Chapter 42 More Rewards Darius sat back down in his chair after Roselyn left , still shaking his head in quiet exasperation . A small , helpless chuckle escaped him as he looked at Elaine . " My sister sometimes ... no , most of the time she's overwhelming ," he admitted , rubbing the back of his neck . " But she means well . She's been pestering me to introduce her to you since she found out I brought you here . " Elaine's lips curved into a soft smile . " That's okay , Darius . Truly . I enjoyed her visit . I didn't realize how much I missed having another girl to talk to until she came in . She's ... lively , full of energy . It's refreshing . " " That she is , " Darius agreed with a faint smirk . His eyes softened at the way Elaine's face lit up just by recalling the encounter . For once , her expression wasn't shadowed by pain or worry - it was light , almost carefree . He let himself savor it for a moment before drawing in a steady breath . " Anyway , " he began , shifting in his seat , " I came here to talk to you . " Elaine tilted her head curiously . " About ? " " Dr. Grey informed me that you can be discharged as soon as tomorrow ," Darius said , watching her reaction carefully . " So I thought it was time we discussed your living arrangements from here on out . " Elaine's brows drew together , the weight of uncertainty settling on her shoulders . " Oh ... I'm not sure what I'm going to do , " she admitted , her voice quiet . " This is all new to me - living in a different pack , not really knowing anyone . What would I even do ? " She bit her lip before adding , " I don't want to be a burden to anyone . " Darius leaned forward , resting his forearms on his knees as he spoke firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt . " You won't be a burden , Elaine . My mother already told you that you're welcome to stay at the pack house , and honestly , that's what I want as well . You know me , you've met my beta , my parents , and now Roselyn . You're not alone here . And as for being a burden - tell me , has anyone in my family or in my pack ever made you feel like you were one ? " Elaine shook her head quickly , her eyes glistening with sincerity . " No. Everyone has been ... incredibly kind . I'm grateful for all of you ." " Then believe me when I say you're not a burden ," Darius said gently . Elaine hesitated , her gaze dropping to her hands . " But ... the pack house , it's meant for high - ranking members or those who work directly under the Alpha . I can't stay there , not really . Even if I wanted to . " Darius's lips curved into the faintest smile , one that hinted at something he had been planning . " About that , " he said , his voice low but steady , " I actually have a job offer for you . " Elaine's eyes widened . She blinked at him , certain she had misheard . " A ... job offer ? " 1/3 < Chapter 42 He nodded , straightening in his seat . " Yes . How would you feel about working as my assistant ?" More Howtands Elaine's mouth fell open slightly in shock . The last thing she had expected was for Darius to hand her such an important responsibility . " Why me ? " She asked finally , her voice hushed but firm . Deep down , she needed to know - was this truly about her abilities , or was it pity dressed as opportunity ? Darius's expression hardened just a little , though not unkindly . " Why you ? " He repeated . " Because when I returned , I found myself drowning in paperwork . I was gone for only a week , and already the documents waiting for me were stacked to the ceiling . Normally, if I had a Luna , she would handle much of that . But since I don't , my second option is to hire someone . And when I thought of who I wanted for the job , you came to mind immediately . " Elaine swallowed , searching his face . " But still ... why me ? Out of everyone you could choose ? " " Because ," he said firmly , meeting her gaze without wavering , " I saw how you worked back in Silverblade . I saw how capable , organized , and sharp you were , even under pressure and what you were going to . That's exactly what I need in my office . I don't offer things I don't mean , Elaine . I wouldn't risk the pack's affairs on someone who couldn't handle it . So will you help me ? " Her heart skipped . For a moment , she just stared at him , unsure whether to believe the sincerity in his voice . " Are you certain ? " she asked at last , her voice soft . " Because I could find work elsewhere . If you're only offering this because you feel sorry for me , then- " Darius's jaw tightened ever so slightly , and his eyes narrowed . " Elaine ," he said , his tone a mix of hurt and authority , " I am many things , but I do not offer out of pity . The fact that you even think I would ... " He shook his head , sighing . " I'll admit , I'm offended by that ." Her cheeks warmed with guilt . "I - I didn't mean to offend you , Darius , " she whispered quickly . His voice softened again , the edge fading as he saw her sincerity . " I know . I understand why you'd question it . But I need you to trust me on this . So what about my offer ? " For a long moment , silence stretched between them . Then , slowly , a smile tugged at Elaine's lips . Her chest felt lighter , the doubts easing as she looked at him . " Yes ," she said finally , her voice steady . " I accept your offer . " The tension in Darius's shoulders eased , and for a fleeting second , relief crossed his face . " Good , " he said simply , though his eyes lingered on her with something warmer than just professional satisfaction . 2/3 < Chapter 43 More Rewards >