CHAPTER 11

"If she's not your mate, then may I have a dance with her?!" The owner of the voice was none other than Alexander, middle-aged and an elder of the pack.

He was once Alpha but now retired since his tenure had expired. This way he commanded respect from the Silver Crest pack, just a bit more like the Alpha would.

He was rumored to be helping his grandson find his fated mate. Everyone knew him for one thing: whenever he saw a pretty young lady, he would never miss the opportunity to make the girl go on a date with his grandson, at least once.

Adrian balled his fists at the thought of anyone touching his mate.

He was sure he could lose his cool if anything of the nature happened, so he turned to Irish and gave his command, "You will decline, then go home and wait for your punishment."

But Irish smiled devilishly, "No, not when I'm getting punished anyway." She was determined to get Adrian's nerves today. Especially after he believed his wife over her slut wrist and the fact that he teased her in her room, arousing her sensuality and making her lose control.

Irish turned to Alexander and bowed who was in the crowd and bowed respectfully. Then she stood erect and waited.

Adrian clenched his teeth as he subtly moved his hand to take Irish's, but she tactfully shifted away and smirked.

Moving his neck to the left, Adrian saw Alexander pointing his son's hand towards Irish. He said to him, "Go take that young lady's hand and dance with her. Who knows, she might be your mate."

Adrian groaned as Orion retaliated on one side of his head, threatening to take over and make him shift into his wolf form.

"Go ahead you dimwit and fight for what's ours! Don't let him dance with our mate, noooo."

"I'll handle this my own way, you don't have to intervene." Adrian tried to push Orion to the back of his head but he kept whining.

Orion wanted their mate as close as possible and somehow, he was being more possessive than he was in other days.

"Noo!!" Orion yelled in his head as the Michaelson came and took Irish's hand in his.

A cold shiver ran down Adrian's spine as the young man got down on his knees and kissed Irish's knuckles so romantically. Then he got up on his feet and took Irish to the section of the room where one could go for a dance.

As if noticing their presence, the orchestra played became more intense, their violins, racing violently against the strings, spreading a romantic fire.

Seeing what was happening, the Mc, not wanting to spoil the mood of the day, said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the event has continued,"

Suddenly, the spotlight turned on Irish and Michael alone. The other dancers around stopped to stare at them.

Irish rested her hand on Michael's shoulder, as she glanced at his branded suit, she felt impressed.

Locking gazes with him, she asked, "What's your name?"

"Michael. Beg your pardon. Father makes me do these things." He smiled. Irish noticed the dimple on his cheek.

His hair was golden brown, and his eyes were a rich brown that held an allure to them. His high cheekbones and sharp jawline added to his handsomeness.

Irish shut her eyes for a moment, drawing in a rich scent. He smelled of sandalwood, his scent was intoxicating, but not as intoxicating as Adrian's...

'Damn it! Why was I comparing him with Adrian right now' Irish almost face palmed herself.

She tried to focus on the present, letting her body move and hips sway as he led her movement.

His arms guided her waist, while the other of her hand rested in his.

Suddenly, he leaned closer, she could feel his warm breath on her shoulder. It was so warm, that it sent shivers down her spine.

As the music swelled, Michael seemed to become more immersed.

His grip on her waist suddenly tightened, making Irish feel like she was secure.

He possessively drew her closer to him, their bodies almost colliding. His eyes landed on her breasts.

Irish couldn't tell if her mind was playing games but she saw him swipe his lower lip with his tongue.

The tension lingered hot in the air, just like their bodies did.

Just then, Irish ventured and cast her gaze at Adrian.

She could feel and see his anger in one glance! In fact, she could see the monster in him about to explode.

The veins on his arms and forehead were on display and his sharp, dangerous glare wouldn't leave her body. Adrian swallowed hard. He could feel his chest tighten, his blood rushed to his face as he instantly went pale.

His emotions were raw, almost consuming him.

Irish saw Ashley walk up to Adrian and hold his hand. Her eyes were a bit teary...

But at this point, Irish whipped her head back to face Michael and didn't see what went on from there.

At last, the music reached its crescendo. The musicians, together, struck a chord that seemed to put an end to their short-lived romance and Irish's racing heart.

Just as Irish was about to disengage from the hot, tight embrace, she felt Michael's lips on hers. She hadn't seen this coming at all. Her eyes widened, almost falling out of their sockets.

She froze!

The people in the room erupted with an applause, and some in a standing ovation.

But Adrian wouldn't have it, he roughly pulled out from Ashley's hold, and then, stormed down to the dance floor.

Not caring about the various onlookers, he dragged Irish by the hand and fast-walked out of the place.

Adrian didn't stop walking or rather, stomping until he was out of the room and away from prying eyes.

When he got to a free place, he released her while slamming her back against the wall.

He raised his hand above her, while the other hand, he used to hold her arm.

His eyes blazed like hot coals, making Irish feel like they might burn her to the ground.

"How dare you let another wolf touch you!" He thundered fiercely.

To him, Irish was his, his, and his alone. She was his possession. She belonged to him.

Irish cowered under his intimidating gaze, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Why won't I?..." She talking with a cracked voice,

"At least he isn't ashamed of me." Irish's voice sounded sad as she answered.

"And he doesn't plan to kill me in seven months." She added in her mind. She was grateful he couldn't hear her as he hadn't marked her yet.

Looking deep into her eyes, Adrian clenched and unclenched his jaws. Then, like someone who had lost his senses, he lowered his chin and smashed his lips on Irish's.

They were lost in their own world, kissing each other when suddenly, a voice permeated the heated passion, bringing it to a sudden stop.

"Adrian, please don't. Don't do this to me!" Ashley's voice was sad and desperate as she let the tears flow freely from her eyes.

Irish's eyes snapped open, and as her gaze locked with Ashley's, her body tensed.

Irish froze, and so did the air around them as it grew thicker with tension.