Chapter003
1152 Words
With quick, purposeful steps, Kateryna headed into the kitchen, leading the way. After setting Malevolen on the table, she kissed her head and then started searching through the drawers. Her speed in locating the gauze determined how quickly she could let him leave.
He moved toward the sink to wash his hands. She realized she was watching how his muscles tightened during each movement. Shaking herself, she yanked open another drawer. She felt relieved the moment she saw the box. She extracted the box from the drawer before taking two rolls to start cutting the gauze.
Malevolently, he resisted with aThe sheets chill my skincare bandage against his twisting body.
She tightened her grip while commanding building building movement,
"Here, let me," he offered. The scars on his hands had healed completely, leaving only faint scratches. He held the cat fifirmlyut gently.
"So, what made you move out here?" he asked, his voice casual.
She glanced at him. Why do you believe my move to this place was recent? man's skin is, shoulder as he displayed a smirk. If someone like you had lived here already, I would have known,thatt it., that yes first landed on her lips before quickly returning to her, and
Kater, andlled her eyes. You should be skeptical of your thoughts considering my sweat-soaked state.
"Didn’t notice."
She worked to fasten the bandage while dismissing the intense feeling from his gaze.
"So? Why the move?" he pressed.
Persistent.
"Needed space from my father. He’s… overbearing. I plan to experience life according to my personal preferences.
Without anyone breathing down my neck." She sighed.
His eyes briefly flashed with something sharp before fading away.
A beep cut through the air. They both glanced at her phone. The phone was closer to him, but she grabbed it before he could see it properly.
He expressed his gratitude for the permission to wash his hands while gently petting Malevolen’s head. She purred. It's rare to find a she-wolf who keeps a pet cat.
Although I have become accustomed to this length, Although I have been. Although managingough managing out doubtaree guided towards the door.
She smiled reminds mme"
He gave her phone another quick look before exiting.
With the door closed behind her, Kateryna turned her attention to Malevolen. "Finally. Let’s get you some treats, hmm?
Mama is absent, but I’ll make sure you’re looked after. Why do you always get into trouble?"
The cat meowed.
"Yeah, yeah. Juusually usually st like me."
She checked her but this time, it's a table. Tessit up the screen.
Burya707: Can’t believe I’m about to meet…
Vedmid: Still waiting on that call…
The last was from a music app.
She chose to respond to Burya while setting aside her dad’s message.
She had to determine the club's location and travel time first. Time to get ready.
Kateryna adjusted her dress in the mirror. The black fabric of her dress closely followed her curves, while the backless area featured silver chains for decoration. The black heels provided her extra height while the smoky eyeshadow intensified her eyes. The final touch—deep red lipstick. Silver earrings gleamed against her skin.
The bouncer at the club couldn't help but smirk after seeing her. He pulled the rope aside without hesitation.
He should verify whether her entrance speed increased because of his observation.
The neon lights inside throbbed rhythmically with the bass. The combined smell of sweat and perfume along with alcohol filled her nostrils. Bodies pressed together, moving with the beat.
She retrieved her phone while disregarding the intense surrounding sound.
Plenty of time. Her fingers pushed a strand of hair behind her ear while she took in the room.
An hour early. Sh,e had ample time to unwind with one or, hits me. It's to mask the nerves she denied feeling. Alcohol wouldn't solve anything, though the attempt t: summer mattered.
Should she text him?
No. That would make her seem desperate.
As s, andk a seat on the barstool, which caught the bartender's attention, her phone began to vibrate.
Burya707: I’m sorry, but I have to cancel. This is a bad idea.
Her stomach dropped.
She felt the words land with more force than she wanted to acknowledge. She’d let herself feel excited. Stupid.
Kateryna gritted her teeth.
TenebrisY: Why? It was your idea.
Burya707: I know. Stuff came up. Maybe another time.
Wow.
She’d been stood up.
TenebrisY: Fine.
What else was there to say?
TenebrisY: I didn’t want to meet anyway.
"What can I get you?" the bartender asked.
"Three vodka shots."
Screw liquid courage. She needed an outlet to deal with her frustration.
No message came. Nothing. Just silence.
The bartender slid the tray toward her. She finished every shot while sucking on lime slices and clenching her jaw in frustration.
"Another round," she said.
She remained sober despite consuming significant alcohol because she didn't mind making the effort to try.
Something shifted.
The atmosphere became denser as a commanding presence moved into the room.
After looking around the room, she made eye contact with him.
A blond Alpha.
Tall. Broad. Golden curls encircled his prominent jawline while his gentle lips offered a soft contrast to his rugged facial structure. The crisp white shirt and black jacket he wore failed to conceal his underlying power.
From here, she could smell him. Cool winter air laced with spice.
Why did he look familiar?
Recognition clicked. The man before her looked like the previous one, but he was larger with coarser features. Less
Kazkovyy Knyaz, more dangerous.
While he ordered a drink, his phone remained in his hand, and his expression stayed unreadable.
Twins? Brothers?
Her eyes narrowed. Was this place crawling with blond Alphas?
She took another shot.
Two hours passed. She was still here. Still hoping. She waited for a message that never arrived.
So was he.
The movement of his fingers around his phone before he pushed it away revealed his inner turmoil. He felt angry, yet his eyes kept darting in her direction.
They’d both been ditched.
His eyes found hers again. They held each other’s stare.
Her smile widened as she purposefully glided her fingers across her neck.
His brow lifted.
A challenge.
He moved toward her with controlled steps that measured the space between them. His walk was confident.
"Hey," he said, voice, but I don't have.
Kateryna licked her lips. I feel even better up close.
"Hey."
"Waiting for someone?"
"Not anymore."
"Same."
He examined the vacant shot glasses. "That’s a lot of vodka."
I never get drunk, but I continue to make an effort.
Their legs brushed beneath the bar.
"How about we change that?" A dare laced his tone.4
Grabbing her bag, she moved from the stool. "Sounds good to me."
She moved toward the side exit without turning around.
She didn’t need to.
She could feel him following.
This night wasn’t over yet.
- Writer
