Chapter 5 She's Interesting

• Ryan's POV
• The second I let out those words from my lips, I couldn't help but notice Ariel's nervousness. Her fingers clutched the file tighter, and her expression had changed. It wasn't my fault that they had to ask that question.
• Besides, I had only responded that way just to tease her. It was definitely going to be a great shock to her, knowing I was the Alpha of the New Stone Pack. She wasn't expecting it.
• “Let's see…” she lifted her head up to me, trying to act all tough. “A wealthy and prestigious Alpha like you can't be without a mate. I'm sure you must have marked her by now.”
• She emitted a glint of guilt flashing through her eyes. She must hate herself for asking such questions now, but I wouldn't blame her.
• I put her in this situation. I had declined to have an interview with the New Stone Magazine, but after marking Ariel as my mate and seeing her name as the interviewer, I had to accept the offer.
• Three days ago, I had seen her at one of the local restaurants in the pack on a blind date. I could tell it was a blind date because of how she had kept acting. She looked familiar too at that point, but I just couldn't place my fingers on where I had seen her.
• I demanded that my Beta look into and investigate her. Seeing her profile, I was pleased, but what I didn't expect was to find her at the Ceremonial Chamber during the mating ceremony.
• It happened that her blind date had not only left her but also humiliated her on the phone. She was my best option for getting the mate bond and stopping my father from bothering me about getting a Luna for myself, so I went for it — to know her more.
• And now, here she was, trying her best to keep up with my teasing.
• With a smile on my lips, I responded to her earlier statement. “Well, it seems you know me well, Mrs. Ariel. And it'll also interest you to know that I'm not without a mate. We just marked each other a few hours ago,” I informed instantly, making her snap her gaze towards me.
• Before Ariel could speak up, her colleague, who had been trying to catch my attention, cut in sharply.
• “What? The great Alpha of my time isn't single? This will be so heartbreaking for every pack member that has a thing for you,” she cried out in disappointment.
• “I bet she must be from a wealthy family. Who is she, Alpha Ryan? Is she from the New Stone Pack? What family is she from?” she questioned all at once, but Ariel shut her up.
• “Can you quit asking what's not in the file? That's rude,” she mumbled, but I heard her, and it made me smile softly, seeing how cute she reacted.
• She soon turned to look at me. “Please, let's continue, Alpha Ryan,” Ariel urged as she put the interview back on track, asking more about my business than my personal life.
• It was fun to watch my mate interview me. But sadly, it came to an end. They all stood up and appreciated the time I spent with them.
• One after the other, I gave them a handshake. Just when it got to Ariel's turn, I held her hand but pulled it back before she could take it off, my eyes glancing over her finger where the ring she bought was placed.
• With a smile, I lifted my eyes to look at her. “It's a beautiful ring.”
• I could sense her anxiety as she quickly pulled her hand out of my grip, her heart racing so rapidly that I could hear it from where I sat.
• Swallowing nervously, she bowed to me. “Thank you, Alpha Ryan,” she stuttered, and before anyone could say jack, she ran out of the office, her colleagues following her from behind.
• I turned towards the exit of the office. Pressing down the forward button, I exited the office and headed for mine. Once I was inside, I moved over to the large window where I'd watched Ariel leave the company.
• Just as my eyes were fixed outside, waiting to see her once more, a knock came at my door, making me turn.
• “Come in.” It was Beta Derek.
• He bowed to me the moment he got in. “Alpha Ryan.”
• “Did you do what I asked?” I questioned, and he nodded his head.
• “Yes, Alpha Ryan. I handed the others the scarves in their boxes but gave Ariel the address and key to the pack house.”
• With an approving stare, I spun back to the window. There, I finally saw her, walking faster than the others. She must have seen what was inside her box and can't help but blush.
• I was still admiring her cute moves when Beta Derek spoke up again.
• “But Alpha Ryan, we have a problem,” he informed.
• With my head turned halfway, I asked, “What's wrong this time?”
• “Your father seems to have found out you didn't mark Mira, Alpha Godson’s daughter, as planned. He's furious and wants an explanation immediately.”
• I shook my head. “She hesitated, remember? She looked down on me, so I did what's best — replaced her with someone more interesting and perfect.”