Chapter 261
Elle’s POV
To get back at Lester, I’ve lined up several dates for this week.”
I raised an eyebrow, even though she couldn’t see it. “Several dates? Sophia, that seems a bit-
“Elle, you don’t have anything important going on right now, do you? Come with me! I need backup, and honestly, this particular guy I’m meeting today sounds pretty interesting. He’s a mixed–blood werewolf businessman from Europe.”
The excitement in her voice was infectious, and honestly, I could use the distraction. “You know what? Sure. I don’t have anything else going on.”
“Perfect!” Sophia’s mood immediately lifted. “Get back here right now! We’ll grab lunch first, then you can help me get ready. This is going to be fun!”
I hung up the phone, feeling lighter than I had in days. As I turned to head back inside, I nearly collided with someone coming down the hallway. I looked
up and my heart stopped.
Brad.
For a moment, I forgot we were supposed to be in the middle of a cold war. Those amber eyes of his were looking at me with such rare tenderness that I felt like I was drowning in them. The harsh lines of his face had softened, and for just a second, he looked like the man who had held me close and whispered
sweet things in my ear.
But then he opened his mouth, and the spell was broken.
“Competing with werewolves over wine?” His voice was cold, mocking. “When did you fall so low? I’ve already had a case of Blue Label whiskey sent to your
room.”
Before I could even process what he’d said, he brushed past me, leaving only the faint scent of cedar in his wake. I stood there, stunned, watching his broad
shoulders disappear around the corner.
What the hell was that about? How did he even know about what happened with Roy and the wine? And why was he sending me expensive whiskey 1
couldn’t even drink?
I shook my head, trying to push away the familiar ache in my chest. Whatever game Brad was playing, I didn’t have time i waiting, and I’d promised to help her with this revenge dating scheme.
right now. Sophia was
When I got back to my room, I immediately spotted the wooden case sitting on my coffee table. Even from across the room, I could tell it was expensive.
“Elle! Sophia’s voice came from behind me. She was already in my room, practically bouncing with excitement, but her eyes were fixed on the case. “Holy”
shit, is that what I think it is?”
I walked over and lifted the lid. Twelve bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, each one nestled in custom foam padding like precious gems.
Sophia let out a low whistle. “Elle, how the hell did you get these?”
closed the case with a snap. “Brad sent it. If you want it, take it. I can’t drink it anyway.”
Sophia’s mouth fell open, “Are you serious?”
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Chapter 261
“What am I supposed to do with it?” I shrugged, though inside I was still trying to figure out Brad’s angle. Was this some kind of apology? A power play?
Sophia finally closed her mouth and shook her head. “You know what, forget it. Brad being ridiculously generous isn’t exactly breaking news. The Frostclaw Pack is used to his over–the–top gestures by now. Come on, let’s go! We have a date to get ready for!”
Her enthusiasm was exactly what I needed. I grabbed my coat and followed her toward the door.
“Wait, wait!” I called after Sophia as we headed toward her car. “I’ve never been a wingwoman for a werewolf date before! something? I need to properly vet this guy for you!”
Sophia laughed and pulled out her phone, scrolling to find the information. “Here, take a look.”
kis profile or
I studied the photo and details. Tall, handsome in that distinctly European way, with the kind of confident smile that suggested he knew exactly how good- looking he was. ‘Marcus Weber, twenty–seven, Harvard Business School… Oh wow. That’s actually pretty impressive lineage.”
“Right? Sophia beamed. “He’s not from one of the top Alpha families, so there’s no political complications, but his background is solid. Plus, look at those
cheekbones!”
I grinned at her. “This could actually work out really well. He seems perfect for you–successful, educated, gorgeous, and no weird pack drama.”
An hour later, we walked into a restaurants in the werewolf district.
Marcus was already waiting at our table, and I had to admit, he looked even better in person than in his photos. There was something about the way he carried himself–confident without being arrogant, with that subtle werewolf magnetism that made him impossible to ignore.
When he spotted us approaching, his eyes widened slightly at seeing me. Probably wasn’t expecting Sophia to bring along a very pregnant human.
I pushed Sophia forward gently and stepped up with a bright smile. “Hi! I’m Elle, Sophia’s friend. I hope you don’t mind that I’m joining you for dinner? I promise I’ll keep to myself once you two get talking. And don’t worry about the bill–this one’s on me!”
Marcus recovered quickly, flashing that European charm. “Not at all! If you’re Sophia’s friend, you’re more than welcome. But please, I insist on paying. It’s the first time we’re meeting, and I was raised never to let ladies pay, especially when there’s a pregnant woman present.”
I clapped my hands together. “Really? That’s so sweet of you!”
Sophia shot me a look that clearly said “you’re being way too obvious,” but I ignored her.
As we settled into our seats, I couldn’t help but feel like a proud matchmaker. Marcus was being attentive to Sophia without being overbearing, and Sophia was actually engaging instead of just going through the motions.
But then the entire restaurant seemed to hold its breath at once. Conversations stopped mid–sentence, silverware clinked against plates as people set down
their utensils.
Every head in the restaurant turned toward the entrance, and my heart sank to my stomach as I followed their gaze.
“Oh, fuck me,” I whispered under my breath, my phone nearly slipping from my suddenly nerveless fingers.
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Because walking through the door, with his signature confident stride and that unmistakable Alpha presence that could silence a room, was Brad.
And he wasn’t alone.
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ie, Dec 30
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
