Chapter 69: The wolf in pain

The chatters of everyone and clatters of the cutleries resonated around the ambience of the dining room, while the househelps served more dishes if needed. I sat beside Adrian, and Lilly and Maggie were on my other side, asking about my life and likes.

They both were too sweet and kind for me to accept them as my own in such a small period of time. Though my official meeting with them went really well, my concern about the family reunion taking a different route still hung in the air.

Because the brooding fiance of mine didn't like the not so discreet nonverbal eye communication between my future father and mother-in-law. Ever since Lilly had set foot in this house, Sinister was always around. His eyes followed her everywhere she went. And I knew the look in those familiar blue eyes very well. Adrian's eyes held the same emotions whenever he looked at me.

And Lilly on the other hand stayed too alert, her somewhat hesitant, shy yet yearning gaze caught Sinister's from time to time. It seemed like years of distance didn't cause much damage to the feelings they had for each other. And the red tint on Lilly's cheeks under my future father-in-law's non wavering eyes at the dinner table was the proof.

And that, the bull headed man of mine didn't like it at all. The ticking of his jaw since he had noticed the reciprocation between his parents made me anxious.

Then suddenly clearing his throat, he turned to his mother.

"Mom, how is Alfredo? I thought you would bring him over for the dinner to introduce him to all of us, especially to Sofia. After all, you guys are thinking about taking things to the next level, right?"

With my eyes wide, I glanced at Sinister whose fingers were tight around his glass of wine. Jaw clenched. While Lilly shifted in her seat, uncomfortable at her son's sudden question. The son who never really took interest in her life before his father showed up.

I threw a look at Adrian, which he totally ignored.

When Lilly didn't answer, Adrian raised a brow. "Well?"

She cleared her throat. "Uh, we aren't seeing each other anymore."

"Why? From what I heard from," casting a hard look at John, he turned to Lilly again, "a source, you guys were going good. What happened then all of a sudden?"

His mother shifted on her seat again. "We realized we were better off friends."

I hit my elbow at Adrian's side, making those electric blue eyes snap to me.

"Stop it! You're making her uncomfortable!" A whisper left my lips as a hiss.

"Am I?" And his tone was not a whisper at all. Loud and clear. "But I'm just stating the truth. From what I heard, they were happy together. And now that she finally got a man who is worthy of her, she shouldn't let this chance go."

The last sentence was for Sinister. And the Russian mafia leader knew it.

"And I think she is old enough to know what to do with her life and whom she wants to stay with. She doesn't need your opinion." The edge in Sinister's voice screamed his displeasure.

"And did I ask yours?" Adrian countered back, eyes as hard as steel. "Stay away from our family matters, Mr. Petrosyan." Leaning in on the table, he tilted his head to the side as a warning. "Especially from my mother."

Lilly's wide eyes watched the not so pleasing conversation between her son and ex-boyfriend. The whole dining room echoed in silence as the two powerful men stared each other down, neither ready to back off.

Like father, like son.

Laura raised her brows at me from across the table. And all I could do was let out a long sigh.

Looked like I would have to have another conversation with him about his father.

***

The night and the next day passed with just a blink of an eye. Mom, Marie, Laura, Lilly and Maggie didn't go to their respective homes last night. Sinister decided both families should stay at his mansion until he handled Monet and Marcus.

Even if there could be another reason behind his decision for the ladies to stay, I didn't mind at all. I was actually happy. Having them around felt good.

"I think Sofia would look excellent in a mermaid gown, what do you say, Julia?" Lilly asked Mom, taking a sip on her coffee.

Mom's nod was enthusiastic. "Yes! I think so too. And maybe we should choose baby pink instead of regular white?"

"Nah! I think white is best for a wedding. It's a tradition after all." Marie shook her head.

Sitting at the corner of the vast living room, a smile tugged up my lips, while my family had their happy discussion about my and Adrian's wedding on their evening snacks. Even with the danger outside, those ladies didn't seem to care much. Because they had their dreams coming true soon.

Their children's wedding.

Even Adrian seemed to be in a hurry to drag me down the altar as soon as possible.

"Should we do it next week?" A deep muffled voice murmured against my neck. I shivered at the lingering kiss that soon followed.

With one of his big arms wrapped around me and the other running up and down my legs, he basically had me caged beside him. Not to forget his mouth constantly on my neck, jaw or lips if I let him.

As Laura stayed last night, I slept in the guest room with her, sharing each detail with each other of our life that took place in the past few days. And that didn't give my insatiable man any sleep the whole night. Even during the day while I was busy with the ladies, he had roamed around the house like a wolf in pain, with an extremely bad mood.

A wolf who needed to mate with his mate.

I pitied those guards and some of his office staff who came to meet him regarding some office work. They had to face his wrath without any fault.

