Chapter 18
LIAM
-What do you mean she’s gone? -I ask the waiter after waiting so long for Shane to come out of the bathroom. He approaches me with the information.
-The young lady went into the kitchen area asking to exit through the back door, and the chef let her go.
-What the hell! -my wolf stirs, eager to take charge of the situation. I pound the table with both hands and stand up, not caring about the curious looks from the other diners enjoying their meals. I walk purposefully toward the kitchen, frantic to find the chef. When I finally locate him, I corner him against the wall, gripping him by the collar of his shirt.
-What’s going on, sir?
-That’s a good question. Why did you let my girl leave?
-Sir, I didn’t know she was your girl. She just said Ana was here, and you asked her to exit through the back door.
-Did you not smell my scent on her? -I press harder on his neck. Rage consumes me; I want to strangle that son of a bitch for letting my girl go.
-No, with so many smells in here, I couldn’t catch yours. And since Ana is your wolf… -With that comment, he says what I had been trying to avoid. I punch him in the stomach, and a bitter, sinister laugh escapes my lips.
-Since when do you know more about my life than I do? The last time I checked, you’re just a simple beta in this pack. So I suggest you refrain from making assumptions about my private life from now on. -Silence reigns in the kitchen as everyone watches me. Most are wolves, and the few humans here are under confidentiality clauses that require them to keep our kind a secret.
-I’m sorry, Alpha. It won’t happen again. I only did what I thought was right at the moment.
-Next time, think twice before letting go of someone who belongs to me. -I release him without looking and turn to leave the kitchen, walking out with determination. My wolf is furious, wanting to burst out and search for Shane, but I know I can’t act impulsively. I need clarity to plan my next move.
I rush out of my restaurant and get into my car, driving like a madman desperately trying to find my mate and make sure she is okay. I head straight to where she might be: her apartment. When I arrive, I ring her doorbell desperately, but there is no answer. However, it isn’t long before a couple of giggling girls walk by me, opening the main door without caring that a stranger is on the stairs of their residence. These girls are careless. I seize the opportunity and reach out to prevent the door from closing. Even though I don’t know which apartment belongs to my moon, it’s easy to follow her scent intertwined with mine. I go up to the second floor and finally find her apartment door. I knock desperately; I don’t care that it’s almost midnight; I need to see her and ensure she is okay.
After a few seconds, the door opens, revealing a blonde man dressed only in shorts. He must be Marc, Shane’s best friend. He frowns, letting me see that he was sleeping and that I’ve woken him.
-Yes? -he asks, his voice hoarse and sleepy.
-I need to see Shane.
-Oh, Liam. The idiot who wants to win her over, and still she came home sad. -What? I raise an eyebrow; something tells me there’s been a big misunderstanding.
-That doesn’t matter. I need to see her as soon as possible, and I’m not here to waste my time with you. -I push him forcefully, surprising him. Otherwise, I know he would have resisted.
As I step into the apartment, the distinctive scent of my girl fills my nostrils, a relief to my heart. But I also sense a different smell, a blend of sadness permeating the air, accompanied by anger.
I turn down the hallway and head straight for the door that emanates her fragrance. Upon opening it, I find her curled up on her bed, a little lamp lit on her nightstand. I approach irresistibly; she looks so cute and cozy that I’d give anything to wrap her in my arms.
-Why did you have to run away from me, Shane? -I silently wonder-. What do I have to do to give you a chance? -The lamp’s light softly bathes her face, revealing the dry tears on her cheeks. Had she been crying?
-Don’t touch her or I’ll call the police -Marc growls beside me.
I turn my head over my shoulder, irritated.
-I just want to know she’s okay, and then I’ll leave.
-In any case, I’m staying. 5 minutes and you’re out.
I lean toward Shane and smell the sweet chocolate scent she emits, feeding my wolf and me. That aroma is more intense than any I’ve ever perceived, followed by the freshness of wet earth and pine emanating from her abdomen. My wolf howls inside, eager to break free and find out what’s happening. The revelation leaves me frozen for a moment, then I pull away from her as if burned, incredulous at what I’ve just experienced. I’ve found my moon. We’ve bonded, and I still haven’t told her what I am. The situation is about to get complicated.
I turn on my heel, exiting her room and passing by Marc.
-I have to go -I tell him, and he follows me to the front door. As I step outside, I stop and turn to look at him.
-Please don’t tell her I was here. I just wanted to make sure she got home okay.
-Can I ask what happened? -he says, crossing his arms over his chest, showcasing his muscles. His stance makes it clear he’s ready to defend her, which I appreciate.
-It was just a misunderstanding that I intend to resolve.
-What do you want with my girl?
-Your girl? -I growl-. She’s mine. Believe me when I say I don’t want to play games with her. On the contrary, I want something very serious.
-Alright, I get it. You’re a crazy son of a bitch.
-I’m a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t play games.
-Perfect. I like that. Should I ask if there’s another woman involved, besides her?
-My mother and my sister are the only women in my life. And you don’t have to worry about her safety with me. I would do anything before I hurt her.
-And yet, she came home sad.
-I… -I don’t know how to respond to that accusation, so I simply turn around and leave. I need to go to my parents’ house and talk to the former alpha of our pack, the wisest man I know: my father.