Mated to a werewolf

Chapter 11

As Marco departed from Richard's office, leaving him deep in thought, Richard sank back into his chair, his mind consumed by swirling thoughts and conflicting emotions. The weight of his decision to sever ties with Bella weighed heavily on him, gnawing at his conscience.

He couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that lingered in the air, knowing that he had let Bella down, perhaps even betrayed her trust. His promise to Bella's late sister echoed in his mind, a solemn vow to watch over and protect her younger sibling. He couldn't help but wonder if he had failed to uphold that promise by dismissing Bella from the company.

But beneath the surface of his guilt and remorse, another emotion churned – fear. Fear of what Bella might do with the knowledge she possessed, the secret he had guarded so closely. The realization sent a shiver down his spine, a chilling reminder of the consequences that could unfold if Bella were to reveal his supernatural abilities to the world.

"I've put myself in a precarious position," Richard murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. "Bella knows too much, and I've given her reason to resent me."

He paused, the gravity of the situation settling heavily upon him. Despite his best efforts to keep his true nature hidden, the possibility of exposure loomed ominously over him. He knew he had to tread carefully, to navigate the delicate balance between protecting his secret and addressing Bella's quest for truth.

As he continued to wrestle with his thoughts, Richard resolved to find a solution – a way to rectify the situation and mitigate the risks posed by Bella's knowledge. But deep down, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that the repercussions of his actions would reverberate far beyond the confines of his office, shaping the course of his future in ways he could scarcely imagine.

As Richard thought about everything, his dad called. He knew his dad would just nag him about the mess. He didn't pick up. Instead, he decided to sleep in his office.

Richard felt tired. He moved some papers off his desk to make a bed. He turned off most of the lights and tried to sleep.

Ignoring his dad's call made him feel a bit rebellious, but he needed some peace. So, he lay down and tried to rest.

Eventually, he fell asleep, but his mind was still busy with worries. The day's events had left him feeling uneasy. Yet, in his office, surrounded by quiet, he found some comfort. Finally, sleep took over, giving him a break from it all.

Chapter 10: A Decision I have to make

As Richard lay in bed, tossing and turning, the remnants of his dream lingered in his mind like a haunting melody. His mother's presence felt so vivid, her words echoing in his ears like a solemn warning. The clock on his nightstand blinked 4:00 AM, a harsh reminder of the hour he couldn't escape.

With a heavy sigh, he reached for his phone, his fingers trembling slightly as he navigated to the weather app. His heart sank as he read the forecast: rain and lightning. The very elements that triggered the dormant beast within him, threatening to unleash his primal nature.

Panicked thoughts raced through his mind as he realized the danger he faced. He couldn't afford to lose control, not again. Not after what happened last time. Desperation clawed at him as he searched for a solution, a lifeline to anchor him to humanity.

In a swift motion, he grabbed his phone and tapped out a message to Bella, his fingers fumbling with each letter in his haste. "Bella," he typed, "you're reinstated as my personal secretary. Please, don't leave my side today." The message sent with a soft whoosh, disappearing into the digital abyss.

As he waited for her reply, Richard couldn't shake the feeling of dread that consumed him. Bella was his lifeline, the one person who could soothe the savage beast within him. Without her, he was lost.

Minutes stretched into eternity until finally, a response appeared on his screen. "I'll be there," it read, simple yet reassuring. A wave of relief washed over him, calming the storm raging within his soul.

With Bella by his side, Richard knew he could face whatever challenges the day brought. Together, they would weather the storm, both literal and metaphorical, bound by a bond stronger than any tempest.

Bella's mind buzzed with questions as she made her way to Richard's office. Why had he suddenly reinstated her? Was it because he didn't trust her? Did he suspect her of knowing his secret? The uncertainty gnawed at her, fueling her determination to uncover the truth.