Page 42 of Wolf

“That’s it, fight me,” I urge, my lips twisting into a cruel grin. “But we both know how this ends, don’t we?”

As I pull her closer, any remaining protests die on her lips. Her will crumbles in the face of the dark, relentless desire that binds us. “You’re mine,” I whisper, my lips brushing hers, “Completely and utterly. Never forget that.”

I claim those trembling lips as my own. A soft, needy whimper escapes her as our mouths collide in a desperate, searing kiss.

The world fades away. All that matters is the feel of her body pressed against mine, the taste of her on my tongue. I swallow each breathless moan, reveling in the way she melts into my embrace.

But an irritated voice nearby shatters the moment. “Hey, get a room, will ya?”

I stiffen, my grip on Kali tightening as I slowly turn to face the source of the interruption. A scruffy-looking man glares at us.

The beast within me roars to life, clawing at the confines of my control. How dare this pathetic insect interrupt us? I can feel the anger coursing through my veins, the overwhelming urge to lash out and crush this insignificant obstacle.

But before I can act, Kali’s trembling fingers brush against my arm, her touch soothing the savage beast that threatens to consume me. I focus my attention on the wide-eyed fear reflected in Kali’s expression.

“Matias, please,” she whispers. “Don’t.”

The raw vulnerability in her tone, the subtle plea for restraint, is enough to still the raging storm within me. I pull Kali closer, burying my face in the soft warmth of her hair.

“You’re right,” I murmur, my lips brushing the delicate shell of her ear. “I won’t make a scene.” The tension bleeds from her frame as she melts against me, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt. “Let’s get out of here,” I whisper, my grip tightening possessively around her waist. “I have plans for you.”

Without waiting for a response, I rise from the table, pulling Kali up. She stumbles, her cheeks flushed.

As we make our way toward the exit, I can’t resist the urge to glance back at the offending patron, my lips twisting into a menacing sneer that makes him pale.

It’s almost as satisfying as releasing my wrath on him. He’s no match for the savage beast lurking beneath the surface, but lucky for him, I’m starving for my most prized possession.

Kali is mine. Now and forever.

21

KALI

Izip up my sparkly top and give myself a final once-over in the mirror. My dark hair falls in soft waves around my shoulders, and a touch of smoky eyeshadow makes my brown eyes pop.

“You look hot,” Luna says, appearing behind me. She’s rocking a slinky blue dress that hugs her curves.

I grin. “So do you. Thanks for suggesting this, by the way. I need a night out.”

Luna links her arm through mine. “That’s what besties are for. Now let’s go party!”

We head out of our apartment, the cool night air a refreshing change from being cooped up inside since Matias found me at the cafe, I’ve stayed at the apartment most of the time except for school. As we walk toward campus, the music and laughter grow louder.

“I’m a little nervous,” I admit. “It’s been so long since we’ve done anything normal.”

Luna squeezes my hand. “Me too. But we deserve this, Kali. A chance to be regular college students again after the shit we went through.”

I nod. “You’re right. There’s no heavy stuff tonight. It’s just fun.”

We reach the frat house pulsing with music and flashing lights. Luna smiles at the guy at the door, and we’re waved inside.

The party is in full swing—a sea of dancing bodies and red solo cups everywhere. The bass thumps through my chest as we reach the drinks table.

“To freedom,” Luna says, raising her cup.

I knock mine against hers. “To being normal boring students.”

We down our drinks and hit the dance floor. For a blissful moment, I lose myself in the music. There’s no cartel, no captivity, no complicated feelings—just me and my best friend dancing like nobody’s watching.

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