The Billionaire's Feral Redemption

Alexander Stone stood at the center of the grand ballroom, an imposing figure who commanded every gaze without a word. Tonight, he hosted a fundraiser meant to dazzle the city’s elites, award-winning philanthropists, and a few starry-eyed socialites. The full moon beamed through the tall windows, lending a surreal glow to the polished floors and shimmering chandeliers. Live jazz hummed in the background. Normally, Alexander’s charity galas were flawless affairs, but tonight he felt his pulse race in time with the moon’s magnetism. Something brewed beneath the refined veneer he’d so carefully crafted.

Everything about him spoke of precise control—his crisp tuxedo, the measured curve of his shoulders, the way his sharp gaze scanned the crowd for potential threats. He was both CEO of Stone Enterprises and an alpha werewolf, a fact none of the oblivious humans here suspected. Despite his outward composure, a concealed tension roiled inside him whenever the moon shone so brightly. He could feel every muscle in his body tighten, each sense alert for any stir of danger.

A hush rolled across the crowd as a man strode in unannounced: Cole Kingston. Uninvited, he carried himself with a swagger that seemed tailored for trouble. He walked straight through the doors, offering no apology for his late arrival or for skipping the guest list. Alexander froze, annoyance flickering in his eyes, then pressed his lips into a taut line. Cole was from a rival pack, also alpha-blooded, and never missed a chance to upstage him.

He stepped away from a group of donors, ignoring their startled gasps. “Cole,” Alexander greeted, voice low. “I wasn’t informed you’d be attending.”

Cole smiled, baring uncanny white teeth. “I thought it might be the perfect evening to show support for your…charitable endeavors.” The undercurrent in his words left Alexander on edge. Cole’s presence was rarely just for show. He always had an agenda, something that threatened to upset the delicate balance Alexander guarded.

Scanning the room again, Alexander caught sight of Seraphina Clark, a newly hired consultant for Stone Enterprises. He’d noticed her earlier in a simple but elegant gown, gazing at the framed photos and sketches that layered the walls. With her inquisitive eyes, she looked out of place among the society pomp, far more earnest than the rest of the crowd. An unusual stillness shimmered around her, like she was disconnected from the pretense swirling around them.

He’d felt an instant tug when she arrived, a subtle stirring that he recognized as the call of another werewolf. Yet something about her aura was muted, as though she was unaware of her own lineage. Even now, as she tried to slip behind the marble pillars to avoid attention, his heightened senses stayed locked on her. He frowned, perplexed. He was typically adept at reading the power signals of others like him, but Seraphina made that skill stutter.

Despite his efforts to dismiss this odd sensation, Alexander found himself walking toward her, drawn by an indescribable magnetism. Seraphina had been examining the silent auction pieces, nibbling on her lower lip whenever she became lost in thought. She turned at his approach, eyes widening slightly at his sheer presence. He realized he was standing too close, so he dropped his voice, aiming for civility. “Enjoying the gala?”

She met his gaze and flushed a little. “It’s impressive, but I’m not used to such extravagant parties. I’m just here to support the company’s cause…” Her tone trailed off as if she couldn’t find the right words to match his intensity. A faint tremor crossed her features, almost like recognition, though she clearly couldn’t place why he felt so familiar. Alexander paused, letting her gather composure.

For a moment, he forgot the tensions riveting him to the evening’s hidden conflicts. Her sincerity was refreshing, unlike the contrived smiles from the countless acquaintances who tried winning his favor every day. Her uncertainty wove together with a quiet courage that he found unexpectedly compelling. Before he could speak again, Cole appeared, champagne flute in hand, an arrogant smirk plastered on his face.

“Oh, so this is the new consultant I’ve heard about? Seraphina, right?” He extended the glass to her, seemingly polite. Alexander stiffened, anticipating a move. Cole’s voice dripped with false warmth as he continued, “I hear you’re quite essential to Stone Enterprises these days.”

Unease shimmered in Seraphina’s eyes. She managed a cordial nod. “I’m helping refine some of their overseas expansion strategies. It’s nothing too grand.”

“Quite humble.” Cole let out a low chuckle. “But be careful around here. Stone Enterprises can be…tricky.” In the blink of an eye, Cole altered his grip on the flute and tipped its contents. Gold liquid spilled over Seraphina’s shoulder, staining the delicate fabric of her gown. Shock rippled across her face.

Guests around them gasped. Some stared, others feigned ignorance, but the spectacle was too appalling to ignore. Seraphina gaped at the ruin of her dress, cheeks burning red with embarrassment. Alexander’s fists clenched, nails biting into his palms.

