MasukChapter 05
Aurora's POV
I was about to get a job as a tracker.
It was both a nightmare and a dream come true. Finally, I could start doing one thing I've always loved, catching bad guys.
Cartel De Imperio was the rogue werewolf gang linked to my father's death years ago, finding them had been my obsession until my mother made me promise I wouldn't chase them on my own.
Now, with Kaelen and his security firm, I would help bring them down and stop other wolves from getting hurt.
But then, working with Kaelen didn't seem much like a sweet dream.
It was a day after I'd gotten into a hotel and finally left Gina in her apartment with him.
Kaelen insisted that he didn't promise me any job but I could come for the interview later today. But I knew I was good at what I did and maybe, just maybe, Gina would put in a good word for me too.
After all, she was his girlfriend.
The thought alone made me feel a lump in my throat.
I was happy for my sister. Although she seemed a little unhappy and almost bored. But still, I knew Kaelen would love her and care for her.
I couldn't let her ever know what had happened between Kaelen and I. I didn't want to ruin my sister's happiness. I knew what it felt like to be betrayed by Daphne and I'd never do that to anyone.
Dropping my bags and unpacking a little, I changed into something formal, picking out a black pencil skirt and silk blouse and pair of heels.
When I arrived at Kaelen's company later that afternoon, I couldn't help but marvel at how well he'd done for himself.
Gina told me he owned a vast majority of the shares and has been doing a good job in the town, being among the top security firms.
Who would have thought that Kaelen would not take over the pack like his father had, after all, he was the alpha's son. But then, I always knew he had a mind of his own and he wanted to help and protect people.
“Are you here for the interview?" The front desk lady asked me and I nodded with a soft smile.
“Please, sit. The Chief Officer will see you shortly," she said and offered me a small cushioned bench.
I sat there, looking at my reflection on the glass and wondering if my hips were a little too stuffed in the shirt? Could I really see my nipples through the lacy bra or was it just the cold?
I inhaled deeply and clutched my file in hand. Kaelen just had to give me a job and I'd make sure to avoid him for the rest of my stay.
Going back to the pack wasn't an option, at least not any time soon. Sylvester was still blowing up my phone and I'd received more missed calls the last 48 hours than I had in my entire life.
But still, I wasn't going back on my decisions. A broken engagement was better than a divorce and perhaps, it was high time I started a new life away from my past, no matter how hard it was.
Ironically, starting a new life was literally dropping me in the laps of my ex lover, Kaelen. Could I call him that? Did all the protective teasing and endless arguments and one passionate night qualify him as my ex lover?
I wasn’t sure, but I knew my heart skipped each time he was near and he wouldn't take those enchanting pair of sinful eyes off me.
“Aurora Thompson?” The receptionist called and I jerked up.
"That's me,” I said with a startled smile.
"The Chief Officer will see you know.”
"Thank you,” I muttered and rushed to the elevator leading to the top floor like she's instructed.
When I stood outside his office and knocked twice on the door, I didn't expect him to call me by name.
“Come on, Aurora," he said hoarsely.
I swallowed, opened the door and got in.
"Sit down,” he said without looking up from his laptop and I sat, laying my file on the table.
“Do you know you're the most qualified I've seen today? Some of these trackers have no idea what their job is.”
Hearing that actually made me smile and I knew this was my opportunity to pitch myself if I wanted to be hired. “I'm honored to hear that…I have been tracking the Cartel De Imperio for a while now…”
"Why?”
"What?”
"I'm asking why you're tracking a dangerous cartel that could get you killed.”
For a second, I just wanted to tell him that I thought they killed my father and I've wanted to track them down since I was a kid. But that would make me sounded like a psycho.
"It's…it's personal."
Kaelen looked up and frowned at me. “Just like your wedding?"
I was stunned, what did he know about my wedding? Did Gina tell him anything?
"I don't know what you mean.”
"You know I don't want you to get hurt, Aurora. And it's frustrating when you hide things from me,” he growled, glaring at me.
I was not ready to be scolded. "I'm not your responsibility, Kaelen. You have a girlfriend now and I just need a job so are you going to…”
“Stop worrying about Gina, she's just…” he paused and then shrugged. "Forget it.*
“You both look great together,” I choked out and added, "if you just look at my CV, I'm sure you'd hire me, I won't be in your way, I swear.”
But I didn't get to finish when he was out of his seat and leaning across the table until his face was just inches away from mine.
“It's my company, I can decide whether to hire you or not despite how qualified you are. And as for being my responsibility, I never stopped thinking about you, little duckling,” he breathed and then lifted his hands, grazing my cheeks tenderly as he stared at my lips. "I won't let anything hurt you, not even some stupid job.”
“So you're not giving me the job?" I choked out, barely breathing with how close he was.
“I didn't say that," he growled and his fingers dropped a little, resting right on my throat, where my pulse was jumping like I was having a cardiac arrest.
His eyes went to my house where even I could see my nipples sticking out like freaking pebbles.
“Your skin is so soft. I can't bear the thought of anything or anyone hurting you."
"Kaelen…" I purred, unable to get away until he got even closer and could smell his cologne and the mint on his breath.
I could feel my breath leave my lungs and the mating mark begin to burn as his lips hovered over mine, almost touching.
Abruptly, I slapped him across the face and stood up, panting.
“Stop!" I panted, “you're my sister's boyfriend."
Kaelen's face twisted to the left and I could already see my red print on his cheeks. He didn't say a word as his cold eyes followed my movement.
“It's fine if you won't hire me, I'll leave! I'll just get another job and stay away from you!"
I grabbed my files and purse and was about to open the door when his voice stopped me.
