Ashes Of Desire

CHAPTER 8

Cara POV

There he stood in all his glory, tall and menacing. His suit and pants clung to his muscles, making him look big and his hair was neatly styled. He was so handsome, I wish I could lie about it.

“You don't have to make appointments to meet me, Cara. You'll be my wife so I see no need for these formal meetings.” His deep voice brought me back to reality as I watched him take his seat. I couldn't believe I was ogling at Draven. What is wrong with me?

“It's very important to meet formally like this. Besides, I don't want you corrupting my eyes with your wanna-be wives.” I said, darting my eyes around his office. There was nothing unusual about it but I still wasn't comfortable. It should be the effects of the dream.

“I already explained that. I won't be dwelling on unimportant matters. So what brings you here. I know how busy you are.” His lips curved into a small smirk making me roll my eyes.

“Have you signed the papers?”

“ Why the hurry, Cara. The week is not over yet.” He started sounding amused.

“ Would it make you feel good if I say I couldn't wait to be your wife.” My face scrunching up in a slight frown.

“Don't drag this any longer Draven. Have you signed or not?”.

“Yes I have. I did change a few things.”

“Few things like what?” I was surprised he thought of changing anything. The contract clauses were satisfiable for him and I, I was sure of it.

“For starters, there will be intimacy–”

“Intimacy? I ruled–”

“Don't interrupt me, Cara”. He ordered, his alpha aura slightly coming out.

“I don't give a damn. What do we need intimacy for?”

“For the public. Yes it's not real for us but for our business associates and pack members, it is. We have to be intimate in public. They have to see it.” he said as a matter of fact. I decided not to argue but thinking about it, he had a point.

“Is that all you changed?”. My tone edgy. The thoughts of him touching me didn't sit right with me.

“After all the legal arrangements, and the announcement is being made to the public, you'll be living with me. As a Wilson, it is expected we live together”. I burst out laughing. He had to be joking.

“It's bad enough we get to be in each other's personal spaces in public and now this. I am not a Wilson, Draven an–”

“ Yes you might not see yourself a Wilson but to every packland, you are. To every wolf, you will be seen as mine, my wife.” His tone was serious as his grey eyes locked his gaze on my brown eyes. I averted my eyes after a few seconds. His intense stare made my skin tingle slightly.

“Us being intimate in public is understandable but living together, I would have to think about it. All the arrangements will be finalized tomorrow and the announcements will be made the day after tomorrow.” I informed him. He nodded his head not saying a word.

“ I have no problems with that. Take your time and think about it. I got something for you.” He said standing up, walking towards me with a small box in his hands.

“It's a little wedding gift.” He muttered, opening it, revealing a simple but elegant crystal necklace with small pieces of emerald stones around it. It was simple yet beautiful.

“Thank you Draven, but it wasn't necessary.” I uttered getting up to leave.

“I want you to wear it and that's why I got it. If you refuse my little gift, I will assume you don't want to marry me anymore.” His eyes fixed on me, watching me.

“Fine. I will wear it.” I sighed, reaching my hand out to grab the box. Even though I don't like him, I need this marriage to find my parents' murderer and why they were murdered. He is my only direction. Still stretching my hand out, the box never came.

He stepped a foot closer to me, making my eyebrows scrunch up slightly. I wondered what he was up to.

“Turn around”, we were so close to each other now. If he moves any closer, our bodies will be touching. I had to stop myself from taking a step back. Turning around, I took a deep breath, waiting for his next move.

His hands came around me, I could feel his body heat as my back was touching his chest slightly. Moving my hair to the side, his finger tips slightly grazed my skin, making me gasp as I felt the necklace rest on my neck. My neck has always been a sensitive part of my body.

Hooking the necklace, he adjusted it, gliding his fingers on the curve and dips of my neck causing goosebumps on my skin. I felt his breath brushing my ear as he whispered, “ so beautiful. You look so beautiful, Cara.”

My breath got caught in my throat as I tried regaining my composure blinking multiple times. My face felt hot and I knew I was blushing. This was getting out of control.

I felt his stare still on me and he hadn't stepped back once, so I stepped back giving myself a moment to regain my composure. Looking at him, I saw something flash in his eyes. His eyes were a darker shade of grey and so intense, I averted my gaze.

“Thank you for the gift, Draven.” I said softly, my fingers touching the necklace. He nodded once taking a step back but his gaze was still on me.

“I–” before I could complete my sentence, I heard someone step into his office. We both looked at the person and I could feel the air getting cold as I saw who entered.

“Baby” Tessa’s high pitched voice washed away all the tension in the room.

“Oh, I didn't know you had company, Baby.” She said, giving me a once over look with her eyes while touching Draven's arm.

I could see rage slowly building up in his eyes. I didn't want to waste a second here.

“You know where to find me.” I voiced out, not waiting for his reply and left.