Chapter 3

Chapter 3

LIAM

The aroma of that peculiar woman was unleashing chaos inside me, awakening the beast that had been dormant for a long time. However, I realized too late that she was the one. I was captivated by her beauty and didn't recognize the signs right away. Who wouldn’t get lost with a woman of provocative curves and a delicious backside to sink their teeth into?

My beast growls again, recalling Shane.

“I know, buddy. I want to see her again too. And I promise I’ll find her,” I try to calm it as best I can, but it’s determined to break free. I feel it pushing. I ignore it, trying to remain composed; unleashing it in the middle of a gathering of ordinary humans is not ideal.

“I would like to invite you tonight to celebrate the closing of the deal!” Odin, the alpha of Manhattan, offers to the Asians, who gladly accept. I have to remind myself why I decided to partner with Odin. This young alpha loves to have fun. “Perfect! I’ll pick you up at 7:00 tonight at the hotel.”

As the others nod and begin discussing details of the celebration, my mind is completely absent. I can only think of her, that human woman who has awakened such a deep connection in me. The sweet scent of chocolate emanating from her body envelops me, invading all my senses and unleashing a storm of emotions deep within me. I feel ignited, anxious to experience that irresistibly tempting fragrance again.

My beast roars restlessly within me, demanding to see her again, to have her close. I have never felt anything like this before—a powerful and dazzling attraction. I am used to being in control in every aspect of my life, but this woman has managed to disrupt every fiber of my being. My gaze drifts into the distance as I imagine her dark hair fluttering in the wind, her eyes sparkling with the passion I have seen in them. How is it possible for someone so fragile and human to have such an effect on me? It seems like a contradiction, but at the same time, it stirs in me the need to protect her, to keep her safe.

But also, the beast that lives within me, the wild and untamed part that only other alphas can see, wants to claim her as my own. It wants to mark her forever, to ensure that no one else touches her or looks at her with desire. I can’t help but feel the primal urge to protect my territory. The rest of the conversation fades into the background as I drown in my thoughts filled with desire and longing. My mind devises plans to find her, to get close to her once more and let our connection strengthen. No matter how long I have to search or how many obstacles I must face, this woman has become my obsession. And I only had a few seconds near her; I can’t imagine what it would be like to have her...

I finally snap back to reality when Odin mentions my name in the middle of the conversation. I blink several times, trying to concentrate on what is being discussed, but my mind remains trapped on her.

“Liam, are you listening to me?” Odin frowns, looking at me with concern. I shake my head slightly, trying to dispel the thoughts racing through my mind and return to the present. In doing so, I realize that everyone else has left, and it’s just him and me, and I had also been leaning my head, gazing out the window of the meeting room.

“Yeah, yeah, sorry. I was just thinking about something important,” I quickly respond to deflect.

“Something important? Any matters related to the casino?” he asks, raising an eyebrow and letting a mischievous smile slip through.

I observe the glint of amusement in Odin’s eyes, and I can’t help but smile at his joke. We’ve built a solid friendship over the last few months, and despite our differences as alphas, he has always been there for me.

“No, nothing like that. I was thinking about a woman. A mysterious woman I met today,” I confess, letting out a sigh.

Odin raises his eyebrows, clearly intrigued.

“I knew there was something else on your mind. And what about this mysterious woman?” he asks, leaning forward, eager to hear all the details.

“It’s hard to explain. There’s just something about her that draws me in. It’s like we’ve known each other before, as if there’s a connection between us,” I try to describe it, but I know it sounds absurd. More so for him, as he is not yet paired.

Odin lets out a laugh, playfully tapping my shoulder.

“Oh, Liam, you always get in trouble with women. Do you think this could be the one?” he asks with a teasing smile.

“I don’t think so, Odin. I mean, she’s a really beautiful woman with a wonderful essence…” I reply, letting out a sigh.

“But?” Odin presses.

“She’s a human.” I say emphatically, leaving no room for arguments.

“Luke is paired with a human…”

“And we all know the headache that gave him. I’m not up for that right now.” I don’t say that I might already be getting into it.

