5

VORIAN POV

“Mister Vorian, Miss Delphine. Shall I escort you to your office?”

“No, thank you, Calista. What’s the situation tonight?”

“The governor is seated in Section Three. A few government officials are in Section One. The mayor is in Section Five. The VIP and his guest haven’t arrived yet.”

“Guest?” I snapped, annoyed. “No one told me he was bringing someone.”

“Same here. He called about an hour ago to inform us he'd have company and requested a completely private space. I moved him to the conference room. Don’t worry it’s arranged exactly to your standards,” Calista said with a slight bow.

I exhaled, steadying my reaction. Interesting. Still, I trusted Calista to handle it flawlessly. “Alright. Have a waiter deliver our special to my office for Miss Delphine. She’ll eat there while I make my rounds. Anything else I need to know?”

“No, sir. Everything’s ahead of schedule food prep, wine service, all the basics. Everyone seems content so far. But you might want to start with the mayor. He believes he’s tonight’s main attraction and insists on being greeted immediately.” Calista mimicked his overly delicate tone, air-quoting the words with a smirk.

I returned the smirk with a nod and headed toward my office. The building, a two-story brick structure I’d personally renovated, had once been home to greasy, fried food and little else. Now, it housed my fine dining restaurant an upscale retreat I hoped would become the go-to location for high-ranking officials and influential elites.

“That girl deserves a raise,” Delphine remarked, settling herself into a chair in front of my desk.

My office wasn’t modest. The entire back wall was tinted two-way glass, allowing me to observe the restaurant without being seen. An L-shaped desk dominated the center of the room, while a fully stocked bar stretched across the far wall. A plush sitting area had been temporarily moved aside to accommodate a beautifully set dinner table for two though I hadn’t intended to dine there. They didn’t need to know that.

“I told her if tonight went well, I’d promote her to manager. She’s sharp. More importantly, dependable. Now behave. I’ve got rounds to run,” I said, turning on my heel.

I began with the conference room, confirming Calista had everything arranged to perfection. Satisfied, I headed to the kitchen. I double-checked the staff’s presentation, signed a few shipping documents, and smoothed over a minor kitchen dispute. Routine.

After greeting the mayor, I was mid-conversation when his gaze wandered behind me. Curious, I turned.

And saw her.

Tall. Striking. That figure. That hair rich, dark waves that framed a face so stunning it nearly knocked the breath out of me. She carried an aura. Commanding, magnetic. My cock stirred at just the sight of her. And deeper than lust, something ancient inside me reacted heart and instinct drawn toward her like gravity. Before I realized it, I was moving.

“Excuse me, sir,” I said curtly and headed straight for her.

She stood in line, waiting to be acknowledged by the hostess, who had a few guests ahead. As I crossed the room, a crash echoed from the kitchen.

Glass breaking.

Heads turned. Mine included.

Then I saw a flash of strawberry blonde hair and fury surged through me.

By the time I turned back, the mysterious woman had vanished.

The staff managed the disturbance well, quickly settling the room. I stormed into the kitchen.

Delphine was yelling. At Calista.

Red wine soaked the front of Delphine’s designer dress. A shattered plate lay at her feet.

I seized both of their arms and dragged them into a back room.

“Explain,” I ordered, glaring at Calista.

“I delivered the special to your office as instructed. Miss Delphine wasn’t there, so I set it down and went to find her. She was mingling with guests. I escorted her back, but by then her food had gone cold. She stormed into the kitchen through the exit yelling about her cold food. Cyrus was coming through with wine and couldn’t stop in time. The glass spilled.”

“I am not a child! You don’t guide me anywhere!” Delphine snapped, raising her hand.

I caught her wrist midair and leveled her with a lethal stare.

“Did you mingle with my guest?” I growled. My Alpha presence thickened the air. Calista trembled under it. Delphine paled.

“There were people I knew! I was just”

“I don’t give a damn what you thought. I told you to stay in my office.”

“But my dress”

“You’re lucky that’s all that happened! You could’ve caused serious harm barging through a traffic door! Calista have them bring my car to the back. I’m taking her home. I’ll try to return before the VIP leaves.”

“What? No!” Delphine cried as I gripped her wrist and led her out the rear exit. Calista nodded and silently resumed her duties.

“NOT. ANOTHER. WORD.” My Alpha command left no room for disobedience.

Delphine shrank into the seat, tears streaking silently down her cheeks as we sped toward her family’s estate.

“If I miss this meeting,” I said through gritted teeth, “we’re done.”

Just before we reached her gates, my phone rang.

“He’s here, Mister Vorian. He and his date have already ordered. He mentioned he’s in a hurry I doubt you’ll make it back before they leave. I’ll personally oversee everything.”

“Thank you, Calista.” I ended the call.

“Stupid bitch,” Delphine muttered under her breath.

My eyes glowed crimson.

I stopped the car, got out, and yanked her from the seat.

Her father appeared at the front door, confusion etched on his face.

“She ruined my grand opening. I’m done,” I told him, then turned to her. “Lose my number.”

“My apologies, Alpha Vorian,” her father said solemnly. “I raised her better. I’ll handle it.”

I gave him a stiff nod and pulled away from the estate. But before I could get far, my phone rang again. It was Calista.

“Is everything okay?” I answered, heart already pounding.

Her voice crackled through the speaker, breathless. “No! Hurry back, h--”

Then silence.

The line went dead.

My pulse spiked as I slammed the gas, racing the car and my fear to see which of us reached the restaurant faster.