Chapter 31
+25 BONUS
Chapter 31
Logan
From my desk in my office, I watched Emily work.
Emily sat at her oak desk outside my door, her fingers dancing across her keyboard. A calm intensity was written in every line of her body. Her hair fell over one shoulder as she tilted toward the screen, her jaw set as she focused.
She was beautiful, yes. But not only on the outside. She was capable, smart, and steady under pressure.
I hadn’t been paying close enough attention. I didn’t see her for what she truly was
The realization hit me with a low growl in my chest. For the past few weeks, I’d been so focused on strategy. More specifically, the strategy for my own plans. I was so involved with myself that treated Emily like another part of the machine.
I leaned back in my chair, watching her type, and made a silent promise to myself.
I have been selfish. That ends now,
I was still thinking about how to fix things and how to start treating her like the partner she truly was when my email pinged.
Logan,
The lawsult’s success has drawn attention, but not all of it’s friendly. There’s some murmuring from the press about your engagement to Emily. They’re questioning why she’s never seen with you outside of official settings.
Some think it’s a political stunt. Some think it’s already over.
And the pack? They’re starting to whisper.
Let me know how you want to handle it.
Signed,
Tony
Attached to the email were a collection of links. Each one went to an article online or to a social media post. Several different media outlets reported that the relationship between Emily and I was fake. They speculated that since we were never seen together in public, it meant that our relationship was a farce.
They focused on the fact that Emily’s wolf was dormant and insinuated that she was using me for my connections and money. They also pointed out the recent lawsuit she filed and said she needed to be married in order to claim her mother’s inheritance.
1 grit my teeth. Even though they were correct, it made my blood boil. Emily and I hadn’t been together that long, and it seemed like it was too fast. A story like this usually had someone behind it
I closed the message, my jaw tightening
Beyond that, Tony was right. The packs, including Titanfang, didn’t only follow laws. They followed presence. Pack was about scent, strength, and loyalty. If I wanted Emily to be accepted, not tolerated, then I had to claim her in more than name.
I stood and walked to the door, watching her again for a long moment before speaking.
“Emily,” I said,
She looked up quickly, surprised. Her eyes always took a second to adjust when she shifted from work–mode to me, and that slight delay sparked something warm in my chest.
“yes, Alpha?”
“Come in,” I said, then paused. “Please.”
Chapter 31
+25 BONUS
She blinked, then rose and entered my office.”
1closed the door behind her, but didn’t sit. I turned toward the window, then back to face her.
“I’ve been thinking.” I said carefully. “About us.”
Her eyebrows lifted slightly. “Alright, I’m listening.”
“I got a message this morning. People are starting to talk about how we’re never seen together and whether this relationship is real.”
Emily crossed her arms, lips pressed into a thin line. “How do we fix that?”
I liked the sound of “we.” I cleared my throat and tried not to let it show.
“Let the pack see us together. Let them see I’m not ashamed to be bound to your That I chose you, and I stand by that choice.”
There was a long silence. Then she said, “I understand ”
1 stepped closer, slowly. “You seem hesitant. What’s on your mind: ”
“This is all new to me.
“Me too. So we will experience this together.”
What exactly are we experiencing?”
“Everything that any regular couple might do together. For instance, go on dates. Her face flushed at the words.
For a moment, neither of us moved. Then her gaze softened, and when she spoke, it was a whisper. “Alright Let them see.
“Great. I’ll get something planned for us tonight”
“Let me know if you need any help,” said Emily with a delicate but big smile.
Something inside me eased. As she turned to leave, I called after her softly, “Emily.”
She paused.
“You looked good at that desk today”
Her lips curved just slightly. “You’re just now noticing?”
I smiled, small but real. “No, I’m finally ready to admit it.”
As she sat back at her desk, ideas were swirling around in my mind I had to create a date night unlike any other.
When I had first met Emily, we spent the night together in a beautiful penthouse room at a five star hotel. It wasn’t so much of a date, but I wanted to make sure the energy matched.
There was also the problem of the articles that reported on us. I needed to find out who was talking to the press. There were obvious culprits of course.
The first was Chloe, followed by Emily’s father and step–mother. For all I know, they could be all in on it together.
I’d start with C
Chloe. She’d be the easiest to get to, and it would probably be easiest to get her to slip up about it. The best way to hip this in the bud was to get her to admit she lied
It would be simple. I’d find a way to “accidentally” run into her at the first opportunity. She was social, so I was positive there would be a place we’d be able to meet.
First, I wanted to focus on Emily. We had a date coming up, and it needed to be excellent.
I did some searching online. I needed to pick trending places where there would be
e lots of people and lots of attention.
Chapter 31
+25 BONUS
A small part of me also wanted to impress Emily. So far, our relationship had been strictly business.
Business wasn’t exactly enough anymore.
It wasn’t what the pack had seen either. I didn’t want us to have these barriers between them anymore. If I could break them down, we’d both be happier for it
The thought crossed my mind and was almost enough to make my face heat.
When did I start thinking of Emily like this? ;
After the day I was over, I made sure to tell Emily to get ready for night out together. Then I went to get myself prepared.
a
After a quick shower, I prepared a navy blue suit with a golden tie the whole time I was getting ready, there was only one thing on my mind. Or rather, one person
Emily.
Lately, my thoughts were preoccupied with her. Normally, it was about our next step. This time, I tried to think about the kinds of things I thought she’d like. Instead, I found myself knowing little about her.
Hopefully, tonight would change that,
I’d already bought the tickets and made reservations. I had the suit the tie, and the plan.
What I didn’t have was who else had a plan too.
Theirs didn’t end with Emily in my arms. It ended with her ripped from my side.
