Alarick's POV
We were quietly eating now. I sometimes looked up to Lina to feign that we were eating together. Unfortunately, I had more than enough to process what happened. First, I saw Seth walk in with a fiery young redhead and just hoped he wouldn't notice me. Then, after Francis sent me an inquiring gaze with a taunting smirk after the match-making statement, I was reminded of my reality. I knew she wasn't really interested from the start, but I didn't believe she would judge me to be so despicable or arrogant that she would deny me outright. It felt like a slap on my face. No one has ever dared to slap my face before. I should be denying her. Any connection to her will only mess up my reputation and cause massive chaos in my family. I gulp the remaining wine in my glass down and refill it instantly. I feel miserable since I don't need further proof that she dislikes or is the least interested in me anymore, even though I know I couldn't have her even if she wanted me. Even if she was a wolf and she belonged to my pack, we could still never be together. Even knowing all that, her rejection still hurt me deeply, so deeply it makes my heart stop and protest every time I look at her.
We both seemed to find the atmosphere tense since she hardly ever looked up. As we both reached the last appetizer, I was startled as she also downed her wine glass. I reach for the next bottle to open it. I might be pissed off, but I'm still a man and know how to behave like one. Suddenly she shyly says. "I'm not sure… if it really is feasible to serve Avocado Crustinis at the inauguration." I guess she just can't stand the atmosphere and quietness and is trying to lighten the mood by starting a conversation. Though I'm honestly not in the mood to chit-chat, I would feel bad making her life more difficult, so I nonchalantly ask. "Why?" "I and my family love avocados, but since I had a dog at home, we always had to pay attention because avocados are poisonous to dogs. Since I'm not quite sure if avocados are also poisonous to wolves, it would maybe be better not to serve them at the party," she answered. She quickly adds to her explanation with a serious face. "The new Museum buildings being inaugurated are dedicated to the city's history and also to the wolves, after all."
As I hear her explanation, I can't help laughing out loud since I recall her presentation when she casually exposed the truth about Wolfsville and its entire wolf history. I was still laughing like a madman. I couldn't even remember the last time I laughed so hard. As I looked up, seeing that she seemed very embarrassed, I got the feeling she wasn't really joking. I'm really impressed by her work ethic and try really hard to suppress my laughter. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to refrain from laughing to make her feel less uncomfortable. I tried to answer. "Sure … but…but… I can guarantee you… there… re…really won't be any wolves at the inauguration." I sigh heavily as I finally finish my sentence. "Yes, you are probably right," she smiles and quickly finishes eating the appetizer, her cheeks still bright red. She really managed to loosen the atmosphere once again. Therefore, I'm really glad. So we could continue eating comfortably as I tried to make the best out of the forbidden romance I would never get to taste.
We are in the back of a company car now; Lina is sleeping soundly next to me, leaning her head against my shoulder. She looks so defenseless and cute in the state she's now in. I almost can't resist stealing a kiss from her. As I finish this thought, I throw a quick look at the driver through the rear mirror, who happens to look right back at me. I feel a little silly, as if he could sense my body's insecurity and lingering lust. I throw a stern glance at him in order to get him back to his place.
Fortunately, the rest of the meal was not very eventful. After the entrees, the main dishes were served. After that, we tasted the desserts and the remaining appetizers. We also managed to taste all the wines. Still, since we were chatting lively and discussing the project, we drank more than expected.
All in all, Lina and I had nothing to complain about regarding the restaurant, the appetizers or the dishes. It was a pleasant afternoon that went by eventlessly. Except for Seth's interruption, my father's beta came around to greet us, or so it seemed. Above all other pack members, he was my family's eyes and ears. Since he was my father's right hand, he never did anything in vain. I knew he was never fond of me. I could already imagine what I would be confronted with in the near future. But right now, I didn't want to think about it. After all, I didn't do anything I could be blamed for.
As we were leaving the restaurant, I could clearly see she was already a little drunk by the color of her cheeks, and her behavior wasn't as shy anymore. She was pretty stubborn about going home by herself, something she wouldn't have been if she was herself, but since I'm more persistent, I called a driver and gave her a ride home. With every minute, we were closer to saying goodbye to each other. I must let this evening behind me and restrain myself and my feelings toward her. We'll have to go back to our lives as they are supposed to be, and I will keep following the script written for me and play the role of the alpha and CEO.
The moment I dreaded so much was finally here as the driver pulled into the front of her building. Lina seemed to be fast asleep. I softly caressed her cheek with my thumb, trying to wake her up. She slowly opened her eyes. She looked disoriented, so I explained, "We just arrived at your place. I'm going to help you get to your door."
I exited the car first and took her by her hand to help her. We leaned into each other as I tried to help her keep her balance and quietly reach her door. With every step we took, I felt myself getting more and more anxious about parting with her. As we reached the door, she automatically reached for her keys inside a compartment in her bag and found them surprisingly fast. As we opened the door, we almost stumbled on a bottle of alcohol. The living room was dark, but it seemed to be in a state of chaos. Lina didn't seem to be the chaotic type, so it must be a leftover from a party yesterday. No one else was home even though it was Monday, and it was only 5 pm. But nothing mattered at that moment because the only thing I could think of was that Lina and I were in her apartment, and we were alone. I wished I could keep her by my side, maybe give her a job closer to myself. I imagined seeing her daily, getting to know her better, going on dates, and making her mine. My mind started revolving around everything that could arise from this opportunity now. At the same time, I still held onto her and kept her steady in my arms.
The close proximity kept fueling heat in me and my imagination taking it to forbidden places. I could slam the door and push her against it pressing my body against her heavily, breathing into her nape as the heat in our bodies rose. I would then kiss her passionately, cupping her face with my hands and kissing my way down her neck to her collarbones. With a quick and powerful jolt, I would lift her body, placing my hand around her bosom, securing her against my body and the door… Suddenly I feel Lina's weight on my arm, and I am woken up abruptly from my daydream. I lift her, carry her, put her to sleep on the couch and cover her with a blanket that is lying around. I place her bag with her phone and the keys next to the couch and sigh heavily at the thought that I don't even know her number and that this will be the last time I will get so close to her. I guess it's for the best this way since we would never be able to stay together, and I would never want to take advantage of her. I leave quietly and shut the door behind me.