Chapter 6: Dinner with the Enemy
641 Words
The car was too quiet.
Alexander drove through the city streets like he owned them — which, knowing his kind of wealth, he probably could buy half of Manhattan if he wanted. I sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, staring out the window.
"Where are we going?" I finally asked.
"A place where we can talk without interruptions," he said, eyes on the road.
I glanced at him. He looked relaxed, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the gear shift. Too relaxed for someone who'd basically kidnapped me into his car.
"You could have just asked for dinner like a normal person."
"I did. You threw my card in the trash."
I felt my cheeks heat. "How did you—"
"I have good eyesight."
Of course he did. Werewolf perks.
We pulled up to a private rooftop restaurant — the kind that didn't even have a sign, just a discreet elevator that took us straight to the top. The city lights sparkled below us like a sea of stars.
A waiter led us to a corner table, completely isolated.
Alexander pulled out my chair before I could protest. Old-fashioned Alpha manners.
We ordered — I picked something simple, he ordered for both of us in perfect French when the waiter spoke it. Show-off.
"So," I said once we were alone, "talk."
He leaned back, studying me with those intense gray eyes. "I want you to come back with me."
I nearly choked on my water. "Back where?"
"To my territory. As my Luna."
I laughed — a sharp, bitter sound. "You're delusional."
"I'm serious. The bond is real. Stronger than any I've heard of. And you're in danger staying here alone."
"I handled myself just fine for five years."
"You got lucky," he said quietly. "But luck runs out."
I hated how reasonable he sounded.
"Why me?" I asked. "You could have any she-wolf. Strong ones. From powerful packs. Why chase the one who was rejected?"
He was quiet for a long moment.
"Because the moment I saw you tonight, everything clicked into place," he said finally. "I've been searching for something my whole life, and there you were. Hiding in plain sight."
I looked away, my throat tight.
"That's not fair," I whispered.
"Life rarely is."
The food arrived — perfectly cooked steak for him, salmon for me. He cut into his meat with precise movements.
"I know about Jax," he said suddenly.
My fork paused halfway to my mouth.
"I know what he did. Public rejection. Cruel words. I looked into it after I recognized your scent."
I set my fork down. "And?"
"And he's paying for it now. His pack is struggling. His father's business is failing. Karma, perhaps."
I felt a twisted satisfaction at that, quickly followed by guilt.
"Good," I said anyway.
Alexander reached across the table, his hand covering mine. This time I didn't pull away.
"I won't hurt you like that," he said. "I can't. The bond won't let me."
I wanted to believe him.
But I'd been burned once before.
The rest of dinner passed with lighter conversation — he asked about my work, actually listened when I talked about designs. He told me about his territory, the challenges of ruling as Alpha King.
By the time dessert arrived, I was... relaxed. Laughing even.
Dangerous.
When he drove me home, he walked me to my door.
"This doesn't change anything," I said, hand on my doorknob.
"It changes everything," he replied softly.
He leaned in slowly, giving me time to pull away.
I didn't.
His lips brushed mine — gentle, testing.
Fire exploded through me.
I pulled back, breathing hard.
"Goodnight, Alexander."
"Goodnight, little wolf."
I closed the door and leaned against it, heart racing.
I was in serious trouble.
And part of me didn't mind at all.
- Writer
