Cassie’s POVMy jaw dropped to the floor. I had never had a proper job like this, but I was sure that no one treated their boss this way."Angel, you should at least show me some respect in front of my new secretary," Mr. Ross said with a smirk."After your funeral, maybe. But since you survived the car accident, no. And of course, Cassie will see how I mess with my boss, so I might as well show her I can be the office's resident bitch," Angel teased.My heart raced. This was all so overwhelming.Mr. Ross stood up from his chair and faced us. There was something oddly familiar about him, and it was strangely calming to look at his face.He smiled and extended his hand. I shook it, and he almost seemed reluctant to let go."You better not harm my friend!" Angel interjected, giving Mr. Ross a playful smack on the hand."Aw!" Mr. Ross winced."Stop being overdramatic. I’m going to show Cassie around and get her settled. Don’t invite anyone into your office, or I’ll dump more paperwork on
Cassie’s POVHe gestured a refusal, so I excused myself and walked back to my table. No matter how I tried to imagine it, I felt utterly embarrassed by my earlier display in front of my boss.I bit my lip and sighed. I was longing for a normal life, and I was slowly making progress. I hoped that Kaiden would guide me from wherever he was now, watching over us.I resumed organizing the documents, and after several more hours, I finally finished. I massaged my stiff shoulder, feeling the weight of my new reality. Since losing my mate, I felt weaker than before. Not completely weak, but the absence of my connection to Kaiden had brought about a drastic change.My father had warned me about this adjustment, but it was still difficult to get used to. Perhaps in a few months or even years, I might feel better, but for now, it seemed like a distant hope."Hey, let’s take a break. It’s lunchtime," Angel’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. She wanted to treat me to lunch to celebrate my new job
Cassie’s POV"I hope he is," I replied, my voice trailing off as we headed home.Once we arrived at the apartment, I prepared Charlie for bed. After he had fallen asleep, I took some strong sleeping pills to ensure a good night’s rest. Human sleeping pills usually didn’t affect me, but I hoped these would help.The next day followed the same routine. I dropped Charlie off with his grandfather and uncle, and Angel gave me a ride to work. I told her that when my payday arrived, I’d make sure to treat her to cover her gas. I hated being a burden, and I wanted to show my gratitude."You’d better brace yourself, Cassie! The workload is piling up, and the paperwork is overwhelming," Angel said with a joking tone, but I sensed she wasn’t entirely kidding.If she thought I’d be offended by the remark, she was mistaken. I believed that having a lot to do would help me stay focused and provide a temporary escape from my pain.We arrived at the parking lot, made our way to the lobby, and took th
Cassie’s POV"Ah, I sent a text message to Angel," I said, trying to explain my action. "I didn’t want her to worry about me being out of the office."We finally arrived at our destination—a spacious parking lot—but it seemed like we weren’t leaving the car anytime soon. Mr. Ross looked preoccupied, scratching the back of his head with a reddened face."Well, speaking of that brutal woman, I got a good uppercut from her," he admitted with a rueful chuckle. "I suppose I deserved that. I shouldn’t have let you see that. As your boss, I should set a better example, especially since you’re new here. If you felt uncomfortable or awkward, just let me know. I’d like to make it up to you."His unexpected apology caught me off guard. He was right; it was unprofessional, and I valued professionalism in the workplace."Let’s just forget about it," I said. "But please lock the door next time. I’d rather not witness a live show like that again."His cheeks flushed even more at my words. "I assure y
Cassie’s POVDerek was seated at a nearby table with a stunning woman. Even though he might have been in disguise, his distinctive scent confirmed his identity. The rumors about him being a notorious womanizer were evidently true, but I hadn’t anticipated this level of it.An uncomfortable feeling gnawed at my chest, leaving me both unsettled and confused."Are you okay, Mom?" Charlie’s worried voice snapped me out of my thoughts."I’m fine, just a little hungry," I said, offering a feeble excuse. The truth was, my mind was still preoccupied with the scene unfolding just a few tables away.As we waited for our food, which seemed to take forever, I managed to push the image of Derek out of my mind. We were so famished that we almost forgot about his presence altogether. Yet, I knew I should stop concerning myself with him; his life was his own business. From the beginning, I’d resolved to keep my distance. His generosity as a boss might have been evident, but he still posed a threat to
Cassie’s POVIt had been two months since I started working for the largest company in Claybourne. Adjusting to this new lifestyle was a slow process, but I was gradually finding my footing. To stay healthy, I made it a point to visit a nearby gym at least once or three times a month. With no forests like those back in Clayland, maintaining physical activity was crucial for us werewolves to avoid falling ill.Speaking of illness, my son seemed unwell. His symptoms suggested that he was starting to experience his Moonlight Blessing—a crucial phase for werewolves where they gain the ability to shift into their wolf form. He was in bed, drenched in sweat. Though this was a normal part of the process, the fatality rates, though low, still concerned me. Charlie had an alpha gene, so I was confident he would make it through.I dialed Angel’s number, hoping I wasn’t disturbing her at this early hour—five in the morning."Cassie? Hello?" Angel’s groggy voice came through the line."Angel, I’m
