Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Chapter 23 Addictions

Caroline’s POV

I returned to my desk near the end of the workday, trying to focus on completing my remaining tasks despite the lingering tension from Howard’s confrontation. I was just finishing up when Kyle came in singing, "Oh! Pretty Woman."

"Kyle, you’d make it big as a singer," I smiled at her, grateful for her lighthearted presence after such a stressful day. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Maybe, maybe," she grinned, "but I like the vibe in this office. Linda told me everything; I was on the third floor making copies. Are you okay?" Her eyes searched mine with genuine concern.

"Yes, I am. Thanks for asking." I appreciated how quickly I’d been accepted into this tight-knit pack, even if I wasn’t officially part of it yet.

"Well then, my friend, I’m heading out. My mate called; he got home early and said he has a surprise waiting for me." Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "I love his surprises; I can’t wait!"

"Look at you, lucky wolf. Have a great night!" I teased.

"Thanks. I’ll tell you what he was up to at lunch tomorrow. Oh, should we plan something for the weekend? I told him about you, and he’s excited to meet you."

"That would be great! Can I bring Eleanor?" I asked, knowing my best friend would love to meet more members of the Storm Valley Pack.

"Of course you can. See you tomorrow, pretty she-wolf!"

I smiled at the playful nickname she gave me, and then felt a warm breath against my ear as a deep voice rumbled, "What am I going to do with you, Caroline?" Draven’s rich scent sent shivers down my spine. "My beta Ryan howls like a lovesick pup whenever he sees you, Kyle calls you ’pretty she-wolf,’ I can’t control myself around you, and now I’m addicted to chocolate cake. How will this end?"

His scent, that intoxicating blend of cedarwood and musk, enveloped me completely.

"Be careful with those addictions, Alpha Draven," I replied without turning around. "They have a way of becoming quite unmanageable."

Rory preened inside me, pleased with my response. "That’s right. Let him chase us."

"Hmm, perhaps I don’t want to manage this particular addiction," he murmured, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Come, let’s show off your beauty at Golden Petal. Let’s enjoy dinner and a pleasant evening after such a tense day." His fingers brushed lightly against my shoulder. "But don’t think I’ve forgotten about our unfinished conversation."

He winked and strode toward the door where Ryan and Clara were already waiting by the elevator. The knowing look Ryan gave me suggested he saw right through our little dance.

The dinner was genuinely pleasant and fun. Golden Petal’s ambiance was intimate without being overly romantic, with soft lighting and elegant décor. The food was absolutely delicious, and after dinner, Draven ordered a slice of chocolate cake and leaned in to whisper in my ear, "Share this cake with me?"

The question carried weight beyond the simple dessert offering. I nodded; it was impossible to resist. He was charming, charismatic, and devastatingly handsome. When he looked at me with those violet eyes, my resistance crumbled.

Ryan didn’t miss the opportunity to tease, "Hey, Clara, our Alpha’s now addicted to chocolate cake. I’ve told him he’ll end up getting fat."

"That’s why," Draven replied smoothly, sliding the plate between us, "I’m sharing my cake with my executive assistant."

"Caroline," Clara said, "you need to make it clear to these two and Kyle that you’re the one in charge. Don’t forget what I taught you about handling alpha males."

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