#no beta

[redmantic]

Ravishing skin

With the coldness of salvation as we know it.

Have you ever thought, REALLY thought, past the scale as we know it?

Of course we can’t, truely,

our minds can’t really ever comprehend the scale of time that past that lead to our birth;

Or that life continues after death

And we justify it through rebirth.

Though I’ve always known,

The static in our limbs is the disease of death

And it spreads to our brain

Maybe you know it too,

I wish I could believe in something else

But I can’t ignore what I saw on the cusp of death.

[totallynotashieldagent]

The Disaster Dinner

True to his word, the very next day, bright and early in the morning, you had an email from Simon. A very detailed email, with time and date, and a request to wear formal black tie dress but with comfortable shoes and an RSVP that had options yes, of course and please say yes you promised! You laughed to yourself and tapped on yes.

Later that day, Simon has called again to ask for your address so that a car could be sent to pick you up.

You didn't think much of the fact that why Valko wasn't speaking directly to you. You simply assumed that he was very busy and this was his way of keeping things streamlined. However, that wasn't the case. Valko was in shambles. He was nervous and embarrassed how he always ended up becoming a bumbling fool infront of you. He was communicating through Simon because that was he couldn't embarrass himself and have you running away from him.

By the time Saturday evening came, he was in an even worse condition. He had to change his shirt three times because he was sweating so much. His emotions were so all over the place that his ears and tails kept popping out and he's have to walk and distract himself to be calm again.

But despite all of that, Valko still told his chauffeur to take the night off. He wanted to drive you to the date and have you sit next to him in the passenger seat.

He had it all planned out. He was going to pick you up, surprise you with flowers, take you to dinner and hopefully when everything goes well, then if you still have the energy, a little private tour of the museum that has an exhibit on the Macedonian period.

Whilst he was a mess of panicked nerves, you were perfectly fine. Your biggest worry had only been if your dress would be appropriate enough or not. Everyone was very aware of how exceptionally rich Valko was. You only hoped that his idea of a dinner wouldn't be too extravagant and a blatant show of wealth.

Oh how wrong you were being proven.

First, he showed up in a sports car. The doors opened up instead of out and the engine was so fucking loud.

Then the restaurant had been fully booked out. There weren't even prices on the menu and he hadn't even let you figure it out. He'd just told the waiter to bring one of everything.

In Valko's head he was being such a good boy. He was providing. He was giving you everything before you even had to ask!

"Would madam like a glass of red?" A waiter asked and before you could even answer, Valko spoke for you.

"Bring the bottle please." He said with the widest smile.

Yes, yes. This is going so well! She has everything. Every appetizer, every entre! I can't wait to bring out every dessert too! I'm doing so good! He was so extremely proud of himself.

Meanwhile, you were having an awful time. He hadn't even asked if you wanted rosé or wine or champagne. Or maybe a can of coke!! Nope. Just ordered for you.

When time for dessert came, again, the waiter brought the menu but Valko very happily stated and we won't be needing those, and once again, ordered a piece of everything available.

You didn't want every single dessert. You wanted one cake slice with two spoons and shyly offering the other the last bite. You'd hoped for a nice soft dinner and getting to know eachother. Now, you wondering if you read all the signs wrong. The constant looking at you, the subtle way he'd asked if you were single. Maybe this really was just a formal dinner? There was no other agenda or intention?

The conversation itself hadn't been dull or boring and it wasn't that he wasn't letting you speak or asking questions. He was doing it all. But that was the problem. He was doing it all. As if it was rehearsed and done a thousand times over. Like this was just another Tuesday, like he'd done this so many times that he had a routine down to the T.

When everything was winding down, there was no bill asked for. Valko simply handed his black card to the waiter and paid double what was owed. You appreciated the gesture but there was still something so ostentatious about it all.

Back in the car, you were just about done with the night.

"If you're not tired- I've gotten the museum to open their exhibit for us to look at and-" He started but you just gave him a smile.

"Actually, I'd like to go home." You said softly.

"Oh- Yes. I can do that." He nodded. The silence in the car suddenly became extremely awkward. When he reached your apartment building, he turned to you. "Did you have a good time?"

Part of you wanted to smile and say yes, but the other half, the extremely disappointed half, didn't want to lie.

"I don't think you want my answer." You laughed softly.

