Chapter Three- Book One

Gabriel (POV)

She’s pregnant. That thought kept going over and over in my head all the rest of the day up until she left for her home. It had to have been from that night. When I heard a slam of a door earlier, I went out to make sure she was fine then I heard her getting sick in the bathroom. I felt concerned, so I stood outside the door to be sure she was okay. I just wasn’t expecting her words. I am pregnant. Then she thought I was upset enough to fire her. Of course, I can’t. Even with her delicate condition, her fragrance still calls to me. I cannot ignore that, so I must keep her near me. Even if as an employee.

I shut down my computer and stood, stretching my sore back from sitting so long. Maybe I should head someplace private and shift so I can stretch my wings. It has been a while since I have done just that. So, I grabbed the jacket of my suit and briefcase and walked out the door.

The next day I decided to order a welcome bouquet and have them delivered to Alana at the office. It went through my mind to do so as I was flying late last night. It felt good to stretch my wings. After my flight, I went home fixed a large steak and drank red wine before showering and going to bed. The next morning, I stepped off the elevator and from here I can see the door to my office and the auburn hair woman sitting at her desk. I headed in that direction and as I was getting ready to pass by her desk I nodded, “Good Morning, Miss Thomson.”

I noticed the flowers had already arrived and sat upon her desk. She smiled up at me. “Good morning Mr. Spencer. And thank you, for the flowers.”

“You are welcome, and I apologize for yesterday. I want you to know your position here is secure.”

I noticed her eyes began to moisten and a single tear rolled down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away. “I am sorry and thank you. I seem to get more emotional these days. Hormones and all.”

I smiled, “I understand. If you could get me a coffee, there is a coffee shop in the building on the bottom floor. Tell them you are picking up Mr. Spencer’s order and bring it up to me if you will. That is one of the job requirements each morning.”

“Yes, of course, right away sir.” She stood to go as I walked into my office and once, I stepped through the door and closed it. I took a deep breath to inhale her scent. That scent seems to do some crazy things to my cock. I reached down and re-adjusted the already hard cock in my pants. Then I went and sat behind my desk. I need to get myself under control after all I don't want to scare her by seeing a huge bulge in my pants. Not with all she has already been through. For now, I need to keep it business between us and slowly get to know the woman and earn her trust.

Fifteen minutes later she entered with my special order of coffee and Danish. “Will that be all, Mr. Spencer?”

I smiled up at her, “Please call me Gabe. I don’t like formalities with my assistant. It makes it less nerve-wracking. Wouldn’t you agree, Alana?”

He noticed her shoulders relax a bit before she smiled back. “Yes, I agree… Gabe.”

She sounded breathless as she said his name. But it sounded like music when she did say it. I took a sip of my coffee, leaned back, and sighed. “That shop always knows how to make the best coffee.”

“In my condition, I have to drink tea. Coffee doesn't seem to agree with me.”

“They have tea down there as well.” I leaned forward this time, “You know they have a great blend of ginger tea which may help with the morning sickness. You should give it a try.”

She blushed and looked down at her hands that were twisting together in front of her. She looked endearing standing there. “Maybe I will. Thank you, Mr.… I mean Gabe.”

“Anytime. And be sure to have them put it on my tab.”

“Oh, but”

“I insist, in this company we are family. We take care of each other. You work for me. I promise to take care of you.” And I meant it. I watched her expression go from surprise to understanding.

“Of course, Thank you. If this is all, I still have more typing and other work to do.”

“Yes, Alana, you may leave.”

The rest of the day went by smoothly, the only thing was the constant hard-on I would get because of the irresistible fragrance of Alana. It was becoming more difficult. My body craved her, my dragon wanted her, and needed to mate with her. But so far it only seems one-sided. I need to take my time and get to know her and try and win her over. I am sure there is chemistry between us. I can tell she is in denial of it. Maybe because of the child growing inside. So, the plan is for me to show her that it won’t matter to me. That I will accept her child as my own. I will, of course, take it slow. Even if I must relieve myself by hand. I will not scare her away.

As I stepped outside the building to get into my car, I spotted Alana walking in the direction of the subway depot. I ran up to catch up to her before she could disappear into the crowd.

