HIS MATE HIS OBSESSION

CHAPTER3

The glass doors of Sterling co_operation towered over me like a wall of power and wealth. My hands trembled slightly as I smoothed my skirt, trying to calm the storm of nerves churning inside me.

I’d barely slept the night before, replaying the humiliations of the last week over and over. My stepsister’s triumphant smile as she showed off her engagement ring, my mate’s cruel rejection, his vile proposition. And then him—Alpha Darius.

I shook the thought away.

No. I couldn’t think about him now.

I straightened my shoulders and stepped inside, the click of my heels echoing through the sleek marble lobby.

“Good morning,” the receptionist greeted me with a bright smile. “You must be Miss Hart. Please take the elevator to the top floor. Mr. Darius is waiting for you.”

He requested to interview you personally she said.

I nodded, offering a polite smile, though my stomach twisted nervously. Mr. Sterling. My new boss.

The elevator ride felt endless, the soft music doing nothing to calm the pounding in my chest. I clutched my bag tighter, rehearsing what I’d say, how I’d introduce myself.

The doors slid open with a soft chime.

And my world stopped.

---

There he was.

Alpha Darius.

Sitting behind a massive glass desk, his dark suit perfectly tailored, his stormy gray eyes fixed on me the moment I stepped inside.

My breath caught in my throat.

No. No, no, no.

This couldn’t be happening.

The man who haunted my thoughts.

He was my new boss.

“Close the door,” he said, his deep voice smooth but commanding.

My legs felt like lead as I obeyed, shutting

the door softly behind me.

“Come closer,” he said, gesturing toward the chair in front of his desk.

I swallowed hard and walked forward, every step heavy, my pulse hammering in my ears.

“Sit.”

I did as he said, my palms sweating. I forced myself to meet his gaze, but those eyes… they burned straight through me.

“Miss Hart,” he said slowly, his voice low and deliberate, “I see you’ve been hired as my assistant secretary.”

“Yes, sir,” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Thank goodness he didn't ask about that night,I felt relieved and sure he didn't recognize me.

His lips curved slightly—not quite a smile, more like he was amused by something only he understood. “Tell me, Miss Hart,” he murmured, leaning back in his chair, “are you always this nervous, or is it just me?”

Heat flushed my cheeks. “I—no, I mean… It’s my first day. I’m just… overwhelmed.”

His gaze lingered on me, sharp and unrelenting, as if he could see right through the lie.

“Overwhelmed,” he repeated softly. “That’s one way to put it.”

My heart pounded harder. Did he know? Was he toying with me?

“Sir,” I said quickly, desperate to regain control, “I promise I’ll do my best. I—I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

“You should be,” he said, his tone calm but edged with something I couldn’t quite name. “But gratitude won’t be enough. I expect perfection.”

I nodded quickly. “Understood.”

For a moment, silence filled the room, thick and suffocating. He leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the desk, his eyes locking with mine.

“ Miss Hart,” he said quietly.

I don't mix business with personal life he stated.

My breath hitched.

Heat surged through me, desire twisting together in my chest.

What do you mean sir?I found myself asking.

Or did he remember me,did he remember I was the girl…never mind,he doesn't I wouldn't even recognize him if I hadn't woken up and saw his face before I ran the next morning.

I had make-up on, and if he did he would ask me right.

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze still fixed on me, but he didn’t push further. Instead, he picked up a file from his desk and flipped it open.

His expression turned cold.

“I expect you here at 8:00 am every morning,” he said, his tone brisk, all business now. “You’ll manage my schedule, handle my correspondence. You’ll find that working for me requires… loyalty. Absolute loyalty.”

“Yes, sir,” I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Good.” He closed the file and set it aside. “You may go. For now.”

I stood quickly, eager to escape his piercing stare.

My throat went dry. “Y-Yes, sir.”

“Good.” He leaned back in his chair, watching me with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. “You can go now.”

I left the office as quickly as I could without running, my heart hammering against my ribs.

