. Letting me see her beautiful blue eyes and leaving a clear, direct path to her lips. I leaned in for the kiss-
Alpha it’s urgent. It was Jack, my gamma, over mind-link. I’m sorry to disturb you Alpha but it really is urgent.
The mind-link caused me to hesitate, which unfortunately was enough time for Skyler to pull back.
“I’m sorry…” She began to say.
“No, I’m sorry. My phone has been buzzing like crazy for a while now and it just started going off again.” It wasn’t actually my phone but I could feel people trying to reach me through my mind link.
“Oh then you should answer it, I have been taking up a lot of your time.” I could feel Skyler’s guilt, that won’t do.
“First off, it’s a phone, they can wait. Next and most importantly, every minute of this night has been some of the best minutes of my life. Being with you is how I want to spend my time. So never apologize for taking it, in fact take all of my time. But never feel guilty for it.” I touched her cheek with my hand and move it towards her hair and gave her a smile. I could feel the heat from her cheeks as she blushed. Reluctantly I removed my hand and got up to fake answer my phone.
This better be really f*****g important. I growled at Jack over mind-link.
We spotted a large group of rogues outside of the packlands to the north. But they aren’t acting like usual rogues. Jack was quick to the point.
You think it’s him. It was more of a statement than a question and unfortunately a valid reason for interrupting my first kiss with Skyler.
I do. Jack didn’t hesitate.
I’ll be back soon. For now you and Brett should just keep an eye on them. We can determine whether or not to attack when I get back.
Yes Alpha. So…… how are things going with your mate? Brett must have told Jack about why I didn’t want to be interrupted. I just responded with a growl.
Jack just laughed. I’ll see you when you get back, Alpha. Then the mind-link closed.
Asshole. Zenith said.
Agreed.
I took a deep breath, mad about how I now have to end our date with Skyler. I reluctantly turned around to face her. She was staring at her phone wide eyed with horror, even her mouth was open in shock. What’s going on? What happened to my mate?