Filthy Wolves

Chapter 08

BLAZE

This s**t is boring as hell.

Music thumped through the hall, but I couldn't care less about the damn party. Luther, Colt, and Ashton were playing cards on the deck, looking just as bored as I felt. I'd only shown up to make an appearance, and now that I'd done my duty, I was ready to bail.

It would be much better though if Luther and Conan engaged in some fistful fight earlier. I’m looking forward to some damn stretching, but they are just cowards and let each other walk away.

“ Going home?” Luther asked, without taking his eyes off the card.

I licked my lips and drank the last sip of the wine and nodded my head. “ See you tomorrow,” was all I said before I slipped away from the noise and the crowd, making my way to the parking lot.

The cool night air hit my face as I approached my motorcycle, a sleek black beast that waited for me in the shadows. My girl. I ran my hand over its smooth surface, feeling slightly annoyed.

Damn. Did I forget to take her to the shop again? I needed to make a mental note of that s**t because I kept forgetting it.

Just as I was about to swing my leg over the seat, a familiar scent caught my attention. I turned my head, a smirk playing on my lips as I spotted Amanda standing a few feet away, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and... was that fear?

The princess looks scared.

"What are you doing here, princess?" I asked, my voice a low drawl.

Amanda hesitated, her gaze flicking between me and the bike. "Are you going to ditch the party?"

I chuckled, enjoying the way she shifted uncomfortably. "What does it look like? Want to join me for a ride on the wild side?"

I could see the conflict in her eyes, the battle between her good girl instincts and the temptation of freedom. It was entertaining to watch, to say the least.

"Come on," I coaxed, patting the seat behind me. "Live a little. Unless you're scared? Luther will look for you, princess."

Amanda didn’t seem to like that. I can feel how much she loathed the name Luther coming out of my lips. She had no choice though. “ That asshole could go to hell alone.”

I whistled, loving how much anger she had. “ Yeah right. So, ride?”

She took a step closer, then hesitated again, eyeing the motorcycle warily.

"I... I don't know," she mumbled, biting her lip.

I revved the engine, letting the growl of the bike fill the air. Amanda jumped slightly at the sound, and I couldn't help but grin.

"Relax, sweetheart. It doesn't bite... much."

She shook her head, taking a step back. "I think I'll pass. I should just get back to the party."

As she turned to leave, I felt a sudden urge to stop her. "Stop," I called out, my voice sharper than I intended.

Amanda whirled around, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm not your dog, Blaze."

I raised an eyebrow, amused by her sudden spark of attitude. "Never said you were. But come on, you can't tell me you're not curious." I swung my leg over the bike, settling into the seat. "One ride. What's the worst that could happen?"

Amanda hesitated, her resolve visibly wavering. I could practically see the gears turning in her head, weighing the risks against the thrill of breaking the rules.

"Fine," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "One ride."

I grinned, patting the seat behind me. "That's more like it. Hop on, princess."

Amanda cautiously approached the bike, her movements hesitant as she climbed on behind me. I could feel the tension radiating off her body, and I couldn't resist the urge to tease her a little.

"You might want to hold on tight, sweetheart," I said, glancing over my shoulder with a mischievous grin. "Unless you fancy taking a tumble."

She huffed, clearly annoyed but also uncertain. I rolled my eyes and reached back, grabbing her hands and wrapping them around my waist. The sudden contact made her gasp, and I felt a jolt of satisfaction.

"There," I said, my voice low and husky. "Much better. Comfortable?"

"I... yeah," she mumbled, her grip tightening slightly.

I revved the engine again, feeling the powerful machine rumble beneath us. "Ready to fly, princess?"

Without waiting for her answer, I kicked off, and we shot forward into the night. The wind whipped around us, and I felt Amanda press closer against my back, her arms tightening around my waist.

As we cruised down the empty streets, I decided to strike up a conversation. "So, how does it feel to be our lady? So many damn privileges, right?"

I felt her snort against my back. "And so many enemies. What's up with Scarlet?

The name sent a chill down my spine, and I felt my grip on the handlebars tighten. Scarlet was a touchy subject, especially when it came to Luther.

"Scarlet's... complicated," I said, choosing my words carefully. "She and Luther have a history. Let's just say she's not too thrilled about you taking her place."

"Her place?" Amanda's voice was laced with confusion and a hint of anger. "I didn't ask for any of this!"

I sighed, getting really irritated by her whining. "Look, princess, I'm not the one to explain Luther's f****d-up love life. But a word of advice? Watch your back around Scarlet. She's not someone you want as an enemy."

She’s a b***h. I want to add that, but I think everyone knew Scarlet was a b***h. I really didn't like that woman from the start.

After that, we fell into a comfortable silence. The rumble of the engine and the rush of wind filled the void, and I found myself relaxing. There was something about riding that always cleared my mind, made the world fall away. The road stretched out before us, dark and endless, and for a moment, I forgot about all the bullshit – the pack politics, Luther's games, even the girl clinging to my back.

Or maybe what I just really want is to forget.

As we approached the dorm area, I slowly brought the bike to a stop. Amanda climbed off, her legs a bit wobbly from the ride. I couldn't help but smirk at her disheveled appearance.

"Thank you," she said awkwardly, not quite meeting my eyes. Is she always this shy? I want to know why.

I swung my leg over the bike, standing up to my full height. "No goodnight kiss?" I asked, trying to capture her gaze. She’s really cute. She just doesn’t know it yet.

Amanda frowned, turning to walk away. But before she could take more than a step, I reached out and yanked her arm, pulling her back towards me. I don’t know what I was thinking. Damn. I don’t even know if I’m thinking, but all I want is I want to taste her lips. And she tastes so damn good I don’t want to let go.

I could feel her surprise, the way her body tensed and then, for just a moment, seemed to melt against mine. When I pulled back, her eyes were wide, her cheeks flushed.

I leaned in, pressing my forehead against hers. "Goodnight princess," I murmured, loving the way she looks so f*****g dazed and confused right now. Amanda never said anything, but I couldn’t help but grin. "See you tomorrow,” I added, then climbed back onto my bike to leave.

This game.

Whatever it is we are playing, just got a whole lot more interesting.