Territorial

T H O M A S

Kingdoms rise and fall on a daily basis, yet under my reign, mine thrive.

"Another round of whiskey, Mr. Morris?"

Silently, I nod, gesturing towards my empty glass.

"Right away, sir." The waiter swiftly retrieves my glass and hastens to my personal bar to prepare my drink.

I possess the most exclusive VIP rooms. This space is exclusively mine. I conduct business here. I celebrate here. Occasionally, I eliminate threats here, if the opportunity arises.

Club Zero belongs to me. It is a fragment of my empire, but it serves as a sanctuary where I can relinquish my crown after a long day. I unfasten the buttons of my finely tailored suit and stroll towards the balcony, overlooking the main floor. I tightly grip the railing, scanning the crowd for adversaries.

For vulnerabilities. For her.

My gaze fixates on a stunning woman adorned in a glistening silver gown; even from this vantage point, I can see it radiate. She sits at one of the tables, sipping what appears to be a martini, and her face contorts in disgust after her first sip.

I chuckle, tilting my head as I observe her. She wears a sash, but due to the distance and dim lighting, I am unable to decipher its inscription.

"Gelo," I utter, the name of my beta. "I desire to know the message on her sash."

Gelo chuckles next to me, catching my eye. "It's her twenty-second birthday. Her sash says to buy her a drink. I've sent you, her details."

My phone vibrates a moment later. I pull it out of my pocket, her username shining brightly on the screen. The temptation to ignore this perfect chance tugs at me, but I can't resist the mystery of the unknown.

I steal another look at the alluring woman at the table, her quiet presence standing out in the lively crowd. Despite her lack of interest in her drink, her determination to enjoy herself intrigues me.

At a glance, I know for sure that she belongs to a powerful pack. I can smell her scent. She holds power.

For a moment, I watch as different men try to strike up conversations with her, only to be met with her polite smiles and nods. Her dark, flowing curls beckon me closer, tempting me with their enigma.

Driven by a desire stronger than my own will, I enter a generous amount on the screen and send it to her bank account. In a rare show of extravagance, I transfer the maximum allowable sum.

A whopping twenty-two thousand dollars. Just like her age.

As she flips her hair back and retrieves her phone from her purse, I lean against the railing, a smirk playing on my lips as she reacts to the unexpected windfall.

Even in the midst of the crowd passing by, I notice her legs crossing and uncrossing. I lick my lips as I admire their length. I imagine they're soft and supple. I want to wrap them around my waist as I lose myself in her.

Should I be having such thoughts about a woman so much younger? There's a ten-year age gap between us. I should let her enjoy her night with someone closer to her age, but the idea of someone else capturing her attention doesn't sit well with me.

No one could care for her the way I can and will. I’m a territorial person.

(Get her!)

I smirk when my wolf agrees with my desire.

Easy boy. We’ll get there.

Two women rush over to her, a light sheen of sweat shining on their shoulders from dancing. I can hear them squealing from up here as my mystery woman talks to them about the money that was sent to her.

“I’ll be in the private room, Gelo. I want her brought to me, please.” I push away from the railing and unbutton my blazer.

“You got it. I’ll bring her in ten.”

“Perfect.” I take one last look at the lovely lady below and freeze when I see a well-dressed older man sitting across from her. “Who the heck is that?” I growl, gripping the railing until my knuckles turn white.

I can wreck this damn railing. I hate what I’m seeing!

“Anthony Jennings of AJ Incorporated. He’s a V.I.P. member. He pays good money to be in this club, Thomas.”

I recognize that tone. It’s one of my closest friends. He’s warning me not to do anything.

“Ban him,” I say simply, not taking my eyes off his hand that just landed on top of hers.

Her lips tighten into a thin line, but she stays composed, pulling her hand away from his. She tries to stand up, but Anthony grabs her wrist once more.

And all I see is red. My claws started to grow longer. With a muttered curse, I shove off the rails once more and descend the steps.

“What are you doing? Thomas! Alpha! Damn it.” Gelo trails after me.

I don't usually make an appearance on the main floor. Too many people demand too much from me, so I usually keep to myself.

But not tonight.

I don't have to push through the crowd as I stride forward; they part like the Red Sea. The music plays on, the lights stay a cool blue, and I loom over Anthony as I reach the table.

“Thomas,” he greets with a smile. “How are you? It’s been ages since I’ve seen you down here.”

I turn my back on the woman I've been watching and encroach on Anthony’s personal space. “Your presence and your membership are no longer welcome in my club. Show yourself out.”

“I pay fifteen thousand dollars a month, Morris. I should be able to do whatever the hell I please.” Anthony shrugs off my hand from his shoulder, and I react instantly.

I press my palm against his chest, halting him in his tracks. “I don’t think the young lady wants anything to do with you. She's too polite to tell you to leave, but I'm not. Get out of my club and don't come back.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“I'd do more than dare if there wasn't a lady present,” I grind out through clenched teeth. I can kill you in just a snap. “You have three minutes to leave. You know what happens if you don't comply, Anthony.” Fear and loyalty have built my empire.

Being the Alpha of the Dark Midnight Pack comes with its qualms; men thinking they can overpower me is one of them.

Anthony finally makes the correct decision, and Gelo follows the man out.

“Would you like to enjoy a drink in my exclusive lounge? Away from the chaos of the club? Perhaps a moment to catch your breath?” I lean in and softly speak into her ear, taking in the delightful scent of her citrus perfume. It's absolutely captivating. 

"I would love that. Thank you...?" 

"Thomas." I gently hold her hand and kiss her knuckles. "And you, my dear, what's your name?" 

"Hera," she whispers, rising as I guide her with a gentle pull. 

"Let's escape from the noise, Hera." I don't release her hand. I find myself enjoying the delicate and soft touch of her hand against mine. 

I lead her, with her hand in mine, while one of my men unties the rope that leads to my personal space upstairs. I feel her presence behind me, her hand gripping my back as if she's afraid of stumbling down the stairs.