Valko's heart dropped to his ass. Uh oh. "Was- Did I-" He swallowed. "Explain?" He demanded with worry.

"I just- Tonight wasn't what I expected?" You said slowly. "I'm sorry- I think I just read our interactions wrong." You offered.

"No- Please- I really wanted tonight to go well!" He said quickly. "What didn't you like? I'll fix it. I'll do better next time and-"

"Next time?" You asked.

"Well- I- Of course." He nodded earnestly. "I want to do this again. If- If you're up for it?"

"It's just-" You sighed a little. "I understand you're a very rich person but tonight felt like you were showing off. This car? The restaurant being empty? Not even letting me see the menu or the wine selection- Just ordering one of everything?"

"I thought you'd like that you didn't have to decide." He looked down. "I wanted to show that I can give you anything you'd like. That you don't have to think twice about anything if you're with me." He said it so honestly and sincerely that your bad mood started to almost evaporate. "Could- Could I get a do-over?"

"I just don't think we're on the same page." You tried to let him down gently.

"But I- I researched." He whispered, his eyes almost glistening. You were his mate and he'd fucked it all up in one night.

"Researched?" You raised a brow.

He nodded. "Articles and videos and whatnot. Everyone said women like a provider and luxury and to be treated like a princess."

You sighed. "Okay- Yes- Women- Myself inculded- We do like a man who provides, and luxury and to be treated like a princess but everyone has a different definition of what that looks like."

"What would your definition look like?" He asked with a pout.

"I mean- A provider for me wouldn't mean what tonight was. For me, it would mean that I mention I have a leaky tap and he fixes it. Princess treatment would mean going to the other side of the town for a type of pastry I like when I'm in a bad mood. Luxury would mean whatever makes life comfortable for me." You explained. "And tonight-"

"Tonight, I was just an asshole who threw money around and showed off." He realized finally.

Valko leaned back into the seat and slid down a little with hunched shoulders. "I didn't mean to come off like that. I swear." He looked at you, "If you could just give me one more chance- I promise I'll be more authentic. I'll even- I'll even bring my other car-"

You rolled your eyes playfully, "Oh? And downgrade from this Ferrari?"

"Oh come on-" He smiled, "This is a Lambourgini. I'll bring the Maserati. For a more casual vibe."

You laughed and he felt like he was on the right track again. You opened the door and Valko ran out to help you out of the car.

"Please? Just one?" He asked softly.

"I... Okay." You yielded. "It'll be a make or break."

"I promise, it'll be something you never forget." He smiled wide, "In a good way!" He added quickly.

You giggled a little and nodded. "Let's see-" You teased him.

Valko was about to ask if he could walk you up when someone yelled from the third floor's balcony.

"Hey!! You coming up, Pips or what?" Caleb yelled, then he whistled. "Nice car, man!"

Ugh. The roommate. His gaze narrowed but he still forced a polite smile and nodded a thank you. Inside, he hated him instantly.

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[totallynotashieldagent]

This is already so good- the way Valko is just so smitten but he has to keep to himself (for now) FJFJDJJD

I just see the more and more they work together over time, eventually there’s some sort of tension between them. Lingering gazes and silences, Valko’s learning more about his mate and her mannerisms- maybe how he knows her focused face, or how she clicks her pen whenever she’s anxious or knowing her coffee order’s a caramel iced latte with oat milk (just saying as an example) or even how she doodles little stars and moons in the margins of her notepad- little things like that he notices as time goes on.

I HOPE MY HUSBAND RETURNS FROM WAR- SOBBING CHOKING CRYING THROWING UP-

but also- this is a great prompt and thank you so much!!! he's adorable and i'm so sad :(( thank you so much for reading and sending me this ask <3333

Valko didn't need you here. His team was handling it- But still, he kept asking for you to come by. He'd even gone as far as to hire your company on a retainer, which he didn't need. He had his own cybersecurity department- That didn't matter. If he was a client, then you'd come around more often. If he was a client that was paying an absurd amount, you'd give him priority over others.

This proximity, this nearness, gave him front row seats to watching you simply exist around him. And he was learning so much. All your little quirks, all your little habits, all your preferences. He was becoming privy to it all and he couldn't be more happy.

Even that day in the lobby- He'd gone right up and called his mother. He couldn't contain himself. He had gushed about how it everything and more to finally see you, smell you- And how everything his mother had told him couldn't even begin to compare to what it felt like in real time.

