Her Impossible Mate

6- Patience

...Zander...

Her mouth gapes open as she looks up at me through her sultry lashes. Stunned silence. And she looks breathtaking. I close the gap further, wrestling with the temptation to claim her right here, right now. Her mouth is so f*cking inviting. Thoughts bombard my mind of how her lips would feel on mine, how she would taste. Temptation becomes too much as I reach up to cup her face and run my thumb over her supple bottom lip. Her eyes close briefly, enjoying my touch before they flicker open again. Mesmerising pools of green shine up at me.

"Yes." She breathes. I take this as an approval of my offer and my touch. Caving to my desires, I lean down, so our faces are only an inch apart. But I want further confirmation from her. My face continues it decent but shifts to the side of hers. I hear her hum lightly as my lips pass by hers on the way past their obvious destination. I make sure to breathe deeply, allowing my hot breath to fan the crook of her neck.

"Tell me you're mine." She leans into me at my words, her body practically singing.

"I'm yours." My heart tightens, as do my pants. F*ck, that's hot. I pull back so we are once again face to face, so close to kissing I can practically taste her. And I just know she's f*cking delicious. I give her a devious smirk showing her my intentions. She licks at her lips, filled with desire. For me. Only me.

"Good girl." And with that, I finally close the gap, our lips colliding in a heated frenzy. 

That! That is how that night should have gone. I've replayed it over in my mind so many times with my desired outcomes. Every one of my fantasies ends in her naked and screaming my name. 

But the reality is not even close. She laughed. She f*cking laughed at me and walked away. I was so shocked, I didn't even chase her. I didn't shout after her; I just watched her walk away.

Never, and I mean never, has a woman made me feel so small and insignificant. They fall at my feet, begging to be mine. But not Raine. And that made me want her even more. 

Raine has been on my mind every day since. Five days. And for five days, I've fought the urge to turn up to her apartment and demand her submission. The thought of her on her knees for me has my c**k twitching and my head spinning. 

But I know, even after our brief time together, commands don't evoke a positive response from Raine. She's confident in herself, a leader. Hell, she's a f*cking Queen. And somehow, I will win her over. I just don't know how yet. One thing I know, she would not appreciate me chasing her around. Practising patience does not come naturally. The phrase 'good things come to those who wait' always had me rolling my eyes. My motto would be more along the lines of 'good things come to those who take them'.  

The bond is there, of that, I am sure. We will be drawn to each other, destiny playing its wicked little game. Until then, I need to manage my temper, dull the possessive feelings consuming me, and think of how to make Raine mine.

Mine.

A knock at my office door breaks me from my thoughts. Work has been the last thing on my mind, so the only thing this intrusion is interrupting is thoughts of Raine.

Luca enters at my shout to come in. He strides in like he owns the place and with a wide grin on his face. He's been away on business and only just returned. No doubt, Lena has filled him on on my latest drama. 

Luca is my sister's mate, one of my closest friends, and someone I regard as a brother. Although initially, we hadn't seen eye to eye, his love and acceptance for everything Lena stands for and loves proved he was worthy of being called family. He has been a big supporter of my family since my fathers passing, and neither Lena nor I could have settled so well into these roles without him. His absence this last week has been noted. Especially when I had to go to Lena for relationship advice instead of him. 

Lena had literally screamed her office down when I finally caved and told her what had been happening. Meeting Raine officially had confirmed everything I already knew. My little sister had found her mate years ago, so she was ecstatic it had finally happened for me now. However, she did tell me very clearly to stop being a d**k and stop chasing the poor girl away with my desperation. 

Seriously? Me, desperate? But realistically, I am. Something about watching the relationship Lena and Luca share made me crave it more. It's been lonely at the top, and their bond demonstrates very clearly a mate bond is more than lust and desire. They are soulmates, sharing each others best moments as well as the worst. Previously, the thought of all of this lovey dovey bullsh*t would have made me gag. Yet now that it's within reach, the idea of having a partner is quite alluring. And f*ck, Raine herself is so alluring.

"I hear congratulations are in order, brother!" Luca reaches across my desk to give me a slapping handshake. His enthusiasm makes me chuckle, a rarity for me, but Luca has that effect on everyone.

"Don't congratulate me yet." I flop back into my chair as Luca does the same across from me. "It appears I'm mated to the one woman immune to my charms." He chuckles to himself as he gets comfy across from me.

