Bought by the Beast King (Katerina and hunter) novel Chapter 8

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**
**Chapter 8**

**ΚΑΤ**

Standing before the imposing structure of the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs, I felt a surge of anticipation mixed with anxiety. The colossal stone and concrete edifice towered over me, its sheer size igniting a flutter of butterflies in my stomach.

The nervous energy that had been simmering since the break of dawn clawed its way back up my throat, and I couldn’t quite grasp the reason for my unease. I had worked tirelessly to reach this point, hadn’t I?

Taking a moment to center myself, I inhaled deeply, drawing in the crisp air as I ascended the grand staircase leading to the entrance. I sidestepped as groups of hurried individuals brushed past me, their urgency palpable. The reinforced glass door slid open with a gentle whoosh, welcoming me into the heart of the building that represented the pinnacle of my efforts.

Inside, the grandeur continued to unfold. The vaulted ceilings soared above me, adorned with intricate designs on the skylights that allowed natural light to spill onto the polished stone floors below. A cozy seating area beckoned, while a series of security doors loomed behind a row of receptionist desks, their presence a reminder of the importance of this place.

I approached a security gate and paused, waiting for it to open. It remained stubbornly shut.

A chill crept down my spine. Was this a misstep? Had I misinterpreted the kind words that had been spoken to me? Heat rushed to my cheeks as I turned to glance back at the crowd waiting behind me.

“You have to swipe your security card, Miss,” a voice chimed from behind, belonging to a young man who had just entered behind me.

Laughter erupted from the people behind me, a chorus of snickers that only added to my embarrassment.

Fantastic first impression, Munroe.

My hands trembled as I fumbled through my bag to retrieve my ID card. It took several attempts to swipe it correctly against the digital pad before the gate finally swung open with a soft click.

“First day?”

I spun around to face the man who had followed me in. He was strikingly handsome, with tousled brunette hair, soft hazel eyes, and a smooth, clean-shaven face that radiated an easy charm. He was nothing like that man from the club, and I found myself wondering if men like him ever stepped foot in a place like this.

“Is it that obvious?” I replied, a hint of self-deprecating humor lacing my words.

“A little,” he chuckled, extending his hand. “Edward. Edward Barns.”

“Kathrine Munroe,” I responded, shaking his hand firmly. “But you can call me Kat.”

His eyebrows shot up in surprise, and I felt his grip tighten slightly around my hand.

“No way! You’re the new paralegal in the legal department,” Edward exclaimed, a bright smile illuminating his face. “I heard they’ve already promised you a spot as an associate, and you haven’t even graduated yet!”

“You know about me?” I asked, a mix of disbelief and curiosity bubbling up inside.

“Our boss has been singing your praises. You’re going to excel here once you’re officially qualified,” he assured me, and I felt the flutter of butterflies in my stomach settle a little.

“We’re actually in the same department,” Edward said, gesturing toward the elevators. “Let me show you around.”

As we stepped into the elevator, I noticed the curious glances directed at me from my new colleagues. I self-consciously adjusted my blazer and tucked my bangs behind my ear. Perhaps I should have invested a bit more in my work attire instead of splurging on my bike. This place was a far cry from the old building nestled at the back of the estate, where we toiled away, hidden from prying eyes.

“You’ll probably only have access to this floor until you’re cleared to assist in other departments,” Edward informed me as we exited the elevator and turned into a spacious hallway. “Security is pretty tight around here.”

I tuned him out momentarily, my mind racing as I absorbed my surroundings. I had done my homework on the Bureau and was acutely aware of how fortunate I was to walk these halls. I already had a sense of which department would feel the safest for me.

Digital displays flickered silently, and the distant buzz of phones filled the air. People rushed past us, fully engaged in their tasks despite the early hour. Edward led me into a vast room filled with cubicles, where clusters of individuals conversed while others powered up their computers.

“Wait here. I’ll inform the Legal Director of your arrival.”

The Legal Director? He was one of the few who worked directly with the Director of the Bureau and senior management. Why would he want to see me?

As soon as Edward left my side, a group of women approached, their demeanor dripping with condescension.

“She’s the kid they hired? Doesn’t look as impressive as Mr. Watson claimed,” a tall brunette said, her tone laced with disdain.

“Just look at her. I bet she doesn’t even know the difference between a legal brief and cotton briefs,” a blonde chimed in, her laughter ringing mockingly in the air.