“Oops,” Cole drawled, setting the empty flute on a passing waiter’s tray. His expression was anything but apologetic. “Such a shame. I must be clumsy tonight.”

Alexander’s voice cut like a blade, calm yet furious. “You’ve made your point, Cole.”

He whipped off his suit jacket and draped it over Seraphina’s shoulders before she could protest. She inhaled sharply, undone more by the electric charge in his presence than the soaking on her dress. He positioned himself between her and Cole, bristling with a barely held anger that made the air taut around them.

Cole didn’t back down. He squared himself to Alexander, tapping a finger against his chin. The posturing between them was primal, a silent contest of will. Their confrontation, so raw and intense, threatened to draw more curious onlookers.

“Stone, why so hostile?” Cole feigned innocence. “I merely offered a toast. If the lady can’t handle a little spill…”

A low growl emanated from Alexander, too soft for human ears to catch, but Cole certainly heard it. The tension between them soared, snapping the veneer of refined civility. Alexander’s senses sharpened, aware that under the watchful eye of the full moon, a public shift would be disastrous. Yet every fiber of his being screamed to teach Cole a lesson.

Seraphina took a trembling breath, her bewildered eyes darting between the two towering men. She tried to reassert herself, half-lifting a hand to quell the brewing storm. “It’s…fine,” she managed. “I’ll just find somewhere to clean up.” But her attempt at diplomacy sounded hollow. The hostility in the air had escalated beyond a simple apology.

Cole cocked his head. “Look at you, always the hero,” he sneered, focusing on Alexander. “For once, try not to posture for all your admirers.”

In a blur, Alexander seized Cole by the lapels and shoved him several steps back. The crowd collectively gasped. Cole’s eyes flashed with excitement as he regained his footing, evidently unafraid. He opened his mouth to taunt again, but Alexander’s voice boomed with the authority of an alpha who’d had enough.

“Leave,” Alexander ordered, his words edged with unstoppable finality. “Or I’ll remove you.”

Cole rolled his shoulders, stepping back as if to consider his next move. For a heartbeat, it seemed he might fight, in front of all these well-heeled donors. But he flicked an icy glance at Seraphina, then smirked. “I suppose I’ve made my appearance. I’ll see myself out.”

He pivoted in a swirl of expensive cologne, turning his back on the stares like they were beneath him. The tension lingered long after his departure, a bitter aftertaste. Alexander exhaled, forcing calm to bury his wolf’s furious desire to chase Cole and end this in private. Finally, he faced Seraphina, noticing how she clutched his jacket, gazing at the rumpled linen and spilled champagne dripping from her gown.

“Are you all right?” The words sounded too abrupt even to his own ears. He worried he might’ve frightened her more.

Seraphina swallowed. “Yes, I…just need a moment.”

He guided her off the main floor toward a side lounge where spare linens and a private powder room resided. Guests parted like a tide, unsettled by the raw energy that crackled between them. Once they were at the edge of the corridor, he paused.

“You shouldn’t let someone like Cole unsettle you,” he murmured. “Whatever brought him here, it isn’t your fault.”

She gave a shaky nod, eyes shimmering with confusion and gratitude. “Thank you. I’ve never seen someone stand up for me so…forcefully.” She let out an unsteady laugh, glancing at his tuxedo jacket draped across her shoulders. “I’m just a consultant—this must be a new record for the strangest first fundraiser I’ve ever attended.”

He managed a faint grin of his own. “I get the sense your presence might be anything but ordinary.” Even as he said it, the statement weighed on him. She shouldn’t have caught his attention the way she did. He was supposed to remain cordial, distant, not driven by the primal urges that flared whenever she was near.

A distraught event coordinator hurried over, babbling apologies for the disturbance, then ushered Seraphina to the powder room to salvage her evening if possible. Alexander stayed behind, ignoring the coordinator’s anxious fussing. He pivoted back toward the crowd, swiftly scanning for any other threats.

He found Helena Stone—his sister—standing by a towering ice sculpture in the shape of a howling wolf. She observed him with clear concern in her eyes. Helena was one of the few who knew his secret and recognized the fury etched into his stiff posture. Under ordinary circumstances, they would have laughed off such a situation from an unruly guest, but Cole was different.

Helena slipped to his side, leaning in as if offering social pleasantries. “He’s only testing you,” she whispered. “Public confrontation is what he wants.”

Alexander nodded, relaxing his fingers from their clenched state. “And he nearly got it,” he replied quietly. “But I won’t lose control here.”

