Free Web NovelChapter 174: Chapter 174 Morning, Claimed
Sylvia’s POV
I woke to the sensation of warm lips trailing kisses down my spine, each touch igniting little sparks beneath my skin. Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting our bedroom in a soft golden glow. I smiled into the pillow, keeping my eyes closed to savor the feeling.
"I know you’re awake," Caesar murmured against my shoulder blade, his morning stubble scratching deliciously against my sensitive skin.
"Mmm, am I?" I teased, arching slightly as his hand slid around to cup my breast.
His chuckle vibrated through my back. "Your heartbeat changed. I can hear everything about you, little wolf." His teeth grazed my earlobe. "Including how much you want me right now."
I turned beneath him, finally opening my eyes to meet his intense gaze. Even after our passionate night, desire still smoldered in those amber depths. "You’re insatiable," I whispered, reaching up to trace his jawline.
"Only for you." He captured my mouth in a kiss that started gentle but quickly blazed into something more demanding. My body responded instantly, melting against him as his hands began to roam.
When we finally broke for air, I glanced at the bedside clock and groaned. "I can’t. I have to be at Frostline in an hour." The three-day deadline my mother had given me was up, and I needed to report my results.
Caesar growled softly, clearly displeased, but rolled onto his back. "The price of being mated to a powerful businesswoman."
I leaned over to kiss him quickly before sliding out of bed. "Tonight," I promised, enjoying his hungry gaze as I walked naked to the bathroom.
"I’ll hold you to that," he called after me.
After a quick shower, I dressed in a crisp white blouse and charcoal pencil skirt, adding a sapphire blue blazer that brought out the violet in my eyes. Power dressing had become second nature since taking over as CEO of Frostline Enterprises, especially when facing my mother.
Caesar was already dressed when I emerged, looking devastatingly handsome in a tailored black suit. He handed me a cup of coffee, prepared exactly how I liked it.
"Nervous?" he asked, studying my face.
I took a sip before answering. "Not about the company. The numbers speak for themselves. We’ve stabilized the stock and reversed the negative press." I paused, meeting his gaze. "But I am sorry about using you as the scapegoat."
The PR strategy we’d developed had been effective. The narrative that Frostline had heroically fought off a predatory takeover attempt had rallied investors and employees alike.
He shrugged, seemingly unbothered.
"Speaking of which..." He pulled me against him, nipping at my mating mark. "Don’t forget who you belong to when you’re playing Alpha CEO today."
My wolf purred contentedly at his possessiveness. "As if I could forget," I murmured, reluctantly pulling away. "I have to go."
He kissed me one last time, hard and claiming. "Good luck with Alpha Frost."
I needed it.
---
The Frostline Enterprises building stood like a gleaming ice sculpture in downtown Howling Peaks, its glass and steel architecture reflecting the morning sunlight. As I strode through the lobby, employees nodded respectfully—a stark contrast to the suspicious glances I’d received just three days ago.
"Good morning, Ms. Frost," my assistant, Henry, greeted me at the elevator. "Congratulations on yesterday’s market close. We’re up another three percent this morning."
"Excellent," I replied, accepting the tablet he handed me with the morning reports. "Any word from Alpha Frost?"
Henry cleared his throat nervously. "She’s expecting you in her office. She’s been there since dawn."
Not a good sign. My mother only came in early when she was particularly agitated. freeweɓnovel.cøm
"Thank you, Henry. Hold my calls unless it’s an emergency."
The executive floor was quiet as I made my way to the corner office that still technically belonged to my mother. I paused outside her door, straightening my blazer and taking a deep breath.
I knocked once and entered.
Alpha Astra Frost stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows, her back to the door.
"The prodigal daughter returns," she said without turning. "With quite the victory, I’m told."
"Good morning, Mother," I replied, closing the door behind me. "I have the final reports on my desk if you’d like to review them."
She finally turned, her ice-blue eyes assessing me coolly. Unlike my violet eyes—a trait from my father’s bloodline—hers were the color of a winter sky.
"Sit," she commanded, gesturing to the chairs before her desk.
I complied, crossing my legs at the ankle and placing my tablet on my lap. The power dynamic wasn’t lost on me—her standing, me sitting. It had always been this way between us.
"You’ve managed to stabilize the company," she acknowledged, moving to take her seat behind the desk. "The board is pleased."
"Thank you." I kept my voice neutral, knowing there was more coming.
"However," she continued, "I’m deeply concerned about your methods."
I raised an eyebrow. "The methods worked. The stock is recovering, the press has turned in our favor, and we’ve retained all our major clients."
"At what cost, Sylvia?" Her voice sharpened. "Do you have any idea who you’ve antagonized?"
Her laugh was cold. "Don’t be naive." She leaned forward, lowering her voice despite the soundproofed walls. "He’s the Wolf King, Sylvia. The most powerful Alpha in North America, possibly the world."
