<b>Chapter </b><b>86 </b>
Reba’s POV
I examined my reflection in the full–length mirror, turning slightly to check the healing wound on my shoulder. Only a faint pink line remained where just days ago a deep gash had required stitches. The werewolf healing saliva was still something I couldn’t quite wrap my head around, but I couldn’t argue with the results.
A warm glow of satisfaction spread through me as I remembered Dominic’s face when he opened my giftst night. The way his eyes softened when he discovered the small deer embroidered inside the sleeve cuff had made all the effort worthwhile. For a man whomanded an empire and could buy anything he wanted, the simple personalized touch had meant something special.
Focus, Reba. This was my first day at a real corporate job, and I needed to look the part. I’d spent far too longst night deciding on the perfect outfit–professional enough to be taken seriously, but not so formal that it looked like I was trying too hard. I finally settled on ck tailored pants and a crisp white button–down shirt<b>, </b>ssic and
understated.
As I buttoned the shirt, I noticed a small purplish mark just below my corbone. I dabbed concealer over it<b>, </b>making a mental note to be more careful about visible marks now that I’d be working in a professional setting.
“nning to hide all of my handiwork?” Dominic’s deep voice came from the doorway.
I turned to find him leaning against the door frame, already dressed in a charcoal suit–not the one I’d gifted him, but one that looked equally impressive on his tall frame.
“Just the ones above the cor,” I replied with a small smile. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for your new secretary to show up with evidence of… extracurricr activities.<b>” </b>
He crossed the room in a few long strides,ing to stand behind me. His reflection in the mirror showed amusement in his eyes as he ced his hands on my shoulders.
‘Are you nervous<b>?</b>” he asked, his thumbs making small circles at the base of my neck.
‘A little,‘ I admitted. “I’ve never worked in a corporate environment before. What if I mess up?”
“You won’t.” His confidence was unwavering. “Marcus will train you on all the systems. Besides, you already have the most important qualification.”
“Which <b>is</b>?”
“You know how to handle me.” There was a hint of a smile on his lips as his eyes met mine in the mirror.
I turned to face him. “About that–I want to take the subway to work today.”
His eyebrows rose slightly. “Raymond is already waiting downstairs.<b>” </b>
12:13 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>
“I know, but…” I took a deep breath. “I want to do this on my own. Like a normal employee. I don’t want special treatment just because I’m…” I hesitated, still uncertain whatbel applied to our rtionship.
“Because you’re mine?” he supplied, his voice dropping to that possessive register that never failed to send shivers down my spine.
“You didn’t mark me,” I reminded him in a low voice. “But yes, because of our rtionship. I need to prove myself, Dominic. To everyone there, but mostly to myself. I want to be valued for my work, not just because I’m…” I gestured between us, “…with you.”
A frown creased his forehead. “I don’t like the idea of you traveling alone.”
“I’ll be fine. It’s broad daylight, and the subway will be full ofmuters.” I ced my palm against his cheek. “Please, Dominic. This is important to me.”
He studied me for a long moment, his jaw tight, before sighing. “If this matters to you, then I’ll respect it. He caught my hand and pressed a kiss to my palm. “But call me immediately if there’s any trouble.”
“I will,” I promised, standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “And don’t forget, today you have my little deer keeping youpany.” I touched his sleeve where the embroidery would be.
His expression softened immediately. “I won’t forget.”
The subway car jerked and swayed as it traveled through the underground tunnels. I gripped the overhead rail, surrounded by dozens of other morningmuters–all strangers, all going about their daily routines. Normal
human lives.
“You can do this,” I whispered to myself, drawing a curious nce from the woman standing next to me. “Don’t be afraid of gossip.”
That was my biggest concern–that everyone at Sterling Group would know I was only there because of my rtionship with the CEO. I could already imagine the whispers, the judgment in their eyes. But I needed this job, not just for the financial independence<b>, </b>but to carve out a space for myself in Dominic’s world that wasn’t solely defined by our rtionship.
When I emerged from the subway station, I had to tilt my head back to take in the full height of Sterling Tower. <b>Fifty</b>–two stories of gleaming ss and steel dominated the skyline, the morning sun reflecting off its surface like liquid silver. How fitting for a building owned by werewolves.
My heart pounded as I walked through the revolving doors into the vast marble lobby. Everything about the <b>space </b>screamed wealth and power–from the twenty–foot waterfall feature along one wall to the massive silver sculpture of a wolf in abstract form that served as the centerpiece.
I approached the reception desk, half–expecting to be met with knowing looks or whispers. Instead, the immactely dressed receptionist greeted me with professional efficiency.
12:13 <b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>
“Good morning. How may I help you?”
“I’m Reba Brown. Today is my first day… I’m Mr. Sterling’s new executive assistant.”
If she recognized my name or knew anything about my rtionship with Dominic, she didn’t show it. She <b>simply </b>nodded, tapped something into herputer, and then handed me a temporary ID badge.
167
“Mr. Sterling’s assistant has prepared your workstation. Please wait by the executive elevator. Mr. Marcus will meet you there.”
I thanked her, relieved by theck of drama, and made my way to the designated elevator. <b>As </b>I waited, I studied the people passing by–all looking purposeful in their designer suits and dresses. Did any of them know what I was? Could they tell I didn’t belong in this world of corporate wealth?
“Ms. Brown?” A tall, lean man with sandy hair and sharp features approached me. “I’m Marcus ckwood, Mr. Sterling’s Chief of Operations.”
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