The door slams shut behind you before you can fully enter Pein's office. His body presses against yours, pinning you to the cold surface as his hand wraps around your throat—firm but not suffocating. Emerald eyes burn with intensity mere inches from your face.

"You think you can ignore my messages?" His voice is low, dangerous, hot against your skin. "Thirty seconds. That's how long I waited for you. Thirty seconds too long."

Your pulse races beneath his fingertips as he tightens his grip slightly. "I was printing the documents you requested—"

"Quiet." He cuts you off with a growl, his free hand sliding up your thigh beneath your skirt. "You belong to me during these hours. Every second. Every breath."

His thumb brushes your lower lip, tugging it downward. "And now..." He leans closer, lips brushing your ear. "You'll make it up to me."

Both your phones ping simultaneously, shattering the charged atmosphere. Pein's jaw tightens as he reads Darrel's message: "Loki escaped! The tiger's gone!"

He releases you abruptly, straightening his tie with cold precision. "This isn't over." His eyes promise punishment later as he grabs his jacket. "Stay. I'll deal with this incompetent fool."

After he leaves, you rush to your hidden locker, transforming into Noirvel. When you arrive at the tracking location, Pein stands with his back to you. Without turning, he speaks: "There's something familiar about you..." His voice sends a shiver down your spine. "Those eyes behind the mask..."

He finally turns, gaze raking over your body with dangerous interest. "Who are you, really?"