Free Web NovelChapter 8: Chapter 8 The Wolf King at My Side
My phone screen flickered to life, and there it was—Caesar’s name, glowing like a quiet spark in the dim light of my office. I froze for half a beat, my breath catching as a flutter unfurled in my chest, quick and warm, like a moth stirring behind my ribs.
I’d spent the past hour staring at spreadsheets that blurred at the edges, my focus fraying at the memory of his hands, his voice in my ear. Now this.
"Settling in at the office?" his text read.
I smiled despite myself. "Drowning in paperwork. The glamorous life of a corporate wolf," I replied.
Our new marital home was nothing short of spectacular. Located in the most exclusive neighborhood of the city, the penthouse overlooked both the mountains and the downtown skyline—a perfect blend of nature and power, just like our kind. When I’d first walked through the door, I’d been speechless. Every detail screamed wealth, but with taste and restraint. The master bedroom alone was larger than my entire previous apartment.
Before moving my things, I’d called Alpha Astra—my mother—to inform her about the marriage. I hadn’t mentioned Caesar’s name specifically, not yet ready for that particular confrontation.
"You’ve married already?" she’d asked, her voice carrying that familiar cold edge that always made my spine straighten automatically. "That was... quick."
"Yes," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "I believe it’s a good match."
There was a pause before she continued, "Frostfang Pack has no tradition of divorce, Sylvia. The mate you’ve chosen is yours forever. I trust you’ve considered this carefully."
I swallowed hard. "I have."
"Good," she said flatly. "Now that your personal affairs are settled, focus your attention where it belongs—on the company and our pack."
I couldn’t quite identify what I felt in that moment. Alpha Astra had always been this way—detached, clinical. As long as my decisions didn’t directly contradict her vision, she rarely interfered. Yet that flash of disappointment in my chest was unmistakable. What had I expected? Maternal concern? Joy?
"I will," I promised, forcing a smile into my voice. frёewebηovel.cѳm
Just before ending the call, she added something unexpected: "Bring him to meet me soon. I should at least know who my daughter has bound herself to."
That afternoon, I arrived at Frostline Enterprises for my official first day. Alpha Astra hadn’t hidden my identity—I was there to learn the company’s operations quickly, and everyone knew it.
The senior project manager, Davidson, approached me with a thick folder and respectful deference. "Ms. Frost," he said, "this is the project we’re pursuing this month. Vertex is developing a luxury wellness spa resort, and several companies are competing for the contract. Securing this would be transformative for Frostline."
I carefully reviewed the documents he handed me. Vertex was the undisputed leader in our industry. They’d undergone a major restructuring a few years back with new leadership, and since then had launched several ambitious ventures, all with profit margins that made competitors weep. As the saying went: even drinking from Vertex’s runoff was better than most companies’ main revenue streams.
Even Alpha Astra had emphasized the critical importance of this project.
My eyes caught on the list of competing companies, and I wasn’t surprised to see Thorne Pack’s name among them. Something cold and hard settled in my stomach.
"Send me all the project details," I instructed Davidson. "And everything you have on Vertex."
He nodded. "Vertex’s CEO is quite mysterious since the restructuring. However, there’s a business gala coming up where he’s expected to make an appearance."
I made a mental note. If we wanted Vertex’s project, that gala would be crucial.
I worked until late into the night. The real estate business was cutthroat, and as a relative newcomer, I needed to work twice as hard to catch up. My wolf prowled restlessly beneath my skin, unused to being caged in an office after so many years of freedom.
Just as I was preparing to leave, my phone pinged with a notification. My stomach tensed when I saw Zane’s name. Against my better judgment, I opened it.
"Sylvia, since we’ve broken up, let’s make a clean cut. Return all the gifts I’ve given you."
Below was an itemized list that made my blood boil. Everything from a necklace to bedroom slippers was cataloged—he’d even included the cost of takeout meals and tips he’d paid while we were together.
