6

J A D E

We arrived at the dining room and she stopped. She told me to enter and she would wait outside for me.

I was nervous, but I needed to push it down. I inhaled and exhaled, calming myself and composing myself.

I didn’t need him to sense how scared and worried I was. I needed to be calm and collected.

I turned the knob and walked in.

The dining room was big. The walls were white and had two paintings hung on either side of the wall.

At the far end of the room, was a long wooden table.

He sat at the end of the table, a glass in his hand. He had his sleeves rolled up and his shirt was unbuttoned a little, revealing the tattoo on his chest and arm.

He didn't look like he was in a good mood, by the looks on his face.

I cleared my throat and he raised his gaze. A smile replaced his frown as he saw me. He stood up, his eyes roaming over my body, taking in the sight of me.

He was speechless, and it made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

I smiled, walking closer and he pulled out the chair beside him.

He placed a kiss on my cheek and the touch was electrifying.

He whispered a greeting in my ear and my entire body shivered. I didn’t know why the effect he had on me was so intense.

I could feel my skin heating up and goosebumps forming.

He chuckled, knowing what he was doing to me and took his seat.

He poured some red wine into the empty glass, in front of me and sat down.

"You look absolutely breathtaking. That dress was made for you." He commented and I couldn't stop the smile that made its way onto my face.

My earlier worries instantly washing away. This man that I had only met for one day has managed to get into my head and mess with my senses. Is this how mates feel?

"Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself." I complimented him and he smiled.

"Dinner would be served soon." He informed me and I nodded, taking a sip from my glass.

There was an awkward silence and I didn't know how to fill the silence.

"How was your day, my love?" He asked, breaking the silence.

I looked at him and shrugged. "I don't know. You tell me. I had no idea where I was and what was happening."

He frowned. "Are you not happy here, sweetheart?"

I could sense the sadness in his voice and I immediately shook my head. "No, no. Of course not. It's not that."

He was about to speak when the doors opened and Eliza walked in, pushing a cart, carrying our food.

I had to admit, the food smelled heavenly. My stomach grumbled in response, causing Markov to chuckle.

I blushed, covering my face, embarrassed that he heard it.

"Don't be shy, sweetheart. I was hoping you were hungry. I prepared the best meal just for you." He whispered, pulling my hands away from my face and leaning in to plant a kiss on my lips.

My heart was beating fast. His touch was enough to make me weak in the knees. Were we going too fast? The kiss felt right but wrong at the same time?

And then I realized that I don’t know shit about the man sitting in front of me, while he knew everything about me. Was this why I felt like things were moving too fast?

"Markov..." I called out.

"Yes, baby?"

"How do you know everything about me, but I know nothing about you?"

"It is for your own safety, sweetheart." He replied immediately, looking at me.

I was confused by his words, "What does that mean?"

"We will talk later. For now, let's enjoy dinner, yes?" He turned back to his meal, not taking my question as seriously as I wanted him to.

I wasn't satisfied with his reply, but decided to let it go and enjoy the dinner.

We enjoyed the dinner, and talked, getting to know each other. He was very interesting and I couldn’t help, but to want to know more.

"You are quite the talkative one." He said, chuckling.

"Only because you are an interesting person, Markov."

"Is that a good thing or bad?" He asked, placing a spoonful of food into his mouth.

"Definitely a good thing."

"Well, if it's a good thing, then I have to do something about it, huh?" He teased, smiling.

We continued talking and the more I got to know him, the more I liked him.

He was very humble and he had a great personality.

When he talked, I could tell he was sincere and his heart was full of love.

"What are your plans for tomorrow, Markov?" I asked, genuinely interested.

"I have a business trip, and I will be out of town for two days." He informed me.

"Two days?" I asked, a bit disappointed. I hated the fact that he had to leave, but I couldn't stop him. I didn't know anything about the pack, or his business, so I was at a loss.

"Don't be sad, my love. It will only be for two days and I promise I will be back sooner than you know." He said, reaching for my hand and intertwining our fingers together.

I wanted to believe him, and the words made me a bit better.

After dinner, he insisted that he would walk me back to my room.

I tried to refuse, saying he should get some rest since he was leaving the next morning, but he wouldn't take no for an answer.

So, there we were, walking to the room, his arm draped across my shoulders and my hands wrapped around his waist.

"How was the tour with Eliza?" He asked and I shrugged.

"It was fine, I guess." I said and he could sense the sadness in my tone. Was this the right time to bring up the sculpture I saw?

I decided to let it be for now.

"Are you sad I'm leaving?"

"You're my mate, Markov. I've only just found you and now you have to leave. It's only natural for me to be sad." I said.

"I'll only be gone for two days, sweetheart. You won't even know I'm gone." He joked and I rolled my eyes.

"That's impossible, and you know it."

"You'll miss me?"

"Of course."

"I'll miss you too, sweetheart. Don't worry. I will be back before you know it. I promise."

He stopped and turned to me. He lifted my chin with his index finger, raising my head and looking into my eyes.

"I promise." He repeated, before crashing his lips onto mine.

The kiss was passionate.

I could feel every ounce of his love.

Every second that passed, the more I wanted him.

His scent.

His touch.

His kisses.

I wanted it all.

But, the rational part of me knew this was too soon. I barely even knew him.

So, with all the self-control I had, I pulled away, gasping for air.

His lips moved down my neck and he nipped at the exposed skin.

"We shouldn't..." I whispered.

"Shh. Just one more, please." He pleaded, his hot breath on my neck, making my entire body shudder.

And before I could say anything else, he claimed my lips again.

This time, it was more forceful.

He bit on my lower lip, tugging it. His grip on me was inhumane, just how much strength does this man have?

I didn't know how long the kiss lasted, but I was thankful that we were the only ones there.

When he finally pulled away, I could feel my legs wobbling.

He gave me a smile, and pulled me close to him, before resuming our walk.

We reached the room and he opened the door, walking me inside.

I was exhausted.

Not from the walk. But, from the kiss. He left an impact on me. An unforgettable impression. A mark on me that will forever be imprinted on my soul.

He had left a trail of kisses that left my body aching for him. My lips were swollen and tingling from the kiss we shared.

What did he want from me?

Was this really love or was it lust?

"Are you tired?" He asked and I simply nodded.

"You can leave if you want. I think I'm just going to get some sleep."

He stared at me for a minute and nodded.

"Okay. Well, good night, sweetheart. I'll see you in the morning, okay?" He said, planting a kiss on my forehead and pulling away.

I smiled and watched as he walked towards the door.

"Good night, Markov."

He walked out and the moment the door closed, I ran to the bathroom.

I couldn't believe what I had just done.

I could have stopped him.

Why didn't I?