"She's fine, Alpha, just very tired. I don't recommend that you wake her up. She looks comfortable enough, and I'm sure there's no place safer than your office. If you don't mind her here, I'd say you let her sleep for a few hours. As soon as she wakes up, send her to the medical wing, or better yet, call me so I can come over with one of the medics. Depending on the findings, I will let you know if you can continue with your plan or not."

"Thank you, Alex. Sorry for the rush. This was definitely unexpected."

"Don't be sorry. It's always my pleasure to help, especially since we're talking about our future Luna. For now, she's suffering from a very high level of stress. Don't push her too much, and take good care of her, please."

"I promise. Thank you again."

As soon as Myron and Alexia left his office suite, V took his branded long coat from the classy coat rack in the corner and covered her with it. He smiled at how big his coat looked over her and hoped it would keep her warm enough.

As he was about to go back to his desk, she suddenly pulled the fabric over her shoulders, snuggled deeper into it then slightly smiled. Her eyes remained closed all that time.

V stayed staring at her a little while longer. It was with great relief that he could see her relaxed face and small smile… He had certainly missed it.

She looks so beautiful when she's calm and peaceful. All the more reason for me to take care of her…

* * *

"Look, I'd really like to help you, but I don't even want to see him after what he did to me and my boyfriend," wailed the weeping blonde in the skimpy tight dress as the Beta tried to comfort her by patting her hand.

Aaron was using his signature melodic and soothing tone, already knowing how she'll eventually react. "I know Megan. But we really need you for this. Look, my boss will be willing to support your dream to be a model. He's got connections, and as long as you tell the truth, you have nothing to lose. And also, you have absolutely nothing to be afraid of."

  "You really think so?" the girl asked Aaron while tightening her fingers around his.

And here we go… She'll definitely sign soon… Just have to be careful…

"I know so… trust me, ok? We can even find your ex, explain everything to him, and get him back for you."

"Oh, I don't know… I mean there are a lot of other fish in the sea…"

After years of mastering his craft, the Beta could definitely read the hidden message in the girl's eyes, her long sigh, and how she suddenly moved even closer to him. And for the first time, he chose to ignore it…

"True, there are, and I'm sure my boss can introduce you to a few bachelor friends of his when he has another VVIP party at our office. Now all you have to do is sign right here…"

"Ohhhh… but I was hoping that we do something else first before I sign…"

Fifteen minutes later, the Beta was back inside the limo with the signed document and a grim expression. The Gamma received him with his signature half-smile. Then once again, their next trip was made in silence…

As a matter of fact, the next four other meetings were of identical reactions, similar results, and exactly the same endings.

* * *

It was a few hours later when Siel woke up.

She was totally disoriented and unaware of her surroundings. The poor single mom could not even remember what had happened before she found herself sleeping on the couch.

Her eyes opened wide, unaware of her messy hair and smudged makeup.

All she noticed was the glass of water on the coffee table in front of her… the coat covering her that smelled of Vince… the now new office lounge seat that she's lying down on…

Slowly, she shifted her gaze towards her feet just in time to see her very handsome boss smiling at her while behind his desk and on the phone.

What the heck… Oh my God, Siel, did you just collapse right in front of him! Damn it, no!

She heard him finishing the conversation, and the only thing she could do was blush and then hurriedly hide beneath his coat. Siel tried to snuggle deeper into that humungous piece of clothing as his steps drew closer. In a few more moments, she felt his weight move the sofa's surface and rub against her waist. His warm hand then rested on her shoulder.

"Elena," he softly said, sending chills all over her body. "Hey, sleeping beauty, how are you? I have to take you to the doctor, but I need to make sure that you're fully awake and can manage the walk."

This had to be a dream… It must be a dream!

A shy hazel eye peeked out from above the coat's collar. There he was, smiling as he sat right beside her. Just by seeing him like this, the world seemed to become a bit better and brighter.

How the heck does he make me feel that?

"Good morning, sir," she said in a voice that's hardly audible for regular humans.

"Good… afternoon," he answered playfully after checking his watch. "Tell me you feel better… please."

He softly pulled the coat down, and she allowed it to be taken from her. He only uncovered her face, and just like before, he carefully reached out with his hand towards her hair and moved it away from her face…

He closed his eyes to the view of her bruises, even though they were now a little lighter. She closed her eyes at the contact, relaxing to that now-familiar sparky feeling.

