Nolan observed her glance at him and Enzo, then shift her gaze elsewhere, indicating her displeasure and lack of agency regarding their presence. However, he could propose a resolution to eliminate that man. Furthermore, given his wolf’s heightened awareness, it was highly probable that she was their Mate.
Eliminating that individual was unequivocally affirmed. Oscar concurred.
His wolf propelled him forward with remarkable speed, bringing them abruptly before her. She appeared not only shocked but astounded when he drew her onto the dance floor and began to dance with her. She moved gracefully, never once stumbling. He was adept at dancing; his mother had instilled this skill in him and his siblings, believing that dancing with one’s Mate was essential. Her peculiar logic dictated that if she enjoyed it, they all must as well.
However, he had to concede that dancing with Stella was quite pleasant, and pressing her body firmly against his while persuading her to allow him to assume the role of her boyfriend, in order to protect her from what he believed were her father and ex attempting to convince her to return to him.
However, the instant his lips made contact with hers, he could not restrain himself from caressing her; she tasted exquisitely sweet, akin to raspberry syrup, and her lips, so soft and luscious, ignited within him an insatiable desire to kiss her indefinitely. He entwined his fingers in her hair to prevent her from retreating until he deemed it appropriate to cease.
Bloody felt intoxicated by her taste and could not suppress the words that escaped him: “Oh, Stella. I missed you, baby.” He had not even recognised it, but these words were indeed sincere; a part of him genuinely missed this woman he scarcely knew. He had only conversed with her once, yet now he acknowledged that he did miss her. He had been observing her for days, attempting to reach Brianna, and had missed gazing at her, he realised.
Carlos introduced himself to her father, who smiled, seemingly believing that Carlos would be a superior match for his daughter compared to her ex. However, Nolan perceived that the father’s approval stemmed primarily from the potential business connection it would create for him. Unbeknownst to the man, this would yield no benefits unless Stella desired it herself. Furthermore, her abrupt interruption before he could clarify his relationship with Stella suggested otherwise. It appeared she had noted her father’s reaction to his employer.
Nolan observed Miguel observing their conversation, the man glaring directly at him, particularly at the manner in which his hand rested on Stella’s soft abdomen. They had news for that man: she was now their woman. He and Oscar were unequivocally certain of this; she felt too exquisite not to be their Mate.
His gaze intersected with Miguel’s across the room, and his wolf suddenly craved him, particularly after Stella asserted she was not theirs, while he attempted to assume the role of a boyfriend, having just confessed his jealousy and possessiveness. He felt compelled to convey this to her.
He sensed his wolf growl within his consciousness, disapproving of her assertion that she did not belong to them and would not stand for anyone in her life except him. He turned her face to meet his gaze and assured her that he would ensure that man would be removed from her life. Subsequently, his wolf stalked across the room to fulfil that promise.
He refused to allow her ex to approach or harm her, removed his jacket, and threw it directly at Enzo, who was already advancing. ‘Do not act foolishly, Nolan; restrain your aggression.’
“Refrain from intervening,” he retorted sharply while rolling up his sleeves. That man had inflicted pain upon her; he had observed her trembling hands. His grip had caused her distress, and his wrath would exact retribution.
He discovered her directly in front of him. To intervene, he witnessed that scoundrel touch her, prompting her to repulse his hand in disgust. He swiftly encircled her arm and returned her to her rightful position, pressed against them.
Assert his claim publicly by stating, “Do not ever touch my woman.”
Upon hearing her refer to him as “Carlos baby” and directing her alluring chocolate brown eyes towards him, her voice imbued with a sultry timbre, his inner wolf purred with desire. He could not restrain himself from asserting further claim over her, designating her as his woman in the presence of that scoundrel. He slid his hand up her body to caress her b****t while maintaining eye contact, teasing her n****e for all to witness.
“Carlos,” he recalled Enzo’s admonitory voice in his mind, “not a she-wolf. Public displays of affection of that nature are unacceptable in human society.”
Nolan was indifferent, as was Oscar, who predominantly maintained control. His sole focus was on her racing heart and the response of her body to his touch. He lifted her chin and kissed her, driven by desire. He was unconcerned with onlookers; she was his, and he intended for her to assert her claim on him before their encounter concluded.
Within a mere two minutes, he pressed her against the nearest wall, consumed by a fervent desire for her. His entire being radiated heat and longing for this woman. Although he had yet to perceive her scent, he instinctively understood her significance to him, a sentiment echoed by his wolf. Both craved her. He conveyed his yearning through his voice, ensuring she recognised his unparalleled desire for her.
He successfully persuaded her to agree to search for a room with him, passionately kissed her, and she reciprocated enthusiastically. He then carried her out of the ballroom, eliciting numerous gasps and one distinctly irritated voice, murmuring about the inappropriateness of their actions.
Recognising it was her father, he remained indifferent; the man was oblivious to the extensive duration he had anticipated this woman. They would not delay a moment longer than necessary to claim her as his own.
He understood he could not mark her, but he was determined to mate her.
