Ashanti My gaze went distant, and I became confused like a broken compass. What the heck was going on? To be sure that I was not dreaming, I stared at the text, reading it again and again until the lines became blurry. How is it possible to reject an unqualified applicant on the spot and call them back? It didn't make any sense to me. I wanted to call Ken to be sure this wasn't a prank but it was almost midnight. Biting back my excitement, I wondered what Ken had said to Chadwick that made him change his mind. Feeling proud and jittery at the same time, I became aloof, raising a corner of my upper lip. Proud because Chadwick insulted me. It hurt to hear my mate utter nasty words to me. I tsk, wondering how else I expected a snobbish, pompous human to behave. Despite his rudeness, this was a miracle and worth sharing with my housemates. I bounced out, rushing forward to the living room. Harrison and Carmen were sprawled on the three-seater sofa watching a recent blockbuster re
Ashanti He walked away, and I stood there like a fool until I noticed the receptionist's gaze on me. She gave me a kind smile. "Is he always in a foul mood?" I asked, and she shook her head. "Not that I know of. He has never spoken to me before, and he's always very busy. Maybe he just has a natural dislike for you because you still have an extra five minutes' grace before the lateness line is ruled." I frowned, wondering why my mate loved to belittle me. Was it because I dared to challenge him yesterday? Toxic experiences with my dad and Dave made me think twice, but this dude was my mate. I wasn't so keen on the money and benefits that came with working here, even though it was a bonus, but my main reason for being here was to be close to my mate. A miracle I had Ken on my side. Ken was busy behind his desk, he gave me a thumbs up, asking me to give him a second. "I see you got my text," he smiled when he was done typing. "Welcome aboard." "Thanks," my smile faltered, and he
Chad’s POV Rage burned in my heart and choked my vision. I couldn't tell if this company I inherited from my grandfather was a blessing or a curse. I wasn't born rich; I never met my dad, and this sudden transformation took me years to grasp, but it was choking me now, and I needed to cry out. "Seriously, guys, I can't take it anymore," I said, sweating despite the air conditioning. "How can those faceless toads send their minions here to drive me crazy every time there's a shareholders meeting and turn the place into a battleground? Today they ask for higher dividend payouts, tomorrow they ask for a larger portion of the company's this or that." "Honey, please don't get worked up over them," my mom pleaded, her tone soothing and filled with sympathy. "Why won't I? I am human with flesh and blood running in my veins, and I walk here tirelessly, yet they keep demanding more and more. It's like they're trying to drain the life out of me." My mom stood behind my seat, placing a hand
AshantiBoredom and lack of stimulation were killing me in this office. I yawned and doodled, feeling a heaviness in my muscles.Ken and Chadwick had gone for a business lunch, and from the look of things, I suspected they wouldn't be coming back. I tried everything possible to keep myself busy: bought a novel on Kindle, listened to true crime podcasts, and even rearranged the workspace to make it visually appealing. The only thing I didn't do was connect with colleagues because I knew that was going to be a disaster.Before Ken stepped out, he walked into my office. I thought he was going to bring up the weirdness in Chad's office, but he didn't."I need to introduce you to some important people, John, James, and Jude. They are among top executives whom you have to get acquainted with.""What's with the similar names?" I grinned. "Were they part of a secret naming club or something?"Ken cracked up into a wide smile. "A unique coincidence. I never stop teasing them about it."We wal
AshantiMy heart raced like an overwound clock as I waited for Harrison to say something, but he remained silent, and the silence was eating at me."Harrison, please, I beg you, say something," my voice trembled. "I know this revelation will change everything between us, but I need to hear your thoughts. I won't blame you if you are disgusted or even hate me."He remained mute as if there were a stone in his tongue. Cars drove past, and the more Harrison remained silent, the more my dread grew.Why the hell did I open my big mouth to traumatize him? Plus I was going to get kicked out of the apartment for sure. "I... My thoughts are blank. I don't even know what to say or where to begin. Is this some sort of prank?"I shook my head. "That's what I am, Harrison.""Hold on, werewolves like in the movies?"I was this close to saying movies did not depict half of what real werewolves looked and acted like, but I swallowed my words.Harrison's mouth opened and closed like a fish, lightly t
AshantiMy eyelids were heavy with exhaustion, and I sagged into my chair at the office. It wasn't even midday yet, and all I wanted was to sleep. I had drowned myself in coffee, but that barely kept me awake, and I had to constantly move around, making sure to use excessive concealer under my eyes.Ken called for me, and I lightly slapped my cheeks to wake up and got my ass up to his office. Ken was always busy, and I hadn't seen Chad all morning."Have you ever handled calendar and schedule management before?" he asked me without lifting his head off the laptop."Of course," I cleared my throat."Good, you're going to manage my meetings and that of the executive members. Make sure the appointments and events are properly organized and communicated, and henceforth, you'll have to handle some of my emails, phone calls, and messages."I nodded, forgetting that he wasn't staring at me. He lifted his head, meeting my eyes. "Will that be overwhelming for you?""Of course not; it's someth
Chadwick's POVAfter Ashanti chose me, Ken's lips twisted in a tangled knot, and he gave me a slanted look. The more he did that, the more my laughter intensified. I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt.'Why in the devil's name are you so selfish, Chadwick? I can't believe you're stealing her away. Ashanti; you better watch out for your boss because he's a sly one.'I watched Ashanti fiddle with the file in her hands. Her lashes dropped, and slowly she opened her eyes. Shame and desire mingled hot in my throat. I had no idea what had gotten over me, but even a blind person would be able to see her beauty.Her skin was milky like peach-tinted cream, making her look like a flower, and her hair was a rich glowing ginger color.'Suck it up, Ken,' I said, peeling my gaze away from Ashanti. 'I'll get you another secretary, one with a master's degree if you wish, but for now, sip your tears.'Ken rolled his eyes, grumbling under his breath, and I turned to face Ashanti. 'I've got an importa
AshantiThree days of working in Wolfgang as a secretary made me go into a routine and a whirlwind of tasks. I was always behind my desk, typing furiously on my computer, preparing reports and memos, taking nonstop calls, checking mail, and filing documents.It was fun for me because I saw my mate now and then. Seeing him every day gave me unexplainable joy and intense satisfaction from the bottom of my heart, it made me want to sing.All the unhappiness, disappointment, and gloom that I carried for years were slowly dissipating. Ken refused to let go of me, so I had to juggle between working for Chadwick and working for him. I wasn't complaining; after all, I was always on my own and never saw the need to interact with others outside of official duties.The clock ticked for lunch break, and I realized I hadn't even had a chance to take a sip of my morning coffee, let alone think about lunch. I had a lot of work to do; I needed to please Chadwick.Some people may say I was giving pick