TEMPTED BY THE ALPHA

CHAPTER 2

CLAIRE

The more I replayed the memory in my mind, the more I couldn't comprehend it. Right after my encounter with the Alpha, all I wanted was some kind of response from him. Anything that would indicate whether he liked my food or even me. I patiently waited for him to finish his meal, hoping for any type of reaction. Customers of all kinds had visited my granny's shop in town, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge. But he didn't give me any reaction. He looked me in the eyes and left without a word! I was left in the kitchen, shocked that he couldn't even acknowledge that he might enjoy my food. My cheeks turned red as I imagined how nerve-wracking it would be to work for him, constantly trying to please him. However, it seemed clear that I wasn't going to be hired. And maybe that was for the best, I tried to convince myself. I really wanted the job to help my granny at the shop, but it seemed like I would have to go home empty-handed.

I started gathering my things to leave when a woman came in and told me not to go just yet. The Alpha wanted to talk to me. In his office. I felt belittled, knowing he wouldn't let me leave without humiliating me. I mustered up all my courage and knocked on the door before opening it slightly. The office was incredibly beautiful, with dark wood furniture and a massive stack of files hiding the Alpha. When I entered, he didn't even bother to look at me. I stayed silent, praying for this to be over soon so I could go home and drown my sorrows in a bottle of wine.

"You can sign your contract if you want," he finally said.

I looked at him in disbelief. What was he talking about? Nobody said I was hired. What contract?

As I approached his magnificent table, I glanced over the document he had been discussing. I turned my gaze towards him, attempting to make sense of the situation. Ever since he abruptly left the kitchen, leaving me utterly bewildered, I couldn't stop pondering it. Why didn't he say anything after tasting my food? I became fixated on why he didn't care enough to inform me of his departure. That was just plain rude. Perhaps that's why I never heard anyone speak ill of him; he had a way of making people doubt themselves from the start. I knew the job would be difficult to obtain, but I never anticipated it would be due to an insufferable Alpha like him. When I applied for the position, I was filled with excitement, although a bit insecure, I must admit. I understood that feeding an entire packhouse would pose a challenge, but solely because of the sheer quantity of food. Now, the only thing causing me to doubt myself was him and his peculiar behavior. As I drew nearer to the paper before me, I realized it was a contract for employment as his professional chef. Without hesitation, I snatched the paper and began reading his requirements. How dare he make demands? I mean, I knew I would be working under him, but his attitude was really getting on my nerves. Sensing my anxiety, he spread his legs wider, occupying more space, and crossed his arms in an attempt to conceal a smirk. Struggling to focus on the meaning of the words on the paper, I started reading. At first, it seemed like a typical employment contract, but as I neared the end, that's when the true "joke" revealed itself.So, here's the deal: this agreement contract is all about working exclusively for the Alpha. As the chef, you gotta live in the packhouse during the week and attend to any demands the Alpha throws your way. It's pretty clear that your main job here is to cater to the Alpha's needs, and everyone else in the packhouse comes second.

Honestly, I couldn't believe it when I found out about these crazy demands. How could someone be a good Alpha when they make rules like this? I mean, seriously, I have to cook for this guy before anyone else? But hey, I've been in worse situations with even crazier scenarios, so whipping up special treats for a spoiled, egotistical alpha should be a piece of cake. I've trained for moments like this, tackling high expectations and all.

I really wanted this job, though, mainly for the money. Sure, I had some weird feelings, but I needed this job badly. And if I had to deal with this guy's personality, then so be it. Even though I had mixed feelings about the whole situation, there was no denying that I was going to take the job. Granny needed my help more than anything. And if I had to tolerate him, fine. I was the only family Granny had left, and it had been a struggle to keep the shop open ever since grandpa passed away. She was heartbroken, but the only thing that gave her motivation was sprucing up the shop for new customers. If I worked there, maybe we could get some assistance. Granny knew it was hard to find good chefs, but she believed in giving people a chance to showcase their talents. I adored working for Granny. It wasn't even work; it was pure love. Our time together was precious, priceless, and I cherished every moment.

Accepting his offer meant I wouldn't be able to spend as much time with Granny, which made me a bit sad. But it could also be a good thing. I could start providing her with new things, new experiences, and new memories. That woman raised me from a baby, taking me as her own after losing her own child, my mother. It had always been the three of us, me, Granny, and grandpa. Now it was just me and her. I had to work harder to give her a good life. She deserved so much more after all the heartbreak she had endured. Losing her other half, her soulmate, had hit her hard. I refused to let my precious Granny be sad and moping anymore. I would take matters into my own hands, starting now. Swallowing my pride, I picked up the pen and carefully signed, sealing my fate with him.

Now we would have to see each other every day, at least three times a day. The thought alone gave me goosebumps and a strange sensation in my stomach. Was it anxiety? Surely, I wasn't getting aroused by this, right? Maybe I was just really nervous about the whole ordeal.

As I locked eyes with him, his gaze piercing my soul with a mocking smirk, my thoughts scattered. At that very moment, it hit me. He was the Alpha, for real. I had been around other wolf males before, but his presence was on another level. There was a reason they were at the top of the food chain, the predators, the ultimate fighters, the strongest. His aura and commanding presence could shake someone to their core.

Was this overwhelming sensation a symptom of my anxiety? Surely, the intense fluttering in my core wasn't desire. It must be nerves due to the sheer intensity of the situation.

As our gazes locked, his eyes delved deep into mine, carrying an impish glint that threatened to unravel me. Coherence fled; my thoughts scattered to the winds, leaving nothing but the raw intensity of his presence. In that instant, recognition dawned: he was the Alpha — not merely by title but by the very essence that radiated from him. I had encountered many of his kind before, yet he stood apart as a testament to their supremacy in nature's hierarchy. His aura pulsed with power and silent commands that whispered of danger and stirred primal instincts within those who felt it. In that electrifying moment. His aura pulsed with power and silent commands that whispered of danger and stirred primal instincts within those who felt it. It became clear why they were revered as apex predators, embodiments of strength and power. His mere existence sent tremors through the very core of anyone who neared him. He was the hunter, the epitome of raw might, and I... I was but a well-behaved wolf girl with an undercurrent of defiance in my veins. It wasn't until then that I saw clarity in his gaze— He was the embodiment of the hunter, and I, despite my rebellious spirit, could not deny that I was like a lamb disguised as a wolf. In this charged connection, he recognized my true nature — a truly alluring prey.

As an electric energy filled the air between us, I struggled with a newfound longing. Was I willing to accept the role of his pursued prey? A part of me flirted with the idea of being captivated by him. Was he as commanding in the bedroom as he was in that moment?

I could feel the intensity building between us, drawing me closer to him like a moth to a flame. His eyes bore into mine, filled with a hunger that mirrored my own. Without a word, he closed the distance between us, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

As his fingers brushed against mine, he said

"Don't be late tomorrow."

I nodded slowly, unable to muster any coherent response as his touch ignited a fire within me. The command in his voice seeped into my veins, leaving me both exhilarated and unnerved by the promise of what tomorrow would bring. I tried to mask my anticipation, but he saw through the façade with ease, a knowing glint in his eyes.

As he turned to leave, the weight of his presence lingered in the room like an invisible tether binding us together. I watched him go, feeling the pull of an inevitable fate drawing me closer to him. His final words echoed in my mind, a tantalizing invitation mixed with a warning that only fueled my curiosity further.

I knew then that tomorrow held the promise of unraveling not just the mystery of him, but also the depths of my own desires. And as I stood there, caught between fear and desire, I couldn't help but wonder if I was truly ready to confront the primal forces that beckoned me towards him.