THE LYCAN KING’S SECOND CHANCE MATE

ASHANTI'S POV.

"I wish they provided us with private workspaces. Working in the midst of all these designers will give me anxiety." One of my colleagues, Kelly, cries as we inspect our allocated working space.

"You know they can't do that. We need to work in an environment where we can be inspected in order to ensure that no one is cheating." Another colleague replies and she lets out a frustrated groan.

I share her frustration, but we have no choice.

"Yeah yeah. That's the kind of pressure I don't like."

“Well... you don't have a choice but to work under the pressure." Kelly sighs heavily and rides on with packing stuff into our lockers.

Some guys are setting up the machines, others are transferring the fabrics into our allocated lockers and a few of us are packing stuff in our various cubicles.

The atmosphere is rowdy as other designers are engaged in similar activities at various corners of the room. This is where we'll be creating and displaying our designs when the competition begins.

We spend the next hours parking and sorting and organising stuff. By two pm, we are one of the only groups left in the hall.

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm exhausted and need to go home now." I say, picking up my bag from a nearby cubicle and slinging around my left arm. "See you all tomorrow."

"Be safe."

"Thank you."

I turn and start heading out of the hall with the sound of my heels not failing to announce my departure as they collide with the floor below. Ryan is nowhere to be found. I guess I'm going to leave without him. He's going to cut my head off when he returns, but I'll deal with that later. For now, I have to get home first.

"Ashanti."

I pause in my tracks at the sound of my name.

That voice.

That charming, deep baritone voice. The voice that has the power to make my heart beat faster than normal. It belongs to no one else but my mate, Alpha Reagan.

My head whips in the direction of the voice and I nearly crumble into dust when I see him approaching me with a smirk planted at the side of his lips. My heart starts doing air backs in my chest. Even though I'm excited to see him, even though I have this primal urge to jump on his body right now and give him the tightest hug ever, I remain still and plaster a frown on my face.

I'm so good at this.

"What are you doing here?" I fire, the moment he takes his stand before me. He's still smiling and it's getting me upset because I cannot do the same. "I came to see you."

"Why?"

"Because I miss you. I've been here for some time now, but I know you were busy there, that's why I waited out here."

"You have to stop coming here." I say, walking past him. Two steps later, he's by my side and we are walking to a destination I do not know. I'm not even thinking anymore.

"People are already talking."

"What are they talking about?" I stop. Suck in a deep breath. Let out a deep sigh before turning to face him again with a frustrated look on my face. "Favouritism. They say I'll win this competition because of my connection with you."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Tell me their names and I'll have them disqualified from this competition!"

"That's the exact attitude that'll make them crucify me and escalate this whole issue. You can't do that. Just stop coming around here."

"You won't let me come to your house, you won't let me come here either."

"Can you blame me for making those decisions?"

He goes mute.

Several quiet seconds fly by before we meet each other's gaze again.

"Let me drive you home." He offers. I shake my head.

"I don't want you to." I deny flatly and start walking again. By now, I don't even know where I'm heading to. I'm lost in this driveway, but I just want to get away from this man and his overwhelming presence.

"We both know how this is going to end." One minute I can hear his

footsteps behind me, the next, he's

e

standing before me, both hands shoved in his pockets as he strikes a gentle pose. He's still smiling. groan, rolling my eyes so hard, they

almost get stuck at the back of my head.

We both know how this is going to end.

"You'll force me to get into the car."

"I wouldn't use the word force." He steps closer, staring straight into my eyes. "I will cajole you into letting me give you a ride.” His voice is deceptively charming and smooth An observable blush spreads from my neck up to my face and my cheeks heat up as though they've been set on fire. My body starts trembling when I notice we've started getting the attention of passers by. Some have stood in

their tracks and are looking at us,

while the others keep staring as they

pass.

I don't like this at all.

"Where's the damn car?" I whisper between my teeth. Harshly. A goofy smile forms on his face.

"This way, Ma Lady."

He leads the way towards his car and I follow like an obedient puppy.

He always has his way with me.

Always!

It's so annoying!