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?”

my head, “Yes.” I cringe, “I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t have agreed to this date.”

tell you to

why. Just keeps

“How about we flip those shades open

DOMONIC

I

am

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

1/3

Nov 13

Chapter Sixteen

to her date.

and a low growl resonates behind my chest. Immediately, my claws shift out and I have to coax them back

want to tear him

can she do

were minutes away

doesn’t

I want to, I can’t look away from them. He is touching her hand, and she is sipping her wine. They

a stop to

without knocking. The pair of them jump apart as I enter, which only serves

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

Draven’s chair and pull her seat over to mine. Then strecthing across the table, I pull her plate away from his to rest

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

keeping the whole

will know.

“Domonic, Draven whispers.

you are finished, Paul and I will head

with recognition.

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

awe. Glancing back at Paul, I reached under the table to place my hand possessively over Draven’s thigh. She shivers at

us has said a fucking word by the time they are done eating.

“Ready,” he says.

her in my arms I won’t make it out the door. I just want Paul to see.