Chapter 2 An emergency

I stared at him, refusing to miss a single flicker of expression on Theo’s face. I knew exactly what I was saying. His steady mask gave away nothing.

Finally, the tension in his jaw eased. He leaned back slightly and said in a hard voice, “Little wolf, I came here tonight for one thing only—to drink.”

“Maybe.” I let out a cold laugh. I hadn’t dated many men, but I didn’t believe for one second that any man sat down just to flirt without an agenda. “But the situation’s changed now, hasn’t it?”

“Good question.” Theo gave a dry smile. “What do you think changed?”

“You want me. Mr. Old Wolf.” My words were sharp, deliberate. His eyes narrowed in an instant, his throat working as he swallowed. His voice came out rough, gravel in the air. “Are you always this bold, Claire?” He took another swallow of his drink, never breaking eye contact.

I slid off the barstool, stepped closer, and sank my teeth into his lips before pulling back with a sly smile. “Only when I’m sure a bossy man like you wants me.”

I didn’t blink. He breathed harder, the storm-gray of his eyes flashing wild. Suddenly, he hurled his glass to the floor with a violent crash. “No. You’re too young. You deserve fire… not ashes.” His voice was ragged, pained.

I didn’t believe him for a heartbeat.

He moved to leave. I caught his wrist, hard. Adrian’s twisted face flashed in my mind—he’d wanted me broken, destroyed. But if I chose a man stronger than him? I couldn’t wait to see his reaction.

I lifted my chin and gave Theo a mocking smile. “If you really thought you were too old, you wouldn’t be sitting next to me. Daddy.”

He froze. That single word lit a wildfire inside him. His pupils blew wide, his breath fast and heavy.

He leaned down, his voice grinding like stone. “Always this eager to get burned, little wolf?”

The calm alpha mask shattered. The man beneath looked ready to devour me.

I laughed, sharp and bright. “So what, are you going to punish me?”

He clamped down on my wrist, a low growl rumbling from his chest. “Claire, fire only ends one way.”

I met his storm-gray eyes, refusing to flinch. “What if it’s warmth I want?”

I leaned in closer, laying my hand flat on his chest. His solid muscle made my knees buckle, nearly sending me to the floor.

Theo’s hand caught me, strong, sure. In one swift motion he pulled me into his arms. “I’ll burn you to ash,” he growled, then dragged me quickly through the crowd.

The moment we reached the suite, he slammed me against the door. His mouth crushed mine, forcing my lips open, his tongue tangling with mine. I kissed him back hungrily. He lifted me as if I weighed nothing, my legs wrapping tight around his hard waist, our kiss deepening.

His lips trailed to my neck, right at my sensitive spot. Heat scorched down my spine as I tipped my head back, a moan breaking free.

I clawed at his shirt, pressing closer, tearing his tie loose. Buttons popped under my frantic fingers, scattering across the floor as my hands slid up, mapping the hard ridges of his chest.

Suddenly he seized my wrists. He lifted his head, looking down at me, breath ragged. “Last chance, Claire. Say the word now—or this door stays locked until morning.”

I gave no answer. Instead, I fisted his hair and dragged his mouth back to mine.

Theo snarled low, a beast unleashed. My breath caught as he threw me hard against the wall, his body crashing down over mine.

“Don’t move. I’ll do the rest.” His command rumbled through me. “And remember my name—Theo Valmont.”

What?! My eyes went wide. That surname—Valmont—struck me like a hammer, killing my heat in one blow. I knew that name. Because Adrian was a Valmont.

What the hell was I doing? I was about to sleep with my ex’s father.

I bit my lip, trembling, caught between fear and raw excitement. I opened my mouth to speak, but Theo’s lips closed over my breast, silencing me.

His hands roamed with terrifying confidence, tracing every curve of my body. My reason snapped. My back arched, begging for more of his fire. His lips scorched a path along my jaw, my throat—until a helpless cry broke from my chest.

“Theo…” His name was a gasp, a prayer of surrender.

He lifted me again, my legs locked tight around his waist. My knees hit the mattress, pulling him down with me. His solid weight pinned me to reality, heavy and undeniable.

His fingers found my zipper. Slowly—agonizingly slow—it slid down. Cool air kissed my skin. His lips followed, feather-light and blazing hot, marking every inch of my exposed spine with reverence that felt devastating.

“Perfect,” he murmured against my shoulder blade, voice dripping with possession. “Every forbidden inch.”

I shattered under his touch. My wolf writhed in his heat and dominance, dizzy with need. This—this was all I wanted.

Then—an angry, piercing buzz cut through the air. My phone.

I answered instantly.

“Claire?” My mother’s voice was broken, choked with tears. Ice drenched me, dousing every flame. “It’s your father… he’s at City General. It’s bad, sweetheart. Really bad. You need to come. Now.”

The fire inside me died, leaving nothing but terror. I shoved Theo away, scrambling for my clothes.

“I have to go,” I rasped.

Theo sat back on the bed, his face returning to unreadable calm. He nodded once. “I’ll have my driver take you.”

I shook my head, but his next words came fast, sharp with authority. “Don’t argue. You’re an omega. If you walk out alone right now, I guarantee a hundred rogue wolves would try to drag you to their beds.”

I froze. The truth of his words silenced me. Without another word, I left.

By the time I reached the hospital, my mother rushed straight into my arms—