“Where did you get that outfit? Walmart?”

Yes, actually. I was still a student, grappling with the intricacies of budgeting.

My fists clenched at my sides, but I held my tongue. I no longer had the Lordswood name to shield me, and I wasn’t keen on drawing attention to myself. Yet, the fire igniting within me was hard to suppress. My education was worth more than most of them could ever dream of affording. How dare they belittle my hard work?

“How long did you have to lie on your back to land this gig?” another one sneered. “Didn’t your parents teach you better?”

One of the women didn’t take the bait, her expression dismissive as she walked past us and settled into one of the cubicles. She was tall, with sharp features and jet-black hair pulled back into a sleek braid.

There was something about her that felt distinctly different. As I observed her quiet confidence while she arranged her desk, it dawned on me—she was likely a wolf. The team I had previously worked with was entirely human, but this headquarters was a melting pot of diverse beings.

My heart raced, and I felt the woman’s gaze snap up, as if she sensed my presence.

But I was ready for this. This building thrummed with supernatural energy. I quickly composed myself, offering her a polite smile, but she simply frowned and returned to her work, seemingly uninterested.

The door swung open, and a middle-aged man stepped through it, his aura unmistakable. Definitely a wolf. Even without the heightened senses of a wolf, I could feel it radiating from him. The Legal Director had actually come to see me!

“Miss Munroe,” he greeted, extending his hands toward me. “Welcome to the Bureau.”

“Thank you,” I managed, my smile genuine.

The women around me dispersed, their earlier bravado evaporating in the presence of authority. I could wager that they wouldn’t dare continue their taunts with the boss in the vicinity. Didn’t they realize he’d likely heard them anyway?

“For the remainder of this week, I want you to familiarize yourself with our policies, systems, and your role,” he instructed. “Next week, I’ll involve you in a few cases to see how you perform. Edward will be your guide.”

Without lingering, he departed, leaving Edward behind, who led me to an empty cubicle already stocked with files. My ears caught a few more snickers in the background, but I was determined to dive into my work and prove them wrong. However, Mr. Watson was right; I needed to understand how things operated first.

“Then what are you doing here?”

“Job hunting. What about you?”

He casually placed his hands in his pockets and leaned back against the door. My gaze drifted to his thighs, which were impressively muscular. Goddess, he was built. I clenched mine again, forcing my eyes back to his.

“I’m not about to divulge personal information to a random stranger,” I snapped, my voice sharp.

“Oh? I was good enough to sleep with, but not to share anything about yourself? I’m a bit hurt, Kitty,” he teased, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

The way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine, awakening memories of that night we had shared. My body reacted instinctively, recalling the heat of our bodies pressed together, the intoxicating rush of desire.

He was dangerous.

He was a distraction, and I couldn’t afford that right now, not when I was determined to carve out my own path.

“Look, I was here first. Maybe you should find a job somewhere else,” I insisted, my voice firm.

“That hardly seems fair,” he chuckled, undeterred.

“This is important to me,” I pleaded, my voice softening. “I can’t afford to mess this up.”

Between Friday and this morning, I must have thought about him countless times. Having him in the same building could spell disaster. What if I embarrassed myself in front of my colleagues?

“Let’s make a deal,” he proposed, pushing off the door and taking a step closer to me.

The sense of being hunted washed over me again. How could a mere human elicit such a feeling?

I instinctively stepped back until I hit the wall, but he didn’t stop advancing until there was no space left between us. He placed his hands on either side of the wall, effectively caging me in. My pulse raced in my ears, but it wasn’t fear—it was the part of me he had ignited that craved more. Heat pooled in my stomach, and I felt a flush creeping up my cheeks. Thank Goddess he didn’t possess the heightened senses of a wolf.

“I will walk out of this building right now if you agree to meet me after work,” he said, his voice low and enticing.

“Why?”

“I’m going to lose a fantastic opportunity if I don’t. The least you can do is make it worth my while.”

His breath brushed against my face, and I looked up to find an intense hunger burning in his eyes, igniting a similar fire within me. I would bet anything my gaze mirrored his.

“How?” My voice came out as a breathy whisper, barely audible.

The man smirked, lowering his head until his lips hovered just a breath away from mine.

“Meet me outside at five, and I’ll tell you everything. If you don’t, I’ll be back tomorrow.”