As we soared through the skies, the private jet's luxurious interior enveloped us in comfort. It was still overwhelming how wealthy Chase was. Chase's hand enveloped mine, his thumb tracing gentle patterns on my skin, bringing my swaying mind back to reality."Are you nervous about the summit?" I asked, gazing into his calm eyes."A little," Chase admitted. "But with you by my side, I can handle anything. But you have to promise me something,” he said, his tone taking a serious tone.“What?” I looked up at him through my lashes.“You can’t leave my side as long as we’re there,” he said, his smells growing dark.“Yeah, right,” I rolled my eyes, but the corners of my mouth tugged upwards.“I’m serious, Elodie,” he said, his brows pinched with worry. “Alpha werewolves are known to be dangerously and ruthless, and I don’t want you getting into any trouble given your status, so please do not leave my side,” he pleaded.I saw how important this was to him, so I nodded.The last thing was pi
_Chase’s POV_I stepped out of the hotel room, my mind reeling with Elodie's words. "What are we, Chase?" she'd asked, her voice barely above a whisper.I couldn't answer her. Not yet. Not when my own emotions were still untangled. Not when Laila thought Elodie was a threat and posed a danger to us.As I walked through the hotel corridors, I felt like I was losing my grip on Elodie. She was slipping away, and I didn't know how to stop it.I'd told her I loved her, but it wasn't enough. She wanted more. She deserved more.I stopped in front of the elevator, my eyes fixed on the Acropolis's majestic silhouette.What was I afraid of?Commitment?No, it was more than that.It was the danger that came with loving me. The werewolf world was treacherous, and Elodie was already a target.But I couldn't deny my feelings anymore.I needed to find a way to reassure her, to make her understand that I was in this for the long haul, but how?My phone buzzed, breaking my thoughts. A text from Gideon
As I stepped out of the bar, the cool evening scent enveloped me, and I took a deep breath. My mind stil reeled from Alexander’ enigmatic words, and I kept wondering who he really was.I made my way back to the room, my heels clicking on the marble floor. The grand chandeliers in the hallway cast a warm glow, illuminating the lavish decor.As I approached the room, I noticed the door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open and a wave of tension hit me.Chase's urgent voice hit me like a wave. He paced the room, phone pressed to his ear as he barked orders into the speaker.“….find him no matter what it takes. I want updates every fucking hour….” He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes locking onto mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other.His shoulder visibly relaxed, and his face transformed, relief washing over his features. He rushed towards me, phone still in hand, his face etched with worry. "Where were you?" he demanded, wrapping me in a tight hug.I pushed against his chest,
_Chase’s POV_As we walked to the dinner hall, Elodie's hand rested on my arm, her touch sending waves of calm through me, and my wolf purred in delight. Our earlier argument forgotten, I focused on the woman beside me.Her midnight blue gown shimmered under the chandeliers, drawing admiring glances from passersby. I couldn't help but feel proud to have her by my side.We entered the grand hall, filled with influential figures from the werewolf world. The air was thick with power and wealth.Elodie's grip on my arm tightened, her tension thick as a fog."Hey," I whispered, leaning in. "You're the most beautiful woman in this room. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."Truly, I wasn’t lying or just saying it to make her feel better. She truly was easily the most beautiful woman present, and it made her more beautiful that she didn’t realize it.Elodie's eyes met mine, a hint of uncertainty lingering. "I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile.But I knew better. I recognized the doubt
Alexander's skilled hands guided me across the dance floor, our steps fluid. His charming smile and effortless conversation put me at ease, and for a moment, I forgot all the eyes that were on me.I could especially feel Chase’s eyes on me, but I didn’t turn to look."You're quite the mystery, Elodie," Alexander said, his eyes sparkling as he placed his hand on the small of my back. "A human amidst werewolves. How do you find it?"I laughed, feeling a sense of liberation. "Overwhelming, but intriguing," I replied.Alexander chuckled. "I bet," he said. "Chase doesn't usually bring dates to these events. You must be special."I raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe he just wanted to shake things up," I said, even though my face was already flushed red.Alexander's grin grew. "Possible," he said. "Chase always was one for surprises. But I think there's more to it."I tilted my head. "Oh? Do tell."Alexander leaned in like he was about to reveal a huge secret."Let's just say Chase has reputation
The rest of the evening blurred together in a haze of music, laughter, and Alexander's charming company. Chase remained nowhere to be found, and Vivian's words continued to sting. I tried to push them aside, focusing on the distraction Alexander provided.As the night wore on, Alexander and I danced, our steps fluid, our conversation effortless. He spun me around, and I giggled, feeling carefree for the first time that evening."Another drink?" Alexander asked, his eyes sparkling.I nodded, and he handed me a glass of champagne. I sipped, feeling the bubbles tickle my nose."Alexander, you're a lifesaver," I said, smiling.Alexander chuckled. "Anytime, Elodie. You deserve a night to forget."And I did. I forgot about Chase, Vivian, and the tension between us. I forgot about the werewolf world and its complexities. I forgot, and I let go.But as the night wore on, my drinks added up, and my senses began to blur. Alexander excused himself for a moment, leaving me alone near the bar.Tha
_Chase’s POV_I stormed out of the hotel room, slamming the door behind me. The cool night air did little to calm my rage. I paced the parking lot, my mind reeling.How could she be so reckless? So stubborn?Elodie's drunk and vulnerable face haunted me, fueling my anger.Reginald's leering face flashed in my mind, and my fists clenched.Thoughts of what he could have done to her if I hadn’t reached there on time, flashed my mind, and it took everything to keep my wolf in.I should have killed him when I had the chance.The night blurred together in a haze of anger and frustration. I eventually found myself in the hotel’s lobby.“I need a room,” I slammed my first down on the counter. The receptionist from the first day we’d come, but jumped at my abruptness, but her fear was soon replaced with lust, and she fluttered her lashes in a way that made her look like something got in her eye.“Alpha Chase,” she purred like a cat.“A room,” I raised a brow.I wasn’t in the mood for all of t
I adjusted my mask, the velvet soft against my skin. Chase stood beside me, his eyes hidden behind his own mask. The tension between us was palpable."Ready?" he asked, his voice detached.I nodded, my heart heavy.As we descended into the night, I slid my hand into his. It was a facade, a show for the other Alphas.Chase's fingers didn't intertwine with mine, but he didn't pull away either.The grand ballroom was a sea of masked faces. I recognized some of the Alphas, but their mates were unknown.We mingled, Chase conversing with ease. I kept my responses curt and polite.Alpha Ryder's mate, a tall blonde, approached me."You're quite... fragile for an Alpha's partner," she said scornfully, her voice dripping with condescension.I smiled sweetly."Thank you for noticing. I've been working on my delicate features."Chase's lips twitched, but he said nothing.Another Alpha's mate, a petite brunette, tried to intimidate me."I see you're human. How quaint.""My humanity is what makes m