In the last week and a half, he felt like he'd come to know your soul. You were headstrong, kind, and always made it known when someone else interrupted you. You filled the room with your warmth and energy. And every time you came, you had your own travel mug with a hot drink.

Sometimes, it would be coffee, sometimes tea, and sometimes, hot chocolate with cinnamon. He could never pin down what you preferred so, he started to keep it all in the break room. In case you wanted something. Anything.

God, he was ready to give you everything.

Even now- He was staring himself in his laptop's camera, making sure his hair was right, his glasses were clean, and his tie was proper. You were about to come for another meeting which could very easily have been an email.

Simon knocked and Valko slammed his laptop shut. He winced, hearing a crack- He'd deal with that later.

"Sir, your 2 o'clocks are all here." Simon announced, and Valko waved at him to send everyone in.

She's here- Oh god- She's- He frowned a little, your scent was different than usual. New perfume? He waited for everyone to settle in the room then took another whiff. No. Not a new perfume. A lingering scent of someone's cologne. Earthy, oaky, manly.

Manly?!? His wolf panicked and he circled the room, trying to be nonchalant as his employees rattled off on how the project was almost complete and the suspended app would go back online soon. He wasn't listening. He was sniffing the air like the pathetic dog that he was.

"And that concludes it." Someone said and the laptops started to close. "We should up and running by Sunday midnight."

You nodded and thanked everyone for letting you be part of the team and how excited you were to see what the company did next.

Valko was in a frenzy. He had missed out everything because he was too busy sniffing you and trying to figure out what man were you smelling like and why.

"Good- Good- Send me all reports before 6 tonight." Valko smiled, trying to seem as if he'd been part of the meeting.

You waited for everyone to leave then turned to him. "I suppose this ends out contract?"

No!!!! He felt claws in his throat.

"What? No, no. You're on retainer." He offered politely, making you laugh. Yes! I did that!

"It seems like daylight robbery." You shook your head, "I can't take your money whilst doing nothing at all for it."

Valko smiled. You were just so considerate. How did he possibly get so lucky? He had no clue.

"I should-" You slipped your laptop in your bag and pointed to the door.

"How- How about dinner? As a thank you." He hoped you'd agree. "A neat bow to end our contract." And begin a new one. A private one. "Unless, your partner wouldn't like that?" Yes. That's a nonsuspicious way of asking. He felt every proud of himself.

"My partner?" You laughed a little, "No. I'm- I'm single. And even if I wasn't, I wouldn't go around asking for permission from my boyfriend."

HURRAY!!!! His heart thumped against his ribs.

"Oh-" He said smoothly, "My apologies. I thought I smelled men's cologne on you."

"My- You have a nose on you." You smiled, "No, I was just in a rush and used my roommate's perfume instead of mine."

Valko nodded, his shoulders relaxing a little, but still somewhat tense. Did that mean you had a male roommate? And you shared things with him? Were you two close? Had he seen you in your underwear? Did you two have sleepovers? Did you have a will they won't they situationship with him?

He was flooded with questions and had no answers. Just say yes to dinner and I'll figure this out.

"So... Dinner?" He smiled.

"I- I don't know-" You hesitated a little. "I'm not sure it would be appropriate-"

"It wouldn't." He answered, "But since you'd like the contract to end, it should be fine, yes?"

"I- Yes." You smiled and he felt like jumping with joy.

"Great." He nodded, his smile bright and wide. "I'll have Simon send you all the details." He offered his hand, "Again, you have no idea how much you changed everything when you walked into my lobby that day."

"It's really nothing." You said softly, shaking his hand.

"No. I really mean it." He said again, "You changed everything."

.

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[totallynotashieldagent]

Love Me Half Love Me Whole

Valko Finally Bonds With You

"It's not that I don't want to mate with you," Valko sulked. "It's that you're human and the bond hurts humans a lot more."

"I'm sure I can handle it." You frowned, "How bad could it-"

"Dad said that it felt like being burned." He said softly. "It goes away after a few minutes, but those few minutes are excruciating."

You both were laying in bed, he held you tightly against his chest. You could feel every deep breath he took against yourself. His face buried where your neck met your shoulder.

