Chapter Sixteen: Uncontrolled Desire

Derek stormed out of Moore's presence because he didn't know what he would do if he stayed another minute. The tension between them had reached a boiling point, and his wolf Leo was dangerously close to taking over. His mind replayed the words that Moore had smugly thrown at him, “*Marked or unmarked, I have tasted every part of her body*.” His chest tightened with rage, the possessiveness clawing at his insides. He needed to find Ella. Now.

His eyes scanned the banquet hall, flickering past the guests and decorations, until they finally landed on her. She was standing gracefully, smiling at one of the guests, her aura of elegance and beauty undeniable.

"There she is," Leo growled, his voice filled with hunger and impatience.

Without hesitating, Derek started toward her, his strong strides cutting through the crowd. His gaze never left her, the sound of his heartbeat hammering in his ears. The anger he felt toward Moore still burned in his chest, mixing with his overwhelming desire