I didn't

n my head, refusing to l

mission to see my friend and ta

o corner, I felt my

the door and call out for s

second. And

hoed outside, and a k

d, staring stra

lm and composed-but in reality, I was a

tight, ready to spring into action

oor o

reshold, hesitating b

calm posture

his chest and studied me

o way I'm taking you to lunch," he said

d and tu

want?" I as

h. We didn't exactly get a pr

e's M

riend i

t to s

th a faint smile, "I might be persuaded

sigh, clicked my tongue

e, gesturing fo

e said as we walke

y smile. "It suits you. I u

kled. "Just don't try that joke in front of m

lowered my gaze and walked th

chen, where a middle-aged

w us, she s

guest, Max. Kirill's already brough

ll's girl is the future lady of the house. Mine'

nded me would have be

oked around the kitche

ly took my hand, and

s were never known for their manne

aid politely, re

t with obvious pleasure, Max sipped

I picked up my cup and f

you planning t

ure out how to make sure you st

o, and I'll

irill won't a

x walked me b

t to lock the door,

apped around him, then lifted to

. Aw

my hand back and

" He raised

ith you, I'd get

e what I

in my face, and the

lly allowed myself

xhaustion from a sleeple

fighting it. I closed

stling sou

had turned ora

age to get on that pillow?"

and spu

watching my startled reac

ver get tired of

u doing here

s feet. "I came to take you to your friend,

rd the door,

ushing over and gra

es drifted to my lips once mo

nd took a

aid quietly, lea

unharmed, smiling-I ra

reunion was cut short by

an Alpha bu

n, and there won't be any

man"? Tha

he beast would already

inging an arm over the Alpha's shoulde

him out of

looked happy-too happy for

you, did he?" I

Though... his motiv

and lowere

do you

ve in love at

me that nonsense. No, I don't. What d

't tell you. We met yesterday morning at the restaur

at her in

n't be May

ated mate. Maybe she truly c

with him, don't yo

know," she mur

did. And

always take the peopl

spair rose i

ething I'd regret, I t

ling after me, b

up with me

s look, went inside, and s