The Ignored Wolf

Indecent Proposal

Louise

My breath hitches, caught in the back of my throat.

The man is towering, dark hair falling over his forehead in messy, rebellious strands. He has broad shoulders that fill out his dress shirt in all the right ways. His sleeves are rolled back to his elbows, revealing powerful forearms and the strength of his muscles.

“So,” he starts, his voice low. “Is this where they keep the disobedient little girls?”

“How did you—” I start, glancing toward the lock.

“How did I get in? With this,” He cuts me off, raising his hand. There’s a paperclip between his long fingers, twisted into a jagged shape. “Want me to teach you?”

“Er… no thanks,” I say, eyeing him warily. “Who are you?”

“Elias Chandler,” he says, sliding the paperclip back into his pocket with a casual grace. “Charlie’s brother. Half-brother, if you want to be precise.”

Elias.

I gasp, my hand darting instinctively for the handle to shut the door. But he’s faster. Before I can even turn the knob, he moves forward to catch my wrist. He steps into the room, and kicks the door shut behind him.

“Hey!” I protest, trying to wrench my hand free. Instead of letting go, Elias spins me around, pinning me firmly between his body and the door.

I freeze. “Don’t be so jumpy,” he says with a smirk. His tone is anything but comforting. “I don’t bite. At least, not without permission.”

He’s so close I can taste him. He smells of leather, tobacco, and whiskey.

“Am I really that terrifying?” he murmurs, tilting his head.

Everything Charlie ever told me about Elias starts reeling in my mind.

“He was stripped of his Alpha title and exiled.”

“He served in the military, and they forced him to retire after he executed a group of rogues who had already surrendered.”

“He runs a dark business in the human world. You’re curious? But I can’t tell you more. It’s too filthy for you to know.”

“He’s a despicable fallen angel. A heartless man. Countless she-wolves were thrown out of his room, naked and crying. He doesn’t give a damn about anyone’s feelings.”

The more I remember, the more I tremble.

Elias seems to read my mind and presses, “Who makes you think I am terrifying?”

I can’t let him know Charlie told me these things. Elias would get back at him. s**t, why am I still trying to protect Charlie. It’s not like he’s protecting me anyway.

Still, I don’t rat him out but take a shaky breath and say. “Well, you look like trouble.”

Elias lets out a soft chuckle. He points to a jagged scar cutting through his right eyebrow. “You mean this?”

“Yes,” I nod but that’s a lie. He’s so handsome I hadn't even noticed the scar until now.

“Is that so?” He arches an eyebrow. “How is it that you have the guts to slap an Alpha in public, but you’re afraid of a little scar?”

“I’m not afraid,” I deny, though my voice is hopelessly unsteady.

“You’re shaking,” he points out.

“Is that why you’re here? To get revenge for your brother because I hit him?” I demand.

“Perhaps.” He leans in closer, his grin wider. “But I’m a fair man. Why don’t you tell me first, what did my little brother say to earn that slap?”

I tell him about the conversation and Elias bursts into a genuine laugh. I glare at him. “You think this is funny?”

“No, he definitely deserves that. And I’m just relishing the memory of the look on his face. It was priceless. Watching you hit him made my day. Honestly, it’s the only interesting thing that’s happened at this boring-ass party.”

I’m lost for words. I want to thank him for the acknowledgment. But won’t it be weird? I don’t know what to say so all I can do is to stare at him.

“So,” Elias says, pulling away a little, barely enough for me to breathe. “Let me guess. They locked you in here because you hit Charlie?”

“Yes,” I nod.

“What a charming parental lesson," he says sarcastically, shaking his head. “The daughter finally finds a backbone, and the parents respond by putting her in a cage.”

I sigh. “Charlie is the Alpha. Today is Cassandra’s big day. I shouldn't have caused a scene.”

Elias snorts with disdain. “Doesn’t make sense to me. You didn’t start it.”

“Thank you,”I mutter.

“For what?”he asks, arching his brow.

“For believing in me.”I say, my face heating up under his intense gaze. Clearing my throat, I ask, “So why aren't you angry that I hit your brother?”

Elias laughs again. “Why would I be? You did exactly what I’ve wanted to do for years.” He makes a face. “Good job, little wolf. You can improve your movement and strength, though. Work on your muscles and drive through with your shoulder next time, and you will make him see stars.”

I can’t help but laugh when I imagine the funny scene. A strange, unfamiliar warmth spreads through my chest.

