Chapter 36
Logan
I stood at my office window, coffee in hand, watching as morning light crept across the pack compound. I still felt uncomfortable about the date last night. Thad expected so much from it, but it had fallen even more than flat.
Not to mention that Emily and I were as tense as ever when we wtogether today. She didn’t share her usual bright smile with me during our morning briefing
The worst part was that I wasn’t sure where to go from here, whichis unlike me. This was all unfamiliar territory. I didn’t even know how to apologize,
Acar
1
A car drove up to the packhouse, and I wasn’t all that surprised at the person who stepped out of it. Chloe had decided to drop by
I hadn’t expected to see her so quickly. She must be growing restless, which would work in my favor. I had to play my cards carefully here.
Her timing was great. Emily was in with the pack accountant, and she would probably be gone for a while. That way, she wouldn’t have to deal with her evil step–sister.
Every muscle in my body tensed. Was this what Emily was talking about? Here I was, making plans and doing things behind her back
Suddenly, I felt dirty.
My office door opened, and Chloe Crowley stepped in like she owned the room.
She smiled too brightly. “Morning, Alpha. Can you spare a little time to see me?‘
“Good morning, Chloe. What can I help you with?”
“Actually, I’m here to see how I can help you.” She glided to the edge of my desk, perching on the comer. “I thought I’d bring you something to brighten up your day.”
She lifted a covered tray, unveiling a cup of coffee and a few flaky croissants.
“You brought me breakfast?”
“Just being helpful. You can call it a peace offering.” Her voice purred around the words, but to me it was no better than nails o a chalkboard. “You’ve been so stressed lately. And I thought you’d appreciate a little kindness.”
Da
I stared at her. Everything about her was carefully curated. Her lip gloss, silk blouse, and floral perfume were all a part of the act.
Sher
e was trying too hard
I leaned back in my chair slowly. “You didn’t strike me as the catering type.”
Chloe gave a soft laugh. “People can surprise you, Logan.”
“Maybe,” I said. But my tone had cooled
She slid the cup toward me. “Try the coffee. I had it made the way you like it,”
I didn’t move. Instead, 1 stared at the cup. Accepting a drink from someone that can’t be trusted was a dangerous move.
When I didn’t pick up the cup, Chloe laughed again, but nervously, this time. “Oh come on. Don’t be paranoid.”
“I’m not,” I said, voice clipped “I’m cautious.”
She blinked at the sudden steel in my tone.
“You don’t have to drink it if you don’t want to. I’m trying to be nice. We will be family soon, you know?”
1/2
The way the said it had the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. Her words were poison disguised as purity. Even then, this was an opportunity I can’t pass up.
“I’m glad you’re getting used to the idea of use and Emily being together,” I said. Her smile almost slipped.
“I wasn’t sure the two of you were a good match. In fact, l’in word about you
“How so?”
”
“Emily’s never really been good at anything. Plus, with her dormant wolf, it seems like she’d do more harm than good. It seems like she might be using you.”
That was familiar rhetoric. The media had reported something we similar. I’d be careful here as I didn’t want to spook her. I needed to get her to confess.
“I appreciate the concern, but I don’t think there is anything Emily needs me for.”
“I’m sure there is. You’re handsome, powerful, and well–connected. I bet there’s nothing you can’t do.” She slid across the edge of the desk, drawing closer to me. I didn’t move. “Not to mention, you’re rich. Emily wants money. That’s why she started that lawsuit, after all.”
“What would she need the lawsuit for if she’s marrying me for my money?” Lasked. Chloe giggled and placed her hand on my shoulder. Despite being repulsed by her touch, I remained where was,
“That’s how greed works. She’ll always want more ”
“But you’re not like that?”
“Of course not. I don’t want to use you,” she answered, her voice so sweet it made me sick to my stomach. I needed to end this quickly so I didn’t lose my patience. Every word out of Chloe’s mouth was a sugar–coated lie, and I despised it.
“Then what do you want?” I asked her.
“You, Logan. I can do things for you that you can’t even imagine. you’ll give me a chance, I will show you.” Her hand slid down my shoulder, and her fingers circled the knot of my tie.
22
