Page 6 of Billionaire Wolf Needs an Assistant

"No," I said honestly. Sophia's perfectly painted lips thinned with displeasure.

Unable to put up with the charade any longer, I guided her off of the dance floor. "Thank you for the dance, Ms. Roberts." She started to say something, but I was already across the room and on my way to Katie.

All I could see was her. She was impossible to ignore. Her laugh, her scent, the way she handled the judgmental bastards in this room with ease. She was a ray of sunshine in this world of sinister shadows.

My mother intercepted me before I could get to Katie. She grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the bar. "This is unacceptable. That human is making a scene. As have you." Her voice dripped with disgust. "You've been drooling over her like a lovesick pup."

I shook off her arm and signaled for the bartender to get me a gin and tonic. "She's my assistant. I'm ensuring she doesn't embarrass the company." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

"She's inappropriate. I've already announced your dance with Sophia for midnight."

The bartender handed me my drink and I downed it in one go. I slammed my glass down. "Then you can expect to be disappointed. I will choose my own partner." My voice held a growl that would have sent lesser wolves running. Mother's eyes widened at my defiance.

"You're the Song heir," she hissed. "The pack must come first. After Celeste, I expect you to put aside your foolish whims."

"Do not mention her name." Through the crowd, I saw Katie slip onto a moonlit balcony. Alone. My wolf urged me to follow.

"You will dance with Sophia," Mother insisted. "The pack needs this alliance. Your father--"

"Father is dead." I cut her off coldly, letting my eyes flash amber. "And I am not him."

Tired of the conversation, I followed Katie out onto the balcony. I found her leaning against the stone railing, shivering slightly in the winter air. Without thinking, I shrugged off my jacket and draped it over her shoulders. She jumped, then relaxed as she recognized me. The sight of her wrapped in my scent made my wolf purr in satisfaction.

"Oh! Thank you, Mr. Song. It's a beautiful party." She inhaled deeply, and something primal in me preened at her unconscious acceptance of my scent. "Your mother has exquisite taste."

"She has expectations," I corrected, moving closer than I should. "For everything and everyone."

Katie turned, studying me with those clear eyes that saw so much despite her innocence. "Is that why you look so sad? The expectations?"

"I'm not sad."

"You're lonely," she finished softly. Her hand touched my arm, her warmth soaking through my silk shirt. I leaned into the contact. "Surrounded by all these people who care about status and alliances, but not a bit about you."

She understood too well, this interloper, who despite her background, was far too good for my world. "You don't belong here," I said roughly.

"Maybe not." Her smile held a hint of mischief that made my heart stutter. "But I'm having fun anyway. Life's too short for arbitrary barriers, don't you think?"

Inside, the countdown to midnight began. If I was a good son, I would have gone inside for the traditional midnight dance with Sophia.

Katie shivered again, and I found myself stepping closer, drawn by the honey-sweet scent of her. She tipped her face up, moonlight catching in her eyes. "Mr. Song--"

"Reeve," I corrected hoarsely. My wolf pushed forward, wanting her to know me, all of me. "My name is Reeve."

Ten... nine... eight...

Her eyes widened, but then her heavy gaze drifted to my lips. Her little hands came up to rest on my chest. She swayed slightly.

"Reeve," she breathed. The tip of her tongue came out to wet her lips.

Seven... six... five...

My hand landed on the small of her back, drawn to it like it was the most natural place in the world. With my other hand, I stroked her cheek, running the back of my hand down her throat. Her pulse jumped under my touch, a siren call to my beast.

Four... three... two...

My lips drifted closer to hers.

"Reeve!" Mother's voice shattered the moment. "Sophia is waiting!"

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