His gaze moved toward the corridor where Seraphina had disappeared. His wolf instincts still thrummed with alarming intensity, urging him to check on her, to make sure she was safe. He forced himself to remain in place, smoothing the lapel of his tuxedo. Helplessness tasted bitter on his tongue.

The fundraising event gradually resumed its earlier cheer, though a subdued hush hung around the corners of the ballroom. Champagne flutes clinked in forced toasts, and the jazz quartet returned to playing gentle tunes. Alexander fielded inquiries from well-meaning donors wanting to ensure “all was well” and from suspicious acquaintances seeking fresh gossip. He moved with measured politeness, shoulders rigid, each conversation only fueling his restlessness.

When Seraphina finally emerged from the corridor, she had changed into a spare linen wrap the coordinator managed to find. His jacket still draped across her shoulders. She spotted him, hesitated, then slowly approached his side. Her cheeks glowed faintly with a mix of embarrassment and uncertainty. He wanted to reassure her, but words stayed tangled in his mind.

“You really didn’t have to,” she began softly, glancing at the spot where Cole and Alexander nearly came to blows. “I mean, I appreciate it, but I don’t want to cause trouble—”

He cut her off gently. “Cole was the one causing trouble. Not you. Besides, no one stands by while he humiliates my guest.”

She blinked in surprise. “Your guest?”

Alexander struggled to maintain composure. “You’re with Stone Enterprises, which makes you part of my—our—circle,” he corrected, feeling the slip. “It’s my responsibility to ensure everyone in that circle remains…protected.”

A small laugh escaped her. “I’m not sure if I should be more scared or comforted by that.” Her attempt at humor carried an undercurrent of genuine nerves. She tested the linen wrap self-consciously. “Maybe I should just leave quietly. I’ve made enough waves.”

“No.” His refusal was instantaneous. “You deserve to be here as much as anyone else. In fact, stay.” He lowered his voice, scanning her face. “Please. Don’t let Cole drive you away. If you leave now, he wins.”

Conflicting emotions battled on Seraphina’s face. Finally, she nodded, though the tension in her eyes hadn’t fully vanished. She pressed her lips together, seeming lost in thought, then forced a small smile. “All right. I’ll stay.”

She remained by his side for the next hour, drifting in and out of brief conversations with donors, politely nodding at colleagues. All the while, Alexander was acutely aware of her closeness. Every brush of her arm, every wisp of her perfume, amplified the tightness in his chest. A low-level hum coursed beneath his skin, an itch only satisfied by her presence.

He tried to piece together why he sensed a dormant wolf spirit within her. If she truly had werewolf blood, it was suppressed somehow. Did she grow up unaware? If so, crossing her path now could have dangerous repercussions. The moon above them, luminous and unyielding, only sharpened the edge of his awareness.

Halfway through the evening, he led Seraphina to a quieter alcove, away from watchful eyes. She fiddled with his tux jacket sleeves. “You should probably take your jacket back. I look ridiculous.”

He shook his head. “You look…fine.” For all his wealth and power, Alexander Stone never stammered, but he came close now. The way the soft linen wrapped around her curves made his heart pound in a way he wasn’t used to. “Keep it, for now.”

She parted her lips to respond, but her attention snagged on something behind him. He turned, noticing Cole lingering near the exit. His expression was unreadable. Their gazes locked across the room, each alpha in a silent duel. Then Cole pivoted and slipped out of the hall.

“Does he usually show up unannounced?” Seraphina asked.

Alexander let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “Cole’s from a rival business. We used to have certain…arrangements that fell through. He thrives on disruption.”

She gave a thoughtful nod, not pushing further. But he caught a fleeting tremor pass through her, an unspoken question illuminating her gray eyes. Fear, confusion, and perhaps curiosity about the tension that soared beyond ordinary corporate feuds. The intangible, primal charge between Alexander and Cole was no run-of-the-mill rivalry.

A moment passed in silence, heavy with unexpressed truths. He recognized that she sensed something was off, but how could he begin explaining the hidden world she was part of, yet never fully recognized?

“You’re shaking,” he observed, voice rough with concern. Instinctively, he reached out, resting a hand on her arm.

She swallowed. “I’m fine. That was just…intense.” She tried for composure, but her heartbeat fluttered audibly to his enhanced hearing.

He gently squeezed her elbow, letting his heat seep through. “Go to the women’s lounge, or downstairs, if you need a minute. The gala will wrap up soon. Once it’s done, I’ll see to it that you get home safely.”

The sincerity in his promise disarmed her. She nodded, her breath easing. “Thank you. But I’ll manage. I want to show I’m not afraid.” She hesitated. “I just wasn’t prepared for…all this.”

Alexander’s gaze lingered on her, admiration warring with concern. “Sometimes, neither am I,” he said at last.

