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?”

lower my head, “Yes.” I cringe, “I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t

you to

sigh, “Yes. But he refuses to tell me why.

wine. “How about we

DOMONIC

I

am

my living room pretending to watch Sportscenter when the shades open in Draven’s condo, and

1/3

Nov 13 tu

Chapter Sixteen

to her date.

knees brushing together under the table and a low growl resonates behind

to tear him

can she do this?

minutes away from…

doesn’t matter. It

her hand, and she is sipping her wine. They are laughing and smiling, and I am going to lose my shit.

a stop to this.

what I am doing, I am back on her doorstep and waltzing inside without knocking. The pair of them jump apart as I enter, which only serves to fuel my anger.

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

over to mine. Then strecthing across the table, I pull her plate away from his to rest in front of me. “Eat,”

glare, I challenge him to say pne goddamned thing

for keeping

everyone will know.

“Domonic, Draven whispers.

repeat. “When you are finished, Paul and I will head

flare with recognition. “I see,” he acknowledges.

‘She’s mine‘ it says. “You do,” I confirm, causing him to take a huge gulp of air. I nod, shifting my eyes to Draven who hasn’t yet made any move to touch her chicken. “Would

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

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

“Ready,” he says.

and pulling Draven into my arms and ignoring the electric feel of her against my body as I drown myself against 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.