I sense Jadi’s gaze upon me and raise my eyes to meet his, as the entire nightclub dissolves into oblivion.
He softly says “Mate,” his lips forming a look of astonishment.
“No,” I murmur, retreating gradually as my heart races in my chest. “Once more…”
My world is disintegrating… Everything I have constructed over the past four years is collapsing.
“Mate…” he articulates, his lips forming a look of astonishment.
“No,” I murmur, retreating gradually as my heart races in my chest. “Once more…”
I attempt to go, however my legs remain immobile, as Jadi’s gaze restrains me to the table while he approaches. He elevates his hand, and I recoil as he tenderly caresses my cheek, his thumb erasing the tears I was unaware had streamed down.
Were the sparks always this intense? I ponder while my body trembles under his touch.
His smile broadens as I lean into his hand and close my eyes to savour the tingling sensation of his touch.
I am Cain… I am Aldo Kye… I, Alpha of the Blood Night pack, reject you, Laura Ahmr, as my mate and Luna.
The recollection of Cain and Aldo’s rejection and the anguish they inflicted upon me resurfaces in my thoughts, prompting me to recoil from Jadi’s touch, fearful of experiencing sorrow once more. His eyes brim with confusion and sorrow as I shove him aside and rise, wanting to distance myself from him. My eyes brim with tears as I endeavour to walk away, but I feel his fingers encircle my wrist, drawing me back.
“Release me, fool!” I hiss, tugging at my arm while he gazes at me in astonishment, his mouth agape yet silent. “I commanded, ‘Release me!'” I retorted, exerting one final forceful pull.
Consequently, when I attempt to leave, I crash with the table, causing the glasses and their contents to fall upon my clothing. His cheeks redden in humiliation, while butterflies dance in my stomach at the charming, desperate terror displayed on his face.
I admonish myself to regain composure, drying my damp garments with my hands.
Suddenly, a pair of robust, powerful arms elevate me off the ground, and I exclaim in astonishment upon realising that Jadi is transporting me in a bridal carry to the restricted staff area.
“Release me!”“I scream as we arrive in the backrooms, violently thrashing my body.”
He complies, placing me gently on a chair. His body trembles slightly as he sweeps his right fist in a circular motion across his chest.
“Apologies.”
I possess minimal proficiency in sign language, yet I comprehend his apologies and glare at him.
“Apology declined, imbecile,” I exclaim, seizing him by the wrist and pulling him into one of the changing rooms.
After confirming its total emptiness, I direct my gaze towards Jadi and narrow my eyes at him. He gazes at me with the trepidation of a terrified puppy, and for reasons that provoke my ire, I have an inexplicable want to console him.
“I am aware of your true nature,” I assert between clenched teeth, my hands tightening at the prospect of enduring this ordeal once more. “I am aware that you are a wolf… and I wish to have no involvement in it.” Furious tears cascade down my cheeks, yet I erase them before continuing. “I, Ricky Ira, reject you…” I pause mid-rejection upon realising I am unaware of his complete name. “What is your name?”“I enquire submissively, his eyes brimming with relief.
He seals his lips and shakes his head again, gradually advancing towards the door.
What is your name?I exhale forcefully, striking my foot in frustration. “What is your position?””
His face becomes frigid as he presses his index and middle fingers against his thumb. No.
I sneer, “No?” “What do you mean by no? I do not desire a partner!”
He shrugs, squeezing his fingers together once again while twisting the doorknob with his other hand. Concerned he may evade capture prior to my refusal being finalised, I propel myself at him, around his neck with my arms and forcefully pressing my body against his to obstruct the doorway. His arms immediately encircle my waist, prompting me to flail my arms at him.
“What is your name?” I demand, striking my clenched fists on his chest. “Enquire!”
Jadi ensnares my ankle with his foot and pivots me, positioning my back against the door and himself. He seizes my hands and restrains them over my head, his gaze fixed upon me. The exhilarating sparks tickle down my arms as he restrains me, compelling me to concentrate on my laboured breathing to avoid gazing at his lips.
For some minutes, he remains silent, only gazing at me, seemingly uncertain of how to proceed. His eyes, once brimming with optimism upon first meeting me, are now devoid of warmth and somewhat dead.
I am aware that I am causing him pain, yet I cannot accept another partner. Aldo had been my companion. He vowed to love me eternally… Yet he did not.