"Maybe I ... I could take the pain. I mean- Women generally have better tolerance and- and you know, periods, high heels, bras- We spend our entire lives being achy and uncomfortable." You tried to reason, turning to face him in his arms. "Maybe this-"

"I couldn't ever forgive myself if I hurt you," He cupped your face, thumbs running in gentle circles on your skin.

"Please." You whispered, holding his wrists. "I want this. I want you."

"You have me- You do. There's never been another- There could never be. You're my heart- My soul-" He leaned his forehead against yours.

"Just not your bonded." You asked.

You knew this was where it hurt him. His fingers tightened just a fraction around your face before loosening again.

"Valko-" You nudged his nose with yours, making him meet your eyes. "I can handle it. I promise. I want it. You." You told him again. "Don't you want to feel me? In the back of your mind? Don't you want us to be tethered forever?"

"Don't be like that-" His mouth quivered, "Of course, I do. But I- I can't. I can't be the reason you cry." He hid his face against your chest, curling up into you. You could feel the dampness of his tears against your skin. "I can't be the reason you hurt."

You rubbed his back gently, shushing him. He whined, his ears popping up and flattening. He was losing control of his emotions- They were overwhelming him. Hence, the ears and tail.

"Please- Please don't ask me to hurt you." He openly wept at this point, arms wrapped around your waist.

You let it go for now. You knew pushing him right now wouldn't help anyone.

This was a conversation that came around every moon. You'd been together for a while now and even though Valko knew that you were his mate, the moment he met you- He still refused to bond with you. You understood the toll it took on him but you felt frustrated as well. You had a ring on your finger but no bite on your neck.

It felt half-assed.

It felt as if he could just leave whenever he wanted. You knew he wouldn't but if something were to happen to him- You stopped before you spiralled to much.

Then there was the issue of his scent still being that of an unbonded wolf. You weren't the jealous type- Okay, scratch that- You were the jealous type and you wanted him to smell like you. Like he belonged to you.

Valko wasn't an idiot. He could sense you pulling away from him. He knew he was to blame but somehow this hurt more. You telling him that you were busy- You taking rain cheques for date nights- You coming to bed so late that he would already be asleep- You turning over, sleeping with your back to him and pushing him off when he tried to cuddle.

It took three and a half weeks until he was at his breaking point. The full moon was coming, his emotions were running high and he just wanted his mate with him.

"Please, come to bed." He asked, standing at the door of the study.

"I'll come in a while." You didn't look up from the book.

"It's lonely without you." He shifted his weight from foot to foot. "I miss you." You kept staring at the page, not reading a single word. He knew it. He saw that your eyes weren't moving. "Why are you punishing me for protecting you?"

Thats made you laugh but not in a fun, amusing way.

You snapped the book shut and he flinched. He could feel his wolf pawing for you, he could feel his body wanting to fall to his knees in forgiveness and promise to give you anything you ask for. But he couldn't. Because he knew what you'd ask for and he simply couldn't.

"Were you ever going to bond with me?" You asked pointedly and he looked like he'd been slapped.

"How could-" His voice faltered but you just shrugged.

"How can I not?" You finally look at him. Tired eyes, broken heart. "Every month, I ask. Every month, you tell me it'll hurt. It's been years. I'm tired. I want my husband."

"I'm here- Please- I'm right here-" He took quick steps towards you but you shook your head and took one step away, making him stop in his tracks.

"How long?" You asked, "How long until you actually do it or will we spend our entire lives unbonded?"

He took your name in a shaky breath. "Don't make me choose."

"You already have!" You cried out. "You chose to not bond! You chose to decide for the both of us!"

Valko stayed silent for a while. "Mama told me how badly dad screamed when she bonded him. I can't do that-"

"And then? What happened after that?" You asked.

"What?" He looked at you confused.

"What happened after the pain?" You asked slowly.

"They- They're happy. Been together 43 years. They still look at each other like they're newly bonded. They know each other's minds, souls, hearts in a way that no one can else can. Could." Valko looked down.

"You keep focusing on the pain." You reached for him, touching his cheek. He sighed in relief at your touch, his shoulders dropping. His hand wrapped around your wrist and kissed at your palm. "You need to focus on what comes after the pain."

"I can't- I can't be the reason you feel pain." He begged as always.

