A Glitch in the System
560 Words
For the first time since her father dragged her back to Holloway City, Chloe slept through the night. No nightmares, no sudden jolts of terror, no sounds of Tiffany’s shrill laughter. The scent of cedar in the room, which once felt cold, was now strangely grounding.
When she woke, the room was flooded with warm sunlight. On the nightstand sat a new outfit—perfectly tailored and expensive—with a note from Silas underneath. His handwriting was sharp and disciplined, the mark of a man who had spent his life mastering human decorum to survive.
It was his private number, followed by a brief instruction: My personal line. Call me if you need anything.
Chloe found herself smiling as she saved the number. For the first time, she felt like she had a sanctuary in this city. She decided to head downstairs and actually enjoy a high-society breakfast.
Silas was already at the end of the long mahogany table, reviewing documents while his assistant briefed him on the day’s schedule. When he heard her footsteps, he looked up, the morning light making his dark eyes seem almost warm.
"Little hunt—Wife," he corrected himself, his voice a low rasp. "Sit here". He gestured to the chair directly beside him.
His assistant faltered, looking stunned. Silas Sterling was a man of strict boundaries; he never let anyone into his personal space, especially during work.
"Is the sun rising in the west today?" the assistant muttered under his breath.
"Good morning, ma'am," he added quickly as Chloe sat down.
As she settled in, Silas rested his hand on the back of her chair. His fingers were inches from her skin, the faint scent of cedar clinging to his cuffs.
"I thought you’d sleep longer," he said, reaching out to brush a stray hair from her shoulder. His fingertips grazed the side of her neck, sending a jolt through her.
The assistant’s eyes were practically bulging. He stared at Silas’s hand until the Alpha shot him a warning look. "Sir, your meeting in ten minutes...".
"I have to go," Silas said to Chloe, his tone brooking no argument. "Wait for me at home". Then, he leaned in and pressed a brief, light kiss to the corner of her mouth.
It was gone in a second, but it left everyone in the room frozen.
Chloe touched her lip as he walked away. Is this what it feels like to have someone to rely on? she wondered, looking at the breakfast in front of her. Maybe this marriage could be more than just a substitute.
Outside, the assistant was even more shaken. He opened the car door for Silas, his own wolf ears nearly popping out from the stress.
"Sir...".
"You look surprised," Silas said, sitting back in the leather seat.
"No, sir," the assistant stammered. "It's just... you and the missus seem... well...".
"It's impossible," Silas interrupted coldly. "Don't make a scene. How is the production coming along?".
"The deal is signed, but..." the assistant hesitated. "Are we really inviting her?".
"Yes. The plan doesn't change".
"But the Mrs.—I mean, Chloe—you were just...".
Silas’s gaze darkened, silencing him. He looked out the window, his heart racing. That kiss... it shouldn't have happened. He couldn't help himself.
"Sir," the assistant whispered.
"What?" Silas snapped.
"Your tail is out".
- Writer
