The restaurant soon welcomed the second wave of masters, Mr. Barrett and Maggie. Thomas noticed with concern that there was a certain disharmony between Mr. Barrett and his wife, manifested in her intermittent distance and subtle avoidance.
At the dining table, Aldrich placed neatly sliced beef onto Maggie’s plate. However, Maggie didn’t react to it as sweetly as she usually did. She gazed at the neatly arranged beef as if she saw price tags on them.
A gift.
Yes, it was a gift from Aldrich.
“Maggie, is beef not to your liking?” Aldrich furrowed his brow.
“I’d rather have dessert.”
Thomas offered a suggestion from the side, “During the interview, we can also visit the cake room that Mr. Barrett prepared for his wife. It’s truly unique among the Wolf pack.”
Maggie instantly felt that dessert was also a gift. She shook her head. “Dessert can wait a little longer; I’ve finished my breakfast.”
Aldrich was quite surprised. “But you haven’t eaten much.”
“Don’t worry; the babies won’t feel hungry.”
Maggie walked out of the dining room. Aldrich instructed Thomas, “Please have the chef prepare some dessert and bring it to Maggie later.”
“Of course, I’ll do it promptly.”
Aldrich’s steps were large and quick, catching up with Maggie a few steps ahead. In the living room, Aldrich sat next to Maggie and personally poured her a glass of cold water. “Maggie, are you worried about the upcoming interview?”
As tendrils of mist from the carbonated drink wafted up, Maggie softly dispersed the mist. But the fog in her mind couldn’t dissipate so easily.
Aldrich held Maggie’s face, slowly approaching, nose-to-nose, their lips lightly touching, sparking an electrifying sensation that ran from their lips throughout their bodies.
Maggie whimpered and tried to move back but was seized by Aldrich, who changed from a gentle breeze to a raging storm, holding her by the back of her head, not allowing his sweet captive to escape.
Out of the corner of her eye, Maggie spotted Thomas entering the room with a tablet. It was evident he had something to say, hence his awkward waiting.
“Let go, Aldrich…”
Maggie extended her hand to push Aldrich away but only intensified his displeasure. He silenced Maggie with a kiss and pressed her against the back of the couch. Maggie sent a pleading look to Thomas.
Thomas was utterly paralyzed.
He couldn’t fathom that Aldrich, the one with impressive self-control and a composed demeanor, could have such an intense, impatient side. When Grace and Aldrich were destined mates, they had endured the torment guided by the Moon Goddess. The urge within them urged them to mate. But even in those circumstances, Aldrich had been composed and elegant, unlike now. Facing Maggie, he resembled an unbridled primal beast, eager to devour her.
Maggie’s desperate resistance continued, and Thomas stiffly began, “Mr. Barrett…”
Aldrich didn’t stop.
Thomas bravely approached, “Mr. Barrett, you need to review the interview process.”
The first half of the word “roll” was on Aldrich’s lips when reason made him retract his hand. He let go of Maggie, her lips reddened, clearly showing signs of intense passion, a sight that filled Aldrich with immense tenderness.
Using his broad back as a barrier, Aldrich used a handkerchief to help Maggie tidy up while soothing her with soft-spoken words, “Did I hurt you? I’ll be more gentle…”
Maggie’s tongue ached from his kisses. Annoyed, she pushed his hand away. He patiently reached for her again, “Let me check. I’ll be gentle…”
After regaining her composure, Maggie, in a less intimidating tone, stared at Aldrich, “What’s gotten into you!”
Aldrich remained silent, feeling very frustrated. He really wanted to ask Maggie, “What’s bothering you?” But his rationality and responsibility prompted him to suppress his frustration and discontent, choosing to be accommodating and patient.
Thomas interjected at an opportune moment, “Mr. Barrett, Mrs. Barrett, this is the arranged interview plan for your review.”
Thomas set up a projection on Maggie’s desktop, displaying the interview schedule for Aldrich and Maggie to examine.
He began to report, “The Elder who is visiting is the most senior and experienced one. He wants to show concern for our top Alpha with the most potential and also meet the Mrs., who’s expecting twins.”
“The Elder hopes for a somewhat informal and friendly visit, like old friends catching up. The plan is to first take the Elder on a tour of Barrett Manor, from the front yard to the back garden, with a particular focus on the interactive area that Mr. Barrett has created for the wolf cubs, the reading area, and the nursery.”
Feeling Maggie’s gaze, Thomas smiled as he explained, “The Elder is very concerned about the Mrs.’s and the twins’ well-being. Visiting these places will help him gain some insight.”
Thomas continued with his explanation, “During tea time, Mr. Barrett and the Mrs. will be interviewed about their knowledge of each other. Mrs. Barrett can answer according to the information provided here.”
Maggie looked at the electronic tablet and began reading softly, “Aldrich’s daily routine: up at 8 AM and to bed at 6 PM, favorite color-blue, favorite food-steak, loves reading, values fairness and politeness…”
All lies.
Aldrich’s favorite color was black, and his home attire and bed linens were all black. If Maggie hadn’t moved into the master bedroom and started living with him, there wouldn’t be any other colors on his sheets.
His favorite food wasn’t meat; he had a particular fondness for a South American berry, which he liked to crunch on. It was a charming little quirk. He didn’t enjoy reading; he considered it non-essential and only turned to it when necessary.
As for fairness and politeness, perhaps Aldrich was like that in front of the public, but not necessarily in Maggie’s heart.
She couldn’t continue reading and asked Aldrich, “This isn’t the real you.”
“Of course, this is the me presented to the public,” Aldrich replied.
“Shouldn’t interviews be real?” Maggie asked.
Aldrich laughed, “Half-real, half-fake, just like your public persona, Maggie. There are hidden truths behind all of this, but it doesn’t make what we’re doing wrong.”
Maggie said, dazed, “Yes, I’m fake, and so are you.”