I paused, genuinely considering it.
Considering I scored a 30% share in Mistbane Pack because of him, one dinner hardly seemed fair.
I replied, ‘How about two dinners?’
Luis texted back, ‘If both are hosted at your place, I might be persuaded.’
My heart gave a sudden jolt.
Is he really talking about dinner – or hinting at something more?
Trying to compose myself, I took a sip of iced water and typed, ‘My place is too small. I can’t afford to entertain a big-shot Alpha like you.’
Luis didn’t miss a beat, ‘Small’s fine – as long as it doesn’t interfere with the real business.’
The real business? Is he implying… bedroom business? Ugh! This man is such a shameless flirt!
I hammered out three exclamation marks in protest.
Luis replied, ‘What’s going on in that head of yours? I meant having dinner. Obviously.’
Then, he added, ”But if there are additional services, I’m open to suggestions.’
Flustered and fuming, I swatted the air a few times in sheer frustration.
This man! That’s not what I meant at all!
…
The afternoon meeting dragged on endlessly.
By the time I got back to my apartment complex, it was nearly 8 p.m.
As the elevator doors slid open on my floor, I spotted a familiar figure standing outside my door.
It was Jake.
He was still in a sharp black suit, tie slightly loosened, looking like he’d just walked out of some high-stakes boardroom – stern, composed, and radiating that cold authority he always carried.
His brows were furrowed, and dark shadows clung beneath his eyes. He looked like he’d been waiting for hours.
What the hell is he doing here?
He’d never once set foot in my apartment before – always said it was too cramped, too modest for someone like him.
Even from across the hallway, I caught the sharp scent of alcohol clinging to him.
I instinctively took a step back.
Jake had always been arrogant, obsessed with control. And when he drank, his temper went from bad to worse.
Is this because I hung up on him earlier? Has he come to pick a fight?
I paused, took out my phone, snapped a photo, and sent it to Peggie.
‘Jake showed up at my place tonight. Guess he’s here to say sorry. Peggie, looks like we’re patching things up. Bet you’re fuming right now.’
Then, I slipped the phone back into my bag.
I figured I’d just walk past him, unlock the door, and act like he didn’t exist.
But the sharp click of my heels caught his attention. He turned around slowly, eyes locking onto mine like a predator spotting prey.
I ignored him and strode toward my door.
Just as I pulled out my keys, his hand shot out and closed around mine.
Before I could react, he yanked hard.
The keys slipped from my grip, clattering to the floor – and I stumbled, crashing straight into his chest.
I pushed against him, furious.
“Jake, what the hell are you doing?”
He stared down at me, voice low and ragged. “Deanna, are you done with your tantrum yet?”
My tantrum?
In his mind, everything I did was just throwing a tantrum and making a scene. That was why he never took me seriously.
That was why he thought he could use the investment to strong-arm me into submission again.
I glared at him, voice like ice. “Do you think I’m just throwing a tantrum?”
Jake scoffed. “Aren’t you? You d*mn well know Luis and I are sworn enemies.
“Yet, you still went to him for Mistbane Pack’s investment. Don’t pretend this isn’t personal, Deanna. You’re just trying to get under my skin, trying to force my hand.”
“You’ve gotten better at playing games,” he muttered.
“Think whatever you want. We’re done.”
His jaw clenched. “I never agreed to break up. That doesn’t count.”
“It takes two to start something, but only one to walk away. You don’t get a say.”
That hit him hard. He stepped forward, grabbed my shoulders, and shoved me up against the wall.
“Deanna, no. I’m not letting this end.”
His sudden aggression startled me.
“Let go of me!”
He lowered his head like he was going to kiss me.
I jerked away and drove my heel down on his foot.
Jake let out a sharp grunt, staggering back just enough for me to twist out of his grip.
I shoved him with all the force I had – and slapped him across the face.
Smack.
The sound cracked through the hallway like a gunshot.
Five red marks bloomed across his cheek, my nails leaving sharp lines in his skin.
“Jake, what the hell is wrong with you?”
Jake’s POV:
That slap snapped me awake.
For the first time, I saw disgust and coldness in Deanna’s clear eyes.
Fear rushed over me.
Deanna hated me?
No. She loved me. She couldn’t possibly hate me.
I had probably imagined that.
However, her recent behavior and tonight’s rejection made me question everything.
It all told me that the breakup she swore by Nyra’s name was real.
A strange ache spread through my chest, heavy and sinking, like something was slowly dragging me down.
I tried to reach for her hand, but she pulled back without even thinking.
Lowering my eyes, I swallowed hard.
“Deanna, I was wrong. I never should’ve gone through that fake mating ceremony with Peggie. I never should’ve let people from other packs laugh at you. I already asked Axel to hire the best wedding designer. I promise our ceremony will be the grandest. I’ll make sure everyone knows you’re my only Luna. Please.”
I thought those words would move her.
She had always dreamed of a mating ceremony that was ours.
But she only gave a bitter smile. “Jake, there’s no future between us. I already told you – I’m ending the engagement. If you try anything else, I’ll file a complaint with the High Council.”
My brows tightened until they hurt. “What do I have to do for you to forgive me?”
“Forgive?” She repeated the word like it was the funniest joke she had ever heard.
“The last chance was the day Peggie jumped in the pool. You left me for her. That was it. Jake, loyalty is written in a werewolf’s blood. You couldn’t even keep the simplest promise of loyalty.”
“I told you, she was my responsibility, nothing more,” I blurted, raising my voice.
“Responsibility?” Deanna gave me a contemptuous look. “That’s some heavy responsibility you’ve got there.”
Right then, my phone rang, cutting through the tension.
I glanced at the screen and hit decline.
But the phone rang again.
Deanna looked at me and gave a mocking smile.
“Answer it. Maybe Peggie’s heart stopped beating, and she couldn’t breathe again. If you don’t go, you’ll accuse me of holding you back, of hurting your first love. I’m not taking that fall.”
Her tone was light, but the sarcasm cut deep.
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