And when he finally got a chance, while the ladies were busy in their conversation, he pulled me to the corner couch. Much away from their sight. Though we could see them just fine from our place. And since then, his hands were everywhere.

"What's the hurry, Mr. Larsen?" I turned to him, which gave him a chance to place my legs over his lap.

"I want you to be legally mine as soon as possible." Taking a deep inhale against my neck, his lips moved to my jaw.

I resisted the urge to close my eyes and feel his burning touch. But that wouldn't be a good idea. My submission, and he would pounce on me or take me to his bed right now. And I definitely didn't want that with our families constantly roaming around us.

"Nope, not so soon."

My response brought a crease between his dark thick brows. "Why not?"

With dense stubble covering his strong jaw, a shadow adorning under those electric blue eyes and that pair of desirable firm lips pressed tight together at this moment sent flutteres to my chest.

A breath escaped my lips.

How could someone look so sexy without even trying?

Yes, Adrian Larsen could.

His grip on my outer thigh through my jeans pulled me back from my reverie. Cupping my chin, he asked, "Why not, sweetheart?"

At the edge in his voice, I leaned in and brushed my lips against his. "Because we have a lot of things to do before that."

"Like what?"

"Like getting to know each other and each other's family more? Spend some more time with each other before the wedding?" I said. "And to be honest, with this situation going on, I don't want Monet to ruin the happiest day of my life. I want him to be gone from our lives before we take this new step."

A slow nod, before he placed a kiss on my forehead. "I understand. And I promise, love. Monet will be gone from our lives forever. Very soon." Then those blue eyes met mine again, with a determination laced in them. "And as soon as he's gone, you will be my wife. We don't need to know each other anymore. I know you well enough. So do you."

Shaking my head, I let out a giggle at his grunt. And the giggle soon turned into a gasp as his hand slipped to my behind.

Nuzzling my neck again, he hissed out, giving a cheek a firm squeeze. "Damn, love. That ass of yours drives me crazy."

Heat rushed up my cheeks, to the tip of my ears at his bold words. Not that he didn't use much more dirtier words on the bed. It seemed like I would never get used to them.

"Adrian!" I tried to push him away, but he only went to feel the other one. "Somebody can see us!"

"Do you think I care, love? You have left me to suffer last night. Now don't you think you should give some compensation to your hangry future husband?"

"Ad…"

And the next thing I knew was his lips on mine, ravishing my mouth in with a need that made my toes curl.

Letting out a moan, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back with equal intensity. Like always, I couldn't resist his kisses. Never could, never will be able to.

Lost in our moment, he pulled me closer and tugged me on his lap. And I let him.

A sigh left me. My home.

Suddenly the sound of footsteps reached my ears. An alert rang in my head.

Opening my eyes, I pulled away from him and slid off his lap. Pushed him away when he tried to reach my mouth again.

"What now?" he grunted, clearly frustrated. The visible tent in his pants explained his anger. Dark desire still shadowed his eyes as he glared down at me.

"Someone is coming." I whispered, removing his hand that was already on my thigh.

And just as I finished, Max's rigid form appeared before us. Urgent eyes set on me.

Something pinched in my stomach.

"Max? Is everything alright?" I asked. "I have been looking for you since yesterday. Where were you?"

Adrian raised a brow at him. Not so pleased at the interruption. But he didn't say anything, sensing the definite tense aura around my brother.

As he went to open his mouth, the blaring of his phone attracted some pairs of passing guards' eyes to us. Mom and Marie peeked at us from their conversation.

Greeting them with a nod, he cut the call and turned to me. Forcing a smile on his lips, he relaxed his stance. His gaze threw a discreet glance around.

"Sorry, I was busy. And due to some important meetings, I have to go out again." He cast me an apologetic look. "I heard about the good news, so thought to congratulate you before leaving."

When he pulled me in a hug, I rubbed his back.

"Congratulations, tomato! I'm happy for you."

The tension in his shoulders kicked my anxiousness to a new level.

"Thank you," I said. "Is everything alright, Max? Is there any news on Alex? He is alright, right?"

His grip tightened around me. "He is missing, Sofia. We can't trace him. I don't know where he is. One of my men found a lead and now I'm heading there to take a look. If I don't return within a few hours or contact you, tell Dad."

I froze as he pulled away, panic set in my mind. Adrian's arm was quick to wrap around my midriff.

"Don't worry, I'm sure I will find him. Just," his gaze swept around again, tone lowered to a whisper. "Don't let it show on your face. Stay alert. And trust no one. No one means no one, Sofia. You never know who's ready to stab you in the back."

Adrian's form tensed against me. The firmness of his hold revealed his anger.

When his phone rang again, he met my gaze. "I need to leave now. Remember what I said. Do not trust anyone."

And then placing a kiss on my head, he turned around and disappeared through the main door.