Chapter 10: After.

"Sounds like jealousy to me." A whisper growled into my ear, tightening his grip around my waist. His scent was woodsy, full of outdoor promise. I knew exactly who it was, and I wasn't about to let him get to my head like this.

My elbow immediately made contact with his ribs, causing him to let out another growl, this time full of malice. His grip had loosened, and I found myself turning and connecting my hand to his face, a loud slap echoed around the room.

"Oh, shit- my bad." I said with a fake genuinity. It was safe to say he was absolutely pissed, and his clenching jaw definitely gave that away. Honestly, it was quite intimidating- I'd never seen him lose his composure like this, and it was pretty amusing. And attractive, I admit.

Swiftly, he regained his bearings and grabbed me by the shoulders, slamming me against the wall besides my desk. His teeth bared, letting out a toothy snarl. Anthony's teeth were extremely sharp and certainly didn't portray that of a human's, which only proved my suspicion. He was a wolf like me.

"Do you know what this means?" His voice was gruff and I could tell he was trying to control his temper, ensuring he didn't raise his voice. Anthony's hand move to the side of my neck, then to my shoulder, revealing the deep purple bite-mark that still remained.

"I-I'm afraid I don't." I turned my head away, not wanting to stare any longer in to his endless, bitter blue eyes.

"You're marked, Emilie." He practically spat my name out.

"Meaning what?" Was my first response, whispering quietly. I had a feeling it was a really life-changing thing, and I was sure I'd heard about it before in books... but I couldn't place my finger on what it was exactly.

"You're marked, and that means you're my mate for the whole of this season."

"The whole of autumn?" My eyes eventually reached his once again, the fear clutching me tightly. This was bad. I couldn't be with him for three whole months.

"Atta girl, you're getting it." His expression became more playful now, his lips quirking up into a smirk. "That also means, no other man can have you." Quickly, his expression changed, and formed a menacing glare. One that said: 'don't mess with me'.

I was lost for words. Now my manager was deciding my personal life? So, what, I had to live with him now? I had to be watched over like a child? He isn't my babysitter, nor is he allowed to control who I do or don't sleep with.

"You almost seem to be rendered speechless, Emilie. It makes a change. Well, if we're totally done here... I would like to offer you a ride home." He was now back to his normal self, neutral expression, eyeing me as if I was one of his possessions. Anthony was expecting agreement, but I wasn't one of his toys to bend to his will.

"No. I think I can get home fine alone." I said curtly, while diving under his arm and walking to the door. I managed to reach it before he grabbed my wrist and tugged me into him, forcing us to be chest-to-chest.

"I think you misunderstood. I want you to ride home with me." This time he wasn't being as composed, and his temper was threatening to flare up.

"I.." My fingers extended across his shoulders, before digging my newly-formed claws into his back. "No!" Swiftly, I shoved him back and bolted out of the door, leaving him howling both in pain and exasperation.

He was not my mate.