Chapter four

Chapter four

TRISTAN POV

"Are you being serious right now?" my Beta, Sebastian, asks, staring at me like I've lost my mind.

"Yes, actually," I reply, blinking at him slowly. "Do I usually joke?"

Sebastian sighs deeply in defeat. "Fine." He yanks out a file from his suitcase and hands it to me. "This has everything: her birth certificate, baby pictures, everything I could get my hands on."

A small smile plays on my lips as I open the file, scanning the documents that hold every relevant detail about my mate, Jessica Ambrose. "Her blood type is a perfect match for mine." I chuckle, amused, and sense Sebastian's disapproving gaze on me, even though I'm not looking at him.

As I flip through the file, I pause at a baby picture of my mate, Jessica. She's perched on her father's shoulders, Darren Ambrose, and looks about two years old. She's inherited his brunette hair and green eyes. I recall the well-known story of how Darren was killed by rogues years ago, making Richard the next Alpha.

A scoff escapes my throat. "Predictable." I close the file, placing it on the table, and look up at Sebastian, who's staring at me with his signature judgy eyes.

"What?" I ask him, raising an eyebrow.

"Are you really going to keep her?" he asks, seeking confirmation.

I nod. "Yes."

Sebastian's frown deepens. "It's not a good idea."

"And that's exactly why I'm keeping her," I say, relishing the looming challenge. "I wiped out her entire family and pack. I want to see how she'll respond to the strong bond of our mate connection."

I never expected Jessica Ambrose to be my mate. I'm at least ten years older than her, and although I've visited the Blue Moon Pack in the past, we've never met. My knowledge of her was limited to photos.

Just then, a soft knock on the door breaks the silence, drawing Sebastian's and my attention. "Come..." I start to say, but the door opens before I can finish.

Jessica walks in, pushing a tray cart with my dinner. Her pretty face is marred by a deep frown, and I feel a spark of curiosity. What is she thinking?

Sebastian clears his throat, eyeing me warily before leaving the room without so much as a glance at Jessica. It's as if he's afraid he'll turn to stone if he looks at her. He closes the door behind him, leaving us alone.

I turn my attention to Jessica, watching as she carefully serves my dinner, arranging the dishes with precision on the table. The frown on her face persists, and I find myself intrigued by her expression.

"You can leave," I say, my voice interrupting the silence.

Jessica pauses, looking up at me with those piercing green eyes that seem to hold a world of emotions. I'm still trying to get used to the intensity of her gaze.

She turns away, walking towards the door. My eyes drift back to the table, scanning the dishes that smell delicious. But my gaze lands on a red apple, and my stomach drops.

"Stop there." I call out, stopping Jessica in her tracks as she's about to exit the office.

She spins around, anger flashing in her eyes. "You already told me to leave."

I rise from my seat, my eyes locked on hers. "And now I'm telling you to stay."

Jessica faces me, her posture tense, as if she's ready to defend herself. I notice the faintest glimmer of defiance in her eyes.

"Didn't anyone tell you about my dislike for apples?" I ask, my gaze drifting to the offending fruit on the table.

Jessica's expression transforms, her eyes widening in feigned innocence. She cocks her head to the side, looking like she has no idea what I'm talking about. But I know better. My servants would never have omitted telling her about my aversion.

"Is it poisonous to you?" she asks, her voice grave with mock concern.

I murmur, "Something like that."

Jessica's lips curve into a sly smile. "Now, can you figure out why I brought the apple regardless?"

I sigh, pinching the skin between my brows. What is she trying to do? Provoke me? "Close the door behind you," I tell her.

Alarm suddenly fills her eyes, and they widen in horror. "What?"

"Close the fucking door, Jessica," I growl, my patience wearing thin.

"Oh.. okay." Slowly, she obeys, using her leg to push the door shut.

"Good," I hiss, running my hands through my hair.

I start walking towards her, and she looks scared, backing away until her back meets the wall. "Why are you coming close? Stay away!" she exclaims, her voice firm but her eyes flashing with fear.

I notice that her voice isn't shaking, despite the fear etched on her face. It's...cute.

"You're pissing me off," I snarl, my anger simmering just below the surface. "Do you think being my mate will keep you out of trouble?"

I press my hand against the wall beside her head, leaning in close. Her eyes widen, and she pushes her back harder against the wall, as if willing it to swallow her whole. She chokes out a rough breath.

"I said stay away," she whispers.

I whisper back, "Not until I punish you."

My hand rises to her cheek, and I feel her soft skin heat up against my fingertips. The sensation sends a jolt of electricity to my dick, and my wolf growls deeply with desire. The primal urge to claim her surges through me: 'Take her now!'

Jessica suddenly turns her head away, her hand clutching the door handle. But she's too slow, and I catch the subtle movement.

"Goddess!" I grab her by the arm, pulling her towards me, and wrap my arm around her waist, holding her tightly.

"What are you doing?!" she exclaims, her eyes going wide.

I smile, unable to help myself. "I don't like repeating myself, Princess," Then, I crash my lips against hers, loving the furious heat that fills my veins.