Chapter 35
Chapter 35
APOLLO-
83%
+38)
“This is important,” I tell her.
It felt as if my life depended on it, but I couldn’t say that to my mother; she wouldn’t take me seriously. Besides, if she had even the slightest clue that all of this was for a woman, she would freak out on me.
I winced at just the thought of something like that happening.
She frowns at me. “Then tell your father to sort it out.” She complains, “How often do I get to see you? I’m here now. Jada and I are all dressed up, and we’re looking forward to dinner, just like you promised.”
I let out an inward groan.
“Alright,” I agree reluctantly. “But I need to make a phone call first. Once I’m done, I’ll come to get both of you. Please stay in the hotel room for now.”
I figured I could quickly get Lana home before returning to finish dinner with my mom and Jada.
“Be quick about it,” she urges.
I don’t bother responding as I stride straight to the elevator. When the doors open, I press the button for the ground floor. My chest feels tight; I cannot
shake the worry of why Lana is completely wasted here.
How did she know where to find me, and why did she call? This was very unlike my mate. I have known her for years, studied her behavior in times where she didn’t even know I was looking. This was very out of character for her. Something must have happened for her to suddenly start behaving this way.
As soon as the elevator doors slide open, I rush through the lobby and outside the hotel. I silently hope my mother isn’t watching from those glass windows. If she spots me with Lana, I won’t be able to hide her any longer.
I spot my mate waiting on the opposite side of the street, relieved she listened to me. I take a look at her surroundings, noticing multiple members of my pack pretending to be random pedestrians. They were doing a good job at being discreet.
Jake sees me and I nod, signaling that he can leave now that I’ve located her. My pack has no idea why I’m so determined to protect her. None of them know I’ve found my mate, and I intend to keep it that way.
They knew that Lana was my step–sister but that was pretty much it.
When my mate finally catches my eye, everything around us fades away for a moment. It’s just the two of us in the universe, and I feel utterly lost in her gaze, as if I can see the cosmos reflected in her eyes.
Then she suddenly shifts, an edge of anger flashing across her face.
I frown, surprised by her abrupt change in demeanor. I should have expected it; she’s clearly intoxicated. Just how much did she drink? I felt anxious
seeing her like this and not knowing what her next move might be.
“You!” she exclaims, narrowing her eyes at me. “How could you?!”
My brow furrows at her tone. “What did I do?” I ask, gently pulling her closer. I try to ignore the instant attraction between the both of us. Just one touch and I’m completely fucking lost.
She lets out a heavy sigh. “You’re always being mean.”
I can’t help myself; I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She leans into me slightly, and I seize the chance to help her cross the street.
“Where are we headed?” she asks. I can hear the curiosity in her voice mixed with something else.
1/3
TAZO Mon, 14 Jul
Chapter 35
“To my car,” I reply. “I need to take you home.”
We are already in the parking lot when I feel her pulling away.
She suddenly stops and pouts. “I came to see your girlfriend,” she says.
I come to a halt, bewildered.
Girlfriend?
Pressing my tongue against my cheek, I ask, “What girlfriend?”
I know het drunkenness is coloring her words, but I’m still curious.
She rolls her eyes at me. “The pretty one. The one your mother likes.”
My jaw clenches.
483%0
She recognized Jada. I’m still irked that my mother brought Jada into the picture that night. Lana and my mother were never meant to meet, and I want to keep that part of my life away from my mate.
Lana’s questioned me about her before, but I avoided explaining anything. I didn’t want her to know that if my mother had her way, I’d be marrying Jada in the near future.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say firmly. “I don’t have a girlfriend. You know I don’t do relationships.”
She narrows her eyes and pushes me away. “You’re lying! Your father already spilled the beans–that you went to dinner with her because that’s what your mother wanted. That’s why she came here.”
Damn it.
Did she really have a whole conversation with my father about this?
didn’t have the dinner yet… Thanks to her. I don’t bother saying anything about that though.
I run a hand down my face in frustration. “Can you please just get in the car?” I asked as kindly as I could.
She looks at me like I’ve just insulted her, even though I only asked her to get in the vehicle so we could escape before my mother came looking for me.
She crosses her arms defiantly. “I’m not getting into the car unless you tell me the truth. Who is that woman to you?”
For someone this drunk, I’m surprised she can focus enough to ask these questions.
Is this actually bothering her this much?
“Please, Lana,” I plead. I’m running out of time, and all I want is to get her home safely. “Just get in the car, and we can talk about it inside.”
She bites her lip. “I’m not going anywhere with you until you tell me the truth.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. I’m at the end of my rope.
“This is my last time asking you to do this for me, I warn her.
Unfazed, she asks, “What will you do if I don’t comply?”
2/3
