Unlawful Shadows | +18

Chapter 15

Elowen's POV

Frustration bubbled within me as I glared at Zander, my boss. Despite my irritation, I refrained from hurling the lamp next to me at him – the perks of maintaining professionalism. Oh, the things you endure when your boss insists on being your personal caretaker.

Deep breaths, Elowen. Getting fired won't do you any good. 

Last night had been an... experience, to say the least. Zephyr, in his usual commanding manner, had practically force-fed me dinner, silencing any protest with a stern, "Do what I'm telling you" look. He then tucked me into bed like a child, insisting on me getting a good night's sleep. As if that wasn't enough, this morning, I woke up to find Zander in my space, bearing breakfast.

You'd think they're working for me and not the other way around.

Confusion and disorientation washed over me as he ensured I finished the ridiculous amount of food he'd prepared. Attempting to escape, I earned myself a fit from him when I mentioned getting ready for work. It was as if they had a secret plan to feed me into submission.

Reluctantly, I finished the last bite of breakfast, my gaze locked with Zander's. He had that familiar Tenebris intensity, making it clear that compliance was my only option. As I got up to prepare for work, a wave of exasperation washed over me as Zander gave me another glare. 

"What do you think you're doing? Get back in bed. If you need something, let me know, I'll get it for you."

"I'm going to get my laptop and start looking over the meeting notes."

"Don't even think about. Get your ass back into bed. You're not working today, or for the next four days."

My frustration reached new heights as I tried to reason with Zander, insisting that I was perfectly fine to go to work. His response, delivered in a tone that brooked no argument, was a firm "Shut up and rest. You don't need to work when you're not alright."

I shot him a look that could have burned a hole through steel, my irritation palpable. "I'm alright," I retorted, my voice tight with exasperation. "I don't need a day off."

Zander, the epitome of unyielding authority, rolled his eyes at my defiance. "Don't be difficult, Elowen," he chided, his amusement evident.

I sputtered, unable to believe his words. "I-me? I'm the one being difficult?"

I threw my hands up in frustration, an audible sigh escaping me. Glaring at Zander, I reached the limits of my patience. "This is ridiculous. I don't need to be coddled like this," I muttered, thoroughly fed up with the whole situation.

Zander, seemingly unfazed, continued to sit there with his laptop, a faint smirk playing on his lips. It was apparent that my annoyance only fuelled his amusement.

Stupid brothers. So damn controlling, demanding, bossy, and beautiful... Wait, what?

Shaking my head, I quickly cleared my thoughts. I definitely shouldn't be thinking about my boss this way, specially not all of them. Maybe it's because I'm around them so much...? Yeah, that's definitely the reason.

Making up my mind, I declared, "If I can't go to work, then I'm going back home."

Zander's eyes locked onto mine, and he walked over to me urgently as he looked over me, as if looking to find injuries. 

"Are you not comfortable here? Are you in pain?" Zander bombarded me with questions, his rapid-fire inquiries revealing an unexpected level of concern. He continued to prattle on about why I hadn't informed him earlier, reiterating that I should have let him know if I needed something.