Octavia
Gabreil studied me with a scrutinizing gaze. His stony brown eyes were framed with long delicate lashes. His thick brows were furrowed and his enticing pink lips were set into a cold pout. His shiny black hair looked like it was pillow soft.
I was delightfully surprised when I saw that he was taller than me, with me being 5’11 and a half. He was alluring and devilishly handsome. And by Goddess, he smelled delicious. I licked my bottom lip at the thought. Gabriel’s gaze immediately followed my movement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please make way on the dance floor for the couple to have their first dance.” the DJ announced.
The spotlights turned to us, making the guests clap and clear a path. Gabriel offered his hand out to me. “Care to dance, wife?” he asked in a condescending tone. I wearily grabbed his hand and allowed him to lead me down to the center of the dance floor. I was beginning to feel like he didn’t like me.
Carlos Gardel's Por Una Cabeza began to play. I raised a skeptical eyebrow, “Do you know how to tango, husband?” A flicker of annoyance flashed across his face before he abruptly pulled me close. I suppressed my surprised gasp, trying to make sure my steps easily followed his as he spun me around the dance floor.
He held me tight, his hand hot on my lower back. I couldn’t help the foolish grin on my face. I was having fun. Gabriel’s eyes softened and he pulled me closer, only allowing just enough room for my legs to maneuver around.
This man had me captivated, drawing me into this spinning world that he’s created. The crowd became a blur and all I could see was him. Our heart beats became synced to the music. He was carrying me away to a world with just us. Gabriel stayed close, his breath warm on my face. His scent was making me dizzy. I wish we could dance forever, but I knew it would have to end. He spun me around one last time, our lips almost touching.
The crowd exploded into thunderous applause. Gabriel’s demeanor turned cold once again as he pulled his hands away. He cleared his throat, “So I believe there is something we haven’t discussed yet.”
My stomach fluttered, he must believe we're a pair too. Heat crept into my cheeks. “Yes, I was surprised too-”
“I assume you’ve already cashed your check. How much money do you intend to take from me?” he interrupted me, his voice charged with disdain.
My hazy mind cleared, “Excuse me?”
“What? Aren’t you proud that you’ve managed to hit the jackpot?” What an as*hole! I grimaced, my hand moving to slap him. He caught it, his smile dark. “Answer me.” he demanded. I stomped on his foot and yanked myself free. The audacity of this guy!
Gabe
Octavia stormed away, her figure getting lost in the crowd. I’m already struggling to hold back my anger, but I really can’t believe she had the balls to pretend to be innocent! I won’t allow her to play these games. I followed her retreating form, annoyed that she was already out of the ballroom. My strides were fast as I closed the distance between us. I grabbed her arm, forcing her to turn and look at me. She struggled in my grip, her eyes bright with fury.
“What the hell is your problem!?” she grunted, trying to pull away. Voices sounded off behind us. I gritted my teeth, unable to hide my irritation. I couldn’t let people see us arguing. I pulled Octavia to the closest room. She fought back, making me question my own strength. I slammed the door behind us, letting her loose. “Is there a reason why you’re acting like a damned caveman?!” she hissed, rubbing her hand.
I scoffed at her attempt to belittle me. Her chest heaved and strained against the thin fabric of her dress. F*ck. Why was I attracted to her? In the heat of my fury all I can think about is how damned sweet she smelled! I took a step towards her and she took a step back. I don’t know why, but the action pissed me off. I continued to stalk towards her until her back was pressed up against the wall. She took a step to the right and I followed. She tried to go left but I stopped her.
I put my hands on the wall, caging her in. I smirked at her rebellious glare. I studied my bride, trying to figure her out. When my plan to embarrass her with the dress failed, I thought I’d be redeemed by our first dance. She was supposed to fumble about like an i***t, not dance at an expert level. If only things went as planned!
Goddess, she really does look like royalty. “Why did you wear the dress?” I asked her in a low voice.
“Because it was a gift from my husband. I've never been given something so beautiful and it’d be disrespectful not to wear it.” Octavia held eye contact while she responded. It felt like she was being honest. I grunted, satisfied with her answer.
I leaned forward and inhaled her scent. My mouth watered, my teeth ached. The temptation to bite her was unbearable. She meekly tried to push me away. I quickly caught her hands and pinned them above her head. I held both wrists in one hand and let the other explore.
I caressed her neck, shoulders, back and torso, making sure I didn’t miss a single part of her jewel-clad body. She didn’t try to pull away, allowing me to continue. Octavia gazed at me with cautious eyes. Her breathing was hitched as she nervously bit her lip. My aroused growl startled her, making her bite too deep.
She swiftly licked the tiny bead of blood that formed, the shallow cut healing in an instant. It was too late. The scent of her blood set me on fire. I possessed her lips with a greedy hunger. I was disappointed that I couldn’t taste her blood, but her mouth tasted sweeter than her smell. She tugged her hands free and pulled me closer. She moaned into my mouth as her hands slid into my hair.
I lifted her up and placed her on the edge of the nearby table. I devoured her lips, not wanting to lose a second of pleasure. Our kiss was frantic as I placed myself between her legs, pulling her bottom closer to me. My hard length rubbed against her core, the thin silk doing nothing to conceal her heat.
I dropped my pants and pushed up her dress, revealing her soft panties. I wanted more. I wanted a real taste. I broke the kiss and moved to her neck. My canines started to shift, ready to puncture her skin. Atlas began to growl, telling me to stop. I was so close, I needed to taste her.
“Stop or I’ll rip her throat out!” Atlas threatened, his will trying to take over. I didn't care, I didn’t want to stop. My teeth touched her skin when she suddenly pushed me away.
“We can’t do that yet!” she yelped. I pulled back, confused. Octavia’s face was flushed, her lids heavy.
“Why do you smell so good?” I wondered.
“I think it’s because we are a pair.” she panted.
I tilted my head, “Pair? What is that?”
She frowned, “I thought you knew.”
“Knew what?”
“The gods have fated us to be together as a couple.” she quietly explained.
I took a step back, trying to understand. “L-Like a mate?” I spat.
Octavia looked confused as she slid off the table. “Yeah, pretty much. Are you ok?” she asked, reaching her hand out.
“Don’t touch me!” I bellowed, making her jump back. I snatched up my pants and continued to back away.
“Gabriel, why are you so angry?” her voice trembled.
“There’s no way I’ll accept this f*cking marriage.” I declared.
A tear fell from Octavia’s deep brown eyes, “Why are you being this way?”
“Did you think that being paired would make our marriage a happy one?! Did you really think stealing everything away from me would be that easy?” I yelled.
“I-I don’t understand.” she cried.
“We will never accept you. I will have this marriage annulled and you will be left with nothing.” I warned her as I charged out of the room.