The moment my eyes locked with Carter’s, my pulse quickened, and a wicked smile crept across my lips. He stood at the edge of the club, cloaked in shadows, his sharp gaze piercing through the crowd. Even from across the room, I could feel the weight of his stare, a heavy mix of anger, possession, and barely restrained desire.
I loved it.
He wasn’t supposed to be here, not in this crowded, sweaty club, surrounded by chaos and energy. He belonged in his office, brooding over pack business or barking orders. But instead, he was here. Watching me.
And I was going to make him suffer for it.
Turning back to Lily, I leaned close, laughing at something she said, though my focus was entirely on Carter. I swayed to the music, letting the rhythm take over, moving my body in a way I knew would catch his attention. My hips rolled, my hands slid down my sides, and I tossed my head back, giving him a perfect view of my neck.
The bond between us buzzed in the air, taut and electric. I could feel his wolf clawing to the surface, begging to stake its claim. But Carter—ever the Alpha, ever in control—just stood there, his fists clenched, his jaw tight.
Good. Let him simmer.
The bass thumped through the floor, matching the beat of my heart as I moved to the center of the dance floor. Men’s eyes followed me, lingering too long, their interest palpable. I could feel Carter’s rage from across the room, his wolf bristling at the attention I was drawing.
Still, he didn’t move.
Let’s see how far I can push you, Alpha.
Lily, catching onto my game, smirked and leaned in. “You’re terrible,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the music.
I grinned. “He deserves it.”
I tilted my head, letting my hair fall to one side, exposing my neck further as I pretended not to notice Carter. A bold, sandy-haired wolf stepped closer, clearly encouraged by my movements. His hand hovered near my waist, hesitant but eager.
Before he could touch me, I turned, laughing as I danced just out of reach, my movements fluid and deliberate. Carter growled. I didn’t hear it, but I felt it—a deep vibration in my chest, a silent warning that rolled over the crowd.
Still, I didn’t stop.
I locked eyes with him again, letting my lips curl into a devilish smile. His eyes darkened, the storm brewing behind them barely contained. For a moment, I thought he might break. That he might march onto the dance floor, grab me, and show everyone exactly who I belonged to.
But he didn’t.
Instead, he stayed rooted in place, his shoulders stiff, his expression unreadable.
Frustration bubbled in my chest, but it only fueled me. I danced closer to Lily, laughing and twirling, giving Carter the perfect view of my every move. I knew what I was doing—tempting him, daring him to act.
But the damn Alpha had more control than I’d given him credit for.
After what felt like an eternity of trying to rile him up, I finally gave up. My energy waned, the teasing smirk fading from my lips as I turned back to Lily. “Let’s head out,” I said, my voice low.
Lily raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. She and Jackson followed me as we weaved through the crowd and toward the exit.
As I passed Carter, I felt the pull of his presence like a magnet. I slowed, just enough to let our eyes meet one last time. His gaze was molten, his restraint palpable, and for a fleeting second, I thought he might finally crack.
But he didn’t.
I gave him a slow, sultry smile, leaning closer as I whispered under my breath, just loud enough for him to hear. “Goodnight, Alpha.”
Then I walked away, leaving him in the shadows.
When I reached the cool night air, I felt a mix of triumph and disappointment. He hadn’t come to me, hadn’t given in to the fire raging between us. But I’d felt the heat of his gaze, the struggle in his restraint.
And I knew this wasn’t over.
Carter could hold out as long as he wanted. I had all the time in the world to make him lose control.