Chapter 9

Kyle's POV

I was in my car when I noticed Adrian sitting there with a bunch of people. I knew it! He purposefully brought them here to evoke a response from me or find an opportunity to tease me further.

I contemplated going in, remembering what happened at Thanksgiving when I was alone with him last. But my restaurant should be fine right? There were other chefs, other people around.

I was in the middle of my thoughts when I noticed almost everyone else leaving l except this woman who seemed very interested in Adrian. Perhaps she was a pack member, who looked up to Adrian. 

Wait? Did she just touch him? No way that seemed innocent. When the waiter was shunned, I decided to step up. I walked in quickly and told him to forget it, I'll talk to them. Getting closer, I realised this woman was a werewolf as well.

"We have to get going for this thing and I want to make sure that my lady has a wonderful day today." hearing Adrian say that almost made me lose control. Quite literally, as I could feel my inner wolf trying to come out and destroy everything in sight, especially this young woman sitting in front me. 

I excused myself quickly and left to get their order. Why was I reacting this way? My wolf who remained dormant for so many years, why was it acting like this. Why was I acting like this? Why am I so angry?

If Adrian has a girlfriend then it's good right? I have a wife, and even though he hasn't rejected me officially, it can never workout between us. I am married after all.

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Chefs special for today was kind of my thing. It was a bit costly so not many could afford it but those who could always said it's worth it. I managed my urge to ruin her food for the sake of the restaurant and delivered it to the table. 

"A pair of Charcoal roasted Beef Wellington. Enjoy your meal." I added, with my most customer friendly smile. No, I was not a waiter but I needed an excuse to observe them. Why was I getting obsessed again?

"Thank you, Chef" Adrian gave me a smirk, emphasizing on the word chef. The woman in front of him was about to take a bite before Adrian stopped her, by putting his hand on hers. That skin contact made my blood boil. "Allow me," he smiled, taking the spoon and literally spoon feeding her. Even if things weren't that complicated, their entire facade was pretty cheesy.

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I would sneak out a couple of times out of the kitchen, staying far enough to make sure Adrian didn't spot me and observe their behaviour. I was sure Adrian was doing this to piss me off. He knew how frustrating this mate bond was, but somehow his behaviour towards her remained sweet for the entire duration. 

Finally after they left I ran to the pantry and mashed a box of imported spices. It would cost me a fortune to replace those but I didn't care, Adrian had managed to push my buttons and honestly it's a miracle I haven't killed anyone.

"Wow, you seem quite angry." A familiar voice caught my attention. "I wonder why?" Adrian teased as he revealed himself, coming out of the third aisle from the back.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, frustrated, but also weirdly delighted. Was I really that happy that he was here instead of being with that woman?

"I am here to see my mate". Adrian shrugged.

"Your lady isn't supposed to be here." I pointed out.

"Yeah, but she is not my mate," he shrugged casually as if it was no big deal. "Just like your wife isn't your mate". He said, picking up an empty spice jar from the shelves. 

As soon as he mentioned Hannah I felt the blood drain from my face. I remember Hanah once being attacked by a wolf, Adrian, as his scent got to me. "Do not come near my family, or I'll make you pay." I warned Adrian.

"Are you sure you can resist me?" Adrian smirked, putting the jar in a different shelf, "We're supposed to be mates, partners or life, a perfect fit."

"You are nothing to me"! I shouted. 

"Not according to the Moon Goddess". Adrian smirked, taking a step closer. "And I agree. I will make you mine".

"I am not a weakling," I whispered, although my nerves were already on fire. While I seemed confident, my wolf was ready to submit to Adrian. I am not sure if Adrian's wolf could pick up on that, but I could see his smirk deepen.

He took another step towards me, one more and we would be touching chest to chest, except a sharp object was already touching his chest, preventing his advance. Luckily I had two knives in my apron and before any of us got carried away I took it out.

He looked down as the knife was touching his shirt through his tuxedo. "You're really naive if you think a simple knife can stop me. He grabbed the blade with his bare hand as the blood dripped down from it. I was taken aback by this and he managed to use that as leverage and put the knife aside. 

The shock must have been plastered on my face because he let out an amused chuckle as he showed me his palm, healing as the blood remained outside. "I am alpha, such Petty things don't scare me." He huffed.

Unable to endure anymore I snapped, "What do you want?"

"You." Without skipping a beat he blurted.

"I don't buy it." I challenged him. He had already taken a step forward, as he was inches away from me. "You can very easily force me, yet you're playing mind games with me. Why?" I asked. He must have an ulterior motive, more than claiming me.

"Is that what you want?" Adrian's annoying smirk was back. "You like that? Me showing my power to claim you".

"N..no!" I struggled to answer, "What I meant was…since when do alphas care about anything apart from themselves?" 

I saw his smirk vanish. I saw a glimpse of something that resembled something dark, but I still could not put a word to it. "Yes, why should he matter?" He said it in such a low baritone that I could almost feel the chill run down my spine. 

He pushed me against the wall and before I could react his bare teeth were already at the nape of my neck, ready to mark its territory. One move, and I'll be bound to him even more than I was. Even though I wanted to push him away I found my strength withering. What have I just done?