"That didn't sound convincing." A voice Victoria knew too well came from behind and startled the two girls who were busy talking about Lily and her clones. Natalie turned around to see Derrek and Levi leaning against the table behind them. Natalie laughed as she quickly stood up to make her way towards Levi, who grinned back at her.
Natalie squealed as Levi lifted her off the ground in an embrace. Natalie smiled at Derrek and called out a 'bye' to Victoria as Levi walked away still carrying her. Victoria didn't even bother to stop her friend or ask questions as to where she was going. She was as obsessed with Levi as he was with her. She feared that if she just let her emotions take control, she might even be worse than Natalie when it came to Derrek. Still being stubborn about everything, she shook her head slightly as if shaking her thoughts off her mate.
"Are you stalking us?" Victoria sneered as Derrek walked around to stand in front of her.
"It isn't stalking when we're mates." She received one of his famous smirks.
"Well, it is if you happen to have a girlfriend other than your mate."
"You know I can refute that statement in so many ways." Derrek bent down to bring his face closer to Victoria, who automatically moved her head farther back. If his mere presence unnerved her, having him way too close was simply too much.
"I don't think your girlfriend would approve of this."
"The only approval that matters is yours." Derrek looked intently at Victoria as he closed the space between them. Instinctively and with no where to go, Victoria help her hand up against his chest to hold him back. This didn't stop him, however, nor did it have any effect whatsoever on Derrek.
Damn. She's killling me with just a touch.
The sparks that went through Derrek as he felt Victoria's hand nearly undid him. Victoria knew he was going to kiss her and panicked as she moved her head sideways. Derrek merely followed her movement as his lips grazed her jawline.
Victoria could feel his sculptured chest beneath her hand and blushed at the thought of that. Feeling Derrek's lips on her face scrambled all her thoughts and caused her to unconsciouly move her hand to move up near his shoulder in a soft caress. Derrek stopped her hand by putting one of his over and moved his face inches from hers.
"Sto-op." Victoria used the distance to effectively push Derrek from her. A scowl formed on his face but he allowed her the space she wanted. "Stop doing that. Lily--"
"Is nothing." He finished for her. "She means nothing. We are nothing."
"But--"
"You don't tell me to stop doing what I want. Incase you've forgotten, you're mine." Derrek stood up straight and pulled Victoria to her feet. "Let's go."
"You jerk! I am not some object in your possession." Victoria tugged her hand angrily from him and turned her back to him walking away.
"Where the hell are you going?"
"Away from you."
"Too bad. I won't let you do that." In an instant, Derrek spun her to face him and backed her on the wall. Victoria let out a gasp as he captured her furious face between his hands. "You're mine. Just like I belong to you, too."
With a frustrated sigh, Derrek removed his hands, stepped back, and grabbed her hand as he walked towards his car. Victoria felt her cheeks grow warm and was thankful that he had his back to her so he wouldn't see her crimson face. His words had affected her in a way that didn't prepare her. For the first time since she found out he was her mate, she actually allowed herself to admit he was right. They did belong to each other and that was the simple truth.
*****
"So, where are we going?" Derrek hadn't said anything since they drove away from the parking. She had thought that he would be bringing her home and was surprised they went past her street.
"To my house."
"What?! I told you I'm not ready to let the whole world know."
