Arrival at the club
1910 Words
MATEO KNOX'S POV
I froze the instant she entered my club. Every eye seemed to be drawn to her curves, and she moved as if she owned the space. When I saw the new bartender staring at her as if she were a prize on display, my teeth clenched. Instead of swooning over every woman who enters the room, he should be working.
She looked at me from across the room, and I could feel it in my chest. Her hips rolled in a manner that made my blood boil as she swayed while walking. My thoughts instantly veered to a dark place that I probably shouldn't discuss in public.
I looked at my timepiece. She must have been the secretary Julian sent, damn it. Too ideal to be a random woman. I snarled and dismissed my guards. I required seclusion. This was only intended to be a business conversation. She was, however, dangerously distracting.
She was unconcerned. She looked at me in a way that made me lose all sense of reality. My secretary then performed the lap dance. Who in the world does that? I came dangerously close to losing it.
She then gave me a punch. Hard.
I froze. I don't strike women. I never did. Never will. I didn't stop her even though she was swinging. I felt a surge of desire and rage all at once. She is trying to break my nose one moment and grinding against me the next. She was eventually dragged away by my guards, but she vanished before I could get a good look.
I wiped the blood from my face while reclining in the VIP area. I couldn't concentrate. Who was she? What happened to her? And how on earth was I going to get her into my bed without looking foolish?
A guard carrying paper towels came over. “She’s gone, Alpha.”
I rolled my eyes. Has anyone noticed her whereabouts? Tonight, all of my men failed. They allowed her to get away while they watched her attack me.
The guard nervously remarked, "You didn't fight back."
"Obviously not," I yelled. "I don't strike women."
He countered, "But she struck you first."
I gestured toward the paper towels and said, "Doesn't matter." "Ask the bouncers. Determine the path she took. I'm looking for answers.
He gave a nod and hurried away. My mind wandered. Who was she if she wasn't the secretary? And where had my anticipated guest been? Something about her drew me in, even though I shouldn't have stayed at the club for so long.
The guard came back in a flash. "Alpha, the bouncers noticed her sprinting toward Mason Clarke's territory in the woods. A few of our men trailed after her.
I snarled. "Those fools! I gestured and said, "Make sure nothing happens here." After that, I departed. Before my men caused more trouble, I needed to locate her. She wasn't a wolf, and I didn't want to deal with cats any more.
I dashed in the direction indicated by the bouncers. After five minutes, I heard sharp, tense voices, both male and female. Ronan's eyes were wide as he reached for a branch. A shaky figure clung frantically to the tree above him.
"Everyone is back! Right now! I snarled.
The men froze, then dispersed. With my hands in my pockets, I made my way to the tree.
"You are welcome to descend. "You're safe," I said coolly.
She growled, "Go, and I'll."
I remained motionless. She let out a moan. Could you please go? Shoooo!
I chuckled softly. "Did you just kick out an Alpha?"
"Yes. You see, I thought you were someone else. If you would like, I can double the cost of the medical bills. Calm but firm, she said, "Just leave your contact near the tree....
"It's alright," I said, attempting to maintain a steady tone. "No animosity. To be honest, I deserved a good punch or two. However, I'm attempting to prevent my men from frightening you. They had no right to pursue you.
She gave a snort. "You appear to be a major liar."
"You believe I'm obese?" With a hand on my chest, I gasped.
"You only heard that?" She laughed.
"Kitten, not forever. Staying up there is not an option. I provide defense. That's all.
My chest tightened at the sight of her. I wanted her even though I didn't know her name, her history, or even her origins. I wanted to experience the excitement she aroused in me, to taste the fire she carried.
Her voice trembled a little as she said, "Okay, but promise not to hurt me."
"Cry? I said in a low voice, "I don't harm women."
She appeared unconvinced, but she cautiously descended. I felt the heat from every step she took. I was unable to look away from her.
I said softly, "I'm Mateo," attempting to keep my desire under wraps.
"Mateo Knox," she said again, her tone critical and doubtful. "My name is Avery Cruz. But don't think it's okay if you tell me your name.
I smiled and said, "I never said it did." However, I assure you that I pose no threat. You're secure.
Her gaze darted about, absorbing the forest's shadows. She whispered, "I don't trust easily."
"I don't either," I replied. "But I need to know if my men abandoned you right now. I want no one to touch you ever again.
She brushed a lock of hair from her face and said, "They left." "But I'm capable of managing myself."
I looked at the bruises that were starting to appear on my face and said, "I can see that." "You're powerful. Sometimes it's too strong.
She retorted, "Better than weak."
I laughed. "You make a valid point. But scaling a tree to get away from my men? Even for me, that is a novel one.
