Chapter 43 43
Maisie’s Pov
Running into Tyler had been the last thing I expected today and yet, as the cool air in the elevator brushed my face, unease wound its way to my chest. Why did he look for me?
My phone vibrated in my hand and I pulled it up to look at it. An unknown number was calling me. Usually, I didn't answer calls from unknown numbers but for some reason beyond me, I was genuinely curious.
Unknown number: it was really nice seeing you today, Chloe. PS : It's Tyler.
My lips crinkled at the corners and I laughed. I texted him back, still holding my grin.
Me : Ah, right. You’re supposed to wait three days. Texting a woman the same day you get her number could be considered desperate.
He replied almost immediately.
Unknown number : What if I am?
I blinked. What did he mean?
Unknown number : Can I call you?
Before I could reply to him, he was already calling me.
Okay.
I answered with a sigh. “You really don't know when to give up, do you?”
A soft exhale bled over the line like he'd just released breath he'd been holding onto.
“Hi.” he said in a calm, deep voice that reminded me of Roman's.
“Hi,” I replied then waited.
The silence that followed was so deep and profound that it swallowed everything except the slow hum of the elevator.
My hand strangled my phone while I waited for his next reply. None came. Tyler was quiet for so long I double-checked whether he’d hung up. He hadn’t.
“Tyler?”
“I’ve never…” He cleared his throat, “I’ve never pursued someone before, so perhaps I’m not doing this right. But I wanted to hear your voice.”
I was stunned for a moment. He wanted to hear my voice? We just met a few hours ago. But when I remembered the sincerity in the words he said, I knew it was the truth.
He continued. “I’m not the best with expressing my emotions, but…” His ragged breath filled my ears and it told me he had been breathing hard. He was nervous. “I wanted to have dinner with you tonight. Just this once?”
I froze, making the silence feel torturous.
My heart slammed, fast and hard against my ribcage. I could barely think when Roman was around and now, I had to deal with him? I didn't want to be rude so I wondered how I would reject him nicely but…
“I won't kiss you or touch you inappropriately,” he said immediately. “I've seen the ring on your finger. I know you have a … mate.”
I palmed my face with my free hand and sighed. “Fine. Just this once.”
“Wait… what?!” He practically yelled in my ears.
“I agree to have dinner with you just this once.” I smiled when I heard him nearly squeal like a girl.
“Um… I'll text you the name of the restaurant. Trust me, you won't regret this…”
“... not tonight. I'm busy. I'll text you when I am though.” I said, interrupting his little victory dance.
“It's fine.” I could almost see him smile in his voice when he replied. “I'm glad you agreed to dinner with me.”
“Sure.” I couldn't help but smile back.
“I saved your number. Save mine?”
“Will do.”
The elevator doors opened into the vast hallway and I walked towards my office.
“See you around, Tyler.”
“See ya, Chloe.”
The call ended and I rested my forehead against the wall.
What the hell have I done?
Myriads of paperwork and a thousand signatures later, I entered the underground parking lot and walked towards my car. I was beyond exhausted and would kill for a full body massage.
I slid into the driver's seat and shut the door. Before I could start the car, my phone vibrated with a text.
Tyler : I promise I'm not stalking you. I just wanted to make sure you got back safely.
Me : I'm on my way home but thanks for your concern, stalker.
Tyler : But I just said I'm not a stalker crying emoji
I laughed and pulled out of the parking lot, driving back towards the pack mansion.
As the city blurred past me, my thoughts began to entangle. I had to deal with my involvement with Roman, my plan to ruin Xavier and now, Tyler? I already had two men in my life. I didn't need another. I told myself I'd tell Tyler off after our dinner. I didn't need distractions now I was so close to my goal.
By the time I arrived at the pack, dusk had settled fully over the estate.
I made it past the security guards and drove to the garage where I parked my Mercedes.
When I stepped inside the mansion, wolves greeted me in low murmurs, their voices echoing faintly in the hall. They all saw and greeted me as the Beta's wife when 3 years ago, the same people greeted me as Luna. The difference almost made me laugh. I greeted back with a smile and turned in the direction of the suite I shared with Roman when I felt it.
My steps faltered when I felt the sudden, sharp pull. It was like a thread was tightening around my ribcage.
He was here.
I didn't need to see him to know he was nearby. My wolf had already pressed herself closer to the surface. Her emotions were bleeding all over the place and it was killing me — confusion, yearning, irritation.
‘Stop this!’ I warned her.
‘I can't. You can't keep avoiding him.’ She hissed.
‘I’m avoiding him to survive.’ I shot back, taking a step back but he was already reaching for me.
Fuck.
His presence hit me fully and so did his scent, lavender and wildberries.
A few whispers and squeals surround us. The female wolves were probably ogling him but I didn't care. I had what they would never have and that was him. But was he mine?
Without a word, Roman's fingers carefully wrapped around mine and just like that, I floated behind him. I didn't notice when we got to our suite until he locked the door and leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his broad chest.
Uh-oh.
“You're late. Again.” He said in a slightly brisk tone.