CALIFF
“You look stunning, and you’re not wearing the gown and jewelry I bought for you.” And not only that. She was still mad at me and sleeping in the other room.
“You cleaned up pretty well, yourself, Alpha. And yes, Sebastien paid a lot to buy this gown.” It was the longest sentence she had ever said to me in the past three days.
And I missed my mate. I missed the sweet and funny and caring Shadow. I just couldn’t believe this was happening, and she was making it her mission to prove herself right and make me suffer in the end.
If there was one thing we had in common, we were both stubborn, strong-headed, and never yield.
As the limousine drove smoothly through the night road, Lyon and Zack gave us privacy.
“You’re making it personal when we should work in this case together, and hunters are still hunting while we are fighting for nonsense.”
“Sebastien is right after all.” She scoffed. A disgusting smile appeared on her red lips. She looked absolutely stunning tonight, though- taking my eyes off her was hard.
“What about him?” I missed her so much, but I forced myself not to think something dirty, even if by means ignoring the thoughts of what I could do to her after this party.
“You’re biased when it comes to family.”
My eyes narrowed, not hiding my distaste. “So you and your father suddenly became besties, huh? And you’re my family, Shadow. We’re mates and married.” I showed her my wedding band just to prove the obvious. “If, in case, it slips your mine.”
“That’s exactly what’s happening. You defending your brother because he’s your blood.”
“He’s not a murderer until proven guilty. Isn’t that what human law stated?”
“Well, the night was still young.”
“Yeah. And you can’t prove anything.” I joined her in the seat. My wolf was desperate for her touch, so I swallowed my pride, hoping I could smell and hold her, and maybe if I was lucky tonight, I could taste and lick those damn sinful lips.
“What are you doing?” She went full-on defensive mode, getting her face away from me, her eyes narrowing.
I put my hand on her thigh and squeezed a little. “I’m not gonna eat you. At least not now.” I lifted my free hand to run my finger through her silky, wavy hair and then traced her cheek with my thumb.
She didn’t move but studied me, and her spine was as stiff as stone.
“I miss you.”
“No, you didn’t. If you miss me, you should have come to my room and apologized by now.”
I was saved by the car when it stopped. We just arrived at Calder’s apartment parking lot. “You should apologize first.”
“Not happening. I’d rather-”
The door opened, interrupting her. I was glad Calder joined us, or her next words would ruin my mood the entire night.
“Wow. You look incredibly beautiful, Shadow.”
“And she’s mine.” I groaned. It mostly came from my stupid wolf, but I saw the admiration in his eyes that he never even planned to hide it.
“Of course, brother. She’s yours.” Calder smiled at me. “I just threw compliments to your wife. Easy there, wolf.”
“Forgive him. He’s grumpy tonight. And thank you for joining us, Calder. I’m really looking forward to tonight’s party.”
“My pleasure.” He took a seat across us.
“And you look dashing.”
“Thank you.” He stole a glance at me before his face broke into a smile. “You okay, Cal?”
“I’m fine.” I tightened my grip around Shadow’s thigh, hoping she gets to play a hopelessly in-love wife tonight.
“How about you? How’s teaching college boys and girls?”
“I love teaching, and I enjoy it even if my students are a pain in my ass.”
“I know just one person who has been a constant pain in my ass, Calder.” She chuckled, certainly playing her role.
I snapped my head at Shadow. “And who that might be?”
She met my gaze and tried to hide her smile, but it broke out. “I’m sure you know who I’m talking about?”
I took advantage of leaning close, dipping my nose into the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent that I missed before I kissed her on the cheek. My wolf purred in satisfaction.
She didn’t resist, though. She played a sweet wife tonight, and I would pay the price later.
“Okay, guys. I know what the mate bond could do to mates, but you have a single, mateless third wheel here.”
We broke apart, and Shadow fixed her beautiful white gown. I’d say Sebastien had a good taste. I also bought her a gown in the same color and accessories, but she chose to wear what she chose for herself. And it left a pang in my chest.
“Sorry. Have you decided to join a pack yet?”
He scratched his chin. “I don’t know, but to be honest, I stopped taking the wolfsbane essence after meeting Waylon. I could sense him there, but I was scared.”
“That’s why it’s best if you have a pack. Someone can guide you. It’s dangerous for you to be alone out there, considering a group of hunters are hunting us. If you’re in the pack, it makes you stronger and safer. It’s good for your wolf once you shift.”
“I’m old, and I don’t think it will come out. I think he’d been dormant forever.”
“You’re wrong. It triggers by-”
“Intense emotions and defense mechanism, feeling threatened. I know,” she said to Shadow.
“Have you been dreaming lately?” Shadow asked. Her question made me clear my throat.
“Why?” Calder stiffened.
“You could be already shifting without you knowing it. You could have shifted while sleeping. Have you woke up naked in the woods?”
With furrowed brows, he shook his head, shifting his gaze. “No.”
Now I realized Shadow might be right after all. And he had dark circles around her eyes. He also lost a few pounds since the last time we met.
“Does Wolfsbane essence have withdrawal effects? Did you ask the person who prescribed it to you?”
“What’s with the questions?” He shifted in his seat.
“I’m sorry.” Shadow raised her hands and laughed. “You’re right. We’re here to enjoy the night and hope you’ll meet your mate.”
“Oh, no.” He shook his head. “Not looking forward to it.”