Chapter 3

"Let's avoid another accidental touch, shall we?" I probably shouldn't have said that, even if she did first. It does the job, though; she chuckles, her breath stabilizing.

"So, are you nervous about the interview?" I ask, breaking my usual silence. I'm not one for small talk, but right now, I'd do anything to calm her. Or maybe I just want to hear her voice again. "You don't seem nervous."

"You mean besides the panic attack you're heroically distracting me from?"

My wolf takes pride in her compliment.

She leans in, her tone dropping seductively. "Want to know a secret?" Her voice sends a jolt through me, a reminder of how powerfully she affects me-without even trying. Maybe talking isn't the best idea. "Go on," I say.

"I've never had an in-office job before. I work remotely. Qualcomm is the only company I'd consider dressing up for."

And every man in the building is grateful she did. "Why Qualcomm?"

"Qualcomm is the gold standard in InfoSec. Ermes Sylvester is a genius. I've been following his work since I was ten."

I resist the urge to look smug. "Are you sure you're ready to trade your pajamas for office attire?"

"I think so. Working alone is fine, but maybe it's time to connect with like-minded people, find my tribe. Feel normal, you know?"

I don't know. I haven't belonged anywhere since I left my birth pack, my fur stained with my stepfather's blood. A company full of humans isn't exactly a substitute.

"If you're here for an InfoSec interview, you must be talented," I say, trying to keep my own memories at bay.

"I started coding young," she says modestly, though I sense she's downplaying her skills. "Being a teen girl into tech wasn't exactly normal."

"Normal is overrated. You just need the right pack."

"Pack?" She laughs. "I like that-makes me sound like a lone wolf."

I nearly comment, but let it go. Being a lone wolf isn't glamorous, even if it's what I deserve.

"So..." she begins, her tone curious. "Have you met Ermes Sylvester?"

I grin in the darkness. "A few times."

"What's he like?"

I shrug, knowing she can't see. "Hard to say."

"Because he doesn't reveal much?"

I stay silent.

"That's what I've heard. So, is he the awkward geek or the... creepy kind?"

I'm not sure how I'd classify myself-definitely not as a geek in human terms. But she continues before I can respond.

"I'm guessing the creepy kind. No one that attractive could be that anti-social without some serious baggage. Rumor has it he doesn't date, has no social life, total recluse. Either damaged, or..." She pauses. "Well, maybe he's... gay, with a secret boyfriend locked in his closet for whipping practice."

I fight a smirk. "You seem to know a lot about him."

"Oh... I just admire him. To geeks, he's like a celebrity. His early coding was incredible, especially for its time."

Her genuine admiration is unexpected, and I can't deny the thrill of hearing it. Despite my secrecy, something about her curiosity stirs my wolf.

"So, what kind of geek are you?"

"The kind who babbles to strangers in an elevator, apparently. Normally, I'm much better at filtering myself. Good thing it's dark-I'd be even more embarrassed."

It's harder to resist her with each word. I've never been this willing to sit and listen to anyone. My wolf, even in a confined space, doesn't mind the wait. Usually, it'd be bristling to break free, but now it's focused on protecting this charming, vibrant human. Recognizing this feeling sends my pulse racing, though I fight the urge to hold her close.

"Maybe when the lights come on, you could just... not look at me? Let's pretend to meet later under normal circumstances."

I stay quiet.

"I really hope I don't get nervous and mess up in my interview," she says.

"You really want this job?"

"Yeah, I do. Funny, years ago, I'd have laughed at the idea of working for Qualcomm, but now... Ermes Sylvester and what he's built here represent everything I admire about InfoSec. I want to be a part of that."

Right then, the lights flicker back on, and the elevator starts moving. She breathes a relieved sigh, getting to her feet. I stand as well, catching her wide-eyed look as she turns toward me.

She freezes, surprise flashing across her face as she realizes who I am. The light reveals her full beauty-smooth skin, expressive eyes, and a figure that lives up to my earlier impression. Realization dawns on her, giving me the advantage.

"Well, you're quiet now," she mutters, clearly uncomfortable. "What does the 'S' in 'E.S.' stand for?"

"Thomas," I say, a simple, human name from my mother.

The elevator stops on her floor, and I hold the door, gesturing for her to exit. "This is your stop."

She flushes, quickly straightening up and walking out with bright pink spots on her cheeks. Adorable. I follow her, despite a full schedule, drawn to her for reasons I don't fully understand.

"Ms. Williams, there you are," Sam greets her at the elevator. Our head of security, Luis, stands beside him.

"We're addressing the maintenance issue, Mr. Sylvester," Luis assures me. "We'll have it fixed in no time. I see you accompanied Ms. Williams safely."

"I'm going to sit in on her interview," I announce, surprising even myself.

Both Sam and Amira look at me, shocked. She blinks, her dark brown eyes, with hints of gold, meet mine.

Sam looks displeased, likely seeing this as an unnecessary intrusion. I narrow my eyes at him. "Shall we begin in the conference room, or would you prefer to conduct the interview here in the hallway?"

Sam's expression sours, realizing I'm not going anywhere.