They stepped back into the main hall, shifting into a more casual stance for onlookers. Someone tapped on the microphone at the front podium, announcing the final donation tallies. Applause rang through the crowd, overshadowing the earlier drama. Photographers snapped pictures of wealthy socialites offering checks. The jazz band wrapped up their last set.

By conventional standards, the event was a glowing success, raising a record sum for charity. But Alexander could only think about Cole’s return. He’d shown up, spilled champagne on Seraphina, and waged a humiliating face-off for all to see. That was too brazen. Cole’s presence heralded more trouble looming outside these polished walls.

As the last guests drifted toward the exits, Alexander escorted Seraphina to the steps leading outside. The crisp night air greeted them, perfumed by the city’s bright lights and the faint scent of juniper from the ornamental shrubs dotting the entrance. The moon still glowed strongly overhead, fueling his need to remain alert. Two of his security detail stood by tall columns, vigilant for any sign of Cole or his cohorts.

She looked over her shoulder, scanning the line of parked cars. “Think your friend decided to call it quits for the night?”

“He’s not my friend,” Alexander corrected softly. “Trust me, after tonight, he won’t let this rest.”

Seraphina studied him, as though searching for clarity. “I believe you,” she said. “This might be naive, but at least your charity event ended on a good note for the cause.”

He tilted his head. “It did. I suppose I can thank you for that too—nobody’s going to forget the moment you refused to run from Cole’s pettiness, especially while wearing my jacket.”

She gave a sheepish grin. “I’m glad I didn’t cause a total scene, though it’s hard to top the little fiasco in there.”

He cleared his throat, uncertain how to articulate his next words. “Listen,” he began, stepping closer, “I feel responsible for protecting those who work under me. I know we barely know each other, but if Cole bothers you, or if anything feels off, call me. Immediately.”

“I will,” she promised softly. “I can’t say I understand it all, but I appreciate your concern.”

A moment passed where neither seemed to know how to exit gracefully. The city’s breeze ruffled Seraphina’s hair, and the half-light cast across her eyes turned them a deeper shade of gray, pulling at Alexander’s guarded heart. It took Helena’s discreet cough from behind to jolt them both.

Helena offered Seraphina a polite nod. “The valet has your car ready, if you’d like to head home.”

With a grateful sigh, Seraphina accepted the small slip indicating which driver to look for. She started down the steps, paused, then gazed back at Alexander. Words hovered unspoken in her eyes, a faint reflection of the tension sizzling between them. Almost as if she wanted to ask a hundred questions about the night’s bizarre events.

When she climbed into the waiting car, Alexander stood transfixed, watching it roll down the driveway and into the flickering street. Only after the taillights vanished did he allow the tightness in his frame to ease.

Helena touched his arm gently, her voice measured. “You should be careful, big brother. She’s new to all this. You know what Cole wants—he wants to rattle us, exploit half-truths. Don’t let him shake you.”

Alexander turned to her, exhaustion lacing his features. “I won’t,” he said, though he wasn’t entirely sure if he was reassuring Helena or himself.

They moved inside, staff already dismantling floral displays and collecting leftover champagne glasses. Yet the memory of Cole’s snide grin, Seraphina’s startled confusion, and that electric moment of confrontation refused to fade. He felt a primal stirring he hadn't felt in months. Danger was returning, and it walked hand in hand with his deepening fascination for a woman who had no idea how significant she truly was.

He started down the corridor, mind racing with the knowledge that tonight’s spectacle was only the opening act in a much darker play. Cole wouldn’t back off, not after being publicly slighted. And Seraphina—however she fit into this twisted puzzle—had inadvertently stepped right into the line of fire.

Standing at the edge of the ballroom, Alexander paused, glancing once more at the silent archways leading out into the city. The entire place felt deserted yet charged, as if the moon’s glow clung to each piece of polished marble, waiting to witness how the fateful threads of rivalry, heritage, and forbidden attraction would tangle next.

With a quiet exhale, he withdrew into the hollow stillness of the grand space, steps echoing across the priceless floor. Even as the staff dimmed overhead lights and locked the opulent doors behind him, he could sense the storm brewing on the horizon. In his chest, that restless beat continued, drumming a warning for nights yet to come.

He realized, with an unsettling certainty, that tonight had changed something fundamental in him. He found himself craving not just the safety of his empire or the respect of his kin—but the presence of Seraphina Clark. The woman who sparked a fierce protective urge in him he couldn’t quite explain.

