William appeared behind me as I closed the fridge, his cock’s firm ridge brushing my back.

"I know exactly what you’re thinking." His voice was dark, knowing. "Don’t doubt me."

My wolf whimpered. I breathed deeply and stepped away, already missing his touch.

"Dinner’s ready, my lady," he said, carrying a salad dish.

My body began to burn. "Have you experienced mating heat?"

"No, and women only bear heat with their mates."

He chuckled. "Your wolf’s not quiet."

"Tell me," he pressed. "How did you feel with my lips on your pussy?"

Arousal surged between my thighs. "It’s impossible. You’re not my mate."

"Would you really say that? I’m amazed you’ve held on after everything they did to you—so stubborn. I half expected to find you at the pack’s edge, fighting yourself."

"I know what they did. I felt their pain."

William cut the lasagna in half before serving me. I devoured it, confused by my need, my hunger, my thirst.

"I don’t understand why you let them live," he said, his eyes darker than usual. "Revenge is natural, but you didn’t want it. Why?"

"I’ve seen their marks."

"You noticed their tattoos?"

"You want to examine my whole body?"

"No, that’s unnecessary," I replied.

"Not a problem." William shed his shirt and pants. He didn’t wear boxer briefs, and I couldn’t help but notice his firm cock before looking away.

"Don’t mind me, dear. I’m yours."

"I don’t understand," I whispered, the need overwhelming. I avoided his gaze as he approached, mocking.

"My placid little wolf has some strength after all."

"I don’t know what you’re doing to me, but stop."

"It can only be stopped by giving in. You know that, but you resist. Why?"

"I want you gone."

"Why?"

"This isn't your flat, and I'll call the police if you stay."

He chuckled darkly. "How could you threaten innocent people when you can't even harm the pack that tortured you?"

"If you say I'm your mate, you'll leave because I ask."

His grin disappeared, replaced by something darker. He stepped closer, his cheek brushing my neck. "One day, you won’t be able to push me away. I hope you're ready for that day."

His hand gripped my neck, but I didn’t feel fear. Not until he leaned in, kissing me with a force that ignited every nerve. Then, just as abruptly, he pulled away, leaving me breathless as he walked out the door, shutting it behind him with a finality that made me flinch.

I collapsed against the wall, hugging my knees, pulse racing. The heat that had flooded my body ebbed away, leaving me cold.

If William brought the heat, it meant he was right. He was my mate.

But why didn’t he claim me? Why didn’t he do it in front of my pack?

“You’re in a mood,” Leon remarked, glancing up from his game.

"Not in a mood."

"You're practically vibrating. I’ve known you long enough to recognize when you’re struggling to control your anger."

In human society, letting rage take over was dangerous. He could kill or scare others in this state.

"It’s nothing," William muttered.

Leon didn’t buy it. "It’s that woman again." He sniffed the air, returning to his game. "I can smell her on you. Maybe try using the front door next time, or court her like a human."

William scoffed. "You mean meeting them at a pub?"

"A drink isn’t worth it to wolves. The smells alone are foul." He paused the game and looked up. "You look crazed again."

"You’re too into that game to notice."

Leon didn’t flinch. "You’re too busy avoiding claiming your mate. Does she even know she’s going into heat because of you?"

William’s roar echoed through the room. The frustration, the need, the battle within him to keep from taking what he knew was his, all came to a head.

Leon met his gaze calmly. "You’re losing control. She’ll feel it soon enough. What will you do then?"

William clenched his fists, jaw tightening. "I’ll handle it."

"You’d better. Before she finds out the hard way."

"Want me to set up the castle?"

"No." William’s voice was sharp. The castle was a fortress, perched on a remote island, accessible only by aircraft. He hated flying, but he’d bought the place as a gamble. A secluded sanctuary, perfect for a mated pair. Their solitude would protect them. No one would hear their battles, their hunts, or their lovemaking. The idea had been intoxicating when he first realized what having a mate would mean.

Someday, he wanted to call it home.

“Think she’d like it?” Leon asked, watching William’s brooding expression.

“What now?” William snapped. "Her heat risk goes up every time I'm near. If human guys start responding to her, things will get bad."

"Just pointing out the obvious. Is it working?"

William’s jaw clenched. "I have all the answers." But if men responded to her, his control would slip. The beast inside him would emerge, and if that happened, humanity would be wiped out. He liked his spotless record—never killed anyone, despite what the alphas thought. They didn’t understand him, and that was how he preferred it.

He had learned long ago that money spoke louder than anything else in this world. And he'd made sure to have plenty of it.