“However,” Elias says slowly, his gaze locking mine, “Charlie was right about one thing.”

“What?”

“This outfit.” He gestures vaguely at my clothes. “It’s hideous. Pathetically conservative.”

“You are so rude,” I frown, even though I know he’s right.

“You misunderstand me. I mean the dress is a waste.” He smirks.

“A waste?”

Elias leans in again, so close I can see my own wide-eyed reflection in the dark pools of his eyes. “It wastes you,” he says, his voice hoarse. “Your body. Your potential. Your charm.”

“Do you really think I can be…” I whisper, “charming?”

Elias seems to be surprised by the question. His eyes scan down my body, slowly and hungrily. “I do,” he says finally. “Very much so. When I look at you, I can’t help but imagine the lines of your body hidden under that stupid fabric. I bet you’d look stunning in other dresses.”

My face flushes. His approval hits me harder than Cassandra’s insults ever could. She said I was unwanted and Charlie said I was an embarrassment. Is Elias trying to be nice, or is this just the sweet talk of a womanizer?

I hesitate, then decide I don't care. Even if it’s a trick, I need to hear it. I need something to fill the hollow ache inside me.

“Can you keep going?” I ask greedily. “Complimenting me?”

“Pardon?”

“Make me believe I’m beautiful.”

“I can’t make you believe anything. Only you can do that. You need confidence.”

“I’ve lived in the shadows for so long… everyone tells me Cassandra is the better version of me,” I mutter. “I don’t know how to be confident.”

“That’s not my business,” he says, then pauses. “And my help isn't free. You have to ask for it.”

“I just did.”

“You need to ask nicely,” Elias adds. “Go on. Beg me.”

I frown at the word, but the power behind it makes my heart race. “Please,” I add, as politely as I can.

I expect a few words of encouragement. Instead, Elias closes the gap between us entirely. His hot breath is now fanning over the sensitive skin of my neck. “You’ve always been beautiful, Louise. I’ve been watching you all night while you stood next to Charlie.”

I knew it. I felt someone watching me. My instincts were right!

“I kept imagining what you’d look like if you just lifted your chin,” he continues, his voice like velvet. “If you let your shoulders relax. I imagined the curve of your spine arching under pressure, your arms pinned over your head…”

“Why would you imagine those things?” I ask, a mix of terror and excitement coursing through me.

“Sorry, I couldn't help myself,” he says, though he doesn’t sound sorry at all. “Or rather, my wolf couldn't. He’s been restless.” He moves one hand from the door, his knuckles grazing my cheek as he toys with a strand of my hair. “He suggested I find a dark-haired girl to have some fun with tonight.”

“Why?” I breathe, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“Because this party is crawling with blondes,” he says with a dismissive shrug. “We like things that are rare. You’re rare.”

“Because of my hair?” I let out a nervous laugh.

“That’s only part of it,” he says. “You’re complicated. I like taking complicated things apart. Enough talking, little wolf. My balls are aching for you. Can I f**k you now?”

“No!” I blurt out, while I can feel my core throbbing at his indecent proposal.

“Why not?”

“We just met!” I remind him.

“Doesn't change the fact that I’ve wanted to pin you to a wall and take you hard since the second I saw you.” He shrugs. “Don’t you want me?”

God. If I say no, I’m a liar.

“But… this is a guest room,” I say, my face burning.

“Matthew is a good friend of mine. He won’t mind.” Elias smirks.

“What about Charlie?” I ask. “What would he do if he knew?”

Elias’s eyes narrow. “Why do you care what he thinks? Do you love him?”

“No!” I answer, perhaps a little too fast.

“You love him,” he states, ignoring my denial.

“I loved him,” I admit softly. “But now, I just want to stop loving him.”

“Then stop,” Elias says simply.

“How?”

“Are you serious? Is it hard?” He gives me an incredulous look.

I want to wipe that arrogant grin off his face. “Well it’s not easy for me!” I snap. “I have this stupid obsession. I can’t stop thinking about him. He’s like a black hole pulling me down. I know it's toxic, but I can’t get away—”

“Shh.” Elias places a finger over my lips, his voice dropping low. “I'll help you out. Do you want me to set you free from the pain, Louise?”

Wait... how does he know my name? Did I tell him? I don’t think so. So how does he know? Did Charlie tell him about me before? My mind is a total mess. But before I can even begin to think, Elias makes sure to scramble my thoughts even further.

“Just say yes, little wolf,” he commands as he grips my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.