“I can protect myself,” Bellatrix replied. Eric tried to conceal the hurt her words had caused him, but she sensed it. Her expression softened and she said, “I am sorry, Eric. I didn’t mean to be rude. I am having fun at the ball, just like you wanted me to. I will have another dance, and then we will go home. Yes?”
Eric looked in Bellatrix’s eyes for a minute. She was happy, that he could see. He sighed and nodded. She was happy, and that was all that mattered.
Bellatrix beamed at him, and Eric smiled back, melting when he saw how happy she was. A waiter passed by, and Eric picked a few drinks, handing one to Antoine and Bellatrix.
“Oh, thank you, Eric,” she said. “I got so hot dancing.”
Eric smiled, his eyes on Antoine. His heart was seething in jealousy and envy. He knew he was prejudiced, but he could feel that there was something odd about him. Something in his gut. Perhaps it was just because he had gone after Bellatrix, Eric didn’t know. All he knew was that he really did not like this man.
“Finish your drink, Antoine,” Bellatrix said. “I want to dance once more.”
“Of course, my dear,” Antoine said. “Why don’t you go ahead, and I will come.”
Bellatrix smiled before walking off, and Antoine followed her. Eric watched him drain his wine in a flowerpot discreetly, and he frowned. It didn’t make sense. Why would he do something like that?
He watched as Bellatrix started dancing with Antoine, his jaw clenched. She looked so beautiful, and she was so brave and confident. Eric couldn’t believe the fact that he might lose her. Not when he had just mustered the courage to try and get her.
He stared at them for a while, and then he decided. He was going to do everything in his power to make her his. No matter what.
Chapter 4
Bellatrix
Bellatrix couldn’t stop smiling. Antoine was one of the most charming men she had ever met. He was handsome, attractive, and intelligent. He had seen the world, and he seemed to know about everything. There was nothing he couldn’t talk about, and Bellatrix had found it sexy. The wolf in her was awake, and she felt a desire in her body she had only ever felt once before.
Her wolf had stirred deep inside her for the first time when she had met Eric. It had confused her, but then after a few days, her wolf grew silent. She had forgotten all about it, until today when it woke up once again, but for Antoine.
She had left the ball after one dance, just as she had promised Eric. He was in a bad mood for some reason, and Bellatrix put it down to exhaustion. They had been traveling non-stop for a few days, and since she was a wolf, she had more stamina than Eric. She felt bad that she hadn’t even considered how he would be feeling. She had left the ball with Eric, but not before Antoine asked her for another date the next day.
She finished getting ready, putting on her earrings. She wore a simple pair of what the humans called high waisted pants, a tucked in shirt, and a pair of shoes. She looked up and saw Eric standing there, watching her.
“Aren’t you a bit too dressed?” he asked, giving her an amused smile.
“No?” Bellatrix said. “I know it’s just a simple café, but I wanted to look nice.”
“Café?” Eric asked, frowning. “But we are going hiking. I told you about that hilltop. I even packed a picnic.”
“Oh,” Bellatrix said. Eric had told her a few days ago, and she had actually been excited to see it. But she had forgotten all about it when Antoine asked her. “I forgot.”
“It’s okay.” Eric said, grinning. “You will be the best dressed hiker on the trail.”
“I am sorry, Eric,” Bellatrix said, her shoulder slumping. “Antoine asked me if I would be free for a date, and I said yes-.”
Eric just stared for a minute. Bellatrix didn’t know what to say, she couldn’t read his expression. She felt horrible about forgetting the plan, but she had really been looking forward to a date with Antoine.
“I see,” he said. “Well then, you will have to call him and tell him you can’t make it.”
“Eric,” she said. “I want to go with him. Can we please go hiking tomorrow instead?”
Eric stared at her once again, his expression unreadable.
“Alright,” he finally said and walked off, leaving Bellatrix feeling very confused. She forgot all about it though when she reached the café.
Antoine was already waiting for her, dressed in a simple white shirt and black pants. The top buttons of his shirt were open, giving him a very sexy look. Bellatrix smiled at him, and he instantly smiled back. He walked over and took her hand in his, placing a kiss on it. Her wolf stirred, and she took a deep breath to steady herself.
“You look absolutely stunning,” he said, holding her hand.
“You look pretty handsome yourself,” she replied, smiling at him.
