Chapter 5
~Lucien~•
Three days.
It had only been three days since Selena started working as my assistant for record keeping, and I had to admit she was exceptional. She learned quickly, worked diligently, and showed a dedication I hadn't expected from someone so young.
I'd even set a trap for her through Rowan, giving her a complex task that would trip up most experienced workers. But she'd handled it perfectly, impressing both me and my beta.
Now, I trusted her even more.
But trust wasn't the only thing I felt.
I leaned back in my chair. I couldn't deny it anymore I liked her. Found her attractive. The innocent way she bit her lip when she concentrated, the graceful way she moved, the soft sound of her voice when she spoke.
After the death of my wife five years ago, I'd never felt anything like this. I'd closed that part of myself off, focused solely on being Alpha, on leading my pack. But Selena had somehow slipped past my defenses without even trying.
But you can't have her, I reminded myself firmly. Not with the history. Not with Damon.
My son had rejected her, humiliated her. Taking an interest in her now would cause chaos within the pack, within my own family.
No matter how much my wolf wanted her.
The door to my office burst open without warning.
I looked up sharply to find Damon striding in, his expression dark with anger.
"We need to talk," he said, not bothering with proper protocol.
I raised an eyebrow. "You might want to knock next time."
"This can't wait." He crossed his arms. "I want to know why Selena is working so closely with you. Why you've given her a position of authority in this pack."
"My reasons are my own," I replied calmly. "And they have nothing to do with your relationship—or lack thereof— with her."
"Relationship?" Damon scoffed. "There is no relationship. I rejected her. She's nothing to me."
"Then why do you care where she works?"
His jaw clenched. "Because she's clearly up to something. She's trying to…"
"The girl is good at what she does," I interrupted, my voice taking on an edge. "That's all that matters to me. Her work performance is excellent, and that's the only criteria I use when choosing who serves in my office."
"But Father…."
The door opened again, and Rowan entered with Selena following behind him. They'd just returned from the errand I'd sent them on.
Rowan stepped forward immediately. "Alpha, the task is complete. And I have to say, Selena's insight was invaluable. She caught several discrepancies in the border patrol reports that I'd completely missed. She's incredibly thorough."
I noticed the slight blush coloring Rowan's cheeks as he spoke about Selena. Interesting.
"What is your plan, Selena?" Damon demanded, turning on her suddenly. "What game are you playing?"
Selena's eyes widened with perfect innocence. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Damon. I'm just doing my job."
"Don't act stupid. You're clearly trying to…."
"Rowan," I interrupted, my voice cold and commanding. "Escort my son out of my office. Now."
Damon's head whipped around to stare at me. "What? Father, you can't be serious…."
"I'm deadly serious. Get out."
Rowan moved immediately, gripping Damon's arm firmly. "Come on. Let's go."
"This is ridiculous!" Damon protested as Rowan physically guided him toward the door. "You're actually choosing her side over mine?"
"I'm choosing productivity over drama," I said flatly. "Now leave."
The door closed behind them, and silence fell over my office.
"Thank you, Alpha Lucien," Selena said softly. "You didn't have to…"
"It's fine." I stood up from my desk, needing to move, to put some distance between us.
But as Selena turned to gather her papers, something slipped from her hands, a pen or maybe a folder and clattered to the floor.
She bent down quickly to retrieve it.
And my breath caught in my throat.
The neckline of her blouse gaped open as she leaned forward, revealing the soft curve of her breasts, the delicate line of her collarbone. I caught just a glimpse before I forced myself to look away, heat rushing through my body.
Don't look. Don't think about it.
My wolf wanted her, but the man in me knew he shouldn't.