The elevator doors closed behind me, and I finally let out the breath I’d been holding.

My body still hummed with tension, every nerve on edge.

But one thing I wasn't sure of is if Darius recognize me, if he did why didn't he say anything about it?

On the contrary if he doesn't what does he mean when he said he doesn't mix work with personal matter.

I pressed a hand over my racing heart.

This job was supposed to be my salvation. But now…

It felt like stepping into the lion’s den.

I paced my apartment, chewing my lip raw, rehearsing all the ways I would work diligently for my boss without making things worse.

But how do you walk away from a man like Alpha Darius? His scent was still clinging to me, wild and intoxicating, and every time I blinked, I saw his golden eyes—hungry, commanding. My chest ached with confusion.

And my wolf, she gets excited whenever we see him.

A sharp knock at the door jolted me.

“Open up, Hart!” Mia’s voice carried through the wood.

I sighed and let her in. She breezed past me, arms loaded with snacks, while Lila followed, kicking off her heels like she owned the place.

“You look like death warmed over,” Lila said, eyeing me suspiciously. “What happened? Work drama?”

I sank into the couch, burying my face in my hands. “Worse.”

Mia perched beside me. “Spill.”

My throat tightened. How could I even say it out loud?

“Is my boss,I said plainly, biting my lower lips,I do that when I am nervous.

“Your boss”? Is he…lila smirk raising an eyebrow giving me a knowing me.

No…,I answered sharply.

Then tell us cause am growing nervous,is he cute?who is your boss by the way ,lila asked impatiently.

“I… I slept with Alpha Darius.”

The room went dead silent.

Mia blinked once. Twice. “The Alpha Darius? The one people whisper about like he’s some kind of monster?”

Lila’s jaw dropped. “Shut. Up. You’re kidding.”

“No am not!” My voice cracked, and I dragged my hands down my face. “And now I’m working under him.”

Do you even know what you're saying? Alpha Darius is not just a regular man,you don't get to see him randomly.

Maybe a doppelganger she said.

While she raised a perfectly arched brow. “Working with him, or under him?”

“Lila!” Mia snapped.

“What? I’m just clarifying.” Lila smirked, folding her arms. “Honestly, I’m impressed. The Alpha doesn’t just look at anyone.

How did you do it?how did it happen, oh mine, my Virgin Hart now knows how it taste,mia gasped.

I was drunk,I got drunk the night Damian proposed to Clara I muttered quietly,still feeling hurt my heart aches.

Sad looks on their faces,come on don't give me that look,am fine now girls.

I lied under my breath.

“Beast.Asshole.mia and lila cursed.

Mia shook her head, arms crossed tightly. “No. ’Alpha Darius is ruthless. Everyone knows he’s dangerous. Hart, you need to be careful.”

Lila rolled her eyes. “You always think everyone’s dangerous. Maybe he’s just…

Come on, Hart, you’re single now. What’s the harm in a little danger?”

I shot her a look. “A little danger? This isn’t some bad-boy fling, Lila. He’s the Alpha. The Alpha who could destroy me if I breathe wrong.”

To add to it,he Is Damian's uncle mia added.

Since he employed you after what you both had,he might have a liking for you,I mean everyone knows Alpha Darius wouldn't give any woman a second glance once he had something to do with her.

I raised my head, maybe she is right,he probably doesn't recognize me,that night I had make-up on and the dress I wore is entirely different from my normal she is right.

And for a split second I felt relieved.

Lila leaned back, grinning. “Or maybe you’re already too far gone.”

Heat crawled up my neck, and I groaned, tugging a pillow over my face. “You two are the worst best friends ever.”

“Maybe,” Lila said cheerfully, “but we’re honest.

How did he..ouch I wanted to see how you moaned that night,lila said giggling.

Mia glared at her. “You’re not helping.”

Their voices blurred together, one whispering warnings, the other teasing me mercilessly, while all I could think about was Darius’s scorching gaze and the fact that, no matter how hard I tried, I can't get my ex's uncle out of my head.