She said, "I'm not scared of you," and took a cautious step toward him.
"Well. I softened my tone and said, "You shouldn't be." But if someone tries anything again, I'll defend you. I swear.
Her gaze wavered between skepticism and interest. She remarked, "You're full of promises."
"Not quite full. "Just be careful," I said. "Now, let's leave before someone else arrives."
She took a moment to examine me. "Mateo Knox... You are unique. I'm not sure if I should run away or trust you.
You can rely on me. I will not allow anyone to harm you. "I swear," I said, moving closer but maintaining my distance.
Her head was c****d. "All right. But if I make a mistake, I vanish once more. Do you understand?
"Comprehensive," I replied. I was only more drawn to her defiance.
We proceeded cautiously through the forest. I continued to scan, listening to every sound. Her presence was simultaneously intoxicating, dangerous, and electric.
She abruptly said, "You really didn't hit me back."
"No. "Never," I said. "I don't strike women. even when they assault me and are just as alluring as you are.
She grinned. "Tempting, eh?"
"Very alluring," I said.
She gave a quiet, almost apprehensive laugh. "I've never encountered an Alpha who didn't simply take what he desired."
I remarked, "I'm not like the others." However, I'm not weak either. You must be aware of that.
Her eyes were keen as she examined me. Mateo Knox, I'm capable of managing myself. However, I refuse to be controlled by anyone.
I said, "You won't." Not me. No one. But Avery Cruz, I want you. More than I've ever desired anyone.
Her breath caught. Mateo, exercise caution when pursuing that desire. I'm difficult to hold.
"I have no intention of holding you. "I intend to earn it," I muttered.
As we traveled, the forest grew darker, and I sensed our growing tension. Every word and every look had significance that neither of us could overlook.
"Where are we heading?" she whispered.
"Somewhere secure. I said, "Somewhere you can think." But be aware of this, Avery Cruz. You've sparked something inside of me. I can't ignore it.
She fought the tension by pressing her lips together. "What if I vanish once more?"
"Then I'll find you," I said in a quiet but confident voice. "No matter the cost."
She paused her stroll and glanced up at me. "Mateo, what if you're unable to?"
I swallowed forcefully, finding it difficult to concentrate due to the heat in my chest. I replied, "Then I'll keep trying." "I will never give up on you."
Her eyes briefly softened before hardening once more. "You had better mean it. I'm gone with one wrong step. forever.
I gave a nod. "I really do mean it. However, Avery Why did you come to me tonight? I must know. Was this luck or fate?
Her face was marked with uncertainty as her eyes flicked away. She muttered, "I... don't know."
I moved a little closer, reducing the gap between us. "I won't let you go for any reason. Not right now. Never.
After a moment of hesitation, she shook her head. "You don't get it, Mateo. Actually, you don't. You would if you knew.
"Enough," I said, gently interrupting her. "I don't need to know just yet. But Avery, I need you to be careful. That is all that is important.
There was an intolerable amount of tension between us. There was energy in every word, every step, and every look. The world seemed to shrink to just the two of us, and the surrounding forest seemed smaller.
"You're insane," she whispered.
"And you're obstinate," I smiled.
There was silence for a moment. Then she raised her head to fully meet my gaze. "What if I can't trust you, Mateo?"
Feeling the weight of the night bearing down on us both, I inhaled deeply. "I'll earn your trust after that. In some way.
She didn't move, but her eyes narrowed. Although the woods surrounding us were silent, I was aware that danger might be close at any time. Every nerve in my body was tense as my heart pounded in my chest.
She muttered, "Mateo, why do I feel like I've just stepped into a trap from which I can't get out?"
I maintained eye contact with her, every muscle tense, every thought concentrated. "Avery, you have. Furthermore, there is no going back now.
The sound of a nearby branch snapping reverberated through the trees. She tensed up. I tensed up. One thing became clear to me in that moment: someone was observing us.
"Who is present?" Avery's voice was tense and sharp as she demanded.
I scanned the darkness before responding. They weren't alone, whoever they were.
Avery tentatively touched my hand, looking for confirmation. I gave it a little squeeze. "Remain near. Hold on tight.
Her gaze expanded. "Mateo, what if it's them?"
"Then we deal with them," I said in a steady, low voice. "But we need to move quickly right now."
We felt as though the forest was closing in on us. Every shadow appeared menacing. Avery flinched at every sound. I pulled her along by tightening my hold on her hand.
And I was certain at that moment that I would follow her wherever she went. In any case. regardless of what or who got in our way.
However, as we got farther into the shadows, I couldn't help but wonder who had been observing us and why they had been waiting.
- Writer