"What if something happens to me? You'd be fine to have never bonded with me? Your wolf would never feel my loss. It will never grieve me. It will never know what he's lost." You spoke softly. "Are you truly okay with only loving me with half of yourself?"

Valko knew the answer and he hated himself for it.

Since the first time he'd met you, all his wolf has wanted is to sink it's teeth deep in your flesh and mark you as his. Have your scent mingle with her. Have you carry a permanent mark of him always. Be connected to you in a way that transcends logic. And since the first time he'd met you, he'd done his best to keep the wolf caged and in control so to not hurt you in any way.

"This moon." He whispered. "I promise."

And true to his word, when the full moon finally came, he didn't hide himself away. He laid you down on your marital bed and towered above you.

"You can stop me at any point, okay?" He whispered between gentle kisses.

His hands holding you like you were something sacred. All the years you'd been together, it never felt like this. So... electric. So delicate.

He could smell it all. The air was thick with your arousal, your heavy heartbeat, your desperate and gasping breaths-

"Talk me through it- Please-" You whined softly and his wolf purred with satisfaction.

"Anything you want-" He hummed, kissing and nipping at your skin, slowly, torturously pushing into you.

The stretch was always so perfect. It made you feel full in a way you couldn't explain. Pleasure would start to build instantly-

"I'm going to love you first." He said against your neck, licking at your jugular. "Just like this-"

He rolled his hips so slowly, that you felt every inch, every vein, and even the mushroomy tip as he went in and out of your pussy. You moaned, eyes fluttering shut, nails digging into his biceps. The small pinch made him chuckle.

"Come on, sweetheart- You can be meaner-" He egged you on.

You knew he was trying to even out the hurt. Make you leave angry red marks on him so the guilt of giving you the mate bite was lessen on him but no matter how hard you could drag your nails against his skin- It would be useless against his healing.

"I want it- Please-" You whimpered and he nodded.

The moonlight filtered through the blinds and he felt the shift within himself. He was more beastly and all the beast wanted was to become yours. He fucked into you so carefully, as he always did. You were deliirus in pleasure by the time he asked if you were ready.

That snapped you out of the haze almost instantly. You begged him with pleases and yeses. That you wanted it, wanted him. Wanted his knot, wanted his bite- Wanted everything he had to offer and more-

He licked thick stripes at your neck, mumbling how much loved you, how sorry he was- All the while rolling his hips like it was an Olympic sport.

"Please, Valko-" You whined and finally, his fangs sunk into your skin.

The pain was immediate and searing. You gasped and his hands moved from your hips to fully wrap around your waist. You were squished underneath him as he bit harder and deeper. His knot swelled in tandem and stretching you to the brim. The sound that escaped you could've broken Valko's heart if he wasn't completely overtaken by the wolf.

He tasted the metallic blood and stilled inside you, filling you with cum and knotting you. Your nails dug into his shoulder, blood pooling at your fingertips and then suddenly, there was clarity.

You gasped, your eyes shooting open as your entire body ached with pleasure you'd never felt before. Valko licked the blood from your neck and whined as he nosed against it, feeling the scents change in real time.

Ever so slowly, Valko pulled back a little. Your lips were parted, tears streaking your face, but your eyes were so dilated.

"Are you okay?" He asked, caressing your cheek, wiping away the tears. You nodded and he sighed softly. Leaning down to kiss you everywhere he could. Showering you with praises.

Did so well for me. My pretty girl. You were so brave. You took me so well. You let my wolf be yours. I love you- I love you- I love you-

By the time his knot went down and he helped you clean up, the air was so different. You could feel him under your skin. He could feel you in the back of his mind. And as you laid in bed, staring at each other, you at his pretty face, him at the mark he'd left on your neck, his fingertips gently tracing it.

"Does it hurt?" He whispered and you smiled, shaking your head.

"No. Not at all." You assured him.

"I'm sorry for taking so long." He leaned forward and kissed the mark again. "I promise to make it up to you for the rest of my life."

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LADS Drabble Masterlist

Author's note: infold has me feeling like a widow fr fr. i barely had him and i've already lost him. i feel like we met two nights before he was meant to be deployed for war and then died as soon as he landed on the battlefield. i was so ready for him. i promise to keep him alive on my blog.

[totallynotashieldagent]

so idk about making it a whole proper fic but i'll do drabbles and little one shots about this specific storyline- Valko and his mate. So- you can ask for specific events with these two as well if you want! <33 love you!

