Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 62

Devon

"I thought you had meetings all day," Evelyn said, stepping out of the elevator.

I couldn't help but smile. "You're visiting here. Of course I'm going to show you around myself." I lightly touched her arm, guiding her forward, savoring the brief contact.

The moment we started walking through the main office area, the atmosphere changed dramatically. My usually bustling workspace fell silent, with employees suddenly becoming intensely focused on their computer screens. I noticed their curious glances when they thought we weren't looking.

"They're wondering who you are," I whispered close to her ear, enjoying her subtle reaction to my proximity.

We reached my private elevator at the far end of the floor. I swiped my key card and ushered her inside. "This goes directly to the top floor."

When the doors opened again, I watched Evelyn's expression as she stepped into my domain. Her eyes widened as she took in the luxury penthouse that served as my office. The entire top floor was mine, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of Seattle's skyline. I had designed the space carefully: a formal office with a massive desk, a relaxation area with plush couches, a bedroom suite, a state-of-the-art gym visible through glass partitions, and a fully stocked kitchen.

"You don't actually live here, do you?" she asked, unable to hide her surprise.

I shrugged, moving toward the kitchen area. "About half the month, yes. Coffee?"

She nodded, still taking in the enormous space. "Being an Alpha is demanding enough. Running a major corporation on top of that... it can't be easy."

I returned with two mugs, handing one to her before gently ruffling her hair. The silky strands felt perfect beneath my fingers. "That's why having you around is such a welcome distraction."

Her cheeks flushed at my touch, and she quickly moved toward the seating area. I watched as she sank into my leather couch, the furniture practically enveloping her small frame.

I joined her, setting my coffee on the glass table. "So, what did you think of Professor Robert's assessment?"

"He was incredibly helpful," she said. "The restoration will be challenging, but he believes we can preserve most of the original structure."

"You could move in there once it's complete," I suggested, my eyes studying her face. "Though it would be quite a commute to the city."

She looked around at my surroundings. "This place is impressive, but it feels... empty. You should consider moving back to your apartment at Moonlight Bay. My place will be ready soon too—we'd be neighbors."

I shifted closer to her on the couch, allowing my thigh to touch hers. "Living alone at Moonlight Bay isn't much different from living alone here."

She turned to face me, suddenly animated. "It would be so much better than this! At least there—"

I couldn't resist any longer. I leaned in, my face inches from hers. I knew my scent would be intensifying, and I could see her pulse quicken at the base of her throat.

"What I need is you by my side," I said, my voice dropping to a husky whisper.

I moved closer, gently forcing her to lean back until she was practically lying on the couch with me hovering above her. Her breath caught as I lowered my head, my lips almost touching hers. She closed her eyes, waiting.

I paused, watching her. The trust in her gesture made my wolf howl with satisfaction, but I needed her to understand what I truly wanted.

"I want you as my mate, Evelyn," I whispered.

Her heart was hammering so hard I could almost hear it. "I... I'm not ready to be anyone's mate..."

I slowly traced my hand from her cheek down her neck, across her collarbone, and continued down to her thigh. When my fingers began to inch under the hem of her skirt, she grabbed my wrist.

"Please, stop," she whispered.

I immediately froze, then broke into a grin, blowing a gentle breath across her flushed face. "I'm just teasing you. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait for you to choose."

She let out a relieved breath. "Don't you dare—"

Before she could finish, I gave in to impulse and captured her lips in an urgent kiss. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sudden contact. I kept it brief but intense, my self-control slipping despite my earlier promise. When I pulled back, I knew my eyes betrayed the war raging inside me.

"I'm sorry," I murmured, running my thumb across her lower lip. "I promise I'll wait... but staying away from you is the hardest thing I've ever done."

Her face burned brighter than ever. She scrambled off the couch and headed for the door, clearly flustered.

"Wait!" I called after her. "Let Jason drive you back!"

"No need!" she called over her shoulder, practically running to the elevator.

I stood watching the elevator doors close, mentally kicking myself for pushing too far. I returned to my desk, trying to focus on work, but the lingering scent of her perfume kept distracting me.

After lunch, I was reviewing some documents when my father Richard entered my office unannounced.

"Where is she?" he demanded, sniffing the air. "I can smell her. That white wolf was here."

I set down my pen, leaning back in my chair. "She left hours ago."

Richard struck my desk with his wolf-headed cane. "And you let her leave alone? At this rate, you have no hope of making her your mate."

"I'm taking it slowly," I replied calmly. "She's just beginning to accept her wolf nature again. I won't rush her."

Richard scoffed and left.

Soon after, Jason entered with a folder. "Sir, Professor Robert sent the budget for the restoration project. It's estimated at a hundred million dollars."

I waved my hand dismissively. "Money won't be an issue - we're here to support her if needed."

Jason nodded, then continued, "Dr. Anderson also called. The Moonlight organization is willing to share their lab for the third testing phase, but they won't disclose the location."

My interest piqued immediately. "Tell Anderson to add me to the research team. I want to be involved in this project personally."

"Mr. Hall," Jason said, clearly surprised. "Are you sure you want direct involvement with this research?"

My expression hardened with determination. "Absolutely certain."