Chapter 5 Making the First Move

Selene's P.O.V

I was lost in my own thoughts when Blake suddenly turned his head like he could feel me watching him. His gaze locked onto mine with unnerving precision.

My heart lurched. It felt like I had just been caught doing something I shouldn't have, and I tore my eyes away on instinct.

Even when I forced myself to look away, I could still clearly feel that scrutinizing and probing gaze lingering on me.

This feeling of being firmly locked sent a warm rush low in my belly, and I felt myself grow instantly, helplessly wet.

Damn it.

I wasn't some desperate she-wolf who threw herself at every man she saw. But ever since Blake walked into the room tonight, everything had felt completely out of my control.

I grabbed my glass and took another big gulp. The cold liquor slid down my throat, but it did nothing to quell the confusing heat and deep, clawing awkwardness rising from the pit of my stomach.

I kept drinking, one glass after another, hoping the alcohol would drown out the wild, restless energy he stirred in me.

The banquet finally drew to a close amidst polite but insincere greetings. I felt a little dizzy, and my steps were unsteady.

It seemed I had drunk too much too quickly, and the aftereffects were kicking in.

I rubbed my temples as I pulled out my phone, scrolling for Aria's number. I was about to call her to pick me up.

I never got the chance. A sleek black car silently rolled to a stop right in front of me. The window lowered, revealing Blake's impossibly handsome face.

"Ms. Kingsley," he said, his voice low and almost rough in the cool night air. "It's not easy to get a ride at this hour. Let me take you home."

I froze for a beat, staring at him. The dim light from inside the car made it impossible to read his eyes.

I actually wanted to say no.

I had no idea why, but something told me that being in a closed space with him would feel even more overwhelming than being out there in the middle of the banquet.

But another wave of dizziness rolled through me, and when I glanced at the empty street, the refusal sitting on my tongue slipped away again.

And dragging Aria out here in the middle of the night really would be a hassle.

I ended up nodding and slid into the car.

His scent filled the space around me, the same clean, cool smell that clung to him.

"Thank you, Mr. Lancaster." I leaned back in the seat and tried to make my voice sound normal.

The door closed behind me, shutting out the world.

Blake's strong and unique scent swept through the cabin. It wasn't just cologne. It was something natural—cedar, winter air, and the raw strength of a top-tier Alpha.

My wolf stirred the second it hit me, letting out an excited low rumble inside my chest.

A deep, instinctive craving rushed through my veins, urging me to move closer to the source of that scent.

I curled my fingers tight without thinking, my nails digging into my palm. The small sting helped me stay grounded, even though my body still leaned toward him, just a little, without my permission.

A moment later, the car rolled to a stop in front of an Alpha-exclusive rest lodge.

"We're here." Blake stepped out first. He came around to my side and opened my door. He bent slightly and held out his hand, ready to steady me.

He was closer now, close enough that his scent wrapped around me completely. My wolf let out a thrilled, breathless howl. My control stretched thin, trembling at the edge.

When he reached out to help me, whatever was left of my self-control snapped.

I couldn't fight my instincts anymore. Instead of taking his hand, I reached up and slid my arms around his neck, pressing my heated cheek against the cool skin of his throat.

I felt his whole body go rigid.

"Mr. Lancaster," I murmured, my voice low and rough from the alcohol, "I'm guessing you have your own room here. Aren't you going to invite me up?"