"Welcome to the club, man." He shrugs and chuckles at his own joke. Lena is only immune to certain charms. "Speaking of clubs, the club I've invested in is throwing the grand opening tonight. I take it you need to blow off some steam, huh?" He raises his eyebrows a few times. I narrow my eyes and tighten my jaw, thinking of the possibilities a night out could bring. The old me (before being the boss) would have jumped at the opportunity. The me from about a week ago (before Raine) would have also probably jumped at the chance too. But here today, the thought of having random women throw themselves at me and having my pick of them was less appealing. What the f*ck is Raine doing to me?

With that, I make my decision.

"Count me in." Luca smiles wide at my agreement. 

"I'll text you the details." He stands and turns to leave. He pauses after a few steps and looks back at me. "And take it from my experience. Be patient with her. Everything that is meant to happen for you guys will happen in time. Happiness is on its way to you, Zan." He nods in an all-knowing way then leaves. There's that word, that thing I don't like, patience. 

I let out an aggravated sign as I close down my computer for the day, then swipe unread papers and files into my drawers to give the appearance of tidiness. It's far too early for me to pack up, but my presence does not mean I have been productive in any way. And it is Friday. An early finish would do me good.

I walk out of my office into the busy top floor. Eyes glance up from desks in curiosity for my early exit but snap away quickly at my deeply etched frown. I stride purposely to the elevator, desperate for an escape from the building. For once, the irritating 'ping' of the elevator doors is music to my ears. Freedom is close. 

The elevator opens to allow me out onto the garage level. My car is parked in the prime spot, reserved only for me. As I get into the driver's seat, an compelling thought enters my mind.

What if I drive to Raine's apartment, invite her to the club and finally get to taste those luscious lips, and maybe- just maybe- have her give in to me. 

It's so incredibly tempting. And I'm so sick of being patient. So I do just that.

My stomach twists slightly at around two blocks from Raine's apartment. It's bizarre to be affected in this way, a feat no woman has ever achieved. It feeds the desperation to lay claim to her. Noticeably I am focused on making her mine, too scared to look deeper to think about how I am on the path to be hers. Truly, I am at her mercy. That thought alone is enough to flip my stomach.

I pull into her street, my eyes finding her instantly. Her smile is so bright it makes my heart swell. She's carrying a bouquet of roses, laughing while practically skipping up the street. But then I see who she is laughing with. A man.

He's a slight man with glasses and a goofy looking face. He has messy light hair and messy clothes. No threat to me, really. He is holding a bottle of champagne as they walk and laugh together. My knuckles whiten as my grip on the steering wheel tightens. My chest rumbles, a grown threatening to break free. I swing the car into a space far enough away they wouldn't see me but close enough that I could watch.

She pushes at his shoulder at something he says, and they both burst into more laughter. She looks so f*cking happy that it infuriates me. I haven't seen her properly smile before now. She hasn't given me the opportunity to make her smile that way. This is f*cking bullsh*t.

They disappear into the building together. Luckily before the urge to jump out and run over there overwhelmed me completely. 

I force breaths in and out to quell the rage. My grip tenses and releases with the breaths, the feelings of anger struggling to dissipate. My phone pings several times from the passenger seat. Needing distraction, I pick it up to see who's contacting me.

I smirk at the name attached to messages. I smirk more at the pictures. Oh, Evangeline. She just can't let it go. And you know what, she might be just what I need right now.

The picture she sent allows my imagination to wonder. The strategic angle of her body in a racy red two-piece reminds me of the fun we had together. 

Luca's message about tonight comes through and takes me away from sweet Eva. He's sent the address and told me to meet him there at seven. I glance quickly toward Raine's building before driving off in my huff, the car making the roar that I'm forcing myself to hold in.

As she has all week, Raine consumes my mind. Who the hell was that skinny runt that made her smile so bright? Why would she run from me and skip alongside him? The flowers, the champagne... Was it a date? It can't be their first date if they went into her apartment like that, right? F*ck.

I shake out my damp hair from my steaming shower and allow it to fall naturally, a little messy with some soft curls. Tonight I can let loose. No suffocating suit or smart, slick hair. I feel more like myself already as I finish closing the last button of my black shirt, leaving the four buttons from the top undone. I roll the sleeves to feel more undone, a roughness to my look contrasting my neat daytime attire. Some rings and a light chain necklace complete my nighttime look.

