JEALOUSY
1289 Words
RYAN
With wolves in their best costumes, the big ballroom was a sea of sophistication where guests were mingling and enjoying champagne while the chandeliers softly glowed over the space. The charity ball was an annual event that showcased the pack's unity and success, but tonight, looks are of no importance to me. I was going crazy because Hailey had turned into a vision that I couldn't take my eyes off of tonight. Everybody in the room was staring at her dress, a sleek black one that fit her curves like it had been painted on. There was just enough of her neckline exposed to be hazardous, and a slit up her thigh revealed long, toned legs that made all the male wolves in the room gag. Her flaming red hair fell in wild waves down her back, framing a face that was equal parts beautiful and unreachable, her big generous bosom leaving me drooling. The kiss we exchanged when I initially introduced her to the pack was the closest I've ever been to her, and at the moment, she's purposefully tempting me to go beyond my limitations. And there was the tattoo after that. Even though it was small—just a beautiful crescent moon tattooed into her shoulder—it was nonetheless remarkable. My wolf immediately perked up at the sight, which gave me a start. "She got a tattoo," I whispered to myself—or, more accurately, to nobody else. Logan, at my side, arches an eyebrow; his eyes snap to attention and instantly follow my gaze. She did, indeed, and if you growl louder, people will take notice." It wasn't until Logan's comments brought me back to the present that I realised I was growling. I took a deep breath and attempted to quiet the raging, hopeless storm inside of me. My wolf had out too soon, growling at every man who ventured near enough to cast a sidelong glance at her. She must wear that dress, but why? My fists clenched at my sides as I murmured. Logan gave a dry, low laugh. "Because she can. Additionally, she is aware that it will irritate you. "She's doing this on purpose." "Probably," Logan shrugged his shoulders. However, that does not imply that you can lose your mind. Ryan, keep your composure. I made an effort. I tried, God. However, she suddenly made a gentle, musical sound that cut as she laughed.She was standing with a group of men, her smile brilliant, her confidence a real, tangible beacon. One of them moved closer and held out his hand. No. Before I knew it, I started to approach her, but Logan's hand shot out and clamped down on my arm. "Don't," he warned in a low voice, "you'll cause a scene." "She's dancing with them," I growled. "She's not yours to claim yet," Logan said, his tone pointed. "So stand down." I resisted, though every muscle in my body yowling in defiance. My wolf clawed at the surface, demanding that I do anything, anything, to stake my claim. Then she moved. Hailey placed her hand on the man's, and he escorted her to the dancing floor. Her clothing gleamed beneath the lights, every stride steady and planned as she walked. It was more than I could handle. Before one of them could respond or speak, I was there, pushing between her and her partner as soon as the song ended. Roughly, "Dance with me," I said. A faint, knowing smile curved her lips as she lifted an eyebrow. "Since when do you ask for permission?" "I'm trying something new." After a little pause, she took my hand. I felt a shock when her flesh touched mine, and my wolf let out a cry of approval. I spoke softly as I leaned closer to her, moving in sync with the music. She said naively, "You're enjoying this, aren't you? "Enjoying what?"She asked naively, yet there was malice in her eyes. "The attention," I bared my teeth. The looks. Hailey, you're an experienced professional." She whispered her breath into my ear as she chuckled softly. "And what exactly am I doing, Ryan?" "Driving me insane," was my honest admission. She quickly recovered from the moment when her smile wavered. "Maybe you deserve it." I was unable to respond, so I did not. The way her body slid against mine, the way she smelt, and the way she felt in my arms—it was all too much. I stayed with her hand a beat longer than I should have as the song ended. "Change your dress," I mentioned. My voice was an order. Her expression became icy as she snatched her hand away from me. "I'm sorry?She crossed her arms, tilting her head as she peered at me. "Why would I do that?" With my tolerance ebbing, I yelled, "Because every male in this room is staring at you, and it's disrespectful," Her laugh was like a dagger slicing through me. Is it disrespectful? To whom? "You?" "Yes," I snarled. Ignoring me, she replied, "Well, that's your problem, isn't it?" Before I could stop her, Thomas, another male, came up. He extended a hand towards her, and my blood froze. "Hailey," he said in a smooth voice. "May I have this dance?" After a little delay, she placed her hand in his. That was it. My wolf grabbed the stage, and I lost all sense of reason. I was on them in seconds, abruptly pulling her away from him and putting himself in their way. Thomas was barely able to react before my punch struck his jaw and knocked him to the ground. "Ryan!" With a strong voice, Hailey yelled. I couldn't stop, though. My wolf was in charge, and it only wanted to brand her and establish my claim so that no one else would dare to touch her. With my eyes blazing with the wolf inside of me and my chest heaving, I spun to her. She gazed up at me with a mixture of fury and another feeling that I couldn't quite identify on her face. "Ryan, don't you dare," she whispered, taking a step back. It was too late, though. With my hand encircling her arm and drawing her near, I reduced the gap between us.My teeth brushed against the velvety flesh of her neck, my hand encircling her arm and drawing her near. Her voice broke as she begged Ryan to stop. Her comments made an impression, but my wolf seemed unconcerned. It needed to claim her as its own. I marked her as mine by sinking my teeth into her flesh with a last burst of possessiveness. The bond snapped into place, burning through us like fire as she gasped and clutched my arms. Her eyes were wide, and she was breathing in shallow, brief breaths when I withdrew. "Why?" she said in a tremulous murmur. I said, "Because you're mine," in an emotionally charged voice. She blinked away the tears that flooded her eyes, hardening her features. "You don't get to decide that, "Her voice was icy as she spoke. "Not anymore." She then turned and left, leaving me standing there feeling like I was being crushed by the consequences of what I had done. The next full moon is in a few weeks, and by God, I would take what's mine, knot enough to leave a pup in her, whatever it is, and then earn her forgiveness. Yes, but I would never allow her to leave me. I should feel horrible, but I don't. She is mine, ours, and ours for all eternity, and she will always be so. I give Logan a nod, and he follows me out the door.
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