The One

Just a little bear hug

 As she navigated the way back, a sudden wave of longing for her mate surged through her, compelling her to make a swift U-turn, her heart racing as she headed towards his company.

Before her arrival, she dialled his number, hoping to catch him in the office. On the second ring, his voice bubbled through the receiver, bright and welcoming. "Hello, beautiful."

"Are you busy?" she asked, her heartbeat quickening.

"No, I'm free. Are you aright, baby doll?" he replied, glancing around at his astonished subordinates, who sat frozen in disbelief.

"Don't use nicknames, and where are you?" she pressed.

"I'm at the office. Why?" he answered, his interest piqued.

"Can I visit you now?" she replied, slightly easing her foot off the accelerator.

"Absolutely! Should I head home?" he asked, sitting upright in his chair, enthusiasm evident.

"No, no. Just give me about ten minutes, and I'll be at your office," she shot back, her urgency fuelling her acceleration.

Five minutes later, she pulled up outside the entrance, parking Jason's car with precision before stepping out and striding towards the front desk.

"Hi, how may I help you?" the receptionist inquired, her gaze scanning her from head to toe.

"Em, could you tell me what floor Christian's on?" she asked, her voice steady.

"Who are you? Did you book an appointment?" the front desk lady replied, her tone dripping with condescension.

Remaining composed, she introduced herself. "I'm Karol, and I didn't book an appointment because Christian said it wasn't necessary. Would you kindly call him and let him know I'm here?" she asked, her politeness barely concealing her impatience.

The receptionist scrutinised her once again with a withering look, noting her relaxed attire compared to the corporate garb of those around her.

"Miss? Could you please call him, as I don't have much time?" she implored, urgency creeping into her voice.

"Sorry, madam, but no appointment means you won't get past the security team," she replied, punctuating her declaration with an air of superiority.

"Jeez, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Tough morning, miss?" she replied, her tone mockingly empathetic, laced with a hint of sarcasm that made the receptionist bristle.

The front desk lady, eyes narrowed with irritation, declared, "Madam, you should leave," her voice dripping with annoyance.

Karol raised her left eyebrow, a smirk dancing on her lips as she shot the desk attendant a look that said, *You'll regret that.* Just then, the phone chimed, and she glanced at it—ten minutes had slipped away since she'd last spoken with Christian.

"Where are you, babe? Are you coming?" his voice came through, a mixture of warmth and impatience.

In a tone laced with irritation, she replied, "Cut out the name-calling. I'm stuck in your lobby because someone won't let me past your security team and insists I leave before she calls security on me."

Christian's voice hardened, the playfulness gone. "Who is she? Let me talk to her, baby." As he spoke, he tried to soothe her, but the nickname only ignited her fury further.

Glaring at the front desk lady, she snapped, "You don't need to know, and why on earth would I hand my phone to her just so you can give her an earful? You better get your butt down here, Christian, or I'm out."

Panic surged through Christian, and he bolted from the meeting room. "I'm coming, I'm coming! Just give me five minutes!" His footsteps echoed as he hurried towards the lift.

"No more waiting," she declared, her resolve firm. "Three minutes, Christian. If you're not here by then, I'm leaving." She ended the call, though the sound of his curses made her snort and a smirk cross her face.

Turning away from the front desk lady, she deliberately avoided making eye contact, fearing further anger. Exactly three minutes later, the sight of Christian power striding towards her caused her heart to flutter. A broad smile lit up her face at her mate's approach.

She beamed at him, the sweetness of her smile almost compelling him to dash to her like a lovesick puppy. As he reached her, she quickly added, "Sorry for the impatience, but I needed to see you before my flight," and without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him.

He froze for a moment, taken aback by her radiant smile and the warmth of the embrace. But then he melted into her, lifting her in a bear hug that radiated sheer affection. He released his pheromones, their scent swirling and enveloping her, drawing glances from others in the lobby. "You okay, Karol?" he murmured, still cradling her in his strong embrace.

She savoured the protective warmth he provided, reluctant to let go as she replied softly, "I'm fine. I just had this sudden urge to come here and hug you before my flight—and that's exactly what I did," Her smile unwavering, blissfully wrapped in his arms.

Around them, witnesses to this tender reunion halted in awe, captivated by the Alpha's vulnerable side. Some women envied her, while others cheered for her; similarly, men eyed him with envy, and yet some offered their support. It was a spectacle that left the employees divided.

"Okay, I'm all charged up and feeling better. Bye! See you next time, Christian," she said, reluctantly releasing him before turning away, a playful wave accompanying her exit as she hurried to Jason's car, leaving him standing there, feeling temporarily empty and abandoned.

As the sensation of her departure washed over him, Arlo quickly mind-linked Christian, urgency tinged with curiosity. "Did our mate feel the pull too?"

"I suppose she did," Christian replied, recalling how bold and confident she'd been. "That must explain the overwhelming desire for skin-to-skin contact."

"Dude, don't forget—this week is the full moon," Arlo reminded him.

"Today's the 27th, and the full moon hits its peak in three days. We haven't told her anything! Goddess! We haven't said a single word about being mates—or that we're werewolves!"

"Don't stress, Christian. We can just lock ourselves up in the dungeon-like we used to," Arlo said.

"I hope you don't lose control and tear the chains apart. We've gone so many years without our mate, and now we know where she is. Please keep your furry self-calm and don't endanger the pack," Christian urged, concern threading through his words as Arlo huffed in response, retreating into meditation to suppress his urges.