The Unruly Luna

Chapter 2

Ruslan moved quickly toward the host of the evening.Or rather — toward her.

Amir was holding the girl by the elbow, far too familiarly. Ruslan suddenly wanted to tear Amir’s hand away. Literally rip it off, flesh and all, and throw it as far as possible. Sling the little one over his shoulder and take her away.

The stranger was sipping rosé champagne, a faint smile on her lips. An elegant black sheath dress accentuated her figure. Her hair was swept up, exposing her neck — as if she were offering it for a mark.

The wolf inside Ruslan clawed at him, urging him to approach their female faster.

The girl watched him warily. There was curiosity in her gaze, but for some reason she moved closer to Amir, as if seeking protection. When she realized Ruslan was heading straight toward them, she turned away.

“Amir, the evening is wonderful. Thank you for the invitation,” —Ruslan began politely. He only needed to start a conversation.

Amir knew exactly who he was dealing with. The wolf was trying to appear friendly, though it wasn’t easy. Ruslan extended his hand for a handshake — even though he would much rather have broken Amir’s. No one should touch his mate so casually. From now on, no one should touch her at all. Except him.

“Ruslan, what a pleasure to see you here. You’re not a frequent guest at such informal events,” —Amir said, genuinely surprised.

He always sent invitations to Ruslan and his brother. Alec attended regularly; Ruslan never did. Amir had seen the Alpha no more than ten times throughout their entire acquaintance. Even that was considered progress — a sign of respect from the clan leader.

Ruslan’s handshake was firm. Crushingly so. Amir noticed that while speaking to him, Ruslan was watching his companion with unwavering intensity. He released her hand, unwilling to provoke the beast further.

“Alec insisted on my presence. But now I’m genuinely glad I came,” — Ruslan replied, shifting his gaze back to the girl.

She smiled politely at him, then quickly looked away. She didn’t interfere in the conversation.

“My companion, Polina,” — Amir decided to introduce her.

Ruslan clenched his jaw at the mention of her status. Noticing the Alpha’s reaction, Amir continued.

“She organized the evening. My personal assistant,” — he added.

Ruslan couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. Amir understood that, at least for tonight, he had lost his most reliable support in the form of Polina. But he lacked the strength — and the will — to oppose Seversky. The wolf could take what he considered his by force. Open conflict with him would be a death sentence.

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Seversky,” —Polina said, smiling sweetly, though instinctively she took another step toward her boss.

Ruslan inhaled carefully.Pure.

She carried no trace of Amir. She wasn’t his lover. That was good — otherwise Ruslan would have killed the rival without hesitation. From her scent, he knew she had no lover at all. A definite advantage.

So why did she step back again?Was he truly that frightening to her — or did she simply not like him?

“You can just call me Ruslan,” — he said, extending his hand.

Polina offered hers in return, the way a man would — for a handshake. The wolf couldn’t resist. Ruslan brought her hand to his lips.

Inside him, the beast growled in delight.

Sweet girl.His mate.

It didn’t matter that she wasn’t a wolf. In the Alpha’s mind, there was only one word.

Mine.

“All right… Ruslan,” — she said quietly.

He sensed her tension — she wanted the kiss to end quickly, to pull her hand away. Ruslan felt like a tamed wolf pup, eager to wag his tail.

“I’m glad you enjoyed the evening. Amir mentioned that you are an honored guest,” —Polina continued, maintaining polite distance.

She showed no interest in him whatsoever. It felt more like she wanted to escape — but couldn’t, because of her boss. Ruslan wasn’t used to that. Women usually needed only the slightest encouragement from him.

“You’re an assistant, so you understand how tight directors’ schedules can be,” — Ruslan continued smoothly.

Amir realized that Ruslan wanted Polina — and decided to give him the opportunity.

“It’s not always easy to find time for relaxation and informal gatherings.”

“Polina, perhaps you could show Ruslan the house and the garden?” — Amir suggested.

“It’s his first visit. We’ve only met at business meetings before.”

He knew perfectly well she wouldn’t refuse.

“If he wishes, I’ll be happy to give him a private tour. After all, a guest’s wish is law,” — Polina replied with a smile.

Though Ruslan could see she would much rather run.

“I’d be delighted to take a look around,” — he said.

The wolf reached for her arm. Polina flinched noticeably at his touch. Her scent sharpened — fear crept in. Ruslan didn’t like that at all. He had barely touched her, and she was already afraid.

It shouldn’t be like this.

A mate should feel him. Should want to be close on her own.

“Perhaps we could start with the garden?” —Ruslan suggested softly.

“It’s crowded inside, a bit stuffy. As you know, I’m not a frequent guest — I prefer more space. And privacy.”

“A wonderful idea,” — Polina agreed, keeping her smile in place.

“I hope my company won’t be a burden to you.”

“Not at all,” — Ruslan replied instantly.

She set her glass down on the table. Ruslan did the same. Together, they stepped out into the garden through the terrace.

He didn’t like how familiar she was with Amir’s house.

Polina watched her steps carefully, avoiding his gaze. Ruslan wanted to be closer. The wolf demanded to claim his mate — to keep everyone away from Polina until she accepted him.