The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

Chapter Sixteen

DRAVEN

“What–the–fuck?” Paul frowns. Then turning to me he says, “Is there something going on between you two?”

I shrug. “We kissed, but he keeps saying that he doesn’t like me so-”

Paul’s eyes widen. “Wait! He kissed you?”

I nod, biting my lip. “Yeah. Is that a bad thing?”

He doesn’t answer right away, just pours himself another glass of wine. I’m not sure yet.”

“I’m sorry if that puts you off. If you want to leave, I’ll understand.”

He stares at me, a strange sort of recognition warring within the depths of his gaze. “He’s been acting funny ever since you walked into the bar the other day.”

I laugh. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve only just met you guys so-”

“Well, I would know. And he is. I just didn’t think much of it. But now, seeing how angry he is – I wonder.” Taking another drink of his wine, Paul studies me. “Did you like it when he kissed you?”

I sigh, not sure if I want to be honest or not. “He doesn’t like me, he just wants me.”

Paul chuckles, rolling his eyes. “First, that doesn’t make a damn bit of sense. And second, that’s not what I asked you.

I groan, dropping my face in my hands. “Yes. Yes, I did.”

I peek out from behind my hands, afraid that maybe I’d hurt Paul’s feelings, just to see that he is grinning at me. “Were you into him before I asked you out?”

“I–I don’t know. I mean, I thought he was sexy, but he was too much of an asshole for me to like yet.”

“How does it feel when he kisses you?” he asks, a strange sort of wonder in his voice.

I giggle, “I’m not getting into that one. You’re not here for girl talk.”

He taps one hand on the table in front of me, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Draven. I’m not going to judge you. You can tell me the truth. Do you like him more than you like me?”

head, “Yes.” I cringe, “I’m sorry. I probably

tell you

“Yes. But he refuses to tell me why. Just keeps saying that I won’t enjoy myself.”

laughs and pours more wine. “How about we flip those shades open

DOMONIC

I

am

shades open

1/3

Wed, Nov

Chapter Sixteen

to her date.

table and a low growl resonates behind my chest. Immediately, my claws shift out and I have to coax them back in so I don’t shred

tear

can she do this?

were minutes away

It doesn’t matter. It can’t.

from them. He is touching her hand, and she is sipping her wine. They are laughing and smiling, and

a stop to this.

am doing, I am back on her doorstep and waltzing inside without knocking. The pair of

you doing?” Draven snaps, but I ignore her and stomp over to the empty seat at

pull her seat over to mine. Then strecthing across the table, I pull her plate away from

unmistakable glare, I challenge him to say pne goddamned thing about what I have just

it. So much for keeping the whole thing a secret.

everyone will know.

“Domonic, Draven whispers.

“When you are finished, Paul

flare with recognition. “I

meet his stare, an unmistakable command blazing in my eyes. ‘She’s mine‘ it says. “You do,” I confirm, causing him to take a huge gulp of air.

in awe. Glancing back at Paul, I reached under the table to place my hand possessively over Draven’s thigh. She shivers at my touch, and I have to stop myself from stroking her further,

a fucking word by the time they are done eating. Paul stands uncomfortably and smiles at Draven, throwing a knowing wink her

“Ready,” he says.

her mouth. For the moment, this is just for show. If I seccumb completely to the haze of her in my arms I won’t make it out the door. I just want