“It’s already done,” Derek replied. As he moved back, his eyes locked with mine. The gray had darkened, golden flecks now prominent his wolf stirring just beneath the surface. His pupils were dilated, nostrils slightly flared as he inhaled my
scent.
–
This man is definitely doing this on purpose. I pressed my thighs together, trying to ease the throbbing ache that had intensified between them. Each breath I took filled my lungs with his scent, making it nearly impossible to think clearly. The Soul Bond between us hummed with energy, making my skin hypersensitive to his proximity.
For the remainder of the journey, Derek remained silent, seemingly focused on the scenery outside. But each time the car turned, our bodies would shift, bringing us momentarily closer.
Each accidental brush of his arm against mine sent electricity racing through my veins. I could feel his gaze traveling over me – starting at my face, then down to the pulse point at my neck, across my collarbone, and lower to where my dress hugged my breasts. My nipples hardened under his inspection, and I crossed my arms over my chest, hoping he wouldn’t notice my body’s betrayal.
When our car convoy finally stopped, we had arrived at Moonlight Club, an elegant building that seamlessly blended modern architecture with elements of the primeval forest, situated at the edge of the Silverpine Pack’s territory.
The entrance was already crowded with the elite of werewolf society. Female werewolves wore intricately designed backless gowns, while males were dressed in custom suits, their collective presence so powerful it seemed to dim the moonlight above.
I silently thanked myself for choosing a knee–length dress that was neither overly conservative nor inappropriate–at least I wouldn’t stand out for the wrong reasons in such company.
As soon as the luxury car came to a stop, an attendant rushed forward to open Derek’s door. I was about to exit on my own when I hesitated, momentarily overwhelmed by the mixture of powerful werewolf scents outside.
Derek strode purposefully into the core area of the club. The moment he appeared, the surrounding conversations instantly dropped in volume. In the meeting hall, business representatives from various packs and core members of the Darkwood Pack were already positioned in the large circular seating area.
From across the room, Thomas slightly raised his chin in greeting. I was about to respond when I was surprised to find my wrist already in Derek’s grip, his palm radiating undeniable warmth and strength.
A strange joy welled up inside me, and I had to bite my lower lip to hide the inappropriate smile threatening to form. As Derek led me through the club in this almost territorial display, the wolf inside me whimpered with satisfaction.
The club’s interior featured a predominantly silver–gray color scheme. Beyond the floor–to–ceiling windows lay a meticulously designed moonlight garden, far more exquisite and luxurious than any venue I had ever attended.
Since I had explicitly denied any special relationship with Derek in the office last week, Thomas had begun vis! finance department frequently, ostensibly to discuss company accounts but clearly testing the waters for a potential courtship. His mother and Elena were longtime friends, and an alliance between our families would benefit both.
The meeting had been underway for nearly forty minutes. I forced myself to focus on taking notes, but my peripheral
he
1/2
Chapter 173
vision still caught Derek’s movements. I noticed his hand gripping his pen more tightly, golden flashes occasionally appearing in his eyes–clear signs his mood was deteriorating.
After the meeting concluded, Thomas approached us, his manner friendly but cautious. “Erin, it’s quite late. The Blackwood residence is on my way home–let me give you a ride.”
Derek suddenly interjected, his voice containing an almost imperceptible growl: “That won’t be necessary. Blackwood came with me, and naturally, she’ll leave with me as well.”
Beads of sweat formed on Thomas’s forehead, but he maintained his smile, instinctively lowering his head slightly. “Alpha, I was merely considering your busy schedule. I didn’t want to trouble you with such a minor matter.”
“Are you questioning my decision, Thomas?” Derek asked, golden light flashing in his eyes.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, I quickly stepped between them. “Thomas, really, there’s no need to worry. The Alpha has some meeting points that need my attention, so I must go with him.” My voice was gentle but firm.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
SHARE
