29. Wolves Inc

Laura - Wolves Inc Office Building
Since yesterday night, I haven't seen Paul. When I arrived downstairs in the morning, everything appeared as if no one had been there just a few hours before. Dan was already waiting for me. Paul had apparently already departed for work and assigned Dan to give me a ride and show me around.
The tour is quite thorough, leaving nothing unexplained. I follow him through a layout of several long corridors, each lined with glass walls and white marble. As we pass an open space area, people with headphones talk simultaneously in a cacophony of voices.
“Here is the call center for customer support. Most of them are wolves with abilities related to empathy and emotions, very suited to this line of work.”
I stop as I hear Dan’s explanation.
“So Paul also provides his pack members with jobs.”
Dan nods. “Yes, and according to their skills. These here can read what others want or need, rendering an efficiency that's off the charts compared to the customer support departments of other firms. They can read humans and dark beings extremely well. Also, not perceiving the emotions between them keeps them focused on their tasks.”
“They can sense my feelings and emotions?”
"No. Last night, I asked a few of them." Dan takes a step ahead. "Let's keep going."
We end up at the cafeteria after visiting a few other departments. A group of elegant men and women strolled in, each wearing an expensive suit. I take a peek at the wall clock. It's time for lunch.
“Paul is not like other wealthy CEOs. He likes to eat with his employees and even chit-chat with them when his time allows him.”
As Dan says this, my eyes find Paul. This isn't peculiar since he stands out in any crowd. Not only is he taller than most of the others, but there is also more to it than that. He has a smirk that offers nourishment to my soul.
Since I don't want to think about it anymore, I turn to Dan. "Let's continue." As I follow him, I ask, "And what do you do?"
"When I'm not doing other chores, like today, I'm Paul's designated driver."
“When you’re not my bodyguard, you mean.”
He doesn't respond and instead unlocks a door to my right. When I take a step closer, our shoulders touch, and he jerks back.
"You loathe me, despite your approval of my and Paul's relationship."
"Yes, because I believe Paul has a valid argument. This will strengthen the accord and maintain peace amongst supernatural entities. I also have faith in him."
I crack a grin. "I don't believe the other man you were with would agree."
"Alin?" Dan sighs and shakes his head. "That is untrue. Alin is Paul's most trusted friend, and he loves and trusts him maybe even more than I do. There is just a little squabble between them right now. Hopefully, they'll be able to resolve things shortly."
His words make me curious. “What squabble?”
Dan remains silent for a few moments, his hesitation obvious. He eventually shrugs. "Given that you now live with Paul, I suppose you'll find out. Alin has mated with a female from a different pack, which is against the rules."
“Hold on. Why? I mean, why can’t he pick his mate?”
"Yes, he can. But if the other is a member of another pack, the Alphas must agree on the terms first. Things like who would go into which pack and so forth. Besides knowing how many members each pack has, they also consider what members can do. Alin, in essence, disobeyed the rules and humiliated our Alpha by mating first and informing him afterward." Dan heaves a sigh. "They're both hot-headed and stubborn, but they'll figure it out."
Paul’s love for rules and regulations becomes more evident by the minute. I nod as another thing sparks in my mind. Being alone with Dan makes for the perfect opportunity to see if I can be of help to my crazy friend.
“Dan, I have to ask. What do you think about Alisa?”
“I’ve remembered I have to get somewhere right after lunch,” he stutters and becomes agitated. “Your office is the next one on the left after Paul’s.”
I smile as I watch him go away in a hurry. Judging his reaction, I would say he likes Alisa as much as she likes him. Humphing and chuckling, I go to my designated office, searching in my purse for the keys Dan gave me this morning.
A breath burns the nape of my neck like a heated iron. “Good day, beautiful.”
Swirling around, I recognize Bogdan from the RBO party. The aura of importance around him would make me believe that he's the CEO and the owner of this place.
“Good day to you too.”
As I continue searching for the keys, Bogdan asks bluntly, “Is there something steady between you and Paul?”
“Nope.” I shake my head without looking up.
“Then do you want to go out with me?”
I'm staring at him this time. His light brown hair and sky blue eyes only add to his chiseled cheekbones and jawline. I don't find his looks appealing just because they resemble those of a model plucked off a magazine cover.
As I open my mouth to refuse him, I realize that maybe if I go out with him I’ll find out why he wants Paul dead.
“Sure. Why not?” I smile, and he responds in kind.
“Perfect! I’ll make a reservation at Mama’s. Give me the address, and I’ll come to pick you up at seven.”
I can’t give him Paul’s address or have him come there for me.
“Better let’s meet there at eight.” I wink as a way to make him give in. “The one in the old city center, right?”
“Yes,” he says right as I unlock the door. “May I?” Comes his silken voice as his hand pushes open the door to my office.
“Sorry, but I have work to do. I took a day off yesterday, and my workload doubled.”
“See you at eight.” He waves as I close the door behind me.
Taking up the name tag on my desk, I read my name in uppercase letters. This place is a large room with the same décor as Paul's office. Everything is a little too much for a personal assistant's cabinet.
Paul must be inside his office right now, so near but so far away. His last words are still echoing in my head. "Not like this." What exactly did he mean? Not with a virgin? Not with a strigoi? Not tonight? I'm sad and enraged, all at the same time.
But then I remember him as he walked away. The perfect trapeze of his back, broad shoulders, and slim waist. His pert ass in full display, driving me to bite my lower lip even at the memory of it. I sigh in awe. Exquisite beyond compare.