And if Cole returned to test him, well, Alexander had a single answer: he was ready to protect what was his—even if that meant revealing parts of himself that he’d carefully hidden for far too long. The full moon glowed overhead, whispering promises he both dreaded and desired. Tonight, the game had begun in earnest, and there was no turning back.

He slipped into the corridor, mind ablaze with new uncertainties, heart pounding a single question: how far would he go to keep her out of the crossfire?

Seraphina Clark arrived at Stone Enterprises the next morning with her heartbeat thudding in her ears. Every time she recalled how Cole antagonized her at the gala, her stomach lurched. Worse still was the memory of Alexander Stone stepping in—so powerful, so unyielding. She’d never experienced that level of fierce protection aimed at her before. Yet sitting there in the taxi, heading into work, she couldn’t shake this nagging sense of alarm: she was walking onto his turf, an empire he ruled with unspoken authority.

The building’s lobby was a palatial expanse of glass walls and polished floors, buzzing with sleek executives and earnest interns. Seraphina stepped onto the glossy marble, shoulders tense. She glanced around, hoping not to attract attention; it was still early, and the day’s hustle was just beginning. Despite her best attempt at normalcy, a few sets of eyes flicked in her direction—perhaps remembering last night’s spectacle. She offered a forced smile and tried to brush aside her self-consciousness.

Her office space—really more of a small desk partitioned from open seating—was near the marketing division. She hurried there, set her purse aside, and opened her laptop. Her current task was straightforward: analyze Stone Enterprises’ latest territorial expansion projections. At least the structure of numbers might calm her.

Within minutes, she found herself diving into spreadsheets, scanning row after row of market data. Yet Cole’s mocking face kept flashing in her mind. She forced herself to focus. She had landed this consulting gig through a friend of a friend, confident it would be a quiet contract. Now, she was embroiled in corporate drama that seemed far more intense than typical business rivalries.

She glanced at the time, exhaling slowly. Of course, she’d only been at Stone Enterprises a short while, but it felt as if she’d been thrown into an arena with beasts far more powerful than she’d imagined. Drumming her fingertips restlessly on the desk, she told herself it was only anxiety. That brief flash of recognition she sensed whenever Alexander was near surely meant nothing. She needed to remain professional.

Suddenly, a presence loomed behind her. She turned to see Alexander Stone himself, wearing a tailored charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. No one would guess, by his impassive face, that last night had rattled him. Seraphina’s pulse skipped.

“I wasn’t aware you were stationed in this department,” Alexander said in a tone cooled by distance. “Are you settling in all right?”

She swallowed. “I am. I was…just reviewing the overseas expansion merger documents. I know it’s short-notice, but the marketing manager asked me to refine the initial analysis.”

His gaze flicked to her screen. From up close, she caught the faintest hint of tension in his jaw, as if he was wrestling with something. “Effective use of your skill set, I suppose,” he murmured. “Though I’m not a fan of last-minute changes.”

Her spine stiffened despite herself. She’d expected more warmth, considering his gallant rescue hours earlier, but she got only iciness. “I’ll ensure it meets your standards.”

He nodded curtly. “I’ll need a progress update by noon.”

Without another word, Alexander turned and strode away, his long steps demonstrating total command. Seraphina glared at his retreating figure, torn between gratitude for how he’d protected her at the gala and annoyance at this abrupt change in demeanor. Was he embarrassed about stepping in last night? Or was this the normal aloofness people attributed to powerful CEOs? She let out a breath and switched tabs, her mind still reeling.

Not half an hour passed before Helena Stone, Alexander’s younger sister, appeared, balancing a stack of files. Her warm smile contrasted sharply with Alexander’s cold front. “Hi—Seraphina, right?”

“Yes,” Seraphina replied, standing out of politeness. She glanced at the slender woman with glossy dark hair, noticing the subtle resemblance to Alexander in the shape of her eyes. “I’m sorry, we haven’t really met properly.”

“You’re the consultant, of course.” Helena gave a reassuring grin. “I hope the chaos last night didn’t frighten you off. Believe me, Stone Enterprises is usually calmer.”

Seraphina forced a smile. “It was…intense, but I’m fine. Thanks,” she said, still puzzled.

Helena set down a file on Seraphina’s desk. “These are additional expansions that might be relevant to your analysis. My brother can be demanding. If you need anything—clarifications, background—I’ll do my best to help.”

Her statement carried a kindness that put Seraphina at ease. “Thank you. This means a lot. Alexander stopped by, and he asked for progress by noon.”

Helena’s eyes twinkled. “That sounds like him. Don’t let it rattle you. He’s under a lot of…pressure.”

Right away, Seraphina understood Helena’s subtle hint. “I’d guess so,” she said carefully. “You mentioned last night was unusual. Does Cole usually cause that kind of scene?”

