Chapter 2

Alessio’s Pov

Fuck.

My grip tightened around her as she took me deeper, her mouth moving like she knew exactly how to bring me to the edge, and she did. It was the only thing I truly enjoyed about her. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a total psycho. Claire throws herself at me constantly, and I let her. Might as well enjoy the perks.

I tangled my hand in her hair, pulling a little harder as the tension built up inside me. I was so close to cumming when…

The door slammed open.

My body stiffened. Claire quickly pulled away, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as she stood up straight. Luckily, she was still dressed. Barely.

I didn’t need to look to know who it was. My father. Of course.

He stood there, arms crossed, eyes cold. But he didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to. He knew exactly what was going on. And he also knew better than to question me. I’m the Alpha. Whatever line he thinks he can cross with others, he wouldn’t dare with me.

Still, out of respect, I glanced down and slowly adjusted myself, covering my cock without a trace of shame.

He should have knocked.

Claire rushed out the moment my father stepped in, like a guilty child caught stealing. I didn’t stop her, I didn’t even look at her. My attention was on the man who dared ruin a perfectly good climax.

I looked at him coldly, tucking myself back in with no sense of urgency. “You should have knocked.”

He scoffed. “And you should have locked your damn door—or found somewhere more private. This is the family mansion, for crying out loud. What the hell do you think you’re doing in here, screwing around without a mate?”

I tilted my head. “Are you trying to lecture me? Because if I recall correctly, I learned everything from you.”

His jaw tightened, but he didn’t take the bait. “That’s not the reason I came here.”

“Then what is the reason you disturbed me?” I asked, irritated, walking to the minibar and pouring myself a drink.

“Remember I’m still your father, Alessio. Don’t talk to me like I’m one of your subordinates.”

I took a sip, keeping my eyes on him. “Say what you came to say, then.”

He drew in a breath, then said, “The Moon Goddess wants to see you. She wants to perform one last ritual. It’s the only way we’ll be able to find out who your mate is. You’re no longer getting younger, Alessio. And you need a Luna, someone who can lead beside you, guide this pack.”

I rolled my eyes, exhaling slowly. “I’ll do it later. I don’t have the strength for some stupid ritual right now.”

“Alessio,” he warned, his voice firm. “Listen to me.”

I turned away from him, setting the glass down. “Father, with all due respect, I am not going to see the Moon Goddess right now. When I get back from where I’m going, I’ll think about it. That’s the best you’ll get from me.”

He gave me a long, hard stare, then finally nodded. “Be sure you do.”

The moment he left, I cursed under my breath. “Fuck.”

He didn’t even let me finish. Ruined a perfectly good time. Now I had all this tension and nowhere to put it.

I needed to release it. Now.

I grabbed my coat and keys, storming out of the mansion. If I couldn’t finish with Claire, I’d find someone else. A human. Someone disposable.

I crossed over into the human world in my matte black SUV, driving through the outskirts, eyes scanning for a place that screamed escape. That’s when I saw a bar as I was passing by.

Not my type of place, it was looking modern but not luxurious enough, but something about it pulled me in. I couldn’t explain it. It was like a force… dragging me there.

I parked, cut the engine, and stepped out, slamming the door behind me.

****

I walked to the bar door. As I opened it, I bumped into someone.

"Watch it," the girl said.

I looked at her. Damn. She was beautiful. Just the type I liked. What luck. I came here for a quick release and found her right at the door.

"I'm sorry," I said. I never said sorry to anyone, but I needed to be a gentleman. "I didn't see you there."

She looked at me for a second. "It's okay," she said and moved to the side.

I stepped in and watched her walk away.

The inside of the bar looked better than I thought. It wasn’t too fancy but not cheap either. Not my usual taste, but good enough. At least I wouldn’t see anyone I knew.

I walked to the bar and ordered a drink. As I waited, I looked around.

I wasn’t a monster. I didn’t do this all the time. Just sometimes. When I needed it.

As I sipped my drink, the girl walked in again. She went across the room and started talking to people. She smiled a lot, moved from table to table.

When she walked past me again, I said, "Seems like you know everyone here."

She smiled. "I own this bar."

I raised a brow. Nice. I didn’t expect that.

"You must be the most beautiful boss I’ve ever seen," I said. "Good thing I bumped into you."

She looked at me with a small smile. "Don’t try a pickup line on me. I’m not someone you can charm and take home just like that."

I smirked. "Why don’t we find out? It can be quick."

She narrowed her eyes. "Is that what you want?"

"That’s definitely what I want."

She smiled. "I’ll be right back."

As she turned away, she said something. "Taking down two in a day… not bad."

I didn’t think much about it. I was only focused on her. I watched as she walked over to another girl and whispered something.

Then she came back to me. "Let’s go. You have a car, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

She said, "Good. I’ll tell you where to take me."

I didn't bother asking her where because there was no need for that, and then we left the bar together.

Inside the car, I didn’t bother trying to talk. I didn’t feel like it. And from the way she sat there, arms folded, eyes on the road, she didn’t want to talk either.

She just kept giving me directions. Straight, left, then right. It was all she said.

I wasn’t worried. Some men would think maybe she’s trying to rob them or trap them. But I wasn’t scared. She didn’t look dangerous. Young, maybe twenty-two at most. She didn’t look strong enough to pull anything.

Out of nowhere, I asked, “What’s your name?”

She looked at me. “Why do you want to know?”

“Just asking,” I said flatly

“Raven,” she answered as she chuckled slightly.

I repeated it in my head. Raven. I liked how it sounded. But all I said was, “Okay.”

The hotel was deep inside the area. Not by the road. Hidden and Secluded.

We got out and walked in. We passed the reception without saying a thing. It seems like she was well known here. We walked into a room, the room was clean. Dim lights. Quiet.

Raven walked in first and sat on the bed.

I stood there, watching her. In my head, I was thinking, She moves like a pro. She’s done this before.

She kicked off her heels, one by one.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

She looked up. “Why should I waste time? Come over. Let’s get this done. I have somewhere to be.”

“For free, right?” I said. Just checking.

She gave me a sharp look. “Did I tell you I’m a whore?”

“I also want a taste of you how you want a taste of me.”

She said it like she didn't give a care in the world about what she just said.

“Alright then,” I said. “No need for long talks.”

I unbuttoned my shirt slowly. She stood, grabbed my hand, and pulled me toward the bed.

She likes control, I thought. I like that.

I laid back. She climbed on top of me. Her hands ran down my chest. Smooth. Slow. She knew what she was doing.

I closed my eyes for a second.

Then I felt her shift position. I opened my eyes.

She was pulling her dress off. She had only her bra and panties on now.

I didn’t move. I wasn’t the type to rush. I just laid there, hands behind my head, eyes half closed, enjoying the moment.

Then something changed.

I opened my eyes again, and just in time.

She had a knife in her hand. She was about to stab me.

I grabbed her wrist fast and tight.

What the hell?!