Cassie’s POV"I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you," I stammered. "Maybe I should just show you outside.""Hey, it’s okay," Derek reassured me. "I don’t want to go home yet. I don’t think I’d rest well knowing I’m leaving your son in this condition.""Yes, you’re right," I agreed.Derek continued, "Maybe you’re right, Cassie. I might be longing for affection. I grew up without my family, raised by relatives."I was taken aback. Why was he opening up about his past?"I’m sorry to hear that," I said, touched. "I can relate to you. I was too young to remember my mother when she left us, but I have my brothers and dad to ease the pain.""You’re lucky," Derek replied softly.I prepared a spot for Derek to sleep. I made the floor as comfortable as possible with a blanket and pillows.The next morning, I was astonished to find the kitchen overflowing with food. I hadn’t expected this at all."How did this happen?" I asked Derek, bewildered."Well," he said, "I thought Charlie might need
Cassie’s POV"Brother! Cassie, this is Dax, my handsome and passionate brother. Dax, this is Cassie—my friend and a single mother to a delightful little boy," Angel introduced us.A strange sense of déjà vu washed over me. It felt as though I had met him before, somewhere in my past. The sensation was overwhelming, but I managed to pull myself back to the present."Are you both alright?" Angel asked, noticing our stunned silence. "You both stopped and stared as if you were lost in another world.""We’re fine!" I quickly replied, trying to mask my surprise. "I was just taken aback by how tall he is.""Right!" Angel chimed in. "My brother is both tall and gentlemanly." She winked at me and nudged my shoulder playfully.I sighed, realizing what Angel was up to. I was confused by her matchmaking efforts. I had no intention of pursuing a relationship; my heart still belonged to Kaiden, who was deeply embedded in my soul.Dax sighed in agreement. "Angel, stop embarrassing us. You’re doing it
Cassie’s POVThe day Derek and Dax accepted their new roles as both humans and werewolves marked a significant turning point. My father, my brothers, and I took it upon ourselves to teach them about our culture—what is right and wrong, the taboos, and the essence of being a werewolf: our love for the moon, our bond with the forest, and our partnership with nature.Recently, the attacks have become more frequent, and it’s clear that we need to relocate for real. Xander and his supporters are sending threats and unleashing dangerous creatures with one goal in mind: to kill me and those I care about. This is something I will never allow. I love my family, especially my only son and the two men who have taught me a new definition of love. I refuse to repeat the mistakes of the past.Xander should brace himself because he won’t know what’s coming. I plan to personally see to it that he pays for his actions. A man like him deserves no mercy. Driven by jealousy, he murdered his own brother, w
Cassie’s POV"What! But you should assist me!" the vampire shouted, clearly agitated. At that moment, I could barely tolerate his presence."If I hear you spreading unnecessary information about me to Dax, Derek, or anyone else, I swear it’ll be the last thing you do. I’m not joking," I warned him."What?! I didn’t say anything," he protested, though I could see through his feigned innocence. I knew Dax wouldn’t lie to me; he had no reason to."Huh, so you’re the one who mentioned that my life is in danger and that they should protect me?" I asked. "They don’t need to be involved in this. This is my battle, not theirs. But since you’ve already spoken out, I have to address it.""I think it’s better for them to be aware. The more they know, the harder it will be for them to lower their guard. This isn’t just about your past or your personal conflict. Once they start caring about you, they’re already involved," he said. He made a good point, even if it annoyed me."But I don’t want to i
Cassie’s POV"Let’s take a break, son," I suggested, noticing we had been practicing for almost three hours. It was time for some rest."Mom," Charlie said, his smile brightening as he looked out at the expansive woodland. "You’re growing up, and I feel like I’m not doing a great job as your mother," I admitted honestly. I felt I wasn’t fulfilling my role as a mother to my beloved son, Charlie.My son wiped away my tears, kissed them, and gave me a reassuring grin. "Mom, you don’t have to apologize. There’s nothing to apologize for. I love you, and I appreciate everything you do for me. If I have a mom in my next life, I’d choose you over and over again," he said, causing me to cry even more."Please stop crying, Mom. I promised Dad I’d protect you and make sure you’re happy no matter what," he continued. It amazed me how mature he had become so quickly. I felt my age more keenly at that moment."You promised that to your father, but I promise to protect you no matter what as well. So
