Chapter 5 Unlikely Encounters and Hidden Truths

Lucian's POV

Settling into my executive chair that perfectly matched my office decor, I drew a line through each resume with a fountain pen, enjoying the sight of my best friend's growing frustration.

"Are all the candidates female?" Lucian asked, his tone sharp.

"Do you always have to be so picky?" he retorted. "I see you're still holding on to your issues with women."

"I don't hate women, Lucian. But don't you think I should be careful with my selection?"

"I thought you'd moved past your last experience. Why are you so determined not to hire a woman as a secretary?"

Years of practice had given me an unshakable calmness, something my best friend Mark detested. I glanced at my son's picture in a small frame instead of engaging in the argument.

"Thanks, but I'll pass. I can't afford to make the same mistake again."

Mark groaned. "You can't judge all women based on one bad experience with your ex. Women make excellent secretaries."

"And some are gold diggers," I reminded him, sinking my feet into the plush rug. "Last I checked, I own this place."

"Whatever," he mumbled, pointing at a resume on top of the pile. "You might want to look at this one. I think she'll be a good fit."

I looked at the name scrawled across the top. "Aurora? Is it a coincidence that the same redhead you saved last weekend has the same name?"

Mark smiled. "You're smart, and yes, that's her. She's very intelligent."

I scoffed. "Mark, I don't mix business with pleasure. If you want to date her, do it outside the office."

"Ew," he scrunched his nose, and I laughed. "Don't ever say that to me."

"Why not? Are you allergic to women?" I said, glancing through the document. My laughter faded, and I glared at Mark. "She doesn't have a degree, you fool."

Mark's smile returned. "True, but look beyond academic qualifications. She passed my screening process and is quite intelligent. How many degree holders can speak good English?"

I rose and headed to the bookshelf lining my wall. "Mark, show yourself to the door."

"I'll send her in," he laughed and left while I wondered what had come over him. Perhaps he fancied the girl and wanted to be with her. If that was the case, maybe I needed to be lenient since Mark hadn't been in a relationship for years.

**Aurora's POV**

Mark motioned for me to follow him to the next office, and I hoped this would go well. He wished me luck and headed back to his office.

The next office was spacious, with a large window overlooking the city and a shiny, walnut desk. My heart pounded. My mate was here, and I was acting like a lovesick puppy. He looked even better than I remembered.

"Are you going to keep staring?" he asked, his voice deep and smooth.

"I'm sorry," I said, clearing my throat, trying to compose myself. The door burst open, and a handsome little boy rushed in, tears streaming down his face.

"Daddy. Daddy. I want my daddy," he sobbed, running into my mate's arms.

No way! Out of all the men in the world, the moon goddess paired me with a married human. What a sick joke. My throat tightened, unsure how to react.

Finding a mate in the human world was the last thing I expected, much less one with a son. My heart clenched with envy as I wondered about his wife. She must be a high-class socialite.

Shaking off the thoughts, I tried to focus. The Moon Goddess must love to torment lives with this mating bond. The boy, a spitting image of his dad, except for his dirty blonde hair, continued to cry.

"Dad, why don't I have a mommy? Did she leave because she doesn't love me?"

Holy... As much as I pitied the poor kid, my heart loosened with relief. There was no woman in the picture.

"Don't say that, Lucas," my mate comforted his son, pulling him close. "Your mommy loves you very much. She just can't be with us."

The boy spoke of his classmates' teasing, and his father wiped his tears, telling him crying was not for big boys. I noticed a photo of my mate and his son, but none of a woman.

"I can't go to school unless you get me a new mommy," the boy insisted.

An elderly woman in an expensive dress entered, apologizing for being late. "I'm sorry, sir. This arthritis makes my movement slower. I tried to stop Lucas from bothering you."

"It's fine. What happened?"

"The school called, concerned that Lucas was throwing tantrums and wanted to see you. So I picked him up."

"I see," he said. "Take him home and give him whatever he wants."

"No, I want to stay," the boy resisted, but his father shook his head firmly.

"Go home, son. I'll be back early. I promise."

"No arguing, young man," he cut off the boy while the nanny nudged him.

"Come on, Lucas. Daddy is busy. I promise you can play video games for two hours."

Reluctantly, the boy left with his nanny. Alone with my mate, the mating scent thickened the air. He blinked, realizing I was still there. The former coldness returned to his eyes.

"Sit."

I obeyed, adjusting myself in the chair, looking anywhere but at him. In the lycan pack, male Lycans begged for my attention, but now I was lusting after a human.

"You're a fool," I scolded my wolf. "He'll reject us if he knows I'm different. I'm here for the interview and nothing more."

"The interview could be your way into his life," she whined, but I ignored her.

"Tell me about yourself," Lucian said. I gave my rehearsed lie about being a high school dropout but shared my real work experience.

He didn't look satisfied. "You don't have a degree. And you expect me to hire you? Even our janitors have better qualifications."

"I have a lot of work experience. I've worked as a self-representative and a cashier..."

"Spare me the details."

His cold tone or the cool office gave me goosebumps. The man was a brat.

"Are you married?" he asked, detached.

"My marital status is in my resume."

"I'm not blind. But I need to hear it. Do you have a boyfriend? Aren't you the one Mark saved from your psycho ex?"

"He's not my boyfriend," I snapped, wondering why he was acting like an asshole. His mouth curved into a smirk.

"Watch your tone, young lady."

"I'm sorry."

He relaxed, staring at me with that coolness. If only he felt the mating bond. Silence settled until he spoke.

"Okay, let's keep this brief. You don't meet the requirements, and I can't hire you."