The Ignored Wolf

Chance Meeting

Elias

I really can't stand these events.

The banquet hall is lit too brightly by crystal chandeliers, and the air is heavy with too much perfume. High society among wolves is always like this. It's like they're trying to cage wildness into fancy clothes.

"Could you at least try to smile, Elias? That scowl of yours is scaring away half the she-wolves," Matthew Cooper says.

"Maybe that's the plan. They should learn to keep their distance," I say.

"I thought you never turned down an offer," Matthew laughs.

"I don't want to make your pack look too filthy," I smirk. "Your parents might have a heart attack."

He chuckles, and starts rubbing his hands together.

"What?"I ask.

"I'm actually a bit nervous, you know."

I give him a curious look. "Really? Bullets and battles didn't faze you, but this does?"

"But I found my fated mate, and she left Charlie for me," Matthew admits. "You're not upset, are you, Elias?"

"No," I say bluntly. "It actually makes me like you more."

He blinks. "Umm, you're not being sarcastic?"

"Not at all. I never really liked Charlie. We're half-brothers, by the way," I shrug. "So it doesn't bother me."

"But Alpha Zane also wanted you to marry Cassandra," he points out.

"Screw him. He's an old fool." I say. Matthew frowns slightly at the way I call my stepfather but says nothing. I sip my drink and continue, "I don't care, Matthew. I'm happy you found your fated one. My only worry is if Cassandra deserves someone as good as you."

"Don't worry, Elias. She's a sweet angel," Matthew assures me with a big smile, giving my shoulder a friendly pat. "I should go mingle."

I smile back at him, but it fades as soon as he turns away. I'm still not convinced about Cassandra.

I dated Cassandra years ago, like a few times. Zane wanted me to marry her because she's the daughter of his friend. Sadly, I wasn't interested. To me she's too dramatic and manipulative.

Zane threatened me with the Alpha title if I didn’t comply. So I cut ties with the pack, letting Charlie be the rightful heir. Mum wanted me back, but I had been in a rogue-hunting unit held by Lycan,which gave me the perfect excuse to stay away from them.

The military life was hard and the unit was surrounded by geniuses and oddballs. Dr. Matthew happened to be my roommate. He joked that I was manic, as I was the only person who needed stitching up more often than more than a seamstress's practice dummy. I guess he appreciated my knack for getting into trouble because we quickly became close friends.

After my service, I built my own business in the human world. I enjoy my solitude immensely. I don't know how the rest of them stand being tied to another person. Marriage isn't on the agenda and Mum isn’t happy about this. She often calls, trying to coax me into returning, finding Luna, and settling down. I always retort that I prize my freedom too much to trade it for a relationship. Mum says it's because I haven't met my fated mate yet, and I'll understand when I do.

Well, I’m not convinced at all. If I ever to love someone, it'll be on my terms. I'll find her myself from the crowd. Not passively accept whoever the Moon Goddess decides to toss my way. My mum thinks that attitude is exactly why the Goddess hasn’t introduced me to my mate yet—she says it's due to my lack of respect.

Truth is, if Matthew hadn't found Cassandra as his fated mate, I'd probably have gone to my grave without ever seeing my family again.

As Matthew drifts into the crowd, I lean against the bar, surveying the room. Guests are in groups, chatting and laughing. I can't tell if they're genuinely amused or just playing along.

"Such a bore," Lionel, my wolf, grumbles in my head. He’s pacing restlessly, utterly uninterested in these social games. "Let's go look at the pretty ones, Elias. Figured out whom we're taking to our bed tonight?"

"Any suggestions?" I ask.

"Get a pretty one," he suggests. "Big boobs, long legs, slender waist. Black hair would be a nice touch for tonight."

"Why?"

"Too many blonds at the party, making black rare. I always want something unique."he drawls.

I chuckle as my gaze sweeps over the crowd. I spot Charlie and my eyes are uncontrollably drawn to the girl next to him.

She's bundled in an oversized coat, shivering like a lost lamb among wolves. Charlie is talking to a group, completely ignoring her. She clutches her hands together, eyes fixed on the floor as if wishing it would swallow her whole.

What a textbook accessory. The kind of woman who makes herself small, harmless, uninteresting, all to please her Alpha.

"Why are you looking at that one?" My wolf yawns. "She wouldn't even pass as a receptionist at your club."

I'm about to look away when she shifts slightly, and I hold my gaze.

Wait.

The coat is bulky, but it doesn't completely hide what's underneath. I can see the curve of her hips where the hem tucks and flows. She's trying to hide herself, but her body is outstanding.

"Now I see why you're looking," My wolf hums with fresh interest.

My throat suddenly feels dry. I swallow hard as I study her closely.

Years of running a club have honed my instincts. I can tell she's the type that hides in plain sight and surprises you when the lights go out. She will moan beneath you and scream your name when you take her hard, because the more repressed she is in daily life, the bolder she tends to become in bed.