Helena’s expression tightened. “Cole’s been a thorn in our side for a while. There’s history.” Then Helena lowered her voice. “Not everyone at Stone Enterprises knows all the details, but let’s just say it’s bigger than a corporate squabble. Try not to get tangled in it.”

The unspoken warning made Seraphina’s heart pound. “I’ll keep my head down.”

Helena nodded, and a small flicker of mischief or understanding lit her eyes. “Sometimes, though, stepping off the sidelines isn’t the worst decision.” She drummed her fingers on the desk lightly. “My brother, Alexander…he’s not always what he seems. Don’t let that gruff manner fool you.”

Before Seraphina could ask questions, Helena moved on, offering a quick wave. Watching her go, Seraphina wondered about the Stone siblings’ bond, how they navigated a world that felt more complicated than an ordinary business empire. And what did Helena mean by bigger than a corporate squabble?

She buried herself in the data, determined to impress today. She refined forecasts, analyzing volatility in markets Stone Enterprises wanted to enter, and cross-referenced them with competitor strategies. Her eyes hurt from reading. By late morning, she’d compiled a thorough summary, concluding it with recommendations for repositioning resources. Feeling slightly triumphant for finishing before the looming deadline, she decided to deliver the results directly to Alexander’s office.

Riding the elevator to the executive floor sent her nerves into overdrive. Everyone here exuded an air of hushed reverence. Large glass doors led to Alexander’s office—a modern, sleek space that showcased the city skyline behind him. He was on the phone, his posture rigid, face tense. She waited a moment by the threshold.

He hung up. “Come in,” he said, beckoning her. He wore a crisp shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to ease the heat of whatever intense conversation he’d had. As she approached, he scrolled through emails on a tablet.

She held out a neatly bound proposal. “The projections you requested, with an additional breakdown of potential pitfalls.” Her voice sounded calmer than she felt.

He took it, flipping through. “There’s more detail here than the usual material I receive from my internal teams.”

Was that a compliment? She couldn’t tell from his impassive face. “I wanted to ensure accuracy,” she offered.

He skimmed a page, frowning slightly. “You recommend tapping smaller partners in specific regions. That’s a change from the approach my managers suggested. They prefer a dominant acquisition.”

She inhaled, recalling the data. “True, but the profitability from smaller collaborations could be more sustainable. Large acquisitions risk hostility from local competitors. It’s also less…invasive.”

He set the file on his desk. “You’re thorough.” Still thoughtful, he leaned back in his chair. “I’d like you to present this analysis to our management team tomorrow.”

Her eyes widened. A formal presentation in front of Stone Enterprises’ top brass? “Of course. Whatever you need.”

For a moment, he studied her. That steely gaze prickled her skin. “Thank you. That’s all for now.”

Yet something in his voice was softer than it had been earlier. She turned to leave, but as her hand reached for the door, he spoke again. “Seraphina.” The sound of her name from his lips made her pause. “The gala…I’m sorry for the trouble. I never intended for you to become part of any…tantrums Cole might throw.”

She spun back, a half-smile forming. “It’s not your fault he spilled champagne on me. You stood up for me, and I appreciate that. Even if you’re somewhat…reserved about it now.”

He gave a faint nod, expression unreadable. Before he could respond, his cell phone buzzed. A quick glance at the screen darkened his features, and he gestured that their conversation was over. With a slow exhale, she slipped out, her mind buzzing with questions.

Exactly at noon, she returned to her desk, noticing Helena’s discreet smile from across the floor. Was Helena rooting for something, or was Seraphina imagining it? That idea flustered her more than she cared to admit.

Lunch hour arrived. Despite the typical bustle of the break room, she found a quiet corner and unwrapped a sandwich. She was halfway through it when Helena approached, a chipper lilt to her voice. “Mind if I join you?”

“Feel free.” Seraphina motioned at the empty seat.

Helena slipped in gracefully. “Just a heads-up: Alexander can be harsh when deadlines loom. I hope you’re not taking it personally.”

Seraphina swallowed a bite. “No, it’s fine. I gave him the data, and now I have to present it tomorrow.”

Helena’s eyes lit with approval. “He must trust you. That’s good. He doesn’t casually hand over face-time with senior management. If anything, it’s a sign he’s impressed.”

Seraphina suppressed a grin. “He’s hard to read, that’s all.” She took another bite. “Sometimes, it feels like he’s pushing me away, and yet—” She paused, feeling uncertain about sharing too much.

“It’s complicated,” Helena finished gently. “But if I can offer advice, don’t let him intimidate you. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes around here.”

