Rule No 1: Don't fall for the Alpha

Chapter 10

Tonight, I felt dangerously irresistible. Part of it was vanity—I couldn't deny the thrill of knowing I looked flawless, sexy. The rest was the reckless anticipation simmering in me, the thought that Lucien might appear out of nowhere, storm into the club, and drag me into his arms. That possibility alone made me determined to look hotter than ever.

My skirt was scandalously short, the corset cinched so tightly around my waist I could hardly breathe—but who cared about breathing when you had to look hot? The boning lifted and shaped my breasts just right. My hair, messily air-dried, fell in soft spirals around my long face, brown glossy waves tumbling over my shoulders.

The mirror had been kind tonight. My makeup, subtle but sharpened with a smoky edge, gave me a dangerous allure. My bow lips, painted a deep, unapologetic red, looked plump and inviting, a perfect contrast to the glow in my wide brown eyes. And maybe it was my imagination, or maybe I'd put on a little weight, because my neck no longer looked so thin and bony. Instead, there was softness there, a quiet fullness that made me smile. I loved it. I loved me.

Beside me, Sarah wore a red jumpsuit that clung to her every curve, the fabric shimmering faintly under the passing streetlights. A delicate diamond necklace glinted at her throat, and her earrings swung with every tilt of her head. I'd spent hours perfecting her curls—her hair was thin, unlike mine, so air-drying never worked. Now it cascaded thick around her face and shoulders. She didn't know it, but styling her had been my distraction, something to keep me from drowning in the mess of Lucien.

I didn't turn on my phone until we were in the cab. Even then, I hesitated, thumb hovering above the screen. I knew what my silence would've done to him—how it would've eaten at him. And even though it was eating at me too, I swallowed it down. I have to be strong—if I'm not, men will keep playing me. I have to think like them, play their games the way they do, or I'll end up used over and over till I lose myself.

When I finally opened the app, his messages glared back at me.

LAST NIGHT Lucien: I don't know what you mean by "two can play the game," because I'm not playing a game with you. Lucien: If I see any man near you—if he so much as lays a finger on you—I'll rip him apart. That's a promise. I'll ruin him so completely, he'll never dare touch another woman again. Lucien: Allison, I've been calling. Are you really going to ignore me? Alright. Cool.

TODAY 9:45 AM — Lucien: Hey, babe. I've been calling. 5:00 PM — Lucien: Please talk to me. Ask whatever you want, I'll answer you.

I was torn between ignoring him and replying. In the end, I chose the latter—first, because I honestly couldn't resist after seeing his message, and second, because it was the perfect chance to make him panic. I wanted him unsteady. Wounded. Desperate. Biting my lip, I savored the sight of his desperation as I crafted my reply, every word sharpened to make him even angrier.

Me: I'm in the cab with my friend, heading to the club to have fun seeing as you've sucked the life out of me. Me: I'm so done with your bullshit. Nothing you say has an effect on me. Not anymore. I will take your call only when I feel like it.

His reply came instantly. I burst into laughter, my eyes sparkling with wicked delight.

Lucien: You call me "Big Wolf," don't you? Lucien: Do you honestly want to put my strength to the test?

A wave of heat crashed through me. My pussy clenched, my pulse spiked, and anticipation clawed at me. The very thought of him hunting me down, of him finding me—it sent fire through my veins. But I wasn't about to be anyone's fool. If he wanted me insane, then he'd have to lose his mind first.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Sarah asked, suspicious, trying to peek at my phone.

I angled away, pressing myself against the window. "You're nosy tonight."

"You're being secretive," she said, her brows furrowing.

I lifted a hand, stopping her mid-lean. "Relax, girl. You'll find out soon enough."

She finally settled back, though her eyes still lingered on me. A grin tugged at my lips as I sank back into the storm brewing on my phone.

Me: I'm not scared of you, Lucien. Do your worst.

God, I was burning up. The cab's air conditioner was blasting, yet sweat beaded at the back of my neck. My thighs squeezed together instinctively, desperate to ease the throbbing between my legs.

Lucien: You shouldn't be scared. I'd never harm you, baby girl. But don't expect me to show mercy to anyone else—especially if they dare to touch what's mine.

Me: I am not yours. Get over your head and accept it.

I typed with trembling urgency, biting my lip hard. My clit pulsed with every word exchanged, every promise of violence and devotion. I wanted him to unleash it all on me—to devour, consume, claim me with every ounce of his fury.

Another beep.

Lucien: You're testing me, Allison. Me: Then stop me. I dare you. Lucien: Baby girl, we both know your heart is mine. Me: That's why I plan to rip it out. Me: Bye, Lucien.

I smirked, switching off my phone with finality. Let him stew. Let him chase. If he was half as powerful as he claimed, he'd find me. And God help me, I wanted him to.

"If he's so all-knowing," I muttered under my breath, "let him come."

"Tonight's going to be good," I announced, grinning at Sarah, who was distracted watching a couple fight in the car next to us at the light.

"You sound unusually excited," she said slowly, curiosity in her tone.

"I am," I replied, dragging my teeth over my lip.