Chapter 4 : The Wolf

*Lexie’s POV*

My heart races as the limousine pulls up the winding drive of Noland Reynolds’ sprawling estate. After months of struggling to put the pieces of my life back together, Natasha has finally convinced me to join her at one of her lavish parties.

Part of me craves an escape from my daily routine, but another part dreads the scrutiny of Santa Barbara’s elite. Their pitying glances and whispered gossip about who I am and what I am doing here at such a private event.

Natasha gives my hand an encouraging squeeze. “You’re going to have a wonderful time. Everyone will be busy, and you will get a chance to meet some people and have fun.”

I offer her a wan smile, unconvinced. What I am convinced of, though, is to not become an annoyance in her summer, so I will do my best to really have some fun.

The limousine comes to a stop, and my breath catches at the sight before me. Fairy lights illuminate winding cobblestone paths, while strains of classical music float on the night air. It’s a scene of pure magic, though I know the glamour hides a darker reality.

As we enter the villa, a wave of mingled scents—jasmine, citrus, and sea salt—washes over me. The foyer opens into a grand ballroom filled with Santa Barbara’s glitterati dressed to the nines.

Natasha greets various guests, pulling me along in her wake until we reach a handsome man in his thirties engrossed in conversation with an older gentleman.

“Robert, Caleb, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Natasha angles her body to partially shield me, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “This is my best friend, Lexie. Be nice.”

The one named Robert turns, and I am struck by his bright blue eyes and easy smile. “A pleasure to meet you, Lexie. I’m Robert.”

His companion Caleb merely grunts, scarcely glancing my way. If Robert is sunlight, Caleb is a coming storm—dark, brooding, and dangerous. I don’t feel comfortable near him. Perhaps I am overreacting, or perhaps my self-defence mechanism is telling me to stay away from him.

Natasha frowns at Caleb before looping her arm through mine. “Come along. I’m sure you’re thirsty after the drive up.”

I breathe a sigh of relief, grateful to avoid further interaction with Natasha’s unpleasant friend. The rest of the evening, though, promises to be an exercise in endurance. Surviving the night intact will be victory enough.

I meet several cliche superstars, with the fake smiles and fake praises included. I then see an artist perform with strange but amusing acrobatic moves that are odd but interesting. After a while, Natasha’s friends from earlier come back to where I am and start to engage in conversation. Well, at least Robert is. Caleb is staring at me while drinking something.

Robert captivates me with stories of his travels and witty observations about the other guests. His charm and intelligence are a balm amid the glamour and artifice.

When he asks for my number, I don't hesitate, scrawling it on the back of his invitation. "In case you're in need of rescue from any more dreadful events." He says and his eyes crinkle at the corners, eliciting an answering smile.

He is very nice. “That is very nice of you, Robert, almost like a white knight. Thank you.”

Then I excuse myself, wanting to find a bathroom inside the house. It seems more difficult than expected, but as I make my way inside to find the powder room, a hand clamps around my wrist, yanking me into the shadows of an alcove. Caleb. Panic flares, heart pounding as I struggle against his grip.

"Not so fast." His fingers dig into my arm, breath hot against my face, reeking of bourbon. "Thought you could ignore me all night?" I can’t understand what he means, I was not ignoring him. He was a complete ass!

I shudder, straining to break free. "Let go of me." I try to step away, but he doesn't let me.

Instead, he pulls me flush against him. Bile rises in my throat at his proximity. "We're not done here." I feel tears escape my eyes as flashbacks of Thomas come back rushing to my mind.

My legs shiver, I feel like I can’t breathe. Are all men like Thomas?

"Get your hands off her." The command lashes like a whip. Caleb's head jerks up, the grip loosening enough for me to tear away.

Noland.

He stands a few feet away, fury etching into every line of his body. My breath catches at the primal display of dominance, a thrill chasing the heels of my fear. The wolf has come out to play.

Caleb's face blanches, eyes flickering with something akin to panic. "Noland, I didn’t know she was with you, man… I didn't mean—"

"Shut. The. Fuck. Up." Each word is edged in ice, resonating with the promise of violence. “Take him away from here and report him to the police.”

Two security staff come out of nowhere and pull Caleb as he tries to bolt away. The staff pulls him roughly and I see them disappearing into the crowd as Noland stalks forward. I press back against the wall, heart racing for an entirely different reason.

The wolf has come for me.

Noland stops in front of me, gaze taking over my body. "Are you hurt?"

I shake my head, pulse skipping as he reaches out to brush a stray curl behind my ear. His touch sears my skin, igniting a slow burn of desire.

His hand cups my cheek, tilting my face up to his. Our eyes lock, blue on green, and something dangerous flickers in his gaze. "No one touches you under my protection."

A sharp intake of breath. His protection. The words echo through my mind, heat suffusing my cheeks. I lean into his touch without thinking, craving more of the heady possessiveness in his tone.

Noland's eyes darken, thumb tracing the line of my jaw. "I won't ask again. Are you hurt?"

I swallow, afraid to break the spell woven between us. "No."

