Chapter 4 4

Of course, I didn't fall asleep.

Thoughts kept circling in my head, refusing to let me drift off or relax.

I woke up early and made it my mission to see my friend and talk to her-no matter what it took.

Pacing from corner to corner, I felt my patience wearing thin.

My first attempt to knock on the door and call out for someone was met with silence.

So was the second. And the third.

By noon, footsteps echoed outside, and a key turned in the lock.

I sat on the bed, staring straight at the door.

At first glance, I might have seemed calm and composed-but in reality, I was a live wire, burning from the inside out.

Every muscle in my body was coiled tight, ready to spring into action the moment my mind gave the command.

The door opened.

A man stood on the threshold, hesitating before stepping inside.

Apparently, my calm posture didn't fool him.

He crossed his arms over his chest and studied me with a serious expression.

"With that look on your face, there's no way I'm taking you to lunch," he said dryly. "I'd probably choke on my food."

I snorted and turned away.

"What do you want?" I asked irritably.

"I came to invite you to lunch. We didn't exactly get a proper introduction yesterday."

"Where's Maya?"

"Your friend is fine."

"I want to see her."

"If you have lunch with me," he said with a faint smile, "I might be persuaded to ask my brother to let you meet her."

I let out an exaggerated sigh, clicked my tongue in protest, and stood up.

He stepped aside, gesturing for me to follow.

"My name's Max," he said as we walked down the hallway.

"Fine," I replied with a sly smile. "It suits you. I used to have a dog named Max."

"You're bold, aren't you, beautiful?" he chuckled. "Just don't try that joke in front of my brother, or he'll kill you where you stand."

A pang of guilt struck me. I lowered my gaze and walked the rest of the way in silence.

We ended up in a cozy kitchen, where a middle-aged woman was bustling about.

When she saw us, she smiled warmly.

"Took you long enough to feed your guest, Max. Kirill's already brought his girl two trays this morning."

"Mrs. Nina, please," Max said with a grin. "Kirill's girl is the future lady of the house. Mine's just a hostage. No need to feed her that often."

To say his words offended me would have been an understatement.

Clenching my jaw, I looked around the kitchen instead of responding.

Nina came over, gently took my hand, and led me to the table.

"Don't mind him, dear. The brothers were never known for their manners. Just eat-you're skin and bones."

"Thank you," I said politely, returning her smile.

While I devoured a salad and a cutlet with obvious pleasure, Max sipped his coffee and watched me in silence.

Once I'd eaten my fill, I picked up my cup and finally decided to speak.

"How long are you planning to keep me here?"

"Don't worry. As soon as we figure out how to make sure you stay quiet, you'll be free to go."

"Let Maya go, and I'll stay quiet."

"I'm afraid Kirill won't agree to that."

After tea, Max walked me back to my room.

Just as he was about to lock the door, I grabbed his wrist.

His gaze dropped to my fingers wrapped around him, then lifted to my face-pausing briefly on my lips.

Damn. Awkward.

I quickly pulled my hand back and said, "Our deal."

"What deal?" He raised an eyebrow.

"If I had lunch with you, I'd get to see my friend."

"I'll see what I can do."

The door slammed shut in my face, and the key turned in the lock.

Left alone, I finally allowed myself to relax a little.

The moment I lay down, exhaustion from a sleepless night crashed over me.

There was no point in fighting it. I closed my eyes and drifted off.

A faint rustling sound woke me.

The sky outside had turned orange with sunset.

"How much drool did you manage to get on that pillow?" a voice drawled behind me.

I gasped and spun around.

Max was lying on his side, watching my startled reaction with an amused smirk.

Honestly-did he ever get tired of smiling like that?

"What are you doing here?" I snapped.

"I live here," he said simply, getting to his feet. "I came to take you to your friend, but clearly, you're not thrilled to see me."

He moved toward the door, ready to leave.

"Wait!" I called, rushing over and grabbing his arm again.

Another awkward pause. His eyes drifted to my lips once more, lingering longer this time.

I let go and took a step back.

"Let's go," he said quietly, leading the way out.

When I saw Maya-safe, unharmed, smiling-I ran to her with open arms.

She did the same, but our reunion was cut short by a massive wall of muscle.

Or rather, an Alpha built like one.

"One more step, crazy woman, and there won't be any conversation," he growled.

"Crazy woman"? That was new.

If looks could kill, the beast would already be writhing in agony.

"Come on, brother," Max intervened, slinging an arm over the Alpha's shoulder. "Let's give the ladies some space."

He guided him out of the room.

I hugged Maya tightly. She looked happy-too happy for someone being held captive.

"He didn't hurt you, did he?" I asked anxiously.

"No, he's been kind. Though... his motives do make me wonder."

She blushed and lowered her gaze.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"Oh no, don't start. Please don't tell me that nonsense. No, I don't. What did he say to make you melt like that?"

"Vera, he didn't promise me anything. I just... didn't tell you. We met yesterday morning at the restaurant. The moment I saw him, my heart started pounding."

I stared at her in disbelief.

This couldn't be Maya talking.

But then again-she was his fated mate. Maybe she truly couldn't resist him. Damn it.

"You want to stay with him, don't you?" I asked quietly.

"I... I don't know," she murmured dreamily.

Yes, she did. And it stung.

Why did these wolves always take the people I cared about most?

A lump of despair rose in my throat.

Before I could say something I'd regret, I turned and stormed out.

I heard Maya calling after me, but I didn't stop.

Max caught up with me near my room.

I shot him one last furious look, went inside, and slammed the door in his face.