A CLANDESTINE WOLF

CHAPTER 4

Karen was puzzled after his conversation with Matthew, experiencing an odd sensation, as if something was pulling him towards the younger man. Although he tried to shake it off, the feeling lingered.

To distract himself, Karen immersed himself in his work, specifically on the design for his project. He decided to help Matthew by purchasing the land, hoping this might also help him understand his strange feelings towards him.

Matthew had rescued him, and it wasn't just gratitude that karen felt-it was more like affection. He found himself excited at the thought of seeing him again.

Smiling, he continued his drawing. He now had Matthew Ford's number and could contact him anytime.

Wesley and Samuel noticed Karen's increased dedication to his work and were proud to see their younger brother taking his job seriously.

At dinner, the topic came up. "Ren, what are you working on?" Samuel asked, looking up and noticing Karen blushing.

He exchanged a glance with Wesley, who also noticed. Karen, oblivious, smiled. "I'm planning to build a nature park in the forest area with rare plants that are almost extinct here. Someone came to my office today and made an offer that could make my dream come true." His pride was evident, and everyone could see it.

"That's great, Ren! Did you check the background of the person who made the offer? There are many people who pretend to own land and sell it with fake documents," Samuel warned, recalling a similar experience Wesley had during his first big project.

Karen shook his head. "Not yet, but I will before meeting him again. I just want to finish the drawing first because it's already in my mind, and I don't want to forget it while I'm doing the background check!"

His older brothers nodded in understanding, ignoring his initial statement, and continued their dinner with small talk.

Karen had always been passionate about nature and loved everything related to it. Wesley and Samuel were more focused on profitable projects and were not concerned about Karen's nonprofit project, as long as it made

him happy.

That night, as the youngest brother went to bed, he suddenly had a headache. It wasn't the usual kind of pain; it felt as if someone was trying to enter his mind, if that made any sense.

After a few minutes, he heard a familiar voice moaning his name, but he couldn't place it. It was muffled, as if through a pillow.

Maybe he was just exhausted and hallucinating, so he decided to sleep it off. It had been a long and tiring day.

A week passed without further incidents. Karen completed his drawing and began searching online for information about Matthew Ford. It was challenging, but he wouldn't give up easily.

He dialled Matthew's number, and after a few rings, a sleepy voice answered. "Chris, why are you waking me up? I had my nocturnal run last night, and you know I can't wake up until late afternoon!"

Karen, curious about the 'nocturnal run,' didn't interrupt Matthew's rambling.

Matthew groaned when he got no response. "Chris, are you ignoring me now? Are you in heat? Do I need to come over and help you out? I owe you at least two orgasms." Matthew chuckled, and Karen's eyes widened. Did he hear that,right?

He was about to hang up when a curse stopped him. "Oh my god, I didn't check the caller ID! Mr. Hayes, I'm so sorry. I was just joking; Chris and I always fool around."

Karen remembered their conversation from a week ago and sighed. "Mr. Ford, there's no need to apologize. I know you have a fiancé, and we're both adults. Such things happen, especially with a future spouse."

Matthew frowned. "Engaged? I'm not engaged; Chris is just a good friend."

Karen was confused. Hadn't Matthew mentioned a fiancée? "Oh, I thought you mentioned it last week. My mistake, I'm sorry."

Matthew recalled the conversation and felt frustrated by his mistakes. "Yes, you must have misunderstood. Sorry about that."

"No problem. The reason I'm calling is that I've finished my drawing and want to arrange a new meeting. I couldn't find much about you online, and there's a lot at stake. I hope you understand my scepticism and can provide some background information."

Matthew cleared his throat. "Of course, that's not a problem. Should I email it to you, or would you prefer to meet in person?"

"Personally," Karen responded too quickly, then facepalmed. Matthew chuckled, finding it endearing.

Matthew, enjoying the conversation, suggested, "How about today? I have nothing planned."

"Today? Hmm." Karen pretended to check his schedule. "Since my other appointment was cancelled, I'm free. Can we meet in my office in two hours?"

"Can we meet at a quiet coffee shop? I need a strong coffee first," Matthew groaned, tired from a late night.

"Sure, send me the address, and I'll be there in two hours." Karen celebrated silently.

"Great! See you later, Ren." The nickname slipped out, and Matthew quickly corrected himself. "I mean, Mr. Hayes!"

"It's okay. In public, let's stay professional, but privately, you can call me Ren," Karen said, finding it cute and preferring it.

After a short goodbye, they ended the call and prepared for their meeting.

Karen arrived at the coffee shop first and chose a secluded table in the corner to ensure their conversation remained private.

When Matthew still hadn't arrived after twenty minutes, Karen started to worry. Should he send a message?

As he pulled out his phone to text, someone tapped his shoulder. "Hello, Mr. Hayes. I'm sorry for being late." Matthew took the seat across from him. Just as Karen was about to say it was no problem, he noticed Matthew's companion a man around his age but smaller, with full lips and a handsome face.

"Hi, I'm Christopher, but you can call me Chris. Matthew has told me about you." Chris sat beside Matthew and smiled warmly at Karen. Knowing he was Matthew's mate, Chris was eager to meet Karen, and Matthew didn't mind.

Karen stood up briefly and bowed. "Your name sounds familiar. You're his best friend, right?"

Chris laughed. "Yes, something like that." Karen looked to Matthew, who simply shrugged. What could he say? That Chris was his occasional partner? No, that would be too much.

Clearing his throat, Karen sat back down, retrieved his drawing pad from his bag, and laid it on the table. "I'm not sure how much Chris knows, but since he's here, I assume he's informed. Here's the drawing. As you can see, most of it remains in its natural state. The changes include adding benches and a small playground made from natural materials."

Matthew examined the drawing closely, clearly impressed by its detail.

Chris smiled, seeing how proud Karen was and sensing the connection between them. If he didn't know better, he'd think there was something more than business between them. Karen's gaze when looking at Matthew and Matthew's demeanour toward Karen were unusual for business associates.

This moment solidified Chris's belief. Despite telling himself during their last pintimate encounter that he wasn't Matthew's mate, he was now sure Karen was the one. Karen wasn't a wolf, and Matthew clearly wanted to be the leader. First, though, Chris needed to gauge Karen's thoughts on wolves, but it was too early for that now.

Matthew and Karen discussed the project, their hands occasionally brushing, which made Matthew tense and Karen recoil as if shocked. If Matthew had any doubts about Karen being his mate, they were now gone.

Chris, curious to know more about Karen, started asking personal questions. "So, are you in a relationship with a woman or a man?" He wiggled his eyebrows, not entirely sure why.

Matthew kicked him under the table, and Chris suppressed a curse despite the pain. He put on his signature smile and waited for Karen's response.

Karen took a deep breath. "Given that you haven't asked about the project yet, I'm not surprised by this question. No, I'm not in a romantic relationship, and yes, I'm gay if that's your next question."

Matthew swallowed hard, while Chris grinned widely, nodding in satisfaction. "Matthew too! I mean, he's both single and gay!" Matthew shot Chris a look of disbelief.

Angry with his friend, Matthew knew exactly what Chris was trying to do. He also knew that Karen couldn't be an option for him, regardless of his orientation or feelings. A relationship with a human was out of the question, and Chris should have known that.

"Mr. Hayes, I apologize, but I think it's best if we both find other partners. You need someone who will sell the park, and I need someone who will preserve the forest as it is." The Alpha had to put an end to this situation once and for all.