Slipping past her defenses

As they drove, Morgan kept the conversation light, her usual sharp edge softened into something almost bubbly. Alex noticed, his intrigue growing with every playful comment she made. When they pulled up to a fancy restaurant, Morgan’s eyes widened in surprise.

“This place?” she asked, glancing at him with a raised eyebrow. “Trying to impress me, Alpha?”

As Alex turned off the engine, he smirked, meeting her  eyes, “If I were trying to impress you, Morgan, you’d know it.”

“Is that so?” she teased, unbuckling her seatbelt. “Well, I’m already impressed. So, what now?”

He chuckled, getting out of the car and coming around to open her door. “Now, we have lunch. I’ve booked a private room for us.”

Biting down on her lips gently, Morgan accepted his hand as he helped her out of the car, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “A private room? Someone’s going all out today.”

Without a word, Alex led her inside, nodding at the host who guided them to the secluded space. Once they were seated, Morgan couldn’t help but notice how relaxed Alex seemed, almost as if he was letting his guard down just a little.

“So, tell me, Morgan,” Alex began after they placed their orders, “what’s with the bubbly attitude today?”

Calmly, Morgan leaned back in her chair, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Just trying to keep things light. You know, not everything has to be a battle.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. “You’re not usually one for keeping things light.”

“Maybe I’m just full of surprises,” she quipped, taking a sip of her water. "Also, we just met a day ago, you barely know me."

"True," He studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Maybe you are. Since you’re making the effort to understand me, I suppose it’s only fair that I do the same for you.”

For a moment, there was silence, and then Morgan’s playful expression softened into something more genuine. “I’d like that.”

“I was a bit hard on you this morning. I understand you’ve got your own responsibilities, your own pack to run. It’s not easy, and I’ve been... demanding.” Alex said as he leaned back, his gaze steady on her.

“Alex, I—”

“Let me finish. I’ve been thinking, and it’s clear that I need to give you more space. So, I’m getting you a car. You’ll have more freedom to come and go as you please, but only if you have my permission when it comes to visiting the Silver Claw Packhouse.”

Immediately, Morgan's gaze rose as she blurted out, “You’re giving me a car?”

As his gaze dropped from hers, Alex nodded, “Consider it a gesture of goodwill. You’ve proven that you’re serious about this role, and I want to support you.”

Staring at him softly, Morgan felt a warmth spread through her chest, something she hadn’t expected. “Thank you, Alex. That means a lot.”

He shrugged, though there was a hint of softness in his eyes. “Just don’t make me regret it.”

Looking away from him, Morgan laughed lightly, the sound filling the private room. “I’ll do my best.”

As their meals arrived, the conversation paused, leaving the room in a comfortable silence. The aroma of the food filled the air, and for a while, they focused on eating. The quiet between them wasn’t awkward; it was a rare moment of peace in their usually charged interactions.

Struggling against her emotions, Morgan couldn’t keep her thoughts at bay. She chewed slowly, contemplating how to bring up the next topic without breaking the fragile calm. Finally, she set down her fork and cleared her throat softly. “Alex, I’ve been thinking… Would it be possible for Sophie to live in our quarters?”

Not responding immediately, Alex looked up from his plate, his gaze sharpening as he studied her. 

“Why?” His tone was curious but not hostile.

For a moment, Morgan hesitated, then she replied, “She’s been a great support to me today, and having her close would make things easier.”

Silently, Alex’s eyes narrowed, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he gazed at her. “Have you figured it out, then?”

“Figured out what?” Morgan pouted, her lashes fluttering at him.

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze unwavering. “That Sophie’s from your pack.”

Morgan’s eyes widened in surprise, realization dawning on her. “Wait… that’s why you assigned her to be my assistant?”

Alex didn’t respond, his expression unreadable. The silence spoke volumes, though, and Morgan felt a strange mix of emotions. She was impressed by his foresight, by how considerate he could be. But just as quickly, her thoughts shifted to darker places. She remembered the many women who is in his life, how easily he’d charmed and discarded them. Was this just another calculated move, nothing more than practicality?

Her mood soured, and she didn’t realize it showed on her face until Alex noticed.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice softening.

 Forcing a smile, Morgan shook her head. “Nothing,” she replied, though her tone didn’t quite match the words.

Alex studied her for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. “If you want Sophie to live in our quarters, she can. I’ll make the arrangements.”

“Thank you,” Morgan said, her voice sincere despite the lingering doubts in her mind.

The rest of the lunch passed with a comfortable quiet, but the air between Morgan and Alex was heavy with unspoken thoughts. Despite her earlier playfulness, Morgan couldn’t shake the nagging doubts that clouded her mind. Alex had a way of surprising her, of showing glimpses of the man beneath the Alpha, but those glimpses were fleeting, quickly overshadowed by the memories of his past.

As they finished their meal, Alex paid the bill without a word, and they left the restaurant. The drive back to Lupine Industries was quiet, the earlier warmth between them replaced by a tense silence. Morgan stared out the window, watching the world blur by, her thoughts racing.

When they arrived back at the company, Alex parked the car and turned off the engine, but neither of them moved to get out. The silence stretched between them until Alex finally spoke, his voice low and measured. “Morgan, I can tell something’s bothering you. What is it?”

She forced a smile and said, "Can we make this constant... I mean, you taking me out for lunch?" 

Keeping silent, Alex’s gaze softened at Morgan’s request, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his eyes. 

“You want this to be a regular thing?” he asked, his tone teasing but with a hint of curiosity.

“Yeah, I do. It’s nice to step away from everything for a bit, just the two of us.” Morgan said, her eyes, sparkling with a mixture of mischief and affection.

Without a word, Alex studied her for a moment before a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. 

“I think I can manage that,” he said, his voice low, almost as if he was speaking more to himself than to her.

“Good,” she replied, her voice light. “Because I could get used to this.”

Suddenly, before she could overthink it, Morgan leaned in and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was swift but intense, catching Alex off guard. His initial surprise melted away quickly, and he responded, his hand instinctively moving to cup the back of her head as he tasted her slowly. For a moment, the world outside the car ceased to exist, and it was just the two of them, connected by something more than just duty or necessity.

But as quickly as it started, Morgan pulled back, her breath a little unsteady as she met his gaze. The heat in his eyes was unmistakable, but beneath it, there was a question, a curiosity that he didn’t voice. She could feel the weight of it, but she wasn’t ready to answer, not fully.

“Thank you for lunch,” she said softly, her voice steady even as her heart raced.

Calmly, Alex searched her face, his thumb grazing her cheek, but he didn’t push her. 

“Anytime,” he replied, his tone low, almost thoughtful.

Lowering her gaze from his, Morgan forced a smile, her mind already pulling back to the cold reality she’d been trying to ignore. This was all part of the plan, she reminded herself. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down, not with someone like Alex. He was dangerous... not only because of his power, but because of how easily he could slip past her defenses.