The First Meeting

This was going horribly. You were talking, Valko was nodding, pretending to listen but he was not catching a single word.

You were here. In his office. But so were a handful of other people in this stupid room because this was a meeting and they had an agenda to fix the authentication layer of the new health care app.

He hated how there were so many scents overlapping your smell. He was pretty sure his employees noticed his very grumpy face. But much to his relief, they assumed that he was angry about this mishap. Not the fact that they were all crowded around his mate and talking to her and being in her vicinity- All the things that even he had barely gotten the privilege of!

"Alright." He spoke suddenly, and the room quieted down. "I think we've covered plenty of ground for now. Why don't we follow up the rest on Slack?" He asked. "Someone will add you to the company channel." He said so sweetly to you.

"Uh- Sir- Slack is only for employees-" Someone asked with confusion.

It took everything Valko had in him to not snarl at his employee and throw him out for even implying that you weren't to get access to everything and anything-

Don't these idiots realize they're speaking about my future wife? He glared at them, his back tingling as his tail wanted to be let loose.

"Consider this special circumstances." Since she'll own half of this company soon enough. He said through gritted teeth.

Everyone nodded and started to shuffle out when he asked for you to stay back.

Once the room was empty, and the last person left, leaving just you and him, he took a deep breath. Finally, just your scent. He sighed, then looked at you with a smile.

"I had a proposition for you." He was doing his best to be smooth. "How would you feel about me buying your company? You could be head of cyber security here?" Oh- And I'd get to see you everyday. Work with you all the time.

You stared at him with raised brows. "Excuse me?"

Uh oh- That's not the reaction I wanted. He almost pouted.

"I- Uh-" You gathered your thoughts to articulate yourself as kindly as you possibly could. "I think we've misunderstood one another." You looked at him.

His wolf cowered inside him. No- No- No- Mate is angry. Why is mate angry? Fix it!! Fix! Fix!

"I came to you as a favour to help you secure your app better. I'm not interested in selling or being absorbed into another company." You said firmly and Valko's wolf whined pathetically in his head.

"I'm- I'm sorry- I-" He stammered, a lump already forming in his throat.

You stared at him in confusion. Was this man about to cry because you said no to selling?

"I just- I wanted to-" He tried but what was he supposed to say? That he wanted to make sure you'd never want for anything. He cleared his throat and forced himself to calm down. "I apologize for assuming. Can I make it up to you?" He asked. "Perhaps, a dinner?" Yes- Yes. That was good. Very smooth.

You exhaled a soft laugh, zipping up your bag. "I don't think that would be appropriate. Considering we're working together at the moment."

Valko wanted to sob. "Maybe after we're done with this?"

"Maybe?" You said shyly.

Success!! His wolf jumped around. Valko smiled at you. "Maybe is good. I like maybe."

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[totallynotashieldagent]

Love And Deepspace Drabble Masterlist

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Random

Caleb - The reunion - Is it really you my love?

Caleb meets his daughter.

Misbehaving Caleb and apologies

Caleb and Valko share Reader

Valko finally bonds with Reader

Reader loses Valko

Valko And His Mate

Valko meets his mate

The first formal meeting

Valko asks Reader to dinner

The disaster dinner

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Drabble Masterlist

[totallynotashieldagent]

Valko's Mate

Valko had grown up being told that when he'd meet his mate, he'd know. He would stay up so many nights, asking his mom to tell the story of how she met his dad, how she knew that his dad was the one. No matter how many times he'd hear the story, he'd never get tired.

Maybe that was why he believed in love stories. Because how could he not? His parents' was the love story for the ages.

However, seeing how old he was now, he was starting to lose hope.

He had travelled the world, met countless people, and never once had he ever met someone that made him pause. That stole his breath, that made his wolf go wild, that pulled him as if they were meant for him.

Sure, there had been relationships, good fucks- some were genuinely nice women. One relationship had even lasted two years because it was so comfortable. But that was all it was. Comfortable. No one ever captured his heart. No one ever made his soul burn. No one ever made his wolf yearn for them.

Not the way his mother had always told that she did for his father.

So he told himself that love could wait. It would have to wait. He just focused more and more on the company. On his career. On everything other than what he wanted to seek out.

