Chapter 22 Petty
ZORA
I stood at the corner of the hall, my eyes following Ryker. I couldn't help myself no matter how I tried, so I gave up.
He looks ravishing in the fitted charcoal doublet laced with beautiful gold embroidery and white undershirt. His cloth was cinched at the waist with a dark leather belt.
With an even louder help from his outfit, his entire being screamed danger.
Getting used to this environment seems a little hard after spending almost eight years in the human world, or was it seven?
I most certainly miss Courtney and the twins. Then Lucas! I really wish to be wrapped in his arms and allow him to kiss my worries away.
The image of both of us wrapped in each other's arms has my forehead creased in a frown.
Like always, the picture doesn't feel right. I like him , no doubt about that, yet our future together seems shaky.
I gulped down a full cup of champagne and collected another from a passing waiter.
Ryker caught me staring, and narrowed his eyes in disapproval when he saw the champagne cup in my hand.
I scoffed and looked away from those judgmental eyes.
"Are you here alone?" Someone asked behind me.
I turned around to regard the person. He is young, probably a little older than me, and he's cute.
I plastered a bubbly smile on my face, "Depends on who's asking."
He chuckled, "I've not seen you around or in any of these parties. You look so lost without a date."
I fluttered my eyelashes at him, "Do you want to help with that?"
He grinned, "Unfortunately, I'm busy. I only came here to scout for gullible investors," his voice dropped to a whisper.
"You are human." I pointed out in surprise. He had no distinctive wolf smell and looks a bit weak.
"How did you figure that out? Took a few people here a while to know."
I shrugged, "What's a human doing here anyway? Signed your soul to these devils?"
He opened his palm to me, "Care for a dance? Maybe I'll tell you all about me then."
I nod with a smile. This is nicer than following Ryker about like a puppet waiting for its master's orders.
"Touch her and die." Ryker growled out of nowhere.
The human winced, his cute smile disappearing.
He retracted his hands and scratched his head instead. He mouthed a quick sorry, then disappeared.
I rolled my eyes at Ryker, "You are allowed to do whatever you want, and I am allowed to make friends too."
"Not male friends, and definitely not one from this event." He whispered in my face, his hot breath falling on my neck and leaving a trail of goosebumps.
I flipped my hair and sauntered to the food section, tasting whatever that seemed pleasing.
Ryker went back to the party, laughing and talking to anyone close to him.
A hot wave of jealousy washed over me when I saw a woman throw her head back, laughing at whatever he said. Her hand was also lightly placed on his arms.
The bond moved and twisted in my stomach in anger. I wanted nothing more than to break that hand of hers touching what is mine!
What?? No.
Did I really just call him mine?
The bond twisted again, causing me to keel over and heave in empty air.
It was as if all the air was knocked out of my lungs.
I don't want to think it's the bond causing these reactions. It has never been heard of, but neither have I felt this much hate towards someone else.
I scanned the room for a less obvious exit and bolted through it. Not seeing is not knowing.
Still, I want to hurt that woman for touching him. Is she that desperate for his attention?
The cool night air hit my face softly, but it did nothing to simmer the rage in me.
"Hey beautiful," an older man appeared by my side, "You shouldn't be alone and outside by this time."
I gave him a polite smile, "I just need the fresh air."
The hall was suffocating!
He took my hand in his without warning, holding it in a tight grip, "Are you from this pack? What's your relationship with Ryker?"
I grunted in pain as attempts to free my hand were futile, "Who are you?"
"I ask the questions here, and your answers determine if you are going to survive the night or not."
"Yes." I replied, "I'm from this pack, and I was forced to come back ."
"Who are you to him?".
"No one." I shrugged, patting his hands and smiling, "I understand you have something to settle with the Alpha of this pack, but taking me is like taking a drop of water from an ocean, there's no significance. "
The man snorted, "I'll take my chances."
Suddenly, blood splattered everywhere, the hand that captured mine was on the floor.
I gasped in shock at the scene in front of me.
Ryker had the man by his throat, lifting him three feet in the air.
Of course it'd be Ryker. Who was I expecting?
His claws were out and digging into the man's neck.
"Didn't you get my warning?" Ryker dangled him in the air like he was a piece of paper.
"Let me go now, and the others won't come for you!" The man choked out.
Ryker snapped his neck in his hand and dropped him on the floor, then had the audacity to glare at me like I was the problem.
I matched his glare, folding my arms over my chest.
"Care to explain why you are outside?"
"Figured to give you and your girlfriend some room."
"Are you serious?!" His glare intensified, "I accepted the bond to be your mate, and you think I'd be with another woman, then do better meiga, I don't cheat."
I seethed in silence, I could still smell the woman's perfume on him, and my bond didn't like it.
"Besides, why would I need another when I have the perfect plaything?"
"Can I go to the healer tomorrow?" I asked, unfolding my arms.
"Why? Are you unwell?"
"I need to have my head checked out. I am not acting like my normal self."
He frowned but doesn't push it further, "Fine. I'll have someone accompany you."
If I can't think straight anymore just because of some foolish bond, then my life is over. I might as well serve my heart to him on a platter.
I returned to the hall and went back to my spot. The lady was back in his arms and doing anything to gain his attention.
I was blind with jealousy. No, my bond was mad with jealousy. What would it take for him to call her off!? It wouldn't even take ten seconds of his time.
I adjusted my dress, showing more cleavage than I initially did. Soon, most of the single Alpha and Beta love deprived male surrounded me.
Petty, I know, but let's see if he can kill all of them!