“So my little wolf has finally found his mate!” Gigit exclaims, my beta and right hand, who just appeared like a damn specter in the room. Despite being a few years older than me and dressing like a Zara model, he is the best at his job as my assistant and right-hand man.

“Don’t start, Gigit,” I growl.

“Oh, how I longed to see many mini Liams running around this office,” he mocks with his sing-song voice.

“I’m out of here; I need to go see my mother,” I say, getting up from my seat and grabbing my jacket from the back of it. “Is everything ready for the move?” I ask Gigit before leaving the meeting room.

“Yes and no.”

I turn to look at him incredulously, raising an eyebrow.

“Explain it to me without me having to ask anything.” I’m aware that it sounded more like a question than a demand.

“Damn, you’re such a grump. You see, the girl organizing your attic, with a lot of Nordic shit everywhere, has pushed back the opening date to Monday night, so you’ll be moving in Tuesday morning, if that’s alright with her royal highness.” He makes an exaggerated bow. I have to take a deep breath and remember why this man is still by my side.

—I don’t care, as long as it’s a big and cozy place.

—It’s definitely big, so your hairy goat ass can fit in it.

—Gigit —I call his attention one last time before leaving.

—Your majesty is very bitter. —I hear him behind me.

—Let’s get ready. We have a meeting with the Asians at the club tonight. But first, we’re going to my mother’s house.

We leave my new company, Washthom, the place from where I will control my entire empire from now on. I had been managing everything from the shadows of the forest, but it’s time to do it from the heights.

(####)

—Son! —my mother greets me with great joy as soon as I open the door— You have no idea how happy it makes me that you’ve finally decided to live in the city and closer to your old mother.

—You’re not old, mother —I give her a kiss on the cheek and a big hug—: Where’s my father?

—in his office. —she waves me in while greeting Gigit—: Hello, darling. How have you been?

—My lady, it’s a pleasure to see you as always —I hear him greet my mom as I enter the house, and as I pass through the kitchen, I catch a scent, a very sweet and thick one.

—Are you making chocolate? —I yell as I continue walking—: I want some.

—No, I’m not making anything. Since when do you like chocolate? —I hear her laugh. Something stirs in me; could it be my treacherous nose holding onto the scent of that woman? I shake my head and knock on the wooden door twice before entering my father’s office. As I do, I find him sitting in his wheelchair, facing away from me, looking out at the garden. It is a clear reminder of the Chicago takeover and why I can’t let anyone mess with my territory. “There’s no success without sacrifices,” he used to tell me.

—Hello, Dad.

—Finally, you decide to come visit this old man. —After a sigh, I approach him, kneeling down to give him a hug. My father, Alec Thomas, didn’t look a day over 50, even though he was 280, just like my mother. As descendants of our Fenrir species, we usually live for 400 years and stop aging when we reach adulthood or simply when we turn 40. So our aging is slow.

—Because today everyone suddenly thinks they’re old.

—I see your mother has already gotten ahead of that. —he laughs, embracing me—: The years pass, my son, and we’re not getting any younger….

—But we’re not old either. —I interrupt him.

—We want grandchildren, maybe three or five. A litter would be nice. —I choke on my own saliva and have to loosen my tie; suddenly I feel too hot in here despite the air conditioning being on.

My father laughs at me.

—It’s time for you to find your mate.

—Well, you see… I’m not in a rush about that yet. Why don’t you ask Liliana? She’ll be happy to give you grandchildren…

—Nonsense —he waves his hand dismissively, readjusting himself behind his desk—; that she-wolf is too young to settle down.

—And am I too old to do it? —I don’t know whether to feel offended by that.

—As the alpha of the pack, you need to have an heir. It’s your duty.

—I know. I have an idea: why don’t we start with the girl? I still haven’t found her.

—That’s because you’re not looking for her yet. —my father reproaches me.

—Let’s forget about that for a second. I’ve come to talk about pack matters and the annual meeting with King Hassel next month.

—Alright, let’s get to work. —Yes, my father may no longer be the alpha of this pack due to his physical condition, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about everything that happens. King Hassel, the pureblood and first of our Fenrir species, was the one who named me alpha and successor of the Red Moon pack.