Chapter 31: Desperate Measures

VOLK

"But I care," I said before stepping through the door.

I took a deep breath after closing it, advancing down the narrow corridor with burgundy-painted walls.

Every day, I accepted more that I would never understand her. What was her problem? How could she insult me and then simply say she didn't mind sharing the bed?

The mere idea had been enough to agitate the animal inside me. And it was precisely because of him that I couldn't trust myself. I knew I would be incapable of sleeping, even if we only shared the room.

After descending three flights of stairs, I suddenly stopped, sensing a familiar odor. Sneaking along the wall to peek, I confirmed my suspicions.

Three of my uncle's subordinates were in the lobby. How had the bastards managed to find me?

However, if they were here, it meant I had no choice but to go back, and for that, I would need a convincing excuse. Moreover, I would have to leave her here, alone, during the night.

Turning around, I started climbing the stairs again, trying to think of something.

When I stopped in front of the room door, the only idea that had occurred to me made me hesitate. It was at least absurd, and I doubted she would agree, just as I doubted I would be able to ask.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked before entering.

"Did you get a room?" she asked, sitting in the chair in the corner as I closed the door behind me.

"I won’t be able to stay, but I'll be back tomorrow," I explained.

She looked at me, frowning in confusion.

"Tell me, why should I trust that you’re not up to something?"

"I told you my uncle would send someone. They're downstairs, and I doubt they came here just to make sure I’m okay."

"How did they manage to find us?"

"It doesn't matter, I’ll have to go back. But first... I’ll need a convincing excuse for my disappearance since my uncle must be waiting for me."

"And what are you going to say?"

I hesitated a bit before finally managing to say the words.

"I think it would be convincing if there was the scent of another female on me."

"And what exactly are you suggesting?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, but I knew she already understood and was just trying to torture me.

"We can just... lie on the bed. I think that would be enough," I suggested.

She didn't disagree immediately as I had imagined, but remained silent for too long, making me feel even more uncomfortable. It was probably because this was the worst idea I had ever had.

However, it would be effective in convincing my uncle that I was telling the truth if he had any suspicion. And even though it was a bad idea, it was less bad than asking her to rub against me.

Her brown eyes were fixed on me as the uncomfortable silence stretched. They always carried a bold shine that provoked my inner animal.

She was the most beautiful and impetuous female I had ever met. And she had already made me lose control more than once. So, why was I suggesting we lie on a bed?

"Sit down," she said after what seemed like an eternity.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"You suggested we lie down, but I suggest something more practical that won’t take as long. Sit on the bed."

"What do you intend to do?" I narrowed my eyes, trying to understand.

"We don’t need to pretend you’ve never grabbed me before. But this time, keep your hands to yourself. Come on, take off your jacket and sit down," she insisted, indicating the bed.

I obeyed, approaching the bed and taking off my jacket, even without being sure of what she intended. I still couldn’t believe she was agreeing.

When she approached, taking off her jacket on the way and remaining in just her black tank top, I felt my whole body tense. I looked away from her breasts. Maybe I wasn’t ready for this.

"I think this isn’t a good idea," I said, unsure if I could control myself.

"Why? Are you going to lose control again? A future Alpha should have more self-control, don't you think?" she provoked, confirming my suspicions that whenever she opened her mouth, her words were intended to provoke, offend, or challenge me.

"I had never lost control before. So, I guess the problem isn’t me. And if you want to know, your provocations aren’t going to help now," I retorted.

"Are you implying the problem is me? Sorry, but have you heard the rumors about you?" she crossed her arms, squeezing her breasts, and I had to fight to keep my attention on her face.

"It's good to know you heard, considering all the work I had to build that reputation."

"That of a coward and useless?"

For some reason, hearing those words from her always made me feel a horrible sensation. Is that really what she thought of me?

"You must think I ended up becoming exactly that after spending so much time pretending."

"No. That's not what I think," she said, surprising me. "But let’s get this over with. And once again, I hope this makes us even." She approached, stopping in front of me.

