Chapter 172 Dangerous Rides

Chapter 172 Dangerous Rides
Amelia's POV

I instantly regretted the words that had slipped from my mouth. One moment of anger, and I'd revealed too much. The word "mate" hung between us like a confession, and Caius's eyes gleamed with newfound interest.

"If your mate really cares you so much as you thought," Caius said, his voice dropping to a silky purr, "why were you crying here? Why didn't he mark you? Does that seem right to you?"

His words pierced through me like physical blows. Each question exposed the very doubts I'd been fighting to suppress. Why hadn't Alexander marked me, even after we had sex so many times?

The answer materialized instantly in my mind: Cassandra. Despite everything we'd shared, he still hadn't completely severed his connections to her.

"Our relationship is... complicated," I said, hating how defensive I sounded.

"Complicated," Caius repeated, rolling the word around his tongue like he was tasting it. "That's what they call it when someone's keeping their options open."

I opened my mouth to argue when headlights swept across us. A sleek gray sedan pulled alongside the curb, its engine purring softly before shutting off. The driver's door opened, and a tall man in a dark suit stepped out, moving with the deliberate grace of someone who'd been trained to be invisible.

He approached us and bowed deeply to Caius. "Sir."

That single word and the reverence behind it set off alarm bells in my head.

Caius gestured toward the car's back door, which the driver promptly opened. "Let me drive you home," Caius said, his voice suddenly gentle. "I can't in good conscience leave you alone at this hour."

I hesitated, my wolf senses on high alert. Getting into a car with a mysterious man who knew too much about me and whose scent was so unsettlingly powerful—went against every survival instinct I possessed.

"I don't think that's a good idea," I said.

"I insist," Caius replied, his tone making it clear this wasn't really a request. "Consider it a peace offering after our... tense conversation."

I glanced around. The street was deserted, and I was far enough from campus that walking home would take at least forty minutes. If he wanted to hurt me, he could have tried already.

"Fine," I conceded, sliding into the back seat. The leather was butter-soft beneath my jeans. "But I'm texting my location to a friend."

Caius chuckled as he settled in beside me. "Smart girl."

As the car pulled away from the curb, I subtly shifted closer to the door, maintaining distance between us. The interior smelled of expensive cologne and leather, and something else—a subtle power that emanated from Caius. It wasn't just his confidence; it was something more primal.

"Who are you really?" I asked, studying his profile in the dim light from passing streetlamps. "The driver practically bowed to you. No ordinary wolf gets that kind of treatment."

Caius turned those penetrating eyes on me. "Observant. I like that."

"Are you an Alpha from another pack?"

He smiled, neither confirming nor denying. "I'm a businessman who's interested in learning how Shadow Kingdom operates. Your territory has... thrived under its current leadership."

"You didn't answer my question."

"I'm someone who appreciates directness. And I'm here to meet with your Alpha. I believe we could have much to discuss."

I couldn't hide my surprise. "You want to meet Alexander Westbrook? Officially?"

"Is that so shocking? Neighboring packs often maintain diplomatic relations."

"So you are an Alpha," I pressed.

"I'm a man with interests that occasionally align with those of Shadow Kingdom," he replied smoothly. "Your scent tells me you work closely with him. Private secretary, perhaps?"

I nodded reluctantly. "Executive assistant."

"Tell me about him," Caius said, settling back against the seat. "What kind of leader is the great Shadow King?"

I chose my words carefully. "He's... formidable. Brilliant at business. Cold when he needs to be, but he cares about his pack more than anything."

"And?" Caius prompted.

"And what?"

"There's more you want to say. I can see it in your eyes."

I sighed. "He's also stubborn and protective to the point of being controlling sometimes. But he can be incredibly gentle and thoughtful when—" I stopped myself, realizing I was sharing too much.

Caius laughed softly. "You sound like a lovesick teenager, not his executive assistant."

"I'm not—" I started to protest, but my phone rang, Alexander's name flashing on the screen. I quickly answered. "Alex?"

"Where are you?" His voice was tight with barely controlled anger. "I sent James to drive you home, but you weren't at the company."

I froze. Even while he was angry with me, he still sent someone to pick me up. This man... couldn't he let go of his damn need to control and protect everything, even when he was furious?

"I'm on my way home now," I said, avoiding Caius's interested gaze. "I... ran into someone who offered me a ride."

"Who?" The single word carried a dangerous edge.

"Just someone from school," I lied, not wanting to explain Caius over the phone. "I'm fine, I promise."

"Amelia," he said, his voice softening slightly, "I need you to be careful. And I meant what I said about Daniel. Stay away from him."

"I will," I promised. "I have no desire to see him ever again."

"Good." He fell silent, and the pause stretched so long I thought he might have hung up.

Just as my heart was sinking, he let out a soft sigh. "Listen, Amelia. Despite everything that happened today..." His voice softened unexpectedly. "I wanted you to know that Nathan's assignment ends tomorrow. He'll be back home tomorrow."

My heart leapt at the news. "Really? He's coming home?"

"Yes. I thought you'd want to know."

"Thank you," I whispered, genuine gratitude washing through me. Despite everything complicated between us, Alexander always seemed to know exactly what mattered most to me.

"Get home safely," he said. "We'll talk tomorrow."

After hanging up, I couldn't help smiling as I touched the wolf pendant hanging from my neck—Alexander's gift. Finally, my small family would be whole again. Mom would be so happy to have Nathan back.

"Daniel?" Caius's voice cut through my thoughts. "Who's that?"

As he leaned forward, the passing streetlights illuminated his face in a way I hadn't noticed before. His aristocratic features—the high cheekbones, the sharp jawline, even the slight arrogant tilt of his head—triggered something in my memory. There was something hauntingly familiar about him, like a face from a half-forgotten dream.

I studied him more carefully. Those eyes... the distinctive way his brow arched when he asked questions. It reminded me of someone, but I couldn't quite place who. Maybe someone from Alexander's social circle? Someone from one of those formal pack gatherings I'd glimpsed from afar before my life got tangled with Alexander's?