The moment my eyes landed on him, every drop of blood in my veins turned cold.
Standing by the window, was the last person I ever expected to see today. My lips parted, but no words came out. I wasn't just surprised... I was shocked.
Alexander stood there with his usual smug expression, his crimson eyes gleaming faintly, as though he found my disbelief amusing. His very presence filled the air, heavy and suffocating.
"Mr. Halden," Alexander's deep voice broke the silence. "I think Miss Elena and I have a private matter to discuss."
Mr. Halden blinked, glancing between us. "Do I have to leave my office…?"
He didn't even finish the sentence before one sharp look from Alexander made him straighten, mutter something under his breath, and hurry out of the room.
The door clicked softly behind him, and the tension in the air grew thicker.
Alexander took a slow, deliberate step toward me. Then another.
My instincts kicked in. Before he could get too close, I darted to the opposite side of the room, keeping the desk between us. The look on his face wasn't pleasant, his features were tight, controlled, but his eyes… his eyes burned with anger.
It reminded me of what the vampire I'd seen in the hallway back at the Darkblood pack mansion had said.
He was definitely right, Alexander is definitely furious.
'How did he even know I was here?' My mind couldn't help but ask.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded, struggling to keep my voice steady.
He scoffed, turning his gaze on me. "What am I doing here?" he repeated mockingly. "I should be asking you that, Elena."
His tone was sharp enough to cut glass.
"W-Why should you be the one asking the questions?" I countered, my voice shaking despite my effort to sound firm. "This is where I work."
Alexander's gaze trailed over me, and I could practically feel it stripping away my confidence.
"It seems you've forgotten," he said coldly, "that you're under my care. You're not supposed to leave my pack without my permission."
I clenched my fists. "I'm not a child who needs your permission for every move I make!"
Before I could even blink, he was gone from his spot and then suddenly, right in front of me.
My heart jumped to my throat. I gasped and stumbled backward, my ankle twisting slightly. I lost balance and braced for the fall but it never came.
Strong arms caught me.
My head landed against his chest, and the scent of his perfume eluded me. His grip was firm, too warm, too close.
"You were saying?" he murmured, his breath brushing my ear. The sound of his voice sent a shiver down my spine.
I pushed against him, but he barely moved, only smirking as I struggled in his hold.
"You say you're not a child," he said, amusement flickering in his eyes, "but somehow you always end up falling into my arms."
My face burned. "W-What?" I stuttered, heat creeping up my neck and cheeks.
He tilted his head, his smile widening. "Do you do it on purpose? Always finding an excuse to fall into my arms?"
"You're delusional," I snapped, finally wrenching myself free and turning away, praying he wouldn't see how red my face had gotten.
God, I was so embarrassed.
"I don't think I am," he teased softly. "You seem to be the one losing your balance around me."
"Say one more word and I'll kill you," I warned, spinning around to glare at him.
His eyes shifted back to that icy blue, calm yet full of power. "Let's go home," he said simply.
My brows furrowed. "What?"
"Home," he repeated. "You've had enough freedom for one week."
"I'm not going anywhere with you." My voice hardened. "I have work to do. I need to earn money to take care of myself—and Kathy."
His expression darkened. "Then maybe I should lock you up next time. That way, you won't sneak away again."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Oh, wouldn't I?" His tone was quiet, but the threat underneath it was unmistakable. "Don't make me repeat myself, Elena. Let's go home don't make me force you."
"I said no." My heart was racing, but I refused to back down. "You can't just appear here and start controlling my life. I have every right to—"
Before I could finish, the ground disappeared beneath my feet.
"Alexander!" I screamed, my voice echoing through the office.
He had lifted me effortlessly, tossing me over his broad shoulder like I weighed nothing.
"Put me down!" I shouted, pounding his back with my fists. "You can't just—let me go!"
He ignored me completely, striding toward the door as if I wasn't thrashing wildly on his shoulder.
The door swung open, and instantly, every conversation in the hallway stopped. My coworkers' eyes widened. A few gasped. Others just stared, stunned and curious.
"Alexander, stop this!" I hissed, trying to wriggle free. "You're embarrassing me!"
But he kept walking.
My face burned hotter than ever. I could hear whispers ripple behind us.
When the elevator doors finally opened, he stepped inside and pressed the button without saying a word. As soon as the doors slid shut, trapping us in silence, he finally set me down.
The moment my feet hit the floor, I turned and started pounding his chest with both fists.
"I hate you! I hate you, I hate you!" I screamed, tears stinging my eyes as I hit him again and again. He didn't even flinch. He just stood there, silent, letting me release every ounce of anger I'd been holding back.
Finally, my strength gave out. I sank to the floor, tears spilling freely now.
I didn't even understand why I was crying. Maybe it was frustration—or exhaustion—or because everything in my life had spun out of control since he reappeared.
He'd changed everything.
And I hated him for it.
Alexander crouched down, his expression unreadable. "I didn't think I'd see you cry this soon," he said quietly, almost to himself.
"Don't look at me," I whispered, turning my face away and wiping my tears roughly.
He reached out and grasped my shoulders gently, but I shoved his hands away. He tried again. I resisted. The third time, he held on tighter and pulled me up to my feet.
"Elena," he murmured, "you have no idea how much trouble you cause me."
Before I could answer, the elevator chimed and the doors slid open.
I didn't wait. I yanked my arm free and stormed out, ignoring the people who stared as I walked past.
I needed air. I needed space.
I pushed through the Star TV building's glass doors and stepped out into the bustling street, breathing hard. The late afternoon wind brushed against my tear-streaked face.
I didn't look back. I didn't want to. But somehow, I could feel him behind me—silent, following.
Every step I took felt heavier than the last.
I didn't know where I was going. I just needed to get away. Away from him. Away from everything.
The city noises faded into a dull hum as I walked block after block. My thoughts were spinning, my chest tight.
After what felt like forever, I slowed to a stop, trying to catch my breath. I turned around hesitantly, half-hoping, half-dreading that he'd still be behind me.
But he wasn't there.
My chest tightened unexpectedly. Relief mixed with confusion.
Maybe he finally gave up.
I turned back around, ready to keep walking and froze.
Alexander stood right in front of me.
His eyes calm but his expression unreadable, dangerous, and calm all at once.
My breath caught in my throat.
"Going somewhere, Elena?" he asked quietly.