"I was serious about this not being a good idea," I insisted, feeling my pulse quicken.

"The idea was yours. Just keep control, any other reaction will be natural considering what I’m about to do."

"Are you sure about this?"

"No, but we don’t have many options. Just stay still," she said before climbing onto the bed, her weight causing the mattress to sink a bit.

Moving around me, she stopped behind me, kneeling, and I felt my whole body stiffen when her hands rested on my shoulders and her breasts pressed against my back.

I closed my eyes, feeling her scent awaken my instincts, starting the internal battle for control.

She slid her hands down my arms, while the wild animal inside me fought against my rational side to take control and claim what he believed belonged to him.

He wanted to dominate her and mark her in every possible way. And I couldn’t understand why she had this effect on him, on me.

I clenched my fists when she wrapped her legs around my waist, rubbing gently against my back and wrapping her arms around my body.

She was small, but her curves were generous and fit perfectly against me. And despite being small, she wasn’t human and would be perfectly capable of handling me. But I couldn’t. And she didn’t want that.

My desire to possess her was painful and increasingly difficult to control. I needed to remember. Remember why we were doing all this. There was no time to waste on distractions. No matter how tempting they were.

But my cock didn’t seem to understand that. Damn. I was already hard, and my breathing was out of rhythm. And despite her trying to control it, hers was too, and I could also smell the delicious and subtle scent of her arousal.

Suddenly, she moved away, getting off the bed and allowing me to relax a bit. Then, she got off the bed, stopping in front of me. Her hands rested on my shoulders as I stared at her, hypnotized by her gaze.

I had to use all my self-control not to put my hands on her. Leaning on me, she climbed onto my lap, making my body freeze again. I closed my eyes once more, struggling to maintain control.

Her scent drove me nearly insane when she pressed her body against mine. Her soft breasts pressed against my chest, and all I could think about was touching them. I wanted to touch her everywhere.

I opened my eyes, regretting it immediately. She was staring at me, her face inches from mine. The expression on her face and her altered breathing didn’t seem like someone who hated having to do this.

She was as aroused as I was, and her skin was getting warmer. Suddenly, she started moving her hips gently, rubbing against me.

That pushed me to the limit. I couldn’t take it anymore. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I turned our bodies, laying her on the bed. She gasped, surprised.

"That’s enough," I said, panting.

It was hard to pull away from her, seeing the stunned expression on her face, but I did. Turning my back on her, I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door.

"See you tomorrow," I said before leaving.

*

I walked down the corridor intentionally, heading toward my room until my uncle’s voice made me stop.

"Volk?" he called, making me step back a few steps.

I stopped in front of the large living room door. He was sitting on one of the sofas by the fireplace and wasn’t alone. My fiancée was sitting on the sofa next to him. Her name was Rieka.

I almost felt sorry for her earlier, for having to be left alone with him, but I didn’t have time for that.

In fact, I made sure to keep myself busy all day and had only exchanged a few words with her during dinner.

"I thought you’d be resting by now," I said.

Suddenly, my uncle stood up and approached, stopping in front of me. I hoped all that torture with Morana had been worth it.

"I told your fiancée that you had to leave to resolve an urgent matter," he said while sniffing the air discreetly. "You must be tired, it’s best to get some rest so you can spend the day with her tomorrow," he suggested in a reprimanding tone, making me believe my plan had worked.

"Should I say goodnight to her first?" I asked, wanting to make sure, and, at the same time, having a little fun.

"It’s not necessary. But let it be clear that this is the last time I will tolerate this kind of behavior. It’s time for you to take on your responsibilities," he warned, lowering his voice before turning his back on me.

I suppressed a smile before continuing on my way. He wouldn’t be very happy when he discovered I had different plans for the next day.

Plans that involved spending more time with a certain 'trouble', completely tempting female. And after what we did, I doubted I would be able to sleep tonight.

However, my uncle was right about one thing—it was time to take on my responsibilities, which meant reclaiming everything that was rightfully mine.