Chapter 3: One Night He Said

I was so stunned that I couldn’t move. My entire body froze as his lips pressed against mine. They felt electrifying, awakening a new and strange feeling inside me. My eyes fluttered shut, trying to process what I was experiencing.

His hand slid up to my damp hair, gently tucking it behind my ear. Then the kiss deepened.

It took me a moment to realize what was happening. I instinctively tried to push against his chest, but before I could break free, he grabbed both of my wrists with one hand and held them behind my back.

He pulled away from the kiss and traced my lips softly with his fingers.

"Why do these lips feel untouched? Are you pretending to be innocent with me? Didn't anyone tell you I like it rough?"

I didn’t know what he meant. Of course, it was my first kiss. And he had taken it from me without warning.

"I..." I started to speak, but before I could finish, he buried his face in the curve of my neck.

"What is this scent?" he growled lowly. "Don't play games with me. I’m warning you. This will only be for one night."

His words cut through me like a blade. Tears welled up in my eyes.

One night? Did he really think I was like those girls who only wanted his attention for a night? That was not me. I didn’t want to be one of them.

"Let me go… ahh," I gasped, trying to protest, but the sound that came out turned into a soft moan as he kissed and sucked on my skin.

"If you moan like that again, I will take you right here," he said, his voice rough and commanding.

I flinched at his warning. He was too close, much closer than I had ever been with any boy. And yet, despite everything, my heart started racing again, just like it always did around him.

He ran his hands over the coat I was wearing, as if searching for something.

"Where is the rope?" he asked as he leaned in again.

"W What?" I stuttered.

"IAN, WHERE ARE YOU?" a loud voice called out. It was Ronald.

Ian stepped back, cursing under his breath.

"Terrible timing," he muttered.

I stared at him with wide, shocked eyes, unsure of what to say or do.

"We’ll continue this later," he said quietly before turning and walking back toward the party.

As he disappeared into the crowd, I touched my trembling lips.

What had just happened?

My phone rang. I pulled it from my bag and saw Abigail's name on the screen.

"H Hello?"

"Hey, where are you? We’ve been looking all over for you."

"I’m... near the washroom. Downstairs."

"Downstairs? Why? Luke told us to use the upstairs one."

"I got lost," I lied.

"Alright, stay there. I’m coming to you."

"Okay."

I sighed. I should have just used the flashlight on my phone when I left the restroom.

I slid my glasses back onto my face and stepped out from the corner. Soon, I saw Abigail and Luke heading my way.

"We were worried about you," Luke said.

"I’m really sorry," I replied, lowering my head. I was still trying to hide the shame burning on my face.

"Are you alright?" Abigail asked, looking at me closely.

"Y Yeah. I just want to go home now."

Luke nodded. "You came, that’s what matters. Let me drive you home."

"No. You shouldn’t leave your own party."

"Then I’ll take you," Abigail offered.

"No, really. I don’t want either of you to miss the party because of me. I’ll feel worse."

"Okay, then let me have my driver drop you off," Luke suggested.

I hesitated, then nodded in agreement.

As I was about to return Abigail’s coat, she told me to keep it for the night and bring it back the next day. I thanked her and headed toward the main entrance of the house.

My eyes kept searching through the crowd. Deep down, I hated myself for looking for him.

On my way out, I ran into Debra, who was still with the guy she had been talking to earlier. She hugged me and told me to get home safe.

I stepped outside and noticed Luke’s driver already waiting with the car door open for me.

I started walking toward the vehicle, but something on my left made me stop in my tracks.

My chest tightened painfully.

Ian was there.

He was kissing a girl in a white bikini, though now she had changed into a more seductive outfit. They were leaning against his car, completely lost in each other.

I stood still, staring.

He had kissed me just moments ago, and now he was kissing someone else without hesitation.

Then his eyes met mine.

I expected him to say something, to stop, to show some sign that he saw me.

But he didn’t.

He looked right through me like I didn’t exist.

He continued kissing her.

"Miss," the driver called softly.

I turned away quickly and climbed into the car.

As the door shut behind me, my tears finally broke free.

I turned my face to the window, watching Ian from afar. My heart felt shattered.

Why had I let him kiss me? Why did I let myself feel that way? Why did my heart respond every time he came near?

Why did I care so much about someone who didn’t even acknowledge me?

We didn’t even know each other.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the seat.

The driver started the engine.

My thoughts refused to stop replaying the moment.

There was no denying it anymore.

My heart wanted him.

Even though he was dangerous. Even though he was the wildest Alpha in the entire pack. Even though he was the kind of boy who didn’t care about love or commitment.

He was just waiting for his fated mate. In the meantime, he used girls to fill the void.

I wondered who his mate would be.

Would he treat her differently? Would he love her?

No one had ever seen Ian show genuine affection to a girl.

What about me?

Who was my mate?

Did I betray him by letting someone else touch me?

Was it wrong to feel like this for Ian?

I opened my eyes and stared up at the sky through the window.

And in my heart, I asked a question I never said out loud:

Where are you, Mate?