Page 46 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

"Jennifer," he acknowledges, his voice a low rumble. "I see you've met Julia."

"Just getting acquainted," Jennifer replies, her composure returning too quickly. "Girl to girl."

"I'm sure." Adrian's grip on me tightens slightly, his fingers spreading on my stomach in a display of intimacy that makes her face turn pale. "Let me clarify one thing, for everyone's benefit." His gaze sweepsthe gathered crowd. "Julia is my choice. How and when we formalize our bond is no one's concern but ours."

Jennifer's smile turns brittle.

"Of course, Adrian. Far be it from me to question the future alpha's judgment." She steps back, inclining her head slightly. "I look forward to seeing how this all… resolves."

As she walks away, I realize I've been holding my breath. My legs feel wobbly now that the adrenaline is fading.

Adrian guides me to a quiet corner, his expression tight with concern. "Are you alright? What did she say to you?"

"Nothing I couldn't handle." My voice shakes slightly, betraying me. "Though I might have called her a junkyard dog."

A surprised laugh escapes him. "You didn't."

"I did." I close my eyes briefly. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."

"Embarrassed me?" He cups my face in his hands. "Julia, you have no idea how proud I am right now. Do you know how many wolves would dare stand up to Jennifer like that? Not many."

"I was terrified," I admit. "But also, I don't know. Angry. Possessive, almost. It surprised me."

Something flickers in his eyes. "Possessive?"

I nod, feeling suddenly vulnerable. "I didn't like her talking about you like you belong to her. Like what's between us doesn't matter."

Adrian's thumb brushes my cheek. "It matters. You matter."

From the main hall, music begins to play, a rich, rhythmic melody that seems to vibrate through the wooden floors.

"Come," he says, taking my hand. "I want to dance with my mate."

He leads me back to the main hall, where space has been cleared for dancing. Couples already move together at the center, theirmovements fluid and graceful, in sync with the slow rhythm of a country song. Adrian pulls me into his arms, one hand at my waist, the other clasping mine.

"Just follow me," he murmurs close to my ear.

We move in tune to the music, our bodies flush together, so close I could feel his heartbeat against my chest. I'm acutely aware of all the eyes on us, especially Meredith's unwavering gaze from across the room.

But as the music swells, I lose track of our audience. Adrian's eyes hold mine, intense and warm. His body moves with mine as if we've danced together a thousand times. For those moments, nothing exists except the connection between us, the rhythm guiding our steps, the warmth of his hand against my back.

When the music ends, Adrian leads me through glass doors onto a wide porch. The night air is cool against my flushed skin, the stars brilliant above the towering pines.

"What did Jennifer mean about a mate mark?" I ask, unable to hold back the question any longer. “And why didn’t you give me one when we had sex? Is it because I’m only temporary?”

Adrian stills beside me.

"She said that to you?"

I nod, watching his expression carefully.

"She said without it, I'm just temporary."

“She should not have said that.” His jaw tightens. “The mating mark is a bite given during intimate moments that seals the bond between mates. It leaves a scar, visible proof of the connection.”

"And you haven't given me one."

"No." His eyes find mine in the darkness. "Julia, once that mark is made, there's no turning back. I would be connected to you forever and you to me. I would feel your emotions, and you would feel mine. My wolf would be linked to you until one of us dies. If you ever left afterward, it would be torture for both of us."