“Hey, Alana.”

She stopped short and placed her hand to her chest, “Oh Mr. - I mean Gabe, you startled me.”

“My apologies. Could I offer you a ride home?”

“What? Oh no, I couldn’t let you take me home.”

“Of course, you can. I am offering the ride. It would beat taking the subway at this time of day.”

I can tell now that she was considering my ride offer. I know at this hour the subway would be crowded and not safe. Not for a single woman in her condition anyway.

She sighed, “Alright, if you don’t mind. I was actually dreading the subway right now.” She grinned up at me. As I am at least about a foot taller than she is.

I turned her and placed my hand on the small of her back guiding her to my black Mercedes, “This way.”

Sitting in the car I maneuvered through traffic after she gave me her address and I input it into the navigation system in my car.

“I do appreciate this. I was dreading the long subway ride.” She said fiddling with her fingers in her lap. A nervous habit I noticed that she does.

I smiled to myself as I answered her. “It is no trouble; it seems it is not out of my way.” I paused and added softly, “If you don’t mind my asking, what happened to the father of your baby?” I know I might be pushing it, but I am curious as to how she will explain being single and pregnant.

I sensed her stiffening next to him, “I’m sorry, that is too personal, I have no business asking.”

“No. No, it is just a touchy situation. I will say this much, he is not in the picture, nor do I expect him to be.”

“I see.” Maybe one day she will open up but for now, I will offer her some support. “Beginning tomorrow morning be expecting a company car to come and pick you up and bring you home in the afternoon. You are my personal assistant and should be treated as such.” I glanced in her direction, “Unless you prefer the subway?”

“No, that would be wonderful. Thank you.”

It’s the least I can do. I feel responsible for her as my mate. Only she does not know that fact.

“Are you in any hurry to get home, Alana?”

“Um- no. Why?”

“Would you like to have dinner with me? It is rare for me to leave work early and I hate eating alone.”

“If you are sure, okay, I would love to join you.” She said with a smile.

“Good, because I know a place not far from here that serves the best steak dinners.”

“So, you are a steak and potato kind of guy?” She teased.

I chuckled, “Well more like a steak kind without the potato.”

“I see. More meat than vegetables.”

“Exactly.” I smile and look over and see her smiling. I am glad to see her relaxing around me. I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable with me.

By the time we reached the restaurant, we were laughing at jokes and funny daily things that had happened. I had opened about how I started the company and how I recruited Tom to be the head advertiser in the company.

“I am impressed at your ambition and going after what you wanted in life.” She smiled as we sat at our table. She had ordered a chief’s salad and I ordered the biggest and rarest steak they had without the sides. Being a dragon shifter, we only eat meat.

“It helped, in the beginning, having an investor until I could buy them out,” I said as I took a bite of my steak. She gave me a frown.

“How can you eat that with it still bleeding?”

“Easy, it is how I prefer my steaks.”

She giggled, “I am sorry, being pregnant things like rare steak gets to me.”

I grinned back as I chewed another bite. And she continued to eat her salad and sipped on her sweet tea.

At her home, I didn’t feel comfortable just leaving her without at least walking her safely to her door. She turned and looked up at me and as our eyes met, I could see something flash in them. I know I want to take it slow but at this moment I couldn’t help myself. I leaned down and brushed my lips against hers. So soft and inviting I deepened the kiss and wrapped my arm around her pulling her close against me. She is so delicious I could stay like this holding her in my arms forever. Suddenly as awareness came to her, I felt her become stiff and I pulled her away gently.

“I – um- I apologize, Alana. I should not have done that.”

“No. Uh. Really, it’s okay.” She sounded hoarse and confused.

“I will have the car here by seven.” I reminded her.

“Yes. I will be ready. Thank you for dinner.” She unlocked her door and went in as I turned to leave, I smelt something familiar as I stepped outside. I just couldn’t remember where I smelt it. I walked to my car and unlocked it but before I could get in, I turned back towards her building to look towards her window, when I thought I saw a shadow move in the alley between buildings. I blinked and it was gone. Maybe I had imagined it. I thought to myself as I got into my car and drove away. Smiling as I thought of the kiss.