Chapter 6

Zane's POV I never thought the night would end like this. One moment I was confidently escorting my true mate through one of the most exclusive restaurants in the territory, and the next, I was being asked to leave like some rogues. "Apologies, Mr. Thorne," the manager said with smooth, rehearsed courtesy. "Your membership has been revoked at the owner's discretion. I'm afraid we must ask you to leave." Revoked? The word slammed into me like a physical blow. This wasn't just a place to eat—it was a symbol. A hub of elite power among the werewolf community. Being a member meant something. Being expelled... meant even more. "May I ask what prompted this decision?" I managed to ask, keeping my voice level despite the rage building inside me. The manager merely extended his hand toward the exit, his expression revealing nothing. And then I saw her. Sylvia. She was seated, relaxed, with that infuriating little smirk curling her lips. The expression of a woman who had just knocked a king off his throne. Chloe's hand trembled in mine. I could feel her unease in the rigid way she clung to me, her scent sour with distress. I turned and led her out, my jaw clenched so hard my temples throbbed.The sting of humiliation was sharp—and made worse by Sylvia's calm, knowing gaze. Once outside, Chloe's eyes welled with tears, her soft voice breaking the tense silence between us. Outside, Chloe's voice broke the silence, soft and uncertain. "Zane… do you think Sylvia had something to do with this?" I responded too fast, too sharp. "Impossible." My wolf howled in disagreement, but I buried it. "She doesn't have that kind of pull." Chloe leaned in closer, whispering, "But the owner is supposed to be powerful, right? What if she's… offering herself to him? She's changed. Maybe she's doing this out of spite." "Let her dream." My voice came out cold, clipped. "Men like that wouldn't waste time on someone like her. She's not worth it." Sylvia's POV The date had ended hours ago—another disappointing meeting with a potential mate who couldn't stir even the slightest interest in my wolf. Three years of suppressing my true Alpha nature had dulled my senses, making it nearly impossible to feel that spark everyone talked about. After my satisfying encounter with Zane and his so-called True Mate, I lingered in the restaurant, sipping wine and basking in the quiet aftermath of poetic justice. Just as I stood to leave, a familiar figure emerged from across the room. Caesar Conrad. My wolf immediately perked up at his presence—something that hadn't happened with any of my arranged dates. Tall, powerful, with midnight-dark hair and eyes that seemed to hold ancient secrets, he moved with the lethal grace of a predator. As the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack and the rumored Wolf King who held authority over all North American packs, Caesar's presence always commanded attention. "Fancy seeing you here, Alpha Caesar," I greeted, careful to maintain my composure even as heat flared across my skin from his proximity. I refused to acknowledge the night we'd once shared—the night that haunted my dreams more than I cared to admit. His gaze roamed over me, slow and deliberate. "On another date?" he asked, voice low and gravel-smooth. I nodded, trying to maintain my composure. It wasn't surprising he knew about my dating efforts—news traveled fast in our circles, especially concerning an unmated female Alpha heir. "Your mother's idea?" he asked, his expression unreadable, eyes reflecting nothing yet seeing everything. Before I could formulate a response, he continued with unexpected directness: "What a coincidence. My family is also pressuring me about marriage." His eyes locked with mine, intensity burning behind his calm exterior. "So, Sylvia, why don't we bond? Solve both our problems at once." My heart skipped several beats, oh shit，this wasn't just any offer—this was Caesar Conrad. "May I ask why?" I finally managed, swallowing hard as memories of our night together flooded back. "If this is about what happened between us... that's unnecessary. You were... skilled. I enjoyed myself." "If I need a reason..." Caesar idly toyed with the wolf's fang on his wrist, his voice deceptively casual. "Let's call it mutual benefit. You're Morgana's friend, and I trust her judgment." I raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of my wine. "Mutual benefit? I'm curious what benefit the mighty Wolf King would get from bonding with me." Caesar's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He leaned closer, his scent enveloping me—sandalwood, pine, and something wild that made my inner Alpha respond instinctively. "For starters," he murmured, his voice dropping to a low, intimate pitch, "I'd get another night with you. No rushing. No alcohol. Just you, fully present." His fingers brushed mine across the table, sending electricity through my veins. My wolf pushed against my skin, desperate to be closer to him. "I've had plenty of time to think about that night," he continued, his voice dropping lower. "How you felt beneath me. The sounds you made. How perfectly your body responded to mine." I fought to control my breathing, memories of his hands on my skin, his mouth marking every inch of me, threatening to overwhelm my senses. "And there's the small matter of politics," he added, pulling back slightly, his professional tone at odds with the heat in his eyes. "An alliance between Blood Moon and Frostfang would create the most powerful coalition the werewolf world has seen in generations." I studied him carefully, trying to read beyond his perfect mask. "And you think I'd agree to a political match? After what happened with Zane?" His expression cooled at the name. "This isn't like that. I don't play games, Sylvia." His fingers traced circles on my hand. "What I offer is power, protection—and a hell of a lot of pleasure." He hadn't noticed our bond—or maybe he had and chose not to mention it. I was still hiding the instability in my scent, the cracks in my wolf's essence. Alone, it was a risk. But with him… it could become a weapon. My wolf purred, but I'd learned not to leap at the first sign of affection. "I'll need time to consider." "Of course." He stood, towering over me, his presence making the air around us feel charged with electricity. "But don't take too long. I'm not known for my patience." As he turned to leave, he paused. "By the way, I hope you enjoyed the little show earlier. Consider it a gift—the first of many if you accept my offer." My eyes widened with realization. "The membership revocation? That was you?" Caesar's smile was predatory, sending thrills down my spine. "I own this restaurant, Sylvia. Among other things." I never thought one casual dinner would change my life so drastically. As I contemplated Caesar's unexpected proposal, my wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, more alert and alive than she'd been in years. When he mentioned Morgana earlier, I couldn't help but smirk slightly. I wondered what my friend would think about me marrying her cousin. But then again, with that face of his... it was hard not to be tempted. If I needed to find someone I didn't despise, someone with integrity and power to marry, Caesar truly was the best option available. I curved my ruby-red lips into a smile, batting my eyelashes playfully. "Caesar, darling, I don't think I have any reason to refuse." His eyes darkened with satisfaction. "Tomorrow then. Ten in the morning at the registry office." He turned to leave, apparently having other business to attend to, when he suddenly stopped. His dark eyebrows furrowed slightly as he asked with clear intention: "What about Zane...?" "It's over," I said, lowering my gaze as I remembered Zane's expression earlier that evening. "Don't worry. I'm not the type to go back for seconds." Only then did he finally turn and walk away. I watched his retreating figure, struck by a strange sense of unreality. I was actually going to marry Caesar Conrad.