The atmosphere shifted immediately. The goblet hovered just below her lips, her gaze meeting that of Dominus.

The wine felt heavier in her mouth,bitter on her tongue and her eyes darted away immediately.

Dominus stood there. Tall and handsome.The last thing he had expected was to see Nia and Brevin chatting and having a good time.

He can't quite explain it but he wished it was him sitting across that table right now and making her laugh the way she's doing right now,he had heard her voice right from the hallway.

Brevin sat up, his feet propping up. He reached for the half empty jar of wine and turned to Dominus. “ Come join us Trust you'd love her company”

Dominus' jaw tightened at once,he stepped fully inside the room as he closed the door behind him.

His eyes darted back to Akira and she shifted ,her heart racing as she dropped the goblet down with both of her shaky hands. She quickly jumped down from the chair, her hands twirling with her dress.

“I— I was only—”. She tried to speak but Brevin cut in smoothly……

“You were following orders,”

“Mine, to be precise. I asked her to drink with me.” he pointed out to Dominus with a teasing smile.

Dominus didn't say a word to his brother,

He walked towards the table slowly, his boots clicking against the clean floor Akira had scrubbed,as he walked he didn't look at Brevin he only looked at Akira..

Brevin didn't notice anything. He was still chuckling and laughing from Akira innocent replies to his funny questions.

Meanwhile Akira's face flushed, her throat tightening, she couldn't hold his gaze for a second. But she felt it hit against her face,

Dominus stare? It was hot and possessive all at the same time.

He walked past her and grabbed the goblet in front of Brevin. With that he downed the gulp trying to force himself not to say a word. He didn't like the scene he just walked into, he'd preferred I'd it was with him.

Brevin raised an eyebrow at Dominus.” Good wine right?”

He asked, eyeing Dominus with a smirk.

However Dominus didn't respond, he just set the goblet down harder than necessary which made Akira flinch at the sound. She wished she could just walk out right now,each time she walks into Dominus or with him she's never comfortable. One minute she feels she might just realize she is the one and take her back. Here might not be safe but it's safer than going back to being his plaything.

Dominus finally walked past her again, this time close,too close.His eyes roamed her face slowly,from the curve of her cheekbones to her jaw then lower to her collarbone then down to her clothes.

That was the only barrier between her and his hunger. Something primal burned within him.

Tearing those clothes off and taking her is the only thing closest to making him feel just how his Akira used to make him feel.

Dominus felt something stir within him in return,his cock.

It jerked up and he quickly reached for a seat,he can't let her see what he feels right now..

His gaze lingered in her lips then her throat. Succulent. He wants it so bad.

Silence pulsed between them but Brevin is too focused, emptying the jar into his stomach.

Dominus hated how much she affected him. How his wolf pressed against his skin every time she was near — pacing, agitated, confused despite she wasn't their mate..He hated that he wanted to grab her wrist and pull her back to the chair, just to sit across from her and hear her laugh again.

But he hated it more that it wasn’t him who made her laugh tonight.

Dominus finally turned to her.” You're dismissed. Leave.”

But before she could scurry away, Brevin raised his head to her.” Nia,” he called out in a sweet voice that made Dominus swell with rage and jealousy.” We'll catch up some other time. Perhaps you should be my drinking partner. You hold liquor so well.”

Dominus watched her go. His eyes never left her back.He didn’t know what burned more—the sight of her laughing beside his brother, or the fact that they were going to be meeting again,they just scheduled a meeting right in front of him.

After Akira left she heaved a deep sigh of relief at the door before she proceeded outside the place.

Meanwhile Brevin continued to drink, not caring Dominus was glaring at him.

Are you trying to get yourself drunk so you don't come for dinner tonight before the silent howling night?” Dominus asked, concerned.” Are you trying to avoid it?”

“Tomorrow is the full moon. Why would you want to avoid it?”

Brevin furrowed his brows in confusion.” Avoid it?..... No I'm not. Far from that. This wine is just too good.”

Dominus scoffed at not believing one of his words.” Everyone will be drinking all night so why drink now?”

“Come on,” Brevin urged.” I can hold my liquor and you know it. It's not about avoiding anything. Besides, what's my business with the rites when I have no wolf?”

Dominus rolled his eyes,he already knows Brevin doesn't waste any time in throwing in that he has no wolf on everyone's face. With that Dominus pushed the chair backwards propping himself up.

“ Come out for dinner, it's time..”

“What about uncle Ragnar?”

“ I am about to go call him now”