Ashes Of Desire

CHAPTER 9

DRAVEN'S POV

Anger has always been something I tried to control. It was because of this self control I am feared and respected but some people tend to forget their place.

I watched as Cara left my office. She looked flustered and her face was a slight shade of pink. I could faintly smell her lavender scent in my nose. It calmed me but Tessa was hell bent on seeing my worst today.

Forceful dragging my arm out of hers, I stepped back with my hands in my pocket, and spared her a glance.

“What the hell, Draven? How could you let her get so close to you? Have you forgotten the pact you made with my father? You're to be my husband.” Her words came out fast and sharp. So loud I felt like using my claws to stitch her mouth shut.

“Why are you here?” My tone was deep and cold. She irritated me so much.

“Is that what you're going to say to me, huh.” I sighed at her reply walking back to my chair but before I could, I felt her hand grab my arm as she stepped in my way. A vein popped in my head.

“You can't dismiss me like I am some lowly wolf. I am an alpha's daughter Draven and I won't stand here while you're frolicking around with that good for nothing, wolf less–”

I didn't let her finish as I slammed her body to the wall. My hands acted on their own, circling around her throat as Donnie my wolf came forward. I tightened my grip with a small smile on my face. I loved seeing how the color on her face was slowly turning pale.

“Have you forgotten who I am, Tessa?” I sneered at her, venom laced with my words. I could feel the satisfaction in my body watching her slowly lose her breath.

“Dra…D…please…I di..” she tried to speak but I tightened my grip, cutting off her speech. She kept clawing at my hands as tears fell from her widened eyes.

“This is your last warning. Never forget your place if you value your life and that of your father's”. I whispered harshly, removing my hands. She slipped down to the ground, coughing and wheezing, trying to get air into her lungs.

“Get out”. I spat at her, watching her trembling form as she grabbed her bag and left.

“f**k”. I breathed out. Arya, my assistant came into my office trembling slightly as she kept apologizing.

“If I see Tessa anywhere around this building, you're fired”. I warned her. She nodded frantically as she walked out.

Calming myself down, I inhaled a breath and regulated my emotions. Despite our mutual disagreements, I couldn't get my thoughts off Cara.

Ever since I found out about her parents death, I have felt so sorry for her. I am not a man that does love but Cara challenges those decisions of mine.

“So you're going to be a husband soon.” Jason uttered as he walked in, taking a seat for himself.

“So it seems. She finally agreed. I am sure they had pressured her a lot”. I muttered, smiling to myself as I sat down.

“But I don't understand why you proposed the alliance. Are you in love with her?” I heard Jason utter making me chuckle.

“You can't fault me for thinking this way. Your actions are questioning”. He said as a slight frown adorned his face.

“You know me better than that. And if what you say is true, why Cara?” I started chuckling.

“So why marry her then. The way I see it, she should be proposing the alliance, not you.” he said as a matter of fact.

“We have Ridgecrest now, and all her business partners are gone. Her company is literally in shambles.”

“Look Jas, there is a saying my grandfather always says, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I am just doing that.” I replied as I touched the gold ring on my finger, staring at it. My hands gently rubbed the surface. The three clawed marks on full display. My eyes travelled back to Jason seeing him rubbing his forehead.

“It's a marriage of convenience. We both get benefits. Aside from her company, she is not a bad choice for a wife”.

Looking up, he smirked slightly “ Don't tell me you're attracted to her now. Come on Drave, I really don't think this marriage is a good idea.”

I squeezed my forehead, “And why do you think that?”

“Well it's obvious, she is our business rival and your enemy. Aside from that, she agreed too quickly. You gave her a week and she agreed in four days. Something is up.” Standing up from my chair, I walked to the window. My office is on the highest floor and the view calms my nerves. I have been restless for some reason I do not know about.

“ Well, I suggest you flush all your suspicions down the toilet because she is going to be my wife. Her wolf is dormant, she is as good as any human; harmless.”

“Whatever you say, Alpha”. He said standing up from his seat.

“I have put the file on the table. All the information you need is in there.”

“Did you open it?”

“Of course not, Alpha but it wasn't easy to get.” I turned around and gave him a small pat on his shoulder.

“Thanks Jas.”

“Anytime Draven. I will go now”. He responded walking out.

I grabbed the file from the table, my eyes scanning through it. “f**k”. I breathed out as my brain processed the information on my hands.

“They can't be her parents.” I whispered in disbelief. But it was written in the file.

After hearing about Cara's parents death and how they were murdered, I did a personal investigation and found out they had a symbol carved on their wall. The three clawed marks.

Sighing, I sunk back in my chair and closed my eyes. A memory flashed in my head

*****

“The gold ring? It's nice, where did you get it?" Cara suddenly asked me.

"Why? Already getting into character?” I watched her roll her eyes and dismiss me with a wave of her hand.

"It's my grandfather's." I finally said.

"A family heirloom, passed down to me." I said truthfully.

*****

Opening my eyes, my hands went through my hair as the dots connected together.

“She suspects me,” I breathed out. But it didn't change anything. I will still marry her. The only thing that changes is my reason for marrying her. Guilt.