MATED TO THE LYCAN MAFIA KING

Dancing With a Stranger

Lia

I raised my hand to the bartender, signaling for another shot. Elena and her minions had interrupted my buzz, and I was desperate to forget everything that happened earlier.

However, as I was about to take a shot, I felt a sharp pull on my hair and just as I was about to fall my wolf reacted quickly, yanking her arm off.

Turning around, I saw it was Charlotte.

It seemed my words had struck a nerve, but I was not going to lower myself to their level by indulging in a bar fight.

A low growl rumbled in my chest as I gazed at her, and her face dropped as she stepped back, filled with fear.

“Try that again and it’s going to cost you.” I sneered.

“Oh yeah?” Elena stepped forward, meeting my piercing gaze with a fiery one, “What are you going to do about it?”

I stood and took a step forward, my expression darkening, “I’m the Luna of Lupo Nero Pack, and as you already know, we are the strongest pack from here to SilverGate territory. You do not want to make an enemy of me.” My eyes flashed yellow as my wolf stirred within me, my fangs extending with a husky growl.

Elena tried to hold her composure, but I could see, beneath her bold exterior was a terrified little wolf who knew she was no match against me.

Her eyes flashed with terror as she held my intense gaze and then suddenly darted them away, scoffing in frustration.

“Let’s go.” She said, nudging Charlotte by the elbow.

“We’re just going to–“ Avery began, but Elena cut her off sharply,

“I said let’s go.” She repeated firmly.

Avery and Charlotte remained frozen in place, but when they saw the yellow flicker in my eyes, they shook in fear and scurried away.

I watched them leave and heaved a sigh, before turning back to the bartender.

I knew I shouldn’t have been, but I was still hurt that Luca chose to mess around with that tramp, Eve, publicly disrespecting me.

We were getting married in a few days, the least he could have done is have the decency of hiding their scandalous relationship.

But there he was, openly kissing her and acting with no reverence for our relationship.

I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but one thing was certain, I couldn’t let my family’s power fall into Luca’s hands.

“Is this seat taken?” A steeled voice suddenly snapped me out of my thoughts.

I was about to turn when he pulled the chair and sat beside me.

Immediately my gaze met his piercing hazel-green eyes, I was smitten. I’ve never felt this about anyone, not even Luca. But there was something about this man, an authority and a powerful aura that made my wolf bow in his presence.

His forearm was covered with tattoos that looked like they had a story behind them. But what truly took my breath away was how incredibly handsome he was, with a strong chiseled jaw, jet black hair and lips that looked as red as cherries.

“I’m Dante.” He said with a casual smile, extending his arm for a shake.

For some moment, I remained frozen in my seat, my eyes glued to him like I was caught in a trance.

His lips parted into a soft smile, revealing the whitest set of teeth I’d ever seen.

“I’m sorry. You probably want to be left alone.” He said when he noticed that I wasn’t taking his hand.

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words caught in my throat and instead I smiled sheepishly, finally shifting my gaze away from his face.

I could still feel his eyes on me, and then he turned away, raising his hand to the bartender, “Two shots of Martini.”

The bartender nodded and started to mix our drink.

The whole time I remained quiet, like a shy teenager, not sure what to say. I was never the type to drink at bars, not to mention sharing a drink with a guy I’d just met.

It felt like my whole body had caught on fire as a warm sensation travelled through my body, and my wolf felt it too.

I knew instantly. This was bad, really bad.

Dante shifted his gaze back to me, his eyes trailing every inch of my face, and then he smiled again, circling his finger on the bar,

“I couldn’t help but notice how you handled yourself with those girls. I must say, I’m impressed.”

“Is that why you came over here? To save me?” I blurted before I could even process my words. I don’t know why I sounded so snide; maybe I was tired of everyone underestimating my strength.

Dante did not say anything, he only stared at me, his lips parting into a smile and right then, the bartender returned with our drinks, but before he left, Dante held up his hand again, “Can I get the whole bottle?”

I stared at him with curiosity; just my luck – the first hot guy I meet turns out to be an alcoholic.

The bartender did not question him, he turned back and grabbed the bottle of vodka, placing it in front of him.

“There’s something about you…” he started, taking three quick shots. “Something that wants to get out but you’re holding yourself back. Why is that…?”

“Lia.” I muttered. I don’t know why, but I finally gave him my name.

He smiled as he topped off my shot glass, “I’d like to propose something. Whatever you’re trying to forget, that’s not the way to go about it.”

I hissed, trying to brush him off.

“How about this,” he continued, leaning slightly closer, “If you can outdrink me, I’ll sit here quietly, ignoring whatever it is you’re dealing with. But if I outdrink you, then you have to talk.”

I shot a sharp glance at him, contemplating whether or not to give in, then without further thought, gave in. There didn’t seem to be much of a downside. If I won, I’d be rid of him. If I lost, maybe venting would help me channel the frustration within me.

“Fine, let’s do it.”

We started drinking, and one shot went to two, two to three and before I knew it, we were down to our sixth.

I was surprised to see Dante hold his alcohol just as well as me, maybe even better, but at this time, I finally started to feel my thoughts flowing freely and before I knew it, I was pouring out every frustration and anger I’d bottled up concerning Luca and our relationship, both past and present.

Dante didn’t say anything the whole time. He listened keenly, holding on to every word that escaped my lips as if he was captivated by it.

When I finally paused, he leaned back slightly and said,

“Why is he treating her like the Luna when he should be worshipping the ground you walk on.”

His words caught me off guard and I felt my cheeks flush, though I couldn’t tell if it was from his comment or the alcohol.

By now, I was barely seeing things clearly, my vision had blurred and all I wanted was to go home.

However, as I tried to pour another shot, he slowly held my hand, pushing the bottle away.

“I think you’ve had enough.” He said, and before I could say anything, he quickly added with what looked like a smug grin through my blurry vision,

“I have an idea.”

“Come dance with me.”

Quickly, he stood up, extending his arm out.

I shook my head hesitantly.

“It’ll make you feel better, trust me.” His calm voice filtered softly into my ears, breaking my walls.

I remained quiet for some time and then sighed defeatedly. I owed myself a good time.

If Luca was so carefree about openly betraying me, then I could at least have a dance with a stranger.

With that, I took his hand but as soon as my fingers brushed against it, I felt a strong pull – not physical. It felt almost like… My wolf was reaching out to his.