"Why can't you just go away, Ian!" I spat. "We don't need you!"
"I think you do, Amber." Ian countered calmly, slowly circling the large table to get to me. "At least speak with your pack. I think some may welcome the change--"
"We've done fine!" I moved to widen the distance between us. "It must pain you to know a female pack can thrive!"
"I'm sure you've done fine on your own," Ian said softly. "but we are talking about growth, mates, expansion. I believe our packs uniting would be good for all."
I gave a snort, looking away. "Good for you, you mean."
"Good for you, too." His look held sensual promise as he began to move again.
"I don't think so," I sneered as he came closer. His scent was beginning to affect me, so I began to back away. The sight of his large and muscular frame was frightening but held me in wonder, his dark eyes a little too discerning for my taste. But I wanted my freedom, and to unite with an alpha as good as took that away. "Go away, Ian. You're not wanted--"
"Okay."
"What?"
"So, send me away." He said it simply. "I'm a male alpha, but you are female, so you can send me away."
"I did!"
"No, you didn't," he gave a small smile. "Every time you mention me leaving you look away." He began to move toward me. "I want you to stand still, look me in the eyes--" He pointed at his eyes for emphasis. "Right here, and tell me you want me to leave."
I watched him slowly make small steps toward me. I brought my eyes to his and couldn't breathe. His scent permeated my senses, making me feel weak, but strengthening a bond that called for consummation. I didn't want this! Damn him! I shook my head, trying to get the words out, but instead felt tears come to my eyes. He cornered me, leaning down, and caressed my cheek. I bit back a sob, rooted to the spot. He rubbed my nose with his as his eyes glowed and his canines appeared.
"Liar." he whispered.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat as he stared across the table at me. I could seriously drown in his eyes. He was intoxicatingly attractive and he had to know it. That's why he was acting strange around me.
For some reason, he looked at me as if I was the only one there with him. As if nobody else were here.
And his voice... it pained me. It actually pained me with how utterly seductive and husky it always sounded.
And the way he smelled all the time. I don't know why he smelled so strong, but I didn't mind. He smelled like evergreens and a hint of mint. It sounds like a bad combo, but it dizzied me with how lost I got in it.
The thought of not being able to control myself, my thoughts and feelings and body when I'm around him, infuriated me. I was so good at holding myself together now, and he just unraveled me so easily, leaving me a mess.
I wasn't the slightest bit afraid of him, and I had no idea why either. Just being in the same room, I felt like I didn't have to look over my shoulder. I didn't have to worry. I didn't even know who he was, and he still drew me in.
"So, you were in California before? Why did you move?" Grace Hatfield asked, looking at him.
She is our school's college and career advisor. She took me in and adopted me a couple years ago. She even gave me her last name. A saving grace.
Why had she invited him here? Why did he come? He turned to her with a smile and a shrug.
"Guess I just hadn't found what I was looking for yet." Something about the way he said it, sent a shiver down my spine. Why did I feel like there was so much more meaning behind his words than he was letting on?
"Well, I hope you find what you're looking for." Grace said, and he turned to me with a devilish smirk and a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Something tells me that I will."