Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Chloe POV

The messages from Cane are getting crazier and crazier as the day has gone. He must be drunk and thinking about how I am at his job, and he is home looking at the wall with nothing to do but drink. Jessie went into Axel's office about an hour ago. She made a point to glare into my office. I smiled and waved. I can play stupid very well. When I was at capital, it was common for me to eat lunch and sound absolutely surprised when someone was under investigation. All the time, I would be the one picking through their accounts while sharing a meal with the subject of my query. I can keep a secret.

While Jessie is in Axel's office, Cane texted me so many times that I had to turn off my phone. When he figured out I was going to answer him, he started calling my office and emailing me. This stalking behavior has to stop. I look up and see it is almost eleven. Almost time for lunch with Axel, and I cannot wait. It will take my mind off of Cane.

I see Jessie walk past my office, and she is furious. Axel stops by my office right after Jessie leaves. "Are you ready for lunch?" he asks.

I smile. "Yes," I say, almost bouncing out of my seat. I catch his sweet scent, and I feel something strange inside me. Has he awoken my wolf? I know nothing about being a wolf, and this is something I will have to talk to him about eventually.

I log off my computer and lock it so no one can get into my computer. I walk out of my office. Axel reaches into his pocket and pulls out a key. He locks the door to my office and then hands me the key. "Just in case Jessie and Andrea want to be nosey," Axel says.

We start walking toward the elevator. When we are almost there, the door opens to the elevator, and Cane gets off of the elevator. He is mad as hell and walking toward Axel. "We need to talk!" Cane screams at Axel.

Axel looks down at me. "Listen, Chloe, go across the street and see Bucky, tell him I sent you, okay," Axel says to me.

"Yes, sir, I will take care of it," I say.

As I walk past Cane, he grabs my arm. "Where are you going?" he asks me. He is drunk. I do not think I have ever seen him this drunk.

"I have some business for Mr. Arden, and then I am going to lunch," I say.

Cane slaps me across the face. "You lying bitch! I know you are trying to get Jessie in trouble. You are mad because I am happy, aren't you!" Cane screams at me.

I hold my face. "I did not know you and Jessie are an item. Whatever you and she are up to is none of my business," I snap at Cane. Axel jumps in between Cane and me. He looks at my face and sees red. He is angry.

"I am going to kill you!" Cane screams at me. He tries to get his hands on me, but Axel puts him on the ground.

"Go, Chloe," Axel says to me. I walk toward the elevator. I push the button and wait. I do not look back. I want to cry, but I refuse to get upset. I get onto the elevator, and when I look back, Axel and floor security is helping Cane to his feet. I wonder what exactly he is going to do to him.

I take the elevator to the ground floor. When I get off, there is security waiting for me. "Chloe, I am Rob. Mr. Arden asked me to escort you across the street," Rob says. Rob is a chubby, older security guard, but he has a gun, so I feel safe. Rob walks me across to meet with Bucky. Bucky is waiting at the door with two guards.

"Come in, Miss Chloe. I am going to show you an amazing apartment," Bucky says.

Bucky locks the door and leads the way to the apartment. One security guard comes with us, and the other stays at the door. "Do you always have a lot of security?" I ask.

"Yes, we have several high profile tenants. Your safety is my number one concern. I understand you need an apartment immediately, Miss Chloe. I believe this apartment would be perfect for you. It is right by the elevator, and you can take the skywalk to the building," Bucky says.

Bucky opens the door to apartment number 27. I step into it, and it takes my breath away. "This apartment is fully furnished. Mr. Arden said you needed something furnished. There is maid service twice a week. Our maids handle cleaning and laundry. We have secure internet and streaming services. So what do you think?" Bucky asks.

"I love it," I answer him. I do not even want to know what this costs. Bucky hands me the keys to the apartment.

"Mr. Arden said he would be handling all the paperwork for you. I will send someone to secure your things from your brother's house while you are at work— no need to worry about anything. You can stay here tonight. I can have someone help you unpack tomorrow night," Bucky says.

Axel took care of every last detail. "Thank you, Bucky. I appreciate your help," I say to him. Bucky extends his large hand to shake mine. I shake his hand. He pulls my hand up and kisses the top of it. I look into his eyes and see something; that is when I realize he is a wolf. I gasp. I do not mean to but so worried, but it takes me off guard. Bucky touches my shoulder.

"I know you feat us, but I hope in time you will learn we are not the enemy. The Shadow Creek Pack did not kill your parents. We welcome you as our future Luna, Chloe.

"I am coming around, I promise. It is a lot, and I look forward to learning more about the Shadow Creek Pack," I say.

Axel comes into the apartment as Bucky, and I are finishing up. The two of them speak for a moment, and then Bucky leaves. "So, you like this place?" Axel asks me.

"Yes, Bucky is sending someone to get my things for me," I say.

"Sit down, please," Axel says.

The two of us walk over to the sofa and sit down. "What is it?" I ask.

"Your brother needs help. I think he is on drugs again. I am positive that he and Jessie are stealing from me. I will help him get off drugs, but he will no longer be employed with the Arden Firm," Axel says.

"I understand. I appreciate you helping him," I say.

I lay my head on Axel. I want to close my eyes and just sleep. All of this has been too much. Between my ex, then my brother, I feel like I need to scream. "I will order us something to eat. You can rest," Axel says.

I do not move. I hear him ordering food but then fall into a deep sleep.