“No.” She turned around and reached for the door. “I don’t need anything from you.”
Chapter Eight
“I don’t need anything from you.”
Darius wasn’t sure how long he stood on the porch, staring at the door with Adrianna’s words ringing in his head over and over again, the look of hurt on her face stuck in his mind.
It was better this way, he told himself as he let himself inside and headed to his room.
He had lost himself in her vulnerability. It had brought out instincts in him that he never thought possible, just like this afternoon when he saw the child in her arms. Seeing her like that, her features softening as she soothed the infant, gave him thoughts that he had no right to think about.
And tonight’s events only cemented his vow to keep his distance. Seeing her so vulnerable had nearly broken him. Seeing her wolf, and then a glimpse of her naked skin only stoked the desire burning inside him. It was too much, all of it, and if Anatoli found out—
His uncle would never know.
It was easy enough to remain stony and unaffected in her presence the next day. Except for the drive to Manhattan and back, they didn’t interact much, and even then it was minimal. He convinced himself that her cold indifference pleased him.
When they arrived back at the house, the Alpha was waiting for them on the porch. But she wasn’t alone. There was a man next to her, and they were chatting as they sat on the patio couch, a bottle of wine and two glasses on the table in front of them.
He got out of the car first though Adrianna managed to step out before he could come over and open the door for her.
“Mama,” she said as she climbed up the porch steps. “What are you doing here? Where’s Julianna?”
Frankie stood up, and so did her companion. “Your sister’s in New York, but she said she’ll be back later tonight. I’ve invited a guest over for dinner at the restaurant tonight.” She turned to the man next to her. “William, this is my daughter and heir, Adrianna. Adrianna, this is William Blakely, Alpha of Philadelphia.”
“How do you do?” he asked.
“Alpha,” Adrianna began, giving him a slight bow. “Welcome to New Jersey. We are pleased to welcome you into our territory.”
“The honor’s all mine,” he replied, flashing her a brilliant smile with all white teeth.
Darius felt his wolf’s hackles raise. Not a good sign when around an Alpha, and Blakely quickly noticed his presence. “And who is this?” The Alpha wolf in him remained on guard, but restrained.
“This is my daughter’s bodyguard, Darius,” Frankie explained.
“Alpha.” He bowed, but his teeth ground together so hard it was almost painful.
Blakely didn’t even acknowledge the greeting and instead turned his attention to Adrianna. “I’m afraid I wasn’t present at your ball as I sent my Beta as my representative. She told me about what happened and that she barely escaped with her life. It’s terrible, all this business with the mages. My father was Alpha during that terrible time they terrorized us, and I heard some nasty stories.”
“Me too,” Adrianna said.
“It’s one of the reasons I invited William here,” Frankie said. “We need to start building alliances, especially those whose territories border ours.”
“We have a lot to discuss,” Blakely said. “And I am looking forward to dinner tonight.”
The way Blakely’s eyes devoured Adrianna made Darius think that the other Alpha wasn’t just talking about the food at Muccino’s. He bit his tongue and continued to keep his wolf at bay. Any insult to a visiting Alpha would have severe consequences.
“Darius, please feel free to have some leisure time.” Frankie had a sweet smile on her face, but it was obvious she didn’t mean that as a suggestion.
“If Miss Anderson is not safely at home, then she is still vulnerable,” he stated.
“I have members of the New York Lycan Security Team with me,” Frankie countered. “They’re already at the restaurant. Adrianna and I will ride with William going there.”
“Surely two Alphas could protect Adrianna?” William’s grin had just a hint of a sneer. “I’ll make sure she gets back safe and sound.”
He looked to Adrianna, who shrugged. “Let me get changed and I’ll be down in five minutes.”
“Of course, we’ll be right here, mimma.” Frankie said. “I hope you have a good evening, Darius.”
He knew when he was dismissed. “I do have some errands to run. But I shall be back shortly, Primul.” It was rude to just turn his back to two Alphas, but he didn’t care. If he didn’t get out of here now, his wolf was going to rip through his skin.
He got into his car and put it into gear as soon as the engine roared to life. Backing out of the driveway, he raced out, not really caring where he was going as long as it was far away from here.
Chapter Nine
“Really, Mama,” Adrianna hissed at Frankie as soon as William was out of earshot. They had just been served dessert when the other Alpha excused himself to make a phone call. “Couldn’t you have warned me you were inviting someone to dinner?”
“That’s not just someone, Adrianna,” Frankie said. “William Blakely is a powerful Alpha, plus one of our closest neighbors. We need his support to fight the mages.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing.”
“What I’m doing?” Frankie said with feigned innocence.
“You not-so-subtly asked him if he was seeing anyone and then mentioned I was single?” Adrianna huffed. “Are you trying to pimp me out?”
“Adrianna Callista Anderson!” Frankie exclaimed. “I would never do such a thing.” She took her glass of wine and took a sip. “But you have to admit, he’s pretty hot.”
“Mama!” She groaned and buried her face in her hands.
“What? Look at him,” her mother nodded at the window where they had a view of William
