Chapter 2 FEELING THE TINGLES

CLAIRE’S POV

The world narrowed to just him.

The music, the crowd—it all faded into static as my gaze locked onto the strong column of his throat, the way his Adam’s apple bobbed when he smirked. Shit. I’d been caught staring. Again.

Heat flooded my cheeks. I took a step back, ready to bolt into the safety of the crowd—

But his hand shot out, fingers wrapping around my wrist like a manacle.

"My suite." The command rolled off his tongue, dark and smooth as aged whiskey.

I blinked. "What?"

"If you want answers," he murmured, tilting his head, "you’ll need to wash your face first."

Confused, I fumbled for my phone, flipping the camera to selfie mode—

Oh.

Mascara streaked down my cheeks in inky rivers. My lipstick was smeared like I’d tried to eat it rather than wear it. I looked like a gothic romance cover model mid-breakdown.

Perfect. I couldn't believe I'd run this far with a face like that. Luckily the bar was dimly lit, and not many people saw my horrible face.

“Please lead the way,” I muttered, my face blushing.

The moment we crossed the threshold, I beelined for the bathroom, slamming the door behind me. Cold water. Deep breaths. By the time I emerged, scrubbed raw and marginally more composed, the room smelled like spice and expensive cologne.

And him.

The man stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his black dress shirt clinging to the hard planes of his back, sleeves rolled up to reveal corded forearms and a Patek Philippe glinting in the low light.

At the sound of my footsteps, he turned.

Moonlight and menace.

The sharper lighting carved his features into something lethal—high cheekbones, a jawline that could cut glass, and those silver-flecked eyes that saw too much.

"Let’s revisit that question," he said, swirling a glass of bourbon in one hand. The other rested in his pocket, pulling the fabric taut over powerful thighs.

My mouth went dry. "Wh—what question?"

His lips quirked. "The one where you asked if I was mated."

Oh god. The memory hit me like a slap. How could I be so presumptuous as to ask a stranger such a question? Though it was indeed the question I wanted to know most at first sight of him. As if there was an invisible appeal dragging me to him.

"Want to talk about it?" He gestured to the plush sofa, all casual dominance. My legs betrayed me, moving before my brain could protest.

A glass of red wine waited on the coffee table. For me.

"Theo," he said, tapping his drink against mine in a silent toast.

"Claire." I lifted the glass, my voice brittle. "To betrayal."

He chuckled, low and rough. "That bad, huh?"

Something about the way he watched me—like he already knew every secret I’d ever buried—made the words spill out.

"Guess so." The liquor burned down my throat, fueling a dangerous courage. "My fated mate just proposed to another she-wolf. Made it a grand spectacle at our graduation ball." My fingers tightened around the glass. "He abandoned me for a she-wolf who looks like a damn runway model. And she's the daughter of an Alpha of a powerful pack. I guess I don't stand any chance. “

The wine tasted bitter as I drained another swallow. "They could've at least had the decency to do it privately. But no - had to humiliate me and my wolf in front of the entire gathering." My voice cracked. "Eve's gone completely silent. I think...I think I broke her."

Theo's expression remained unreadable, though his knuckles whitened around his glass. “He’s an idiot.”

"You think?" I laughed hollowly.

"Without question." His silver eyes burned into me with predator intensity. "What surprises me is how you're still standing after having your soul ripped in half."

I arched a brow. "Don't be fooled. I'm barely holding it together."

"Good." He leaned in, his scent - dark spice and winter wind - wrapping around me. "You're magnificent, Claire. Even now, with your heart in pieces, you shine brighter than any Alpha's daughter." His thumb brushed my cheekbone. "Your wolf's not broken. She's waiting."

"Maybe I'm not heartbroken," I mused, finishing my drink in one gulp. The alcohol buzzed through my veins. "Maybe I'm just...disgusted that I ever believed his lies."

His grin widened, flashing just a hint of sharp canines. "Correct. And confident girls deserve rewards."

