Born To Be More

Good Morning

Raine

"This meeting's more like an induction," I say, trying to smile through the nerves. "For all of us. Just to get a feel for Chic, and how this is all supposed to work."

Rion nods, then clears his throat. “Raine, let’s talk quickly about your security. Have you had any moments since arriving where you felt like you might’ve needed protection?”

“Um… not really, I guess. But I didn’t actually understand what I was stepping into until yesterday,” I admit.

Caine jumps in, ever the over-prepared sidekick. “Actually, Rion, someone leaked Raine’s arrival to the press. Media swarmed the entrance—flashing cameras, shouting. It was chaos.” He pauses. “And a staff member purposely knocked her things out of her hands in the hallway. The manager's already had a word with her.”

Max suddenly stands, his energy instantly shifting the room. He starts to pace like a wolf too tightly caged.

“Raine was also assaulted in L.A.,” Max growls, voice cold. “By the same asshole who approached her on the plane. He was arrested and detained, but we haven’t gotten a follow-up. He was supposed to be on the same flight to New York.”

Rion stiffens. “Wait. He was scheduled on your jet?”

“No,” Max snaps. “A commercial flight. From L.A. to JFK.”

There’s a pause. A look passes between them. The kind that says volumes but tells me nothing.

I narrow my eyes, my stomach tightening. “Okay, if you boys are done talking about me like I’m not here—can we move on?” I ask, sharper than I intended. “I’ve had a hell of a week, and I’d like to get through this without feeling like a security risk in heels.”

Max stops pacing. His gaze softens immediately. “You’re right, Angel. I’m sorry.”

Rion lifts a hand, expression more respectful now. “Understood. We’ll make sure you’re looped into every part of the decision-making going forward.”

“Good,” I say, sitting back. “Because I’m the one living this life now. I’d like to actually feel like I have some control in it.”

Max returns to the couch and wastes no time pulling me onto his lap. I squeal, surprised, right in front of Caine and Rion.

“Max,” I huff, heat rising in my cheeks.

“Angel,” he says seriously, ignoring my flustered state. “I want you to be safe, okay?”

I roll my eyes. “And I’m not safe sitting on the couch next to you?” I fire back.

He smirks, pinching my side just enough to make me squeak. “That’s not what I meant. You’ll have two personal guards with you at all times—unless you’re with me. Rion’s arranging a driver for your scheduled events, and we’ll increase personnel for any high-profile public appearances.”

I blink. Did anyone ask me how I feel about being shadowed like a bloody president? I love being close to Max—it makes me feel protected and wanted—but this right now? He’s talking over me like I’m a fragile package being passed off for safekeeping.

I slide off his lap and stand, brushing my dress down. “Excuse me.”

“Raine,” Max calls after me.

“I’ll, uh… start making some calls,” Caine says awkwardly, standing and heading to the kitchen to give us space.

I step into the bedroom and shut the door behind me, needing just a moment to breathe. My heart is racing—not just from the attention, but from the emotional whiplash.

The door creaks open, and I don’t need to look back to know it’s him. Max comes in and silently wraps his arms around me from behind, pressing his chest to my back. He lowers his face into the crook of my neck, breathing me in like he’s trying to calm himself too.

Neither of us speaks at first. There’s something grounding in the silence, in the weight of his arms, in the scent of him surrounding me.

Then, in a low voice, he finally says, “I’m sorry, Angel. I didn’t mean to bulldoze you like that.”

I stay quiet, letting him sit in it.

“I just…” he exhales slowly. “When I saw what happened in LA… when I realized how close I was to not being there in time—I swore I’d never take your safety for granted again.”

I turn slightly in his arms, just enough to look at him. “Max, I don’t mind the protection. But I need to feel like I have a say in all this. I’m not just something for you to protect. I’m also a woman trying to live a new life. That means making choices… even the risky ones.”

He nods, his gaze softening. “Okay. We’ll make decisions together from now on.”

I lift a brow. “Together, huh? That a promise?”

He leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Scout’s honor.”

“Were you even a scout?”

He grins against my skin. “No. But I’m a wolf. That counts for something.”

“Max, I’m not a child,” I say firmly. “If something concerns me—even if I end up agreeing with you—you still need to discuss it with me. I make the final decision about my life.”

I fold my arms. “And for the record, you introduced me as your girlfriend, then pulled me onto your lap in front of a Chic colleague. That’s not okay.”

Max exhales heavily and sits on the bed, rubbing his hands together. “I’m sorry, Angel. For taking over. I’m just… I’m used to being in control. And after what happened yesterday, I’m scared shitless. You are my girlfriend—I thought that was clear last night.” He glances up at me. “And yeah… I pulled you onto my lap because I needed you close. But I won’t promise it won’t happen again. I’m possessive, Angel. It’s who I am.”

I soften, just a little. “So… you’re my boyfriend, then?” I say, teasing him with a smile.

He reaches for me, pulling me between his legs, and looks up with that dangerous grin. “And so much more.”

A soft voice echoes in my head—just a whisper. Mate.

I blink. “Max… did you just call me mate?” I ask slowly, searching his face.

His eyes widen. “What?”

“I heard it. A voice. It said ‘mate.’” I shake my head. “This isn’t the first time either. For the past few months, weird things have been happening to me—my vision’s improved, like, a lot. I don’t need contacts anymore. My hearing is sharper, my stamina’s insane—I can run for miles at the gym without stopping.”

He freezes, his expression shifting from concern to something deeper—something primal.

“Max?” I ask again, more cautious now.

He wraps his arms around me tightly, holding me like he’s trying to anchor us both.

“No, Angel,” he says quietly, almost too quietly. “That wasn’t me.”

I blink again, my thoughts spinning. What the hell is going on with me?

Max pulls back slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. His smile is soft but doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Come on,” I say, forcing a light tone. “Some of us have to work today.”

He stands slowly, watching me like I might vanish.