"Lexie." My name is a rough caress, laced with warning. His hand tightens on my face, bringing our bodies into alignment from chest to thigh.

I gasp at the contact, nerves alight with sensation. "I'm fine."

A low noise rumbles in his chest, the sound almost… pleased. The pad of his thumb brushes over my lower lip and I tremble, aching for his kiss.

"Good girl." The words melt over me like honey, sweet and slow, eliciting a soft moan.

Noland's eyes flare at the sound, something dangerous flickering to life in their depths. His gaze drops to my mouth and I sway closer, drunk on his touch and craving more.

Closer… just a little closer...

The shrill ring of a cell phone shatters the moment. Noland pulls back with a muttered curse, fingers sliding from my face. Bereft of his touch, I blink up at him, still dazed. What just happened?

He answers the call, turning away to bark orders at whoever is on the other end of the line. I can’t focus on what he is saying, I need to catch my breath. I lean against the wall, pulse racing as I touch my tingling lips.

His protection.

The words whisper through my mind once more, igniting a slow burn of longing, and a shaking realisation. I want to be more to him. Tonight, everything has changed.

And I can’t believe I am willing to jeopardise my relationship with Natasha just to be with him.

Just like that, Natasha bursts through the doors, concern etched into her features. "Lexie, are you alright? I'm so sorry about Caleb. I had no idea he would do something like that."

Her words barely register, my thoughts consumed by the memory of Noland's searing touch. I blink at her, struggling to form a coherent response. Natasha is here, in front of me, worried. Natasha is here, my best friend. Natasha, Noland’s daughter.

Noland ends his call and turns back to us, his expression hardening at the sight of Natasha. He walks towards us and stands right in front of me while still looking at her. "You should have been more careful in choosing your friends. Your poor judgement put Lexie in danger."

I see Natasha flinch, hurt flashing in her eyes before she lower them. "You're right. I'm sorry."

Guilt twists in my gut at the dejection in her voice. I place a hand on her arm, feeling the need to defend her despite everything. "It wasn't Natasha's fault. Please don't blame her."

Noland's gaze softens as it shifts to me, the stern set of his mouth easing. "Very well. But I won't have you in harm's way again." His hand curls around the back of my neck, thumb brushing over my pulse point in a possessive caress. "I told you that you were safe while staying with us, and I meant it."

A delicious shiver runs down my spine at the promise in his tone.

Natasha's eyes widen, darting between us with unveiled curiosity. I can only imagine what she sees in our exchange. I worry about what she might think, but then I remember that so far, Noland’s words have been protective and decent, filled with concern. But Natasha is not dumb, she can see the way I react.

Heat rises in my cheeks as I clear my throat, pulse skipping. "Thank you for defending me, but I'm sure there's no need to go to the police. It was just a misunderstanding."

"A misunderstanding?" Noland repeats, incredulous. His grip on my neck tightens, a hint of anger bleeding into his voice. "He left bruises on your arm. I won't let him get away with it."

My heart stutters at the protective rage in his tone, and the depths of feeling it revealed. He cares. Perhaps more deeply than I dare hope.

I shake my head, pleading as I look at him. "Please, Noland. I don't want to cause a scandal."

For a long moment he is silent, jaw clenched. Then he sighs, the fight going out of him as his shoulders slump. "As you wish."

Relief floods me and Natasha, and I smile in gratitude. "Thank you."

He doesn't reply, staring down at me with an unreadable expression. I wonder what he sees in my face that gives him pause, what secrets his perceptive gaze might uncover.

Natasha clears her throat, breaking the tension while frowning. "I should get going. I need to go check on everyone and leave some instructions before we can go. Are you waiting for me here?"

Before I am able to formulate any words, Noland responds for me. “I am taking her back with me to our home. You are not seriously suggesting that she wait for you here and act like nothing happened, aren’t you?”

Natasha’s eyes widen again and I can see how ashamed she feels. I talk before an argument unleashes. “If you don’t mind me going now, that is? I will just go and try to calm myself down.”

She comes to embrace me. "Of course. Thank you for understanding." She hugs me tightly. "I'm always here for you, Lex. No matter what. I am so very sorry."

"I know." I smile as we separate, heart full with the knowledge of her steadfast friendship.

Natasha leaves after exchanging a polite goodbye with Noland. We are alone once more, the memory of our earlier intimacy hovering between us. At least for me.

Noland runs a hand through his hair, sighing. "I should go speak with the staff and ensure they've handled things properly before we go."

Disappointment trickles through me at the prospect of our night ending. I am not ready to part from him. But what can I say? What can I do? Noland saved me today, he did more than anyone would have done in his position. I should be thankful and be happy.

As if sensing my thoughts, he added, "But I'll return shortly. Will you wait for me?"

Joy lits me from within. "Yes."

A slow smile curves his mouth and he takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. The kiss sears my skin, branding me as surely as the desire in his eyes. I must be crazy, but I can’t deny that this is what I see in his eyes. I see desire. I see lust.

"You will be safe with me," he whispers, the words an oath that thrill and terrifies me in equal measure.