"Yes, Sir. I feel better… But what happened?"

"You fainted. Alexia said that you were exhausted. I wanted to send you home, but since you were already laying down on the sofa, she said it was better to leave you there, on the condition that as soon as you woke up, I take you to see her or she comes here to see you."

"Oh no! I don't think I should add to your concerns or Ms. Alexia's, Sir!" she exclaimed as she forced herself to stand. "Just let me… Oh no… the floor is moving…"

V swiftly stood and held her to him before he guided her back down to the couch, "Careful. Just stay seated. It will not do you any good to go against the doctor's orders. We'll have to wait for Alexia to come back up here with a medical doctor, alright."

And there he goes again… Why is he worrying about me now after how I treated him yesterday? Plus, the fact I've already told him we shouldn't date anymore… why V? Why? But damn it, he smells so good… so warm…so handsome…

Siel answered him with just a sigh, as she locked her thoughts away from him…

And even from herself.

Just stop thinking about him as a hot, sexy, virile… Damn it, Siel!

* * *

Di's mobile rang. She picked it up after the fourth ring and after looking at the image on the screen. "Hello, brother. I hope you haven't done anything dreadful to my mate."

"Aaron, my sister wants to know if I let you live…"

"I'm still alive, lamb chop. Don't worry about me…" said a not-too-far-off voice from the phone.

"Hi, love. Glad that you're ok with each other now."

"Yes," interrupted her brother dearest. "And we need you to do something for the Alpha. I've already asked Alexia to process your paperwork so you can help us out."

"Wait! What paperwork?"

"The document that will give you an excuse to leave early."

"What the… Ma'Heron! You didn't even ask me if I wanted to help!"

"It's not just for the Alpha but for our future Luna. I'm sure you'd love to make your best friend's life a little easier, right?"

Di fumed inwardly. This was another reason why she hated pack life. She had no choice but to follow her big brother's instructions. Especially if it meant helping the pack and the Alpha.

But then again, she wanted Aaron and her to have free rein with their relationship. She might as well try pleasing her brother, even in these small, irritating matters.

"Fine! But I'm doing this for Siel and not because you practically blackmailed me into this. What do I need to do?"

* * *

"You're fine, Miss, but you need to eat. It seems that you haven't been eating or sleeping properly for a few days already. And that, together with stress and concerns, are all taking a toll on your health. Have some late lunch, then drink these pills right after. Here's three days' worth of your prescription. And take it twice a day. Now you must get back to me for a check-up after you've finished all your meds."

And on that note, V suggested that he be the one to take her home. She tried to put up a fuss, but Dr. Bryan Kendall agreed with his CEO and even told Siel that it would be an honor for her to accept. Alexia took her colleague's side as well, and so did Myron, who had lunch ready for her since he ordered it the minute she woke up.

So, the majority won.

A slightly better-looking and feeling Siel was soon riding in her boss's Roadster as she was officially released by her two doctors. Of course, complete with a medical certificate.

"I hope you don't mind, but I need to meet with someone and check out a venue before I bring you home. For now, we can talk during the ride," explained V as he drove expertly down the highway. "I do owe you an explanation, and since we both are officially out of the office and no longer working for the day, I'm taking this chance to explain. So, may I?"

  Her answer was still soft and weak, "Alright, Sir…"

"We're no longer in the office, so it's V. Anyway… I won't try to justify what you saw yesterday, but I do sincerely apologize that you had to hear what I said. I swear to you, I mean you no harm. I am only trying to protect you and the kids. For now, you have only my word, but nothing that I've given or offered to you is with the intention of making you choose me over your ex just because of what I own or can give."

V suddenly took a serious tone and glanced at the silent Siel beside him. She was still looking at him with that half blank/half-wondering expression, and he didn't know what to make of it. He continued nonetheless…

"You are priceless, and so are your twins. I could sell all I own and empty out all my accounts, and it would not be enough to equal your worth. I believe that actions speak, and yes, I've been wrong many times, overstepped your boundaries, and you're not used to my way of caring. But you have to believe me that my intention is simply to make you and your babies feel safe and happy. And that's it, nothing more."

He was met with silence, and Vince knew he had to let it go.

They were nearing their destination.

I guess I have no choice but to wing it and hope for the best. I just hope I don't make her feel worse.