Even now, he was sitting at his desk, overseeing some papers when his assistant knocked.

"Sir?" He popped his head in the office. "We have a bit of a situation downstairs."

"What now, Simon?" Valko sighed and looked up.

"Uh.. there's a woman downstairs. In the lobby. Won't leave until she sees you." Simon explained.

"So? Call security or whatever-" Valko waved him away.

"That's the problem part." Simon swallowed. "She's not doing anything. She's just sitting there. Says that she needs 5 minutes only. Says that she'll wait."

"Wait?" Valko's brows furrowed and Simon nodded. He inhaled deeply and paused. "I'll handle it." Valko said slowly and then took another deep breath.

There were the usual smells. Office cedar, air fresheners, stale coffee, and something new. Different. Sweeter.

Valko closed his laptop and took out his nasal blockers. He usually wore them so his sense of smell wouldn't constantly be assaulting and distracting him. He took another deep breath and suddenly felt his wolf pawing at the back of his throat.

That was new. His wolf never did that. Had never done that.

He walked out of his office and the smell grew stronger. He followed it all the way down to the lobby and there you were. His heart stuttered, his wolf practically tried to claw out of his chest. He had to put his nasal blocker back in so to not lose control and show the whole building his tail.

"I heard you were looking for me." He said smoothly with a smile, offering his hand.

"Mr Ao! Hello!" You smiled brightly and his knees almost buckled. "I'm so sorry for showing up like this but I called and no appointments were available until next month and-"

He wasn't listening. He couldn't. You were shaking his hand and that's all that mattered. All this time he'd spent looking- Somehow you'd come to him. Just shown up out of thin air.

"But anyway- I found a backdoor vulnerability in your new healthcare app-" You pulled away from his hand and he almost reached out to grab you again. You didn't notice that. You were too busy opening your laptop to show him what you'd found. "I have a small cyber security start up." You explained. "And I thought that if I'd emailed you about this, it might look like a scam or something -"

You were still talking but all Valko was doing was looking at you. Your hair, your eyes, your smile, the way your mouth moved as you spoke, your hands as they glided over the keys on your laptop. Whereas his wolf was purring because he was just near you. A soft chant churning in his head. Mate. Mate. Mate. Mate.

"See?" You smiled, showing him your laptop screen. "That could lead to potential data leaks." Valko nodded. He had heard absolutely nothing you'd said. "Whoever built the authentication layer probably forgot to tie up the loose ends- It's nothing catastrophic. Yet." You turned to him and he was just... There. Without a single working braincell.

"Right... Can you show me the code again please?" He tried to piece together what you'd said.

You nodded and put your laptop on the receptionist's desk. Valko moved closer to look at your laptop over your shoulder and definitely not to smell you.

The nasal blocker was there but this close, he could still smell you. Like pine after rain. Like a warm beach day. Like midnight after a thick snow. Everything was so crisp and you were showing him a code that looked like hieroglyphics at the moment.

"Mr Ao?" You asked, unsure if he was even listening.

"I'm sorry." He gave an easy smile to cover up the torment inside him. "I'm a little distracted. Work and all-" He lied. Oh god I just lied to my mate what would mother say? He cleared his throat. "If you could give me your number, perhaps we can arrange a proper sit down and discuss this?" And then afterwards I'll throw you over my shoulder and we'll disappear for at least a month.

You smiled again and his wolf preened. You were smiling at him. For him.

"Of course." You handed him your business card.

"I'll take very good care of this." And you. Oh god I'll take such good care of you. He slipped the business card into his pocket.

You nodded, "Well.. um- I should go- I'm sorry for causing a scene and-"

Cause as many scenes as you want. Anything you want. His brain was burning up. This was everything and more than what his mother had told him would feel like.

"Thank you." He breathed out as you put your laptop on your bag. "For finding this." And me. Thank you for finding me. "We would have landed in a lot of trouble and lawsuits if you hadn't."

"It's really no problem. You're doing good work. I didn't want it to stop just because someone made a mistake." You assured him. "Thank you again for your time, Mr Ao."

"Valko. Please, call me Valko." He said softly. You'll be saying it for the rest of life, soon enough.

"Valko." You repeated and his wolf purred in his chest.

He shook your hand again, his other hand coming to cover yours completely. "I hope to see you again soon." And then never let you go.

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