Chapter 6 Who Marked You?

• Ariel's POV
• Exiting Alpha Ryan's office after the interview, I couldn't help but think about everything that had happened in there. First, he had acted like he didn't know me, then all of a sudden, he complimented my ring in the most stunning way I had ever known.
• I bit my lower lip in worry, my steps uncalculated as we headed towards the exit of the company. And of course, Sarah just couldn't stop her ranting about how stunning Ryan was. How stunning my husband was.
• My mind was a jumbled mess at this moment until Jenny's hand gripped my shoulder from behind.
• “Are you okay, Ariel? Since we left the office, you haven't been yourself. If there's a problem, you know you can…” Jenny was going to keep asking, but Sarah, who was still hot-blooded, cut in sharply.
• “Oh please, Jenny… it's obvious that Ariel just has been caught up in his stunning features. I mean, who wouldn't?” She shrugged as she spoke to Jenny.
• “Not everyone is like you, Sarah,” Jenny let out abruptly, making me smile briefly.
• “Whatever.” Sarah rolled her eyes as she walked past us.
• Just as we got to the door, a feminine voice called out to us. We halted sharply and turned around to find Ryan's secretary running towards our direction.
• Jenny wondered if there had been any mistakes, but the secretary shook her head.
• “Here, an appreciation for coming to Ryham Group.”
• She shared the boxes in her hand with each person. Sarah and Jenny opened theirs and were so excited to find the beautiful bracelets made from the moonstone in their boxes. It was quite expensive.
• Sarah turned to me, “Why haven't you opened yours? Come on, do it, let's see.” She urged.
• But I wasn't sure if I could yet. His sweet smile and his words still echoed in my mind. At this point, I felt anxious to open the box. My inner wolf raged to know what was inside, but I cautioned her, holding her back.
• “I'll open it at the company,” I let out, but Sarah refused.
• “Nonsense. If you don't open it now, then I'll do it myself.” She taunted, which she clearly meant.
• In order to avoid her from going crazy, I swallowed nervously and agreed. I slowly opened the box, hoping to see something similar to what they got, but just as my eyes caught the sight of what was inside it, I swiftly shut it with a loud thud that echoed through the hallway.
• “What's wrong, Ariel? What's inside the box?” Jenny asked, seeing how I had shut it tight.
• “No… nothing.” I stuttered, trying to hide the truth.
• “Come on, we know you. You can't be that startled for no reason. Show us.” Sarah wanted to reach for it, but I turned on my heels and exited the company.
• She chased after me, but I didn't show it to her. We got into a vehicle that took us back to the Newstone Magazine. Throughout the drive back, I couldn't help but get lost in my thoughts.
• Alpha Ryan was definitely serious about what he said earlier. Inside the box weren't jewelry or a dress like Sarah and Jenny's boxes. Instead, mine was filled with a tablet key and an envelope which clearly stated “Your new home address.”
• I swallowed nervously at the thought of that. He clearly wanted me to move in. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even realize when we arrived at the company.
• Sarah pulled me out of my trance. I followed suit as we got into the company. But the second we did, the Chief Executive rushed towards us in excitement. He jumped as he embraced us all, which was weird and drew the attention of everyone.
• “Guess what?” he began, but we all exchanged confused glances. “The HR team from Ryham Group just called to inform us that we can publish Alpha Ryan's pictures online. Can you imagine that?”
• “What? That's huge! Imagine the attention we'd get for doing such.” Jenny was so excited herself. “I'll begin editing right away,” she said before walking towards her desk.
• I was so stressed out, so I had to go take a seat. My box was placed on my desk as I stared at it. Just as Jenny had begun editing his pictures, I couldn't help but hear audible admiration from behind me.
• Turning around, I found almost all the females in the company swooning over Ryan's pictures.
• “He's so cute.”
• “I know, right? Who wouldn't die for him? I wish he'd reject his mate right now and come mark me instead.” Another said.
• At that moment, one of the ladies noticed his chair. “Isn't that a wheelchair?”
• Others began to whisper amongst themselves, but Sarah, who didn't care, spoke up, “And so what if he's in a wheelchair? I mean, he's still handsome and rich. Plus, you'll be Luna if you are marked by him.” She emitted, making them continue their admiration.
• I shook my head as I turned around to grab a bottle of water.
• I was going to drink from it when one of the men, who had been jealous seeing how the ladies praised Ryan, blurted out:
• “Get a hold of yourselves, ladies… besides, who wants a wheelchair Alpha who can't even perform well in bed?”
• At the sound of his statement, I suddenly choked on the water I was drinking, drawing attention towards myself. Sarah rushed towards me, caressing my back.
• “What's wrong with you, Ariel? Are you fine?” one of the staff asked, but before I could respond, Sarah had already done so.
• “I think she's still under Ryan's effect. You should have seen our holy Ariel back there. She couldn't keep her eyes off the Alpha.” Sarah explained, making everyone giggle.
• Embarrassed by her statement, I swiftly stood up from the chair, grabbed my things, including the box given to me by Ryan, and left the company.
• Work hours were over, so I didn't mind. I booked a cab that took me right to the hospital where I visited my sick mother. Just as I got into her room and sat by her bedside, I held her hand.
• “Look, Mother… you'll be fine soon.” I sobbed softly as she slept. “I've gotten you the funds you need to be fine and well again.”
• I thought she was sleeping, but at that moment, she spoke up, “Tell me, Ariel… who is the man that marked you?”