“You're hired," he snapped.
I froze and whipped around. “Really?"
His voice sounded thick and raspy as he added. "You'll be working directly under me. Your job starts tomorrow, don't be late.”
“I'm sorry…for the slap, I didn't mean…”
His face was stony as he replied. "Get your details to HR, Miss Aurora. Have a great day."
Chapter 08Aurora’s POVI didn’t sleep. Not really.How could I? I was currently wrapped in Kaelen Steele’s oversized, stupidly warm flannel shirt, smelling his intoxicating scent while lying in a dusty bed in the middle of nowhere.Every time I closed my eyes, I kept seeing the raw, wounded look on his face when he saw the mark. He actually thought some man had marked me. The irony was so big I could have choked on it. Sylvester wouldn't know how to mark a female properly if the instructions were tattooed on his forehead.He was a lousy lover and an even worse fiance. Somehow, despite how broken and betrayed I was, I couldn't help but he grateful that I'd bumped into them in that hotel kitchen. Shaking the silly thoughts off, I looked around but I couldn't see much. The cabin was pitch-black now, and the temperature had dropped so low I could see my own breath puffing out in little white clouds. I huddled deeper into the blankets, shivering.Suddenly, a low groan came down the c
Chapter 07Aurora’s POVI froze instantly and followed his eyes up my wrist, seeing the glaring black nature's tattoo which was the permanent mating mark. OopsHe dropped my hands so fast you’d think I was made of hot coal.I scrambled to pull my sleeve down, my fingers tangling in the stupid silver bracelets I wore to hide my secret. “Is that…a Mating Mark?” He choked out, eyes wide. My heart was practically in my mouth. I tried to turn my wrist away, to bury it under the fabric of my top, but who was I kidding? It was too late. The mark was out of the bag. "There’s no point," he muttered as he watched me hopelessly try to hide the mark. Then slowly let go of my waist, stepping back. "I’ve already seen it."The sudden loss of his touch left me feeling strangely empty and freezing in the cabin. I pulled my sleeve down all the way, clutching my arm to my chest as I watched him.Kaelen swayed slightly, a hand going to his temple as if he was just feeling the effect of whatever drug
Chapter 06Aurora's POV The next couple of days were awkward and problematic but kind of nice. I started working at Kaelen’s security company as a tracker and profiler. The pay was actually really good, and for the first time in a long time I felt like I had some kind of purpose. Kaelen was still his usual annoying self though. He kept calling me “little duckling” just to piss me off. He’d lean over my desk and make stupid comments about my typing or how I held my coffee. But he also listened when I gave him leads. It was annoying how good we worked together.That morning we got into the elevator together for a brief meeting and he wouldn't stop staring down my blouse and wrist where I hid the mating mark beneath lots of bracelets and long sleeves. “Stop staring at me,” I muttered. “Why do you always wear these ugly long sleeves, anyways? What are you hiding?" "That's not your business, stop staring!” “I’m not staring. I’m just wondering how someone so small can be so annoyin
Chapter 05 Aurora's POV I was about to get a job as a tracker. It was both a nightmare and a dream come true. Finally, I could start doing one thing I've always loved, catching bad guys. Cartel De Imperio was the rogue werewolf gang linked to my father's death years ago, finding them had been my obsession until my mother made me promise I wouldn't chase them on my own. Now, with Kaelen and his security firm, I would help bring them down and stop other wolves from getting hurt. But then, working with Kaelen didn't seem much like a sweet dream. It was a day after I'd gotten into a hotel and finally left Gina in her apartment with him. Kaelen insisted that he didn't promise me any job but I could come for the interview later today. But I knew I was good at what I did and maybe, just maybe, Gina would put in a good word for me too. After all, she was his girlfriend. The thought alone made me feel a lump in my throat. I was happy for my sister. Although she seemed a little unhap
Chapter 04Kaelen’s POVGina stood there staring at us with her mouth open. Aurora pulled away fast, her face flushed. “Gina,” she whispered softly, sounding like she was trying to hold back tears. “I…I need to get my things, I'm moving to a hotel, now.” She kept rambling, looking panicked and guilty that she'd been so close to me. No doubt she still thought I was Gina's boyfriend. Yeah, right. Boyfriend indeed, if only she knew of my temporary arrangement with Gina. Gina glanced at me curiously for a second and I rolled my eyes. Then she walked over and put her hand on Aurora’s shoulder. “Oh my god, Aurora, it’s okay. I know you're an emotional mess right now. You’ve been through so much with the wedding.” “No, I really can't stay at your place…it's inconvenient and…." "Aurora, you just got into town…” “Please!" Aurora insisted, finally wiping the tears off her face. “I have to leave." Watching her shivering and tear rolling down her face, I wanted to find that rogue wol
Chapter 03Aurora's POV What the hell was that? Why did I have that stupid dream? And why the heck was Kaelen standing there watching me? For a second, I actually wanted to cry in his strong arms and let him hold me but he was a douchebag and my sister's boyfriend. “What…what are you doing in my fucking room?!” I snapped at him. “You were screaming so loud in your sleep. I had to check if you were okay.” “I wasn’t!” I lied. “Then how come I heard you moaning my name?” he asked, “and why were your hands between your legs?” That was when I realized my legs were spread and I could feel the dampness on my thighs. He was right, I was soaking wet. I quickly closed them and jumped up. “Please leave…” But I didn't get to finish when he touched my face and murmured worriedly, "are you really okay, though? You feel feverish.” I was sweating alright, but my fever had nothing to do with my health but everything to do with that silly dream.Being so close to him now, I could feel t







