Chapter 4: Unplanned Departure

I don't know how I ended up here. My mind is still stuck in the chaotic ballroom, the mess I left behind, but my body is already inside this luxurious, soundproof car with dark interiors.

A pure, powerful scent dominates the cabin, so strong it makes my head spin. Beside me, the man—Xavier—sits calmly, yet his dominant aura feels like it's pressing down on the air around me.

"You smell so sweet, Rose," the man murmurs softly.

He leans towards me. The distance between us is so slight I can feel the heat radiating from his powerful build. My heart is pounding wildly. It's not out of fear, but because of a sudden, wild instinct inside me demanding attention.

"Why... why did you take me away?" I whisper, my voice nearly vanishing as his molten gold eyes lock onto mine.

Xavier doesn't answer immediately. He reaches out, his long, warm fingers tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch sends an electric wave that makes me shiver.

"Because I don't like seeing what's mine standing among trash like your ex," his voice is low and husky, vibrating right down to my ribs.

"I am not yours," I protest weakly, even as my hand unconsciously grips his black shirt, pulling him closer because I can't bear the distance between us.

"Is that so?" Xavier lets out a soft chuckle, an intoxicatingly masculine sound. "Then why is your heart pounding like this when I touch you, Rose?"

He leans down, letting his nose brush against the sensitive skin of my neck. He inhales my scent deeply, as if I were the oxygen he needs to survive. His warm lips then move, placing soft kisses along my jawline to the corner of my mouth.

A primitive, chest-tightening passion suddenly explodes. Here I am, newly heartbroken, yet feeling an intense thirst for the touch of this stranger.

"Xavier..." I murmur unconsciously.

Hearing his name, he no longer holds back. He captures my lips in a deep, demanding kiss. This isn't a gentle kiss; it's the claim of an Alpha. His large hands creep to my waist, pulling my body until I'm seated on his lap.

I let out a soft moan as his tongue explores my mouth, entwining with mine in a hot, demanding dance. The intoxicating sweetness of his lips replaces the bitter taste of champagne in my mouth.

I place my hands at the nape of his neck, gently gripping his short hair and returning his kiss with equal intensity.

All my burdens melt away inside the car. The fire Xavier has ignited overshadows the wound David left. Our skin touching feels like lost pieces finally finding each other after being apart for so long.

He breaks the kiss for a moment, only to look at me with eyes darkened by desire. "I want you, Rose," he whispers right against my now-swollen lips.

I gaze into those gold eyes, feeling myself fall deeper. I don't know how to respond to his words. I am utterly enchanted by him.

Xavier gives a faint, possessive smile.

He leans down again, kissing my neck with small nips that make me arch my back and grip his sturdy shoulders.

A soft gasp escapes my lips as his sharp yet careful teeth deliver a pleasurable sting on the skin of my neck. My hands grip his shoulders more tightly, seeking an anchor amidst the storm of passion I've never felt before.

"Xavier... slow down," I whisper hoarsely, even as my body demands more.

Xavier pauses briefly, his face lifting from my neck. His hot breath fans against my face. His gold eyes now look darker, almost like the color of thick honey in the dim cabin light.

"I love your scent, Rose," he whispers before kissing my neck again.

Xavier's touch on my neck feels increasingly demanding. Each small nip and soft suction feels like he's mapping his territory on my body.

I moan, my hands sliding into his hair, pulling him closer until my heaving chest presses directly against the rigid plane of his.

"Xavier..." I whisper, my voice breaking from the surging passion.

His large hands move at my waist. One hand slowly rises, slipping behind my silk dress, caressing the skin of my back with a burning touch.

Warmth spreads through my nerves, making my wolf instinct thrash, wanting to surrender completely to this man. Xavier moves, kissing my jawline before devouring my lips again with deeper, wilder intensity.

The air in the car feels increasingly thin and hot. I can feel his power, the overwhelmingly dominant Alpha aura, enveloping me until I feel dizzy. We are almost losing control. My hands begin to move restlessly on his shoulders, while he continues to press my body against the car seat, applying pressure that makes my entire body tremble.

Suddenly, a loud ringing tone shatters the passion-filled silence.

Drrrtt... Drrrtt...

The phone in my small bag vibrates intensely. Its sound feels thunderous in the confined space, as if dousing my entire body with ice water. I jerk, trying to catch my breath, which feels stifled.

"Ignore it," Xavier growls low against the curve of my neck. His breath is still ragged, reluctant to release his claim.

"I... I have to answer it," I say hoarsely, trying to push his shoulder slightly.

Xavier growls in annoyance, a sound of frustration at the interruption. He looks at me with eyes still darkened, full of unresolved desire.

I reach into my bag with trembling hands and look at the phone screen. Mom.

Thoughts of the chaos at David's party, the recording I replayed, and the fact that I'm sitting on a stranger's lap suddenly hit me hard. My awareness returns fully.

"I have to go, Xavier," I say, this time with a steadier voice.

I quickly move from his lap back to my seat, straightening my slightly disheveled dress.

"Rose, wait." Xavier grabs my arm. His grip isn't painful, but it's very firm. "You can't just leave like this after what happened earlier."

I look at him, trying to steady my breathing. "My mind is a mess. Too much has happened tonight. I can't do this right now."

Xavier stares at me sharply, as if weighing whether to let me go or take me away with him. Finally, he lets out a long sigh and slowly releases my arm.

"Alright," he murmurs, though there's a note of disappointment in his voice.

"Maybe we'll meet again," I say, my hand already on the car door handle. "But not tonight."

Xavier doesn't reply. Instead, he reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out an elegant black card with embossed gold lettering. He extends it to me.

"Take this," he commands, leaving no room for argument. "Contact me soon."

I take the card and immediately get out of the car before my defenses crumble again. I don't look back as I walk away, but I can feel the gaze of his gold eyes watching me until I disappear into the darkness of the night.

I look at the card in my hand. Xavier Sterling.

"Sterling?"

Thud!

My heart seems to sink into my stomach. Xavier Sterling is the apex predator in the business world and the supreme leader of the Sterling clan. Xavier Sterling, the Alpha of all Alphas, wields immense power over this continent. I just kissed the most dangerous man in the werewolf world.

***