Run Away, Pussycat

The Ranch

She turned to face me, her face read mad but her eyes gleamed with happiness.

I smiled down lovingly at her.

Together we stood off to the side amongst the chattering party goers, silently staring at each other. No doubt we both had so many questions to ask but neither of us wanted to ruin this moment.

With every rise and fall of her chest I grew more impatient to touch her, and finally she spoke.

"H-how was your trip over here?"

'Really?' So I see she would play the whole "cordial" act...she was going to pretend like we aren't mates, like nothing ever happened between us, fine.

"My trip was good, I had a layover in Dallas, caught up with a friend who was also in town and the roads were clear for my drive over, how has your summer been?"

I could see she wanted to know more about my "friend" but she refrained.

"My summer has been memorable to say the least, I'll defiantly be sad to leave."

"So then Alpha asshat hasn't proposed yet?" I questioned, letting my jealousy seep out a bit.

She rolled her eyes and took a swig of her champagne, "I don't think that's any of your business."

I stepped in closer to her, "I think we both know that it very well IS my business Pussycat."

"Alpha Minicci" I stiffened at the sound of his voice, I fixed my jacket and turned to see Vincent walking over to us. "So glad you could finally join us." He smiled as he easily placed his hand on Chanel's back.

I bit down on my back teeth so hard I could practically taste blood, never have I ever wanted to shift and hurt someone as bad as I did right now, I needed him to stop touching her immediately.

Chanel must have sensed it as well because soon she sidestepped him and announced she would get us some drinks.

"Sorry I'm so late" I said with great effort, "prior engagements."

Vincent simply nodded before that awkward tension befell us.

"We were sorry to hear that you were called away for business last time, we never got to thank you for finding Evalina."

Had anyone else said these words to me I would have merely smiled and told them "it was nothing." But it was him, and I couldn't stand the fact that he has the one thing in the entire world that I want.

"I didn't realize you cared so deeply for my niece." I sounded bitterly.

He wasn't prepared for my response, "oh, it's just, she's so close to Chanel...and Chanel's happiness is all I'm concerned about."

I nodded, "I see you two have grown quite close...but you aren't mates." I pointed out.

He grew uncomfortable as he began scanning the room for any excuse to exit our conversation, "You're right, Chanel is not my mate, but that doesn't lessen the way I feel about her."

Just then Chanel returned, "we should go and be social" she suggested to Vincent, no doubt she had listened in on our whole conversation. "Luca, I'm sure the bride and groom will be glad you're finally here, goodnight."

"Oh and Luca," Vincent said. "All of the rooms here in the pack house have already been taken by the other guests...I hope you don't mind, but you'll have to stay out on the ranch, I'll have my primo take you to it later tonight."

I caught Chanel's eye, I didn't like knowing I would be away from her once again but I would have to play nice while I'm here.

I nodded and the two walked away from me.

I found Cesare and Evalina shortly after, they were having a discussion with a brunette girl I have never seen before.

"Luca, you came" Evalina smiled as she came over and hugged me.

I kissed her cheeks in a familial fashion and then my nephew hugged me as well, "I told you I would come, and I do apologize for my lateness but I missed my original flight." I lied.

"Luca, this is our friend Kammie, she's the young lady I allowed citizenship into the pack."

I nodded and shook the girls hand, she was a pretty girl, but she seemed uncomfortable.

Soon Kammie went to talk with someone she had met earlier, but when she returned I talked with her for a while, she told me all about her life as a rogue and her new life amongst my pack. "Cesare set me up in one of the apartments and Evalina helped me sign up for some night classes at the local college."

"That's great." I acknowledged, "If you're interested in working I can set you up with my Beta's wife, she is always looking for help down at the community center, it doesn't pay a hell of a lot but at least it's something for now, and she'll make sure your taken care of."

"Thanks...uh, you're nothing like they told me you'd be."

I chuckled, I liked this girls straightforwardness. "Did someone say I'd be a certain way?"

She brushed her dark hair behind her ear as she blushed a little, "y-yeah, I was told that you were just a playboy with one thing on his mind."

Just then Chanel popped into my held, I smiled. "...I don't even have to ask who said that."

She shrugged "for what it's worth, I don't think that anymore."

"Well I'm grateful to have gained your trust Kammie."

She nodded and then left as she was ready to call it a night.

"Alpha Minicci?"

I looked over at the Hispanic man who had called me.

"I'm Martin, Vincent's cousin...he asked me to take you over to the ranch." He sounded.

I nodded and obliged by following him, "I have my own car so I guess I'll follow you...how far is it?"

"Not too far Alpha, about seven minutes give or take."

We left shortly after and much like Martin had said I quickly found myself pulling into a gated fence, but I didn't get very far before He stopped his truck and got out before walking over to me.

"The gate was open so it looks like Vince had someone come out and get the place ready for you, here's the key, it opens the front door, and my number in case you need anything...try and get some rest, I know Vince and Chanel have big plans for y'all while you're here."

I nodded and he left.

Something about the entire situation felt off, I wonder what was going on? But he left before I could question him, I got back into the car and drove the rest of the way up to the house.

Where the pack house was a large two story home, this house was a single level home but it seemed to sit on a large plot of land. I grabbed my bags out of the trunk and then put the key into the keyhole only to find that the front door was already unlocked. I withdrew the key and pocketed it, I turned the knob and had to blink a few times to get my eyes to adjust to the dark.

After searching the entire living room and kitchen I walked down the hall and finally found the master bedroom.

Almost as soon as I opened the door a small light clicked on, the source came from a small lamp on one of the bedside table.

There looking as gorgeous as ever was Chanel, still in her dress and heels she sat atop the bed.

She looked up at me, not once moving from her spot.

"I just want one night...I know I don't have any right to ask that of you, and if you want I can leave...but just one night of no questions and no pretending that I'm not your mate...we won't talk about what we've been doing this summer, or what the future holds, j-just live in the moment." She said calmly. "So once again, all I'm asking for is one night."

I nodded silently and then closed the door behind me before I locked it.