Coffee Shop Confrontation

The bell above the café door chimed as Laura walked in, the warmth and scent of coffee a sharp contrast to the storm brewing in her chest. She headed straight for a table near the window, choosing a spot where she could see the street—and any potential threats.

Victor followed, drawing more attention than she liked. Too tall. Too confident. Too Alpha. A few heads turned as he passed, but he ignored them all, his focus fixed solely on her.

They sat across from each other, a small round table separating them.

"Fifteen minutes," Laura reminded him.

Victor nodded. "Understood."

A waitress came by, and Laura ordered black coffee. Victor ordered the same. When they were alone again, silence settled between them, thick and uncomfortable.

"You said my father's pack is watching me," Laura said, getting straight to the point. "Explain."

Victor leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Two scouts crossed into my territory last night. They were careful, but not careful enough."

Her jaw tightened. "He sent them."

"Yes."

She wrapped her hands around her mug as it arrived, grounding herself in the heat. "What do they want?"

"You," Victor said simply. "Alive, preferably. Cooperative."

"And if I'm not?"

His gaze hardened. "Then they'll use force."

Laura swallowed, anger flaring. "Figures."

"I won't allow it," Victor said firmly.

She laughed softly, without humor. "You don't get to decide that for me."

"I get to protect what's mine," he replied before he could stop himself.

The words hung between them.

Laura's eyes snapped up. "I'm not your possession."

Victor exhaled slowly. "That's not what I meant. You're my mate—and whether you accept it or not, my wolf will defend you."

Her pulse quickened, traitorous and undeniable. "You barely know me."

"I know enough," he said quietly. "You're trained. You're smart. And you don't run unless you have a damn good reason."

She studied him for a long moment, searching for lies. She found none.

"What do you want from me?" she asked.

"Stay," Victor said. "On my land. Under my protection."

"And the price?"

"There isn't one."

Laura scoffed. "There's always a price."

Victor's expression softened. "Then let me earn your trust."

The bond hummed between them, warm and insistent, urging her closer even as her mind screamed caution.

Her fifteen minutes were almost up.

"I'm not joining your pack," she said finally. "And I'm not going back to my father."

Victor nodded. "I expected that."

"But," she continued, meeting his eyes, "I'll stay. For now. On my terms."

Relief flashed across his face before he masked it. "Your terms."

She stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "You don't follow me. You don't make decisions for me. And you don't show up uninvited again."

Victor rose as well. "Agreed."

She hesitated, then added quietly, "And if my father's wolves come?"

Victor's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Then they'll answer to me."

Laura held his gaze for a beat longer, then turned and walked out.

Victor watched her go, the mate bond thrumming through his veins.

Fifteen minutes had been enough.