Abandoned While Pregnant, Claimed by the Alpha novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Ashley’s POV

I stood there, my eyes sweeping over the rows of racks overflowing with high-end designer gowns, lingering on the velvet trays where diamond necklaces sparkled almost blindingly, and eventually settling on the limited edition handbags giving off the unmistakable scent of expensive leather. It felt like someone had takers an entire Fifth Avenue boutique and dropped it right into the middle of the Bloodmoon Pack’s manor.

Hebert stood amidst the sea of luxury, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his tailored slacks. The slightly open collar of his black silk shirt revealed the sharp lines of his collarbone and just a peek of his toned chest. His gaze was fixed on me.

Honestly, if this had been years ago, I’d probably be thrilled-a rich, strong, ridiculously good-looking man? That’s a dream come true by most standards.

But now? I felt calm, completely composed. Because I knew exactly where we stppd. I wasn’t his mate, and I wouldn’t let myself get lost in some empty fantasy.

“These,” I said firmly, motioning at the pile of extravagance, “I can’t accept them.”

“Don’t like them?” he asked, his voice still smooth. “If not, I can find something else you’ll like.”

“No, Hebert, it’s not about whether I like it or not!” I raised my voice suddenly. “We don’t need this. I mean, this doesn’t match the kind of relationship we have.”

“Our relationship?” He raised an eyebrow, a cold edge slipping into his/usually calm expression. “Then tell me, Ashley, what exactly is our relationship?”

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to meet his gaze.

“It’s a deal.” I pushed on. “I act as the Luna of the Bloodmoon Pack to help secure your position. You keep Brian off my back and provide me with a safe place to stay. That’s it. This-“I gestured toward the extravagant gifts, my voice trembling slightly, “- this is way beyond what a work relationship should involve. If I take these, I’ll owe you something I can never repay.”

Hebert’s face darkened completely. His jaw clenched so tightly the muscles stood out, sharpening the lines of his face. His eyes swirled with an emotion I couldn’t decipher-something heavy, something raw.

“So, in your eyes,” he said, his voice rough, each word sounding like it was forced out between his teeth, “we’re only in a work relationship?”

His presence suddenly turned cold and sharp, an almost suffocating pressure hanging in the air. What’s with hire all of a sudden? My voice dropped instinctively. “Of course.” Hebert’s gaze locked onto me, cold and unyielding like the Siberian tundra. That icy look made my heart race. He didn’t shout or lose his ternper-he just spun around sharply, leaving me staring at his back.

He walked over to the long table, his slender fingers casually fiddling with a ruby necklace. The nonchalant movement somehow carried an oppressive weight, suffocating in its quiet intensity.

“Fine.” His voice, calm and collected now, broke the silence. “Since it’s just a working relationship, Ashley, then you should absolutely take these.”

I froze, my brows knitting together tightly.

“As the Luna of the Bloodmoon Pack, you represent the entire pack’s image,” he continued smoothly. “I can’t have my ‘partner’ attending formal events in outdated, cheap outfits. It’d make me look ridiculously stingy ”

“You can think of this as… employee benefits,” he said, his eyes fixed on mine. “I am, after all, an Alpha who looks out for my team. Providing the best resources is simply a way to make sure you stay motivated and perform well in your. ‘work.’ Does this reason make it easier for you to accept?”

Employee benefits.

+15 Bonus

It was, indeed, a clear and professional boundary.

This was the line I had drawn myself, the distance I’d been so intent on keeping. And yet, hearing him spell it out in this matter of-fact tone, I didn’t feel the relief I’d expected.

My throat felt like it was clogged by a sponge soaked in lemon juice-sour and painful. I lowered my gaze, hiding the flicker of emotion in my eyes.

“Well, since you are so generous, I guess I have no reason to decline.” A stiff smile tugged at my lips as I spoke in a flat, dry tone. “Thanks for the ’employee benefits.’ I’ll make good use of them and play my part.

“I’m a bit tired. I’ll head back to my room to rest.”

Without waiting for his reply, I turned around and walked toward the stairs.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify