Ruby's POV
Stacks of papers were spread across my desk, showing the hours I had spent working. The words on the pages started to blur together, but I forced myself to stay focused. Every detail felt like a puzzle piece, helping me understand my responsibilities better. The pressure of doing things perfectly weighed on my shoulders—I had to prove myself.
Going through past meeting notes, I traced the flow of discussions, decisions, and unfinished tasks. The notes revealed a hidden rhythm in how things operated. I made a list of people I had to follow up with, my pen tapping against the desk absentmindedly. I also looked at the profiles of stakeholders, their faces and titles burned into my memory. Understanding them was important—I had to be the link between the executives and everyone else. A quiet force in the background, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Time passed in a blur, and I only snapped back to reality when my stomach gave a loud, impatient grumble. I blinked at the clock.
"Lunch already?" I murmured, rubbing my temple. How had I lost track of time again?
The thought of trekking down to the cafeteria felt exhausting. I sighed and reached for my bag, pulling out my neatly packed lunch. At least I had prepared. As I made my way to the dining area, the smell of home-cooked food wrapped around me like a comforting embrace. The moment I sat down, I felt an odd sense of peace, as if I had momentarily escaped the weight of my responsibilities.
For a fleeting second, a ridiculous thought crossed my mind—what if I just lived here? No rent, no commute, just work and sleep on the office couch. I snorted at my own imagination.
"Yeah, right. Security would have me out in a second."
Shaking my head, I focused on my meal, eating quickly but savoring each bite. It was a small break, but one I desperately needed. When I finished, I packed my things away and made a quick stop at the bathroom. A splash of cold water on my face, a brisk brush of my teeth, and I was back in work mode.
Just as I settled into my chair and started typing, the sharp click of the door handle snapped my attention away. My heart did a weird little jump.
I froze as the door cracked open. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, my breath catching slightly.
Who…?
"Oh, Sir, what are you doing here?" My voice came out surprised as I looked up to see the one and only Mr. Silvermoon stepping in like he owned the place—which, technically, he did.
Without a word, he walked in casually and went straight to the couch. He flopped down as if this were his personal lounge.
"Is there something I can help you with?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He could've just used the intercom. Why come all the way here?
Or if he just wanted to relax, he had a better couch in his own office.
"Nothing. Work is done..." he sighed, closing his eyes as if he were already sinking into a nap.
"Really?" I said, amused. "Lunch break just finished, not the work."
He peeked one eye open, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips.
"Oh, right. You're the CEO. You get to decide when to work... whatever," I muttered as I turned back to my screen, fingers flying over the keyboard.
"Yeah, how dare you use my line on me." He chuckled, the sound low and smooth.
I rolled my eyes. "I'm sorry."
"Mm."
I paused, exhaling through my nose. "Also, I know you're the CEO and have access to my office, but can you at least let me know when you're coming in? Don't just enter like that."
It was weird. He just strolled in without warning like he belonged here. Well, technically, he did, but still.
"I didn't mean you can't be here," I clarified before he could twist my words. "I just think you should have a reason."
A slow smirk played on his lips as he straightened up, finally meeting my gaze.
"Oh? So I need permission to be in my own building now?"
I swallowed. Gosh, I could've worded that better. I didn't want to get fired immediately.
I literally applied and got hired immediately, and now I'm also going to be fired immediately...
"Then I'm sorry," he said suddenly, and I stared at him, stunned.
"S-say that again?" I choked.
"Sorry, okay?" He repeated, sounding almost amused at my reaction. "I can't believe I'm being lectured by my new secretary."
I scowled playfully. "I'm not trying to lecture you. You're just being too casual, Mr. Silvermoon."
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Oh, am I?"
I nodded without looking at him, focusing on my work.
"I'm sorry... it's that scent."
I paused, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. "What scent?"
He exhaled, like he was trying to figure it out himself. "I don't know. I keep smelling it from you."
A shiver ran down my spine.
"I feel really good because of it," he murmured. "And I want to smell it more often."
Okay, what the freak... this is bad. I knew exactly what he was talking about, and it couldn't be happening.
"I d-don't know what you're talking about," I stammered, desperately trying to brush it off.
"I couldn't focus on my work because my senses wanted that smell," he admitted, rubbing his temples. "So I came here, because this is where I knew I could find it. And I was right."
Oh my gosh, are my thoughts even correct right now? The wolf patterns, the ambiance, the name of the corporation... what he's feeling right now.
Oh no.
"Excuse me, sir!" My heart pounded as I grabbed my phone and bolted, dashing straight for the nearest fire exit.
Al's POV
He just dashed off like that, leaving me standing here alone, the faint trace of his scent still lingering in the air. It was subtle yet intoxicating, something I couldn't quite put my finger on.
I let out a quiet breath before moving toward his desk, curiosity pulling me in.
He had left in such a hurry—what exactly had he been working on? As I glanced over his papers, I couldn't help but be impressed. For someone on his first day, he was doing exceptionally well. His resume had been thinner than other applicants, yet we still hired him. And here he was, proving every bit of his worth.
I sank into his chair, immediately hit with the full intensity of that scent. It wrapped around me, familiar yet foreign, and I found myself closing my eyes for a moment, breathing it in.
What is it? Why is it affecting me like this?
My fingers absentmindedly skimmed across the desk until they landed on something solid. His ID card. I picked it up, studying the name printed on it.
Rubeus Midnightwalker.
A cool name, almost fitting in an odd way. Who is this guy? And why am I suddenly so drawn to something as simple as his scent?
I need to ask him what kind of cologne he uses. I have to get it for myself.
Before I could entertain that thought any further, a knock on the door echoed through the room.
Ah, right. He left his ID inside. Now he can't get in.
Suppressing a chuckle, I pressed the button on the desk, allowing the door to unlock. The handle turned slowly before he stepped inside. He didn't say a word as he walked straight toward me, his movements purposeful, controlled. But something was off.
I stood, giving him space to reclaim his chair. His face was unreadable—his usual easy going demeanor had been replaced by something tense.
He looked… disturbed. Like something was eating at him from the inside.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.
"Nothing," he responded shortly, sitting down and focusing on his work like he was trying to pretend I wasn't there.
I narrowed my eyes. "Is it about your family or something?"
"No," he said, barely glancing at me. "None of your business." But the way he forced a weak smile only made my concern grow.
What is going on with him?
"But you seem off," I pointed out.
"I'm fine. I just need to get back to work." He waved me off like it was nothing.
"You can stay if you want."
Something about his tone didn't sit right with me. He was avoiding something—I could feel it.
"I mean, I can help you if you need anything," I said, testing the waters. "Do you need money?"
His head snapped up so fast I almost regretted asking.
"Gosh, no!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with irritation. "I'm really fine, stop it."
I raised my hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. Relax."