Who was I fooling? My heart lay in shattered pieces - I'd come here solely to drown my sorrows. Yet under his hawk-like gaze, the pain receded, replaced by something far more dangerous. His voice wrapped around me like velvet poison.

"Such as?" I tilted my head, taking another sip. When wine stained my upper lip, I made a show of slowly licking it away.

Before I could press further, Theo moved with predator speed - his mouth crashing against mine in a kiss that was anything but gentle. All teeth and claiming pressure, it should have frightened me. Instead, my wolf perked up with interest.

I forgot to breathe.

"Breathe, little wolf," he growled against my lips, the vibration shooting straight to my core. His teeth grazed my bottom lip. "Don't pass out on me now - the fun's just beginning."

I flashed him a challenging smile. "If talk is all you've got, I'll be severely disappointed."

A dark chuckle rumbled through his chest. "Always this mouthy?"

"I call it honesty." My gaze locked with his, unflinching. "You want me. Admit it."

His eyes glowed faintly - that eerie Alpha shine. "Denying it would make me a liar."

"Then what's stopping you?" I arched against him.

"Fuck." In one fluid motion, he had me pinned beneath him on the bed, his muscular frame caging me in. His mouth found my throat, nipping at the sensitive spot where a mating mark usually goes.

I gasped, fingers tearing at his designer shirt. Buttons scattered across the floor as I mapped the hard planes of his chest. His hands trailed lower, sparking electric pleasure with every touch.

"Don't stop," I begged, back arching. "Not tonight. Not unless you plan to finish what you started, Theo."

He didn't hesitate. With one fluid motion, he unhooked my lace bra, the delicate fabric pooling at our feet. Thank the Moon Goddess, I'd worn my best set- black silk that perfectly contrasted my pale skin.

Adrian was supposed to be the man devour me tonight, but I couldn't remember him now. All I could see was the man over me. Theo.

My nipples hardened instantly, pebbled and aching for his touch as my breasts sprang free. A low growl rumbled from his chest as he palmed them, his calloused fingers sending electric shocks straight to my core.

"Fuck, you're perfect," he murmured against my mouth before claiming my lips again in a searing kiss.

His lips worshipping my breasts while his hand slid lower, fingertips dipping lower, teasing the waistband of my thong. This wasn't just a physical need; Theo touched me like he could read my soul's deepest hunger.

Fire licked through my veins, my wolf howling for more. My hips lifted in a silent plea, nails scoring his shoulders as pleasure coiled tight in my core.

"Theo—" My voice broke on a moan as his teeth nipped the curve where neck met shoulder, that dangerous edge of pain that sent liquid heat pooling between my thighs. "Please, I need—"

The shrill sound shattered the moment, and I cursed under my breath.

“Shit…”

“Don’t answer it,” he murmured against my neck.

But when I glanced at the screen and saw the caller ID, I knew I couldn't ignore it. It was my Mom.

I shoved him away harder than intended. His eyes flashed wolf-gold, a snarl forming on those perfect lips.

“It’s my mom. She never calls this late unless—” I explained as I swiped to answer. "Mom?"

Her choked sob sent ice through my veins. "Claire-baby...it's your father. ER. Now."

The world tilted. "What happened?"

"Collapsed at the packhouse. The doctors...just come!"

"I'll be there soon." I ended the call, feeling restless.

Theo was already moving, gathering my discarded clothes with military efficiency. "Here."

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, struggling into my dress.

"Let me arrange your ride," Theo commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.

"I can call a cab," I countered, though my protest sounded weak even to my own ears.

His silver eyes darkened. "It's past midnight. I refuse to let you become some tragic headline."

He was right—rogue wolves and worse prowled the streets after dark.

Before I could respond, he pulled out his phone and barked a single order: "Now."

"Your driver's waiting downstairs," he said curtly, slipping the phone back into his pocket.

I opened my mouth—to thank him? To say more to him?—but no words came. Instead, I turned on my heel and walked away, my pulse hammering.

This was goodbye. There shouldn’t be any chance for us to meet again.

Yet as the elevator doors closed between us, my traitorous heart heard Eve's voice:

'We'll see him again.'