My phone buzzes with the notification my car is waiting for me outside. I grab my wallet and my keys on my way out. 

The rage from earlier never really left. It sits like a heavy lead ball in my stomach, threatening to bubble up the surface at any moment. I clearly need some release. Maybe it's a punch to some smug asshole's pretty face, or maybe it's a good f*ck with Eva. All I know is that tonight, something has got to give.

The driver pulls up to the club, the bright lights and chatter from the queue of partygoers attack my senses. I step out onto the busy sidewalk. As I walk to security, I feel the eyes of people waiting in line on me. Glancing over, I see a few beautiful girls devouring me with their eyes and licking hungrily at their lips. I throw them my typical smirk along with a wink, just for fun. I hear a few giggles as I walk away, not even having to drop my name to gain entry. 

My senses are further bombarded from all angles as I walk deeper into the club. The vibration of the bass moves through me from my feet to my chest. Lights flash to the beat of the music while scantily clad girls dance on raised platforms around the room. 

I move through the heavy crowds of people dancing and drinking towards the bar to get a much needed drink. It's an impressive place, filled with impressive people. I have already spotted many of the cities prominent business people, lawyers, politicians even. 

Finally making it across to the bar, I signal the bartender and receive my scotch. As soon as the amber liquid hits my lips, I feel slightly relaxed. The burn of the alcohol down my throat is satisfying enough for me to close my eyes and let out a sigh.

A hand lands firmly on my shoulder, breaking me from the moment. Luca is at my side, again with his signature grin on his face. It's rare to see Luca without a smile, a quality that is both charming and infuriating. As someone who rarely smiles, I never understand how he keeps it up.

"Scouting the talent, my man?" He looks out eagerly onto the dance floor of writhing bodies. I turn my head to him and shoot him a steely glare.

"Riiiiight. F*ck, it's going to be weird losing my wingman." I almost choke on my drink. The idea that I was ever Luca's wingman is ridiculous. It is clear I fly solo, but also, those birds fly straight to me.

He bops along to the beat beside me, the alcohol clearly boosting his mood. I wish I could say the same for myself. I sink the last of my drink and decide to get on Luca's level. Turning back to the bar, I order up a triple along with a few shots. Lena must have sniffed them out as she appears at my side and sinks one before I get the chance. She just grins and reaches for another. To help me to actually get some of the drinks, I order up a tray. Lena gestures over to a booth she's acquired where Arabella is sitting with some friends. 

I grimace at the thought of socialising. But the prospect of actually sinking some of these shots lures me to the table. I manage three before Lena and Arabella's friends grab for them, leaving the tray empty. 

The fire in my stomach has switched to that warmth that alcohol brings. A pleasant glow replaces the rage-induced bonfire. The bass vibration sits in my chest as the heat circulates, but it's not longer just the heavy bass causing this feeling. The feeling is so unique it's unmistakable. I frown and scan over the room.  

The crowd of the dance floor seems to part at destiny's will. Raines strong and enticing frame sways and rolls to the rhythm of the music. She wears a tight black dress accentuating everything I crave to touch and claim. Her arms tangle above her head in a strangely alluring manner and cause the hem of her skirt to raise, flashing more of her long and lean legs. 

As her hips continue to sway seductively, strong hands wrap around them and pull her close. She giggles as she presses her body into his, and they move together to the beat. My glass fractures under the pressure of my grip.

This guy isn't the skinny, goofy kid from before. This guy is tall and tattooed and running his hands over what is mine. I knew coming here was what I needed. This is my release. I get to assert my dominance and take back what's mine. He is the pretty, smug asshole I'm going to punch.

I stride purposefully over to them as his hand continue to roam her curves. It's clear she's enjoying it, and that causes the inferno inside me to erupt. 

My chest rumbles on my approach. Finally, she feels my proximity and looks up, emerald eyes sparkling in the strobe lights. The look in her eyes stops me in my tracks. Fear.

She stops dancing, her partner following her but confused at the sudden change. His eyes follow her eye line to me, and his confusion turns into a deep frown to match my own. He stands defensively by her side while I stand only a few feet away.

"Hello, Raine."