Cassie’s POVMy eyes were tired from crying and staying up too late. I wasn’t feeling well and decided it was the right time to request a leave of absence. Despite werewolves typically having excellent stamina and health, we’re not invincible. Like all creatures, we have our weaknesses. For werewolves, a fragile heart can be our downfall, and right now, mine felt incredibly delicate.I was struggling with emotional sickness again, feeling so heavy and weak that I couldn’t get out of bed. The cold was a result of my forgetting to close the window last night. I asked Angel to cover my schedule for the time being, promising to return the favor. I was grateful she agreed, but my severe headache was making me extremely lethargic."Mom," Charlie knocked gently on the door. I told him to come in."Are you sick, Mom?" he asked, brushing his hand against my forehead. His concern touched me deeply, but I didn’t want him to worry too much. I had to remind myself that I was strong."I’m fine, swee
Cassie’s POVAfter leaving work, I decided to do some grocery shopping. I was still a bit taken aback by Dax becoming my new boss, but I understood what Angel and Dale meant. Dax was someone kind and close to my heart, and I completely agreed with that. I actually liked the idea of him being my boss—thank goodness."Angel, I’m so shocked to learn everything," I said, while Damon pushed our cart loaded with vegetables, fruits, and various types of meat. My new condominium unit was three times as large as the previous one, and I needed to restock supplies and prepare dinner. My son was growing so fast that he needed a lot of nutrients."Yeah, Dax knows you dislike surprises, but he was worried that if you found out he’d be your new boss, you might leave or disagree," Angel murmured. I looked at her in disbelief."Why would I do that?" I asked. Dax was a great guy whom I trusted, and I knew he’d treat me well, so I couldn’t see any reason for me to be against having him as my new boss."W
Dax’s POV"So, you’re the real owner of the company, huh? All along, Dale was just your proxy. What made you decide to reveal this now?" Derek asked, his voice laden with curiosity and a hint of suspicion. We were seated in our usual café, a cozy place with a warm ambiance that had become our go-to spot for conversations about our complex lives.I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. The truth was that my main reason for taking on the position was to spend more time with Cassie. It was something I hadn't fully admitted before, but it was time to come clean. Since we had agreed to share our feelings with Cassie equally, there was no point in hiding anything from Derek anymore."Well, it’s primarily because I wanted to spend more time with Cassie. But also, I wanted the financial resources and influence to spoil Cassie and Charlie just like you do," I confessed in one breath. The words tumbled out before I could second-guess them. Derek’s reaction was immediate; he spilled his coffee
Cassie’s POVI took a cab to the company building, feeling a surge of anxiety as I arrived. I almost backed out. It was frustrating that they had kept my new boss a secret. I had already made it clear how much I disliked surprises.As I entered the elevator, I silently prayed to the goddess that my boss would be someone I could tolerate—someone friendly and serious about work, and not a creep, as that would test my patience.When I reached the top floor and stood in front of the boss's office, my nerves were on edge. I had faced many challenges in my life; this should be manageable.To my surprise, Dax was sitting in the CEO’s swivel chair. Dressed in a sharp suit, he looked dazzling and charming. I couldn’t help but blush, realizing I had been staring at him longer than I intended."Dax, what are you doing here? And I must say, you look fantastic in that suit," I remarked, genuinely admiring his appearance.Dax scratched the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "The truth i
Cassie’s POV"But what about my brother and dad? I don’t want to move too far from them," I said, voicing my concern. Marcus, ever confident, chuckled."We’re moving as well, so don’t be sad. I know you’ll miss your handsome brothers," Marcus said, his arrogance shining through."Whatever, Marcus. But I can sense that Derek owns that condo building, doesn’t he?" I said, having uncovered their plan. They must have anticipated I’d be hesitant."Don’t worry, I’m not angry. Although, I do plan to give Dale a hard time for lying to me so much today," I said, glaring at the sneaky vampire hiding behind my son."I can help with that," Derek offered, raising his hand."You traitor! This was all your idea," Dale said, feigning tears.I decided to ignore the further discussion. Dale’s chatter was giving me a headache. It was time to open my gifts. The important people in my life had given me a very comfortable chair, and they lined up to present their gifts. My son’s gift was especially touching
Cassie’s POV"It’s alright, don’t be upset," I reassured Derek, trying to ease his mood. "Tonight is my birthday, and I want everyone to share in my happiness. This moment is incredibly special to me." It seemed I had managed to bring a smile to his face. Derek, with his intense and sometimes risky demeanor, also had a softer, more vulnerable side that I had come to appreciate."How about me?" Dax asked, looking as if he didn’t want to be left out. His puppy-dog eyes made me smile. I patted his head affectionately. "Good boy. Now, shall we eat? I’m starving," I said, and they guided me to our table."Mom!" Charlie’s voice cut through my thoughts. He looked incredibly handsome in his white suit. "My son looks dashing!" I exclaimed. "You may be young, but your smile can capture anyone’s heart." He blushed at my compliment."Mom, you’re beautiful too," Charlie said, handing me a small box. "I hope you like this." I was deeply touched. It reminded me of the times when Kaiden and Charlie wo