Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Tyler's POV

Time took slowly by. After a long while of pacing around the room, I'd finally written it to myself that I would have to see him at the warehouse in person.

"I need you to find out what the blue-ray park is facing," I said as we exited the room. Even though I made it clear that I wasn't going to offer any help, that didn't mean that I actually meant it as alpha.

So even was right, and as much as I didn't want to admit it—as much as my stubborn pride wouldn't let me—I knew that I didn't want to risk a war that would affect the whole of the wolf packs. I had to do something about it, even if from the side.

"Then if I find that he's only making a bluff, then I'll be sure to teach him a lesson," I said under my breath within myself.

I ask Gibs if he knows what I'm up to just as we go down the stairs that lead back to the ground floor. I reach the driveway where the limo is parked and turn around, expecting to see Diego with Lola. I didn't think that it would take that long to get her from the halls.

I see Lola coming from the other direction. I walk towards her without hesitation; however, once close, I noticed the way she swayed on her feet, and I could sense the different smell of alcohol on her.

"Don't tell me you were drinking," I said, catching her by her wrist as she fell into my chest.

Diego stepped in from behind. "Found her near the garden," he said.

I raised an eyebrow, a bit confused, wondering what the hell she was doing. She's supposed to be in the gala in the huge hall for crying out loud, maybe having some conversation with the rest of the lunas. But looking at her now, she was clearly drunk.

Diego shook his head, signaling that he has no idea what happened to her. "I met her like this," he verified.

I frowned, displeased. Imagine if it was someone else who caught her like this? Anyone could take advantage of her.

I steadied Lola as she leaned into me, her petite frame leaning heavily against my chest. The scent of alcohol overpowered her usual vanilla fragrance, giving her a wilder edge, one that I wasn't familiar with.

She never struck me as the type to get drunk. I couldn't help but wonder what pushed her to this point now.

"Tyler," she purred, tilting her head up to face me. "You're always so... strong, so in control." Her fingers trailed up my arm, lingering a little too long on the bare skin exposed by my rolled-up sleeves. "Don't you ever get tired of it?"

"Lola," I said firmly, gripping her shoulders to keep her steady. "What are you doing out here like this? You should be inside with the others."

She tilted her head back, exposing the delicate curve of her neck. "Inside? But they don't like me. You're the only one that sees the real me. What's wrong with being out here with you?"

Her words slurred slightly, but the intent behind them was clear. Her hands moved to my chest, her touch burning through the fabric of my shirt. "You feel that, don't you?" she whispered, her lips dangerously close to mine.

I froze, every nerve in my body on edge. Her scent, her warmth, her words... Whatever she was planning, it was working.

"Dammit," I cursed softly. She was making me feel this way when she was barely aware of her actions. Somehow, that didn't seem fair.

"Lola," I said again, my voice strained, warning.

But she didn't stop. She rose on her toes, her lips brushing against my jaw, sending a bolt of heat through me. It was a featherlight, sloppy kiss, but it set all my nerves on fire.

"You don't have to pretend, Tyler. I know you feel it too," she murmured, her voice a mix of seduction and vulnerability.

I pushed her against the car, my hands sliding down to grip her hips. Her lips met mine, and for a moment, our surroundings seemed to blur around me.

For a fleeting moment, I almost gave in, my control slipping. But then, a cough at the distance dragged me back to my senses. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Diego and Alex. They were a safe distance away, but their presence was there all the same.

I couldn't lose control—not here, not in front of them.

With a deep breath, I caught her wrists and gently but firmly pulled them off my chest, holding them above her head.

"That's enough, Lola," I leaned in and whispered. "We can continue this dangerous game when we're at home and preferably not drunk." My voice had a tone of finality.

She pouted but didn't argue when I told her to get into the car. I shut the door.

Alex and Diego stepped forward, clearing their throats nervously and looking away.

"Oh, come on," I rolled my eyes. "Don't give me that."

"Shall we go straight to the manor?" Alex asked, a sly smile on his face. "It looks like you have some business to finish up there."

I turned away, not wanting more. "That's a smart quip."

"No," I say, my eyes turning serious. "As much as it is appealing, I have a lot of things to take care of," I say, now recounting the events of tonight. Even though the take would have one turn just now, I can't pretend that we didn't have issues at hand.

"Drive her home, Diego," I said, nodding at my beta.

"I'll go to the warehouse."

"We will?" Alex asked, eyes wide.

I didn't pay any attention. "I'm supposed to be in a meeting filled with a bunch of alphas right now," Alex said. He's always whining about everything.

"What if I told you that your pack's peace depended on it?" I said, throwing my eyes at him.

"Drive home," I instructed Diego again, turning to face him, glad that he was the most sensible one among him and Alex. "Make sure she gets enough sleep and the alcohol out of her system tomorrow," I say.

"Right away, Alpha," Diego nodded, and I stand there and watch. I only step out of the driveway once the limo is safely away.

"Now as for the both of us," I said, turning back to face Alex. There's still some faint music coming from the main hall where the gala is being held, but I can't care any less what those old men are saying. I can only hope that the warehouse visit goes well, because I don't like what is that way.

"I'll book a ride," Alex offered. We came here with the limo, so there was no spare car for us to use.

I gave a nod, letting him do what he had to do. While he did it, I sat down on the pavement and pulled out my phone, checking for anything that I might want to take note of—maybe some hints before warning to know that danger is ahead.

Few minutes later, a black sports car drove into the place. It parked next to us, the windows winding down. I immediately recognized the driver as one of my men, a personal guard. Of course, we couldn't just book random rides, especially when we were going to one of our safe houses. Everything needs to be carefully coded; otherwise, you would go up in smoke any second.

"Alpha," he said as I slipped inside. He joined the driver's seat, and the car began driving again.

Soon we were passing the streets and on the highway, the trees became an instant blur as we sped toward one destination in mind. I didn't know what to expect from here, but I sure was hoping that it was nothing too serious. I already have enough on my plate without threats of war and double-crossing to deal with.

Luckily, I was spared of the suspense as the car speeded to a halt minutes later in front of the familiar warehouse. I didn't wait for Alex to open it though—I was out within seconds, dialing the manager's number again. And God help him, he didn't speak up this time.

Alex was at my heels, following close behind me. The driver would have the sense to wait for us even though we didn't give any order. I took the elevator straight up to his office and opened the door, stepping in.

"What the hell were you thinking?" I lashed out.

My eyes adjusted to the lighting a couple of seconds later, and I see the manager, Erwin Philips, sitting behind a swivel chair, a laptop on the table.

He raised an eyebrow at my intrusion. "How unruly of you," he said, his nose wrinkled up in distance. "Ever heard of knocking?"

I wasn't in the mood for his games, so I went across for him and grabbed him by the collar. "Silver weapons? Maybe you have something to explain," I said in anger.

Alex stands by, arms crossed across his chest. I'm barely aware of his presence right now—it's just me, my rage, and the arrogant bastard sitting in front of me.