Chapter 5 - A Rude Intrusion

  

 Shirley 

  

 I stutter a little as I weigh Keith’s question in my hands. I had no idea that he’d noted my appearance the other night and had remembered me. However, his unwavering voice confirmed that he had no doubt in his mind that I’m the same girl from the bar. He did notice me, and has now clearly taken an interest based on the way he eyes me.

  

 Only, his gaze is skeptical, curious - suggesting that I may not like the type of interest he’s developed. It seems I’ve made an impression on him, but not a good one. Not the right one either. 

  

 “What’s the matter, little wolf?” he asks, taking a step closer to me. I don’t back away, though. I keep my feet planted as he’s standing right in front of me now, slightly making me blush. I pray he doesn’t notice.

  

 My glasses always do a good job of protecting me, as if I can ward off his charms by having them on. However, I can’t help but prickle at his presence, an odd sense of fear pooling in my stomach. I’m not entirely sure why. 

  

 But still, I don’t step back. I just take a slow breath as less than a foot of space separates us and I continue holding his serious gaze. 

  

 “What’s your name?” he asks, still sizing me up. 

  

 “Anya,” I reply, feeding him the same lie I’d used on Ralph. Only, I can tell he remains cynical as he gives me another one over. 

  

 “Anya,” he says the name as if tasting it on his tongue. I’m not sure he likes the flavor. “We should talk.”

  

 “Oh,” I respond. “And why would we have anything to talk about?”

  

 “Because,” he steps in, a bite behind the single word. “I think my friend failed to give you the full story.” He then pauses again as he holds out his phone. “Take a look.”

  

 For some reason, I already know what he’s going to show me, but I still look down. And my stomach drops.

  

 Sure enough, there’s a photo of Jean, Ralph, and Eliot - all of their faces happily smiling back at me. They practically look like the perfect family, but I know they’re not. There’s too much going on behind the scenes, and I wonder if Keith is aware of what the man in the photo is capable of.

  

 I use my grief as a way to fake surprise at seeing the proof Keith is presenting, allowing my lips to part.

  

 “Is that his family?” I ask, filling my voice with disbelief.

  

 “Yes,” Keith replies coldly.

  

 He then slides the phone away, giving me a chance to breathe as the photo disappears and I pretend to collect myself. But then again, I do need a moment to sort my thoughts. Keith’s intrusion wasn’t part of tonight’s plan and now I need to adapt.

  

 “He told me he was single,” I finally say, playing up my innocence. I don’t want Keith to think I’m a bad person and purposely went after a married man - even if I have. But I have my reasons…the right reasons.

  

 “He’s lying to you,” Keith states, his golden eyes looking deadly. “He found his fated mate years ago, and they’re currently expecting their second child.”

  

 He knows about the baby? At first, I’m taken aback by this information, but then I quickly gather my wits. Of course, he knows. He’s the Alpha, after all - he knows about all the pack affairs before anyone. 

  

 I don’t know whether it’s the realization or his harsh gaze that gets to me, but suddenly I’m nervous. A slow swallow travels down my throat and my feet betray me as they shuffle. And Keith seems to notice. 

  

 “Look,” he begins, his tone a little kinder. “I’m not blaming you, but I figured you should know the truth. I can see you two are having fun, but you don’t seem like the homewrecker type.” 

  

 “And what gave you that impression?” I find myself asking, wondering why he seems to think he has me figured out. It makes me forget my nerves for a second as I raise my chin. 

  

 I can’t help but notice the new sense of amusement dancing within his eyes. “My wolf,” he states. “He seems to think you’re a good girl.” 

  

 Following his words, his stare then softens, holding me warmly as I feel Cicy’s interest pique. But she’s sighing - as if someone is giving her a comforting stroke. 

  

 It shakes me. Makes me also feel as if I’m being held as I abruptly yearn to answer his lingering call. I find myself wanting to confirm his claims, meet his expectations. I want to tell him he’s right - that I am a good girl and have a moral compass I’m quite proud of. I don’t like doing things against my will or seducing people - especially married people. 

  

 It’s all right there on the tip of tongue…every word he probably wants to hear. I’m so close to saying them, right on the edge. But, for some reason…I don’t. 

  

 I remain quiet, pushing down my words as I still feel his comfort surrounding me. I’m not sure why he’s capable of soothing me. It’s as if there’s something special about him - as much as I hate to admit it. It’s like he’s capable of evoking emotions in me that I’d never experienced before. 

  

 Eventually, I lower my head, no longer willing to meet his eyes as I instead stare at the floor. Honestly, I’m thankful for my glasses and the shield they give me. 

  

 Especially as I realize I don’t want to use my charm powers on him. I know it will draw him to me, make him instantly like me. But I don’t want him to…or at least, I don’t want him to like me because of my skill. If he’s going to like me, I want it to be caused by something else. Maybe just because he likes - well - me. 

  

 Holy hell. Why do I even care if he likes me at all!? I don’t even know him and he just ruined my entire plan!

  

 I want to kick myself, to berate myself for my foolish thoughts. However, my attempts are quickly swept away as I feel a weight against my back. 

  

 Suddenly, a body has been thrown into me. From the sound of the curses behind me, it seems that a meaty bouncer has managed to push a waiter toward me, causing me to stumble. 

  

 And also making my glasses fall from my face. 

  

 Shit! 

  

 Swiftly, I lower down to the floor, my hands frantically searching as I try to find my glasses. And finally, I spot them a foot away, causing me to reach for them. Only, a pair of large and beautiful hands beat me there. 

  

 “Stand up, little wolf,” Keith says, though I don’t look up at him. “I’ll help you put them back on.” 

  

 Heart hammering in my chest, I do the first thing I think of - firmly shut my eyes before I dare to rise back to my feet. Standing once again, I keep them closed as I feel Keith’s body heat in front of me, anxiously waiting for him to place my glasses back on my face. 

  

 Only, he doesn’t. 

  

 Seconds stretch by, but they seem to pass like minutes. It’s as if someone has slowed down time and I’m left waiting for centuries as I still don’t feel the frames sliding behind my ears. 

  

 Annoyed, my eyes fly open as I try to see what the hell is taking so long. And when my gaze meets Keith’s, I instantly realize my mistake. 

  

 I take a breath, staring into the most beautiful golden eyes I’ve ever seen as I wait. I wait to see the shift, the dilation of his pupils as he takes me in. But nothing happens… his eyes remain unchanged as we just look at one another - time not only slowing, but feeling as if it stops completely. 

  

 Why? Why is there no effect? Keith is peering right into my eyes and yet he doesn’t falter for a second. I’m lost…completely lost. He should be halfway to falling in love with me by now, ready to grant my every wish just like every other man. 

  

 But then again…just because I don’t notice any physical changes doesn’t mean there isn’t any effect at all. Maybe I just need to investigate further. 

  

 So I take matters into my own hands, deciding to test him with my usual abilities as I throw out a new request. This time it’s less brash, but it’s still daring. 

  

 “I want you to stop trying to interfere with my relationship with Ralph,” I say firmly, my face serious as only my lips move. And then I’m waiting again, seeing if he accepts. 

  

 Only then do I notice a shine meet his eyes, a slight tilt in his head. I’ve got him. I know I’ve got him and any moment he’ll meet my request. 

  

 But his features change once again as his lips raise into a sinful smirk, and I can see him set for a challenge. 

  

 “Dangerous territory, little girl,” he says, his words mocking, amused. “You think you can order me around?” 

  

 Again, my face smooths, my stomach falls straight down to my feet. 

  

 And for the first time in a long time…I realize I’ve lost. 

  

 I’ve completely and utterly lost.