Chasing His Scentless Mate-Chapter 357 My Handsome Investigator

Nina’s POV

I absolutely loved my new job. Working with Alpha Joseph had been great, but working in Alpha Draven’s office was on an entirely different level. I carried more responsibility here, and it was far more challenging. At Alpha Joseph’s company, I worked in sales, which was fine, but I’d grown tired of it. Taking this position was perfect because I wasn’t just a secretary—I had actual responsibilities.

"Nina, I appreciate your focus. You’re learning so quickly!" Kyle said, handing me some documents. "You already know how to handle these."

"Thank you, Kyle. I’m happy to be here!" And I truly was until the elevator doors opened.

Investigator Magnus and Investigator Moreno stepped out. I hadn’t seen Jace since he left my apartment Saturday night. Now, he was walking toward me with that smile that made my legs weak. Thank goodness I was sitting down. He was a handsome man, over six feet tall, muscular, with that rebellious face that made me crave adventure and want to explore forbidden territories. This man completely disoriented me.

"You’re staring again," Cleo, my wolf, teased inside my head.

"Can you blame me? Look at him!" I responded, feeling my cheeks flush.

"Good afternoon, investigators," Kyle quickly greeted them, engaging Investigator Magnus in conversation.

"Good afternoon, Nina!" The handsome giant approached my desk.

"Good afternoon, Investigator Moreno," I answered formally, trying to maintain professionalism.

"Oh, Nina, call me Jace!" His bright smile made me want to kiss him. I felt my cheeks burning.

"How are you, little one?"

"I... I’m fine. And you?" I stammered, feeling his hand brush against mine.

"I’m good. Just moved into the apartment I bought. Have dinner with me tonight and check out my new place?" he asked with those bright brown eyes.

"No—not tonight." Damn it! I got so nervous around him that I could barely control my words, sometimes unable to speak at all.

"I’m going out with my friends."

"Ah, yes, the Girl Scout troop Alpha Draven mentioned," he said, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. "But aren’t those club activities on Tuesdays? Today’s Monday."

"Yes, we changed it this week," I answered, trying not to sound breathless.

"Then have dinner with me tomorrow. Do you have time tomorrow?"

"Yes. Since I missed today, I can’t miss tomorrow." I tried to avoid his gaze, but he gently grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.

"That’s fine. I’ll pick you up, and we’ll have dinner at my place." He didn’t even give me a chance to refuse. He’d decided, and that was that.

"Miss, may we speak with Alpha Draven?" Investigator Magnus approached formally. I announced their arrival, and they quickly entered Alpha Draven’s office, allowing me to finally breathe.

"Jace really throws you off-balance, doesn’t he, Nina?!" Kyle said with a laugh before walking away.

After they left Alpha Draven’s office, Investigator Magnus said goodbye, while Jace approached my desk.

"I’ll pick you up tomorrow, beautiful little one!" He bent down to kiss my cheek before walking toward the elevator.

"Hey, Nina..." Kyle called teasingly from her office doorway, and I smiled awkwardly. She returned to her office while I continued working.

A few minutes later, I went to the break room for coffee. When I returned, I found a box on my desk. I thought it strange that someone had left something without my signature, but perhaps someone had accepted it for me. When I opened the box, I discovered it was addressed to Caroline.

After delivering the box to her, everything descended into chaos. The package contained a threat against Caroline, and suddenly everything was in turmoil. Before I could process what was happening, everyone started worrying about each other, and Jace had already decided I would stay at his place for a few days.

But there was no going back; these people had made their decision, and the situation seemed serious. I followed the security guards Alpha Draven sent to help me pack a small suitcase with everything I’d need for a few days at Jace’s, then went to meet the girls.

I listened to their advice and decided, as we say back home, to face everything bravely. I would be honest with Jace, and if he couldn’t accept me, I’d tell him to get lost and go knock on Eleanor’s door.

At eleven that night, they came to pick us up. Jace approached with a radiant smile. He wore black jeans and a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top three buttons undone, looking incredibly handsome. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

"His scent is intoxicating," Cleo purred inside me. "Like cedar wood and something wild... mountain air after a storm."

"Not helping, Cleo!" I mentally scolded her.

"Hi, beautiful!" He kissed my cheek. "Ready to go?" I nodded and waved goodbye to the girls.

At his apartment, he gave me a tour. The place was spacious, well-ventilated, and immaculately clean. There were three bedrooms, but he’d put all my things in his room, clearly intending for us to sleep together.

"Little one, I left some space in the closet for you," he said, holding my hand as he showed me.

"There are three bedrooms," I pointed out, as if that explained everything.

"So what?" he asked, confused. I returned to the bedroom with him following, sitting on the bed.

"So, I don’t need to stay in your room. I don’t want to be a burden," I said awkwardly.

"Seriously, Nina? Do I need to spell it out that I want to sleep with you? Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it?" He stated the obvious.

I took a deep breath and, without much thought, jumped onto his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck and looking directly into his eyes. He wrapped his arms around my waist, wearing a smug smile.

"Look, big guy, I’m still a virgin. I never kissed anyone before you, so yes, I have zero experience, but I still want to kiss you again," I said all at once, watching his smile fade as I finished.

"I knew it!"

I tried to get off his lap, but he held me tight. I started struggling as shameful tears burned my flushed cheeks. But he firmly gripped me, tossing me onto the bed and positioning himself above me, immobilizing me while carefully keeping his weight off me.

"Am I really the first to kiss those beautiful lips, little one?" he asked, and I nodded.