When I didn’t respond immediately, another message appeared: "I’m giving you three days. Since you’re so proud now, don’t make me think less of you!"
My scent must have soured with anger because my assistant glanced up with concern. I took a deep breath, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. So many responses flashed through my mind—most of them involving creative ways to tell him exactly where he could shove his petty list.
Instead, I shut off my phone and slipped it into my purse. Zane wasn’t worth my energy anymore.
When I finally arrived home—to Caesar’s home, our home now—I found him in the living room, reading through documents. He looked up when I entered, those dark eyes immediately assessing my mood.
"Rough day?" he asked, setting aside his work.
I sighed, dropping my bag on the counter. "Just office politics and... unwanted communications."
Caesar raised an eyebrow. "Anything I should know about?"
I hesitated, then pulled out my phone and showed him Zane’s messages. Caesar’s expression didn’t change, but I felt the air around him grow colder, his scent sharpening with displeasure.
"He’s itemizing restaurant tips?" Caesar’s voice was dangerously soft. "How... pathetically small."
"It’s nothing," I said, suddenly embarrassed I’d shared something so trivial. "Just Zane being Zane."
Caesar stood and moved toward me with that fluid grace. He took my phone and placed it on the counter before lifting my chin with his finger.
"Nothing about you is trivial to me, Sylvia," he said, his gaze intense. "Not your past, not your annoyances, not your triumphs."
The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. I’d spent three years with Zane, and he’d never looked at me with such focus, such absolute attention.
"I don’t care about his cheap gifts," I said. "But his audacity... after everything..."
"Then let me help you forget him," Caesar whispered, his thumb tracing my bottom lip. "Let me remind you who you belong to now."
My wolf surged forward, responding to his dominance with eager submission that shocked me. I had been suppressing my Alpha nature for so long that this sudden release felt both terrifying and exhilarating.
"Caesar," I breathed, my body already leaning into his touch. "I thought you wanted to wait until tonight?"
His lips curved into that predatory smile that made heat pool low in my belly. "I said I wanted you in our bed," he corrected, lifting me effortlessly. My legs wrapped around his waist as he carried me toward the master bedroom. "I never said how long I could wait."
As his mouth found mine in a demanding kiss, I felt something fundamental shift inside me. With Caesar, I didn’t have to pretend to be weak. I could be strong, fierce, demanding—everything I’d suppressed for three long years.
"Make me forget him," I whispered against Caesar’s lips. "Make me remember only you."
His growl of approval vibrated through my entire body. "With pleasure, Luna Conrad."
Later, as we lay tangled in the sheets, my body pleasantly sore and thoroughly satisfied, Caesar traced lazy patterns on my bare back.
"You mentioned Vertex today," he said casually. Too casually.
I propped myself up on my elbow to look at him. "Yes. Frostline is bidding on their wellness resort project. Do you know something about it?"
Caesar’s expression remained neutral. "I might have some insights."
"Care to share with your new wife?" I asked, playfully walking my fingers up his chest.
He captured my hand, bringing it to his lips. "All in good time, little wolf. All in good time."
Something about his cryptic answer made me curious, but I was too content in that moment to press further. Whatever game Caesar was playing, I had the distinct feeling I was only beginning to understand the rules.
"By the way," I murmured, nestling against his chest, "my mother wants to meet you."
I felt him tense slightly beneath me. "Alpha Astra. I’ve heard she’s... formidable."
I laughed softly. "That’s one word for her. Are you afraid, Wolf King?"
Caesar’s arms tightened around me possessively. "I fear very few things in this world, Sylvia. And meeting my mate’s mother isn’t one of them."
The word "mate" sent a shiver through me. Despite our marriage, despite what we’d just shared, hearing him claim me so completely felt significant in a way I couldn’t fully articulate.
"Good," I said, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "Because something tells me this is only the beginning of our challenges."
Caesar’s eyes gleamed in the darkness. "Let them come. We face them together now."