Their conversation was cut short by a sudden hush in the room. Cole Kingston stepped in, flanked by two individuals wearing crisp suits. Seraphina’s pulse spiked. What was he doing here again? Helena stiffened, her expression turning a shade cooler.

Cole noticed them instantly. A smug grin stretched across his face. “Small world.” He gestured broadly at the break area, ignoring the stares of Stone employees. “Came for a meeting, decided to pop in for a quick hello.”

Helena set her jaw. “You should’ve made an appointment.”

He tilted his head in mock innocence. “What fun would that be?” His attention drifted to Seraphina, eyes bright with mischief. “You seem less soggy today.”

Anger flared inside her. She forced a steady tone. “Do you normally enjoy humiliating people? Or was I just a special case?”

He chuckled. “Feisty. I like that. But watch your step, consultant. Working under Stone can be…tricky.”

Helena rose. “You’ve had your moment, Cole. Move along.”

A tense beat passed, then Cole shrugged. “I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome. I’ll be upstairs soon, finishing some business with a partner.” His parting glance lingered on Seraphina. “Guess we’ll see who’s truly in control around here.”

He left, leaving the air thick with discomfort. Seraphina’s heart pounded, the sandwich forgotten. Whispers spread through the break room, employees trying to piece together the hostility they’d witnessed.

“I’ll stay with you, if you don’t mind,” Helena said quietly, her protective stance obvious.

Seraphina nodded, grateful. “Thank you.”

But her thoughts raced: Cole’s words felt like an ominous warning. Something about Stone Enterprises sparked a territorial feud far beyond normal corporate rivalry. The memory of Alexander’s fierce growl at the gala surfaced. She felt a prickle beneath her skin, a recognition she couldn’t explain. As though the hush that fell whenever Cole and Alexander were near each other was more than alpha male posturing. She pushed that bizarre notion aside and forced a calm expression.

Across the afternoon, Seraphina focused on polishing her presentation slides, but concentration was elusive. She overheard employees whispering rumors about Cole’s presence. Some believed he was trying to broker a joint venture. Others suspected sabotage. The tension was real—Stone employees clearly loathed him.

Well after lunch, she stepped away from her desk to scan some documents in the hallway. Around the corner, she nearly collided with Alexander. The abrupt closeness stole her breath.

“Cole’s here,” she blurted, nerves snapping.

“I know,” Alexander said curtly. “He’s in a closed-door meeting with Tristan Gray—one of my more…ambitious business partners.”

Her brows knitted. “Is that normal? Letting Cole roam around your building like this?”

Alexander’s jaw tightened. “Tristan set it up behind my back. I’m still deciding how to handle it.” He scanned her face, noticing her unease. “Don’t worry—he won’t get far. My security team is watching.”

She nodded, returning his intent stare. “He approached me in the break room.”

A flicker of anger crossed his features. “He better not have tried anything.”

“Just more veiled threats,” she said softly. “I’m fine.”

Alexander exhaled, seeming genuinely concerned. In the hush, she noticed how his eyes softened as they lingered on her. “You’ve been caught in our crossfire.”

“It’s not your fault,” she managed. “But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t uneasy.”

He lifted a brow. “Stay close to Helena or me if you feel unsafe.”

Her heart lurched at the protective note in his voice. She wanted to ask him why Cole was so determined to sabotage him, but she sensed that question was too big for this hallway, too big for a casual conversation. Instead, she nodded, the weight of unspoken words pressing on her chest.

Later that afternoon, Stone Enterprises’ corridors seemed to hum with tension. Seraphina stepped out to fetch a coffee and glimpsed Cole across the way, speaking in low tones with Tristan. She caught only phrases like “stock manipulation” and “pressuring the board,” but it was enough to confirm that Cole intended to wreak havoc within Stone Enterprises. Her palms dampened. Were these men planning to undermine Alexander?

She retreated, deciding not to linger. Just as she turned, Tristan peered over Cole’s shoulder and caught sight of her. His expression flickered with surprise before it smoothed into a careful mask. Unease churned in her gut. She returned quickly to her desk.

Seraphina stayed near Helena for the remainder of the workday. Alexander was in and out of tense meetings, his face growing more severe with each update. At one point, Helena mentioned they’d discovered unauthorized attempts to access Stone Enterprises’ financial systems. Corporate espionage, or something worse.

The clock neared five, and Seraphina’s nerves were worn thin. She contemplated leaving early but didn’t want to appear scared off. As she saved her updated slides, Helena approached, tapping Seraphina’s desk lightly.

