CHAPTER 22: CHAPTER 22 COMFORT

Caroline’s POV

Ryan handed me a glass of water, which I accepted with trembling hands. It wasn’t until Draven’s fingers gently brushed across my face that I realized tears were streaming down my cheeks.

"Easy, Caroline," he murmured, his voice a soothing rumble as he rubbed small circles on my back. "Howard has no power to harm you. You’re safe here; that worthless elder can’t touch your position."

I felt my wolf, Rory, stir inside me, unusually comforted by his touch despite not being a member of his pack yet.

"That’s right, Carrie," Ryan chimed in supportively. "Don’t pay any attention to Howard. The man’s a complete ass. You’re a strong she-wolf; don’t let him intimidate you."

Draven’s head snapped toward his Beta. "Since when do you take the liberty of using nicknames with my executive assistant?" His eyes flashed violet, jealousy evident in his tone.

"Since we became friends," Ryan replied with an easy grin, completely unfazed by his Alpha’s possessive growl. "And don’t be a knothead of an Alpha yourself!"

Despite everything, I couldn’t help laughing at their familiar banter, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. Draven stood up and gently cupped my chin, tilting my face until our eyes met.

"Not a knothead," he smirked, flashing a smile. "Just protective of what’s mine."

Moon goddess, why did this infuriating Alpha have to be so breathtakingly handsome? My body remembered all too well what those hands were capable of, even if my mind couldn’t place the memory properly.

"For Moon goddess’s sake, you two are dancing around the inevitable!"

Ryan exclaimed with a knowing smirk. "Carrie, I was just telling your Alpha that I’ve made reservations for our dinner tonight, and he’s not allowed any excuses. We’re going to enjoy the company of two amazing women. We’re going to Golden Petal; it’s Clara’s favorite restaurant, and you’ll love it there." He paused, eyebrows raised. "But Alpha Draven, I can’t figure out why Carrie thinks you’d object to her joining us tonight."

"As if I’d have a problem with that," Draven replied. "On the contrary, having Carrie at dinner tonight will be... absolutely delightful." The way he used my nickname felt intimate, almost claiming, while his eyes held mine with mischievous intent. "And they serve an extraordinary chocolate cake there, Carrie."

His scent—cedarwood and musk—intensified slightly as he leaned closer.

"What’s with your obsession with chocolate cake today?" Ryan laughed. "You had a slice this morning, I saw the plate on your side table. You ordered another during the video conference, and now you’re already thinking about having more at dinner? You’ll end up getting fat, pretty boy Alpha."

"Oh, my friend," Draven replied with a suggestive smile that made my cheeks flush hot, "I’ve developed quite an addiction to... chocolate cake."

The intensity in his gaze told me he wasn’t talking about dessert at all.

A gentle knock interrupted the charged moment, and Clara entered followed by Linda.

"Carrie, are you alright, honey?" Clara asked. "Howard has always been unpleasant, but he’s crossing serious pack boundaries now, Draven." The older woman’s usually calm demeanor was clearly ruffled.

"I’m fine, Clara, thank you," I assured her, squeezing her hand gratefully. "It was unsettling and caught me off guard, but I’ll be okay."

"Don’t worry," Draven’s voice carried that commanding Alpha tone that made everyone instinctively straighten. "I’ll handle this personally. Clara, tell me, does Howard behave this way with others?"

"He’s far worse than just rude," Clara’s voice burned with unusual anger. "He’s arrogant, abusive, and particularly vicious toward female staff. He’s outdated, Draven. I know his financial expertise is valuable, but staff morale is suffering under his behavior."

Draven’s eyes darkened to midnight violet. "Linda, I want immediate restrictions on floor access. Pack rank doesn’t override protocol, and I won’t have my staff endangered."

He activated the speakerphone. "Jake, implement new security measures for the executive floor. Linda will provide authorized personnel lists. Set unique codes for the core team: Ryan, Kyle, Caroline, Clara, Linda, and myself. All others need explicit clearance from Linda, and visitors require authorization from code holders. Elevator access requires verification, and secure the emergency stairwell from inside. Announce this directive to all employees now."

"Yes, Alpha," a deep voice responded from the other end. "It will be implemented today."

Draven ended the call and looked around the room, his gaze lingering on me protectively. "This should deter the more audacious ones. Linda, thank you, that will be all."

Linda nodded respectfully before leaving and closing the door behind her.

Ryan immediately took the opportunity to bring Clara into the dinner plans, and we spent a few minutes chatting while Ryan recounted how Alpha Draven had come to my rescue. His storytelling had us all laughing, the tension from earlier dissolving into something more comfortable. But I couldn’t ignore the way Draven’s eyes kept finding mine across the room.