Filthy Wolves

Chapter 09

AMANDA

It turns out kissing two boys in one night is too much for my broken mind. I was just about to get inside the dorm when I heard a familiar voice that made me freeze.

"Well, well, well."

Great! Another problem to deal with.

I turned, ready to snap at Scarlet, but the words died in my throat when I saw who was with her. Luther stood there, his tall frame looming behind her like a shadow.

What the hell is he doing here?

My heart clenched painfully, a confusing mix of emotions swirling inside me. Hurt, anger, and something else I couldn't quite name battled for dominance. Why were they together? And why did it bother me so much?

Scarlet's lips curved into a smug smile when she noticed me. She tossed her long, perfectly styled hair over her shoulder and turned to Luther, her voice sickeningly sweet. "Thanks for giving me a ride home, Luther. I really appreciate it." Her eyes darted to me, watching for my reaction.

Slut.

I forced a smile, trying to look like I didn't care that she was with Luther. But inside, I was seething. I glanced at Luther, searching his face for... something. Anything. But his expression remained stoic, unreadable.

He simply nodded at Scarlet, not bothering to respond verbally. His indifference only fueled my anger. Why was I even angry? It's not like I had any claim on him.

Scarlet's smile widened, and she sauntered past me, deliberately brushing against my shoulder. "Good night, Amanda," she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness.

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to grab her by that perfect hair and slam her face into the wall. Instead, I watched her walk away, her hips swaying exaggeratedly.

When I turned back to Luther, he was staring at me with those intense eyes of his.

"Problem?" he asked, his voice low and challenging.

I wanted to scream at him, to demand answers. Why was he with Scarlet? Did he kiss her too? But I bit my tongue. "No," I said instead, my voice cold. "No problem at all."

Without another word, I turned and walked into the dorm, leaving Luther standing there in the darkness.

Or not.

My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and anger. Why did I care so much? And more importantly, why did I turn around to confront Luther?

"I thought you didn't like her?" I blurted out, unable to keep the accusation from my voice. “ So much for calling her a whore.”

Luther's eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't see how that's any of your business, St. Claire."

"It's not," I shot back, my fists clenching at my sides. "But I thought you hated people like her. What happened to all that talk about not tolerating a cheap slut like her?"

Those were his words earlier, not mine.

He took a step closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming. "Are you jealous, Amanda?" His voice was low, almost amused. “ Not because you’re our lady doesn’t mean you can act like this.”

I scoffed, trying to ignore the way my heart raced. "Jealous? Of what? Your ability to contradict yourself?"

Luther's jaw tightened. "Watch your tone. Remember your place."

"My place?" I laughed bitterly. "Right, because you own me, right? Tell me, Luther, do you enjoy toying with people's feelings? Was it fun taking her back from your brother?"

For a moment, something flashed in his eyes – was it guilt? Regret? But it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "You don't know anything about me or my motives, St. Claire. Don't pretend you do."

I shook my head, suddenly feeling exhausted. "You're right. I don't know you. And frankly, I'm not sure I want to."

He took a step closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming. His nostrils flared, and a dark look crossed his face. "You smell like Blaze," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "So, that's why you're out of the party early? Did he touch you?"

Before I could react, Luther had me pinned against the wall, his body pressing against mine. I gasped as his hand found my throat, not squeezing but holding firmly. The touch sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

"Who do you think you are, St. Claire?" Luther's voice was a low rumble against my ear. "Our lady? Our plaything? You're nothing. You don't get to question me."

I tried to speak, but his grip tightened slightly, cutting off my words. My heart raced, a mix of fear and something else I didn't want to acknowledge.

Luther leaned in closer, his breath hot against my skin. Slowly, deliberately, he ran his tongue along my jaw, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. I couldn't suppress the small whimper that escaped my lips.

"Just be a good pet," he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. The words were both a command and a caress, making me tremble.

Shit. What a sick bastard, but why is my heart beating like this? I pushed against his chest, trying to create some space between us. "Get off me, Luther," I hissed, my earlier anger returning full force, mingled with confusion at my body's betrayal. "You don't get to act like this when you are just with Scarlet."

Luther's grip on my throat loosened, but he didn't step back. " Are you jealous, little pet?"

"No!" I snapped, but even I could hear the uncertainty in my voice. "I'm angry because you're making me miserable. You made me your lady. Claim me in front of everyone, and then you’re sneaking out with her?"

Luther's jaw clenched. "You don't understand anything, Amanda. There are things at play here that you can't even begin to comprehend."

"Then explain it to me!" I demanded, my voice rising with frustration. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're just ruining my life."

For a moment, something flashed in Luther's eyes – a vulnerability I'd never seen before. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by his usual cold demeanor.

"Go to bed, Amanda," he said, his voice suddenly tired. "We'll talk another time."

“ I f*****g hate you, asshole!”

That’s it! I just signed my death certificate. Luther paused but didn't turn back.

"I f*****g hate you ," I said, my voice softer now. " You’re a f*****g monster. What exactly do you want, huh? Tell me! What do you really want from me? "

Luther's shoulders tensed. For a moment, I thought he might ignore me and keep walking. But then he turned, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that took my breath away.

"What I want," he said slowly, "is for you to stay out of trouble. And right now, you're heading straight for it."

"Not tonight, Amanda," he said, his voice low and husky. "Get some rest."

As I watched him walk away, I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling confused and conflicted. Why did I feel this pull towards him? He was infuriating, controlling, and clearly involved with Scarlet. Yet, I couldn't deny the electricity I felt when we were close.

I crawled into bed, my mind racing with unanswered questions and my skin still tingling from Luther's touch. Sleep will be a long time coming tonight.