"See something you like?" Cassandra purrs beside me. I don't even bother turning my head to look at her.

Fuck. I can't admit to being captivated by someone so unassuming. "I was wondering how on earth Charlie’s taste sank this low," I reply causally.

Cassandra giggles, pleased with my words. "I’m surprised she even made it here," she says, leaning closer. I catch the heavy scent of roses from her perfume.

"You know the girl? Who is she?" I ask, feigning indifference.

"Louise Blake. My half-sister." Cassandra rolls her eyes. "I can’t believe that Charlie keeps her around as a friend. He is too generous."

"She seems decent enough to me," I say, feeling a weird urge to defend the girl.

"Prettier than me, Elias?" Cassandra teases, clearly fishing for compliments.

I turn to look at her. Cassandra is in a deep red gown, her hair impeccably styled to show off her long neck. She knows exactly how perfect she looks. She knows she looks stunning and isn't really asking for an opinion but flaunting her charm. Her arrogance somehow irritates me, and I have the urge to deflate her ego.

"She is prettier than you," I state simply.

"You’re lying. Trying to provoke me, are we, Elias?" She throws her head back and laughs, but I catch the flicker of jealousy sparking in her eyes. "She’s just a plain, unwanted, wolf-less nobody. A pathetic creature."

"Cassandra," I drawl, "the real pathetic creature here is actually you."

Her eyes widen in shock. "What did you just say?"

"You are the real pathetic creature," I repeat, leaning in and lowering my voice. "You're so desperate to be claimed by an Alpha. You even slipped something into my drink on our date. Thought I wouldn't notice?"

"That was—" she stammers, her face flushing.

"Don't." I raise a finger, and her words die in her throat. "I have seen enough of your tricks and I don't want to listen to your excuses. But I'm warning you now. Matthew is a friend. One of the few people I respect and care about. So here is the thing, Cassandra, if you hurt him, if you play him like you've played others..." I pause. "Let's just say I learned a few things about how to deal with betrayal in the military. I assure you you wouldn’t want to find out how."

Her face pales. "You're threatening me, Elias."

"Ensuring something happens is a promise, not a threat. Now, unless you’ve something worthwhile to say, I’d prefer to enjoy my drink alone." I give her a mocking smile as I signal the bartender for another whiskey.

Cassandra gives me a venomous glare before storming off, leaving me to return my gaze to Louise. She's still shivering in that oversized coat. The hem brushes her knees, the sleeves swallow her hands. As she nervously tucks a stray hair behind her ear, the coat opens for a second, and I catch a glimpse of the dress underneath. It’s black dress with conservative cut whose neckline is ridiculously high.

But damn, her figure it's glowing. Even from across the room, I can imagine the warmth of her skin and the strength beneath her delicate appearance. There's a contradiction about her. She seems to want to disappear, yet at the same time silently screaming to be seen.

"Elias?" A soft voice comes from my right.

"Hmm?" I glance over to find Selena in a tight silver dress. Her gaze is bold, sweeping over me. She leans in, her fingers tracing the muscle of my upper arm. Her intention is clear, that we could have fun tonight.

Normally, I'd take the hint. Selena is charming and experienced. I've slept with her a few times. I never turned down such offers, for she’s a good sucker and I’ve enjoyed her company. But tonight, my focus is elsewhere. All I want to do now is to take Louise and have her in every dirty position I can think of.

"I heard you have started your own business in the human world," Selena says sweetly. "Tell me more about it."

"It's just a club," I say dismissively, my eyes trailing back to more pressing matters.

I watch Cassandra making her way to Louise and Charlie. I’m too far for the conversation, but Louise looks so damned hot when she bites her lower lip.

A moment later, she surprises me, and probably herself.

She f*****g slaps Charlie, and I have to hold back the urge to laugh.

That fiery display is unexpected from someone seemingly timid, and it causes many heads to turn. Cassandra says something to her parents, making Alpha Calvin and Luna Kelly summon their Beta..

What the f**k is going on and where is the Beta taking her? My curiosity increases as I watch him escort Louise upstairs.

"Elias?" Selena calls out, her voice carries a note of frustration, "It’s so hot here. Maybe we can slip out and…"

I offer her a playful smile, leaning in slightly. "Tempting, but I have to decline. I’m a bit tied up tonight."

Selena blinks in surprise. Obviously, this isn’t the response she anticipated. "Oh. Well, I thought…"

I tilt my head, giving her a curious look. "Thought what, exactly? That just because I'm an outcast, I wouldn’t dare say NO to an Alpha's daughter?"

Her face falls slightly, but she tries to regain her composure. "I didn't say that."

"But you sure thought it," I smirk, finishing my drink and setting the empty glass down on the counter. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Selena." I say to her before making my way upstairs.