“Alexander stepped away on an urgent call. If you’d like to head home, I’ll walk you to the elevator. Safer together,” she said gently.

Seraphina hesitated. “Am I allowed to do that—just leave?”

Helena laughed, but it lacked real cheer. “You’re a consultant, not a prisoner. And I don’t want you running into Cole alone in these halls.”

Grateful, Seraphina gathered her things. They made their way down the corridor. A hush blanketed the executive floor, only interrupted by the hum of overhead lights. Seraphina half-expected Cole to leap out, but the corridors were empty.

They reached the elevator. Helena pressed the button. “If you need me, call anytime.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it,” Seraphina said, tension easing as she stepped into the elevator. She gave a small wave when the doors slid shut.

On the ride down, she replayed the day’s events. This place was no ordinary corporate setting. She sensed hidden layers in Alexander’s stern demeanor. Despite his cold front, there were moments—a fleeting softness in his gaze, a subtle shift in the timbre of his voice—when it felt like he was fighting to protect more than just a business.

The doors opened in the lobby, and she walked out onto the polished floor. Employees hurried to clock out, chattering about weekend plans—normal, everyday life. She envied their casual routine. Her shoulders relaxed once she stepped into the warm afternoon air outside. Yet the instant she felt safe, her phone buzzed. One new message from an unknown number:

“Next time, Alexander might not be there to defend you.”

Her breath caught, a cold wave slithering over her skin. The darkness implied in those words was unmistakable—and definitely from Cole. She glanced around, half-expecting to see him lurking. Instead, she saw phone screens, cabs, and busy passersby. Nobody looked suspicious.

She felt anger well up. She refused to be intimidated by cryptic threats. But adrenaline rattled her composure all the same. With shaky hands, she stuffed the phone back into her purse and hurried to the bus stop, deciding to text Helena later.

When she arrived home, her legs felt like jelly. She locked the door behind her and let out a trembling breath. Dropping onto the couch, she stared at the message. Was Cole truly fixated on her involvement? Or was he just using her to get to Alexander? That possibility stirred a surprising protectiveness in her—she might be new to Stone Enterprises, but the idea of Cole sabotaging Alexander sparked real worry.

In her small apartment, the quiet pressed in. She replayed the memory of Alexander’s intense expression. The fierce undercurrent in his eyes reminded her of the hush before a massive storm. Part of her bristled at his arrogance, yet she felt strangely drawn to his authority. She wished he were here, telling her that Cole’s threats were meaningless, that everything would be okay.

But she barely knew Alexander. If she texted him tonight, would he see it as clinging? Or worse, a sign of weakness? She gnawed on her lower lip, glancing at the phone. She told herself not to let pride get in the way of safety. Gathering courage, she opened a new message.

Her fingers hovered over the typed words: “Cole texted me again. I’m worried.” She swallowed, then pressed send. The phone beeped, message delivered.

A minute stretched into two…five…ten. No reply. She closed her eyes, frustration and fear battling inside her. Maybe Alexander was too busy. Maybe he ignored evening calls. Maybe he’d decided that protecting her last night was a fluke.

Yet the tension wouldn’t let her sleep. She arranged pillows on the couch while the phone stayed stubbornly silent on her coffee table. A swirl of conflicting emotions kept her mind spinning. She was upset with Cole, uncertain about Alexander, and unsettled by thoughts that the hostility between them was beyond normal corporate feud.

Finally, just as she considered giving up, her phone chimed. She leapt to pick it up. Alexander’s name flashed on the screen. Her heart pounded.

His text read: “Where are you? Are you safe?”

Relief coursed through her. She typed back, “Yes, I’m home. Stressed, but okay.”

A moment later, another message: “Good. Cole has no right to threaten you. I’ll handle it.”

She stared at those words, her pulse racing. He didn’t say to handle it alone, or that she should endure. He declared that he would fix it. Despite her annoyance at his controlling vibe, a strange warmth blossomed. Someone was willing to shield her from Cole’s intimidation.

Inhaling deeply, she turned off the lights, phone clutched to her chest. Sleep seemed far away, but a cautious hope stirred inside her. If Alexander was as protective as he seemed, maybe she’d survive whatever storm was brewing between him and Cole. Yet something told her the worst was yet to come, and that she was standing at the edge of a dangerous secret she hardly understood.

As she finally drifted off, her last conscious thought was an image of Alexander Stone—eyes fierce, posture rigid, standing between her and any threat. She had no idea how deeply she would become entwined in a war she barely knew existed, only that his presence was the one thing that made her feel safe in a world spinning out of control.

The phone next to her glowed softly, leaving one final unanswered question: just how far was Alexander willing to go to protect her?