Chapter 10 Another Breakthrough

• Jennifer's POV:
• "How is that even possible? No, no way!"
• Maya's shrill voice pierced the air again, but this time Claude stopped her.
• "Maya! Enough! We're leaving." His tone carried a trace of anger.
• "Claude, I think your taste in women needs some serious improvement," Brian mocked.
• He released the arm he'd draped around my waist. Then he walked up to Claude, casting a brief glance at Maya before delivering his biting remark.
• I was shocked by Brian's sharp words. I could see the embarrassment flash across Claude's face, but because of who Brian was, Claude had no choice but to swallow his pride. This gave me an unexpected sense of satisfaction.
• "Brian, I have something to do, so I'll be leaving," Claude muttered.
• Claude was a man who cared deeply about his pride. Maya's outburst had clearly embarrassed him, and with his dignity wounded, he muttered something to Brian before grabbing Maya and leaving in a hurry.
• "See that, Maya? Even a random guy Jennifer discovers is better than a cheating scumbag like you!" Daisy shouted after them, not missing the chance to get one last dig in.
• Once they left, I was unable to maintain the facade. The smile I had forced on my face faltered.
• I hesitated for a moment before stepping closer to Brian. "You didn't have to defend me like that," I said softly. "Their insults don't bother me ... but still, thank you."
• Brian didn't respond immediately. He simply glanced at Daisy before turning back to me, his tone cold. "Tell your friend to leave. We need to talk."
• His sudden shift caught me off guard. "There's nothing for us to talk about. If that's all, I'll be going now."
• For reasons unknown, looking into Brian's intense, unreadable gaze made me feel uneasy, like I was being pulled into something I couldn't escape.
• I grabbed Daisy's hand and wanted to leave. After everything that had just happened, I couldn't bring myself to face him right now.
• "Oh! You two should continue to chat; I just remembered I have something to take care of. See you later, Jennifer!" Daisy exclaimed.
• I had no idea what had gotten into her, but Daisy shook off my hand without a second thought. She tossed out a quick excuse and dashed off. She left me standing there, completely caught off guard.
• Just as I turned to make my escape, Brian grabbed my wrist.
• Without a word, he dragged me into one of the fitting rooms in the mall and slammed the door shut behind us. He pushed me against the wall, his hand grazing my lips, and his brown eyes filled with something dangerous—desire.
• "What are you doing, Brian?" I asked, my voice trembling, a terrifying thought flashing through my mind. No, that couldn't be it.
• Brian's gaze moved from my lips to my eyes, and he stared at me in silence for a moment before speaking, his voice hoarse, "Jennifer, I want another taste."
• "What? Taste of what?" I asked, bewildered, with my mind in a haze. I stared at him, confused about what he wanted—until he kissed me again.
• His large hand cradled the back of my head. His tongue brushed against my teeth before curling around me. Our bodies pressed tightly together, and I was enveloped in his scent—a strong, masculine aroma mixed with the fresh smell of pine. In the dizzying fog of the kiss, I couldn't help but notice the forest-like scent that clung to him.
• Wait! As his hand slipped under my shirt, a jolt of reality hit me. "No, Brian! We can't do this!"
• "Why not? I know you want this, and so do I. Why should we stop?" Brian's grip on my chest tightened, drawing an involuntary moan from my lips. My body betrayed me, begging for more of his touch and kisses.
• His hands roamed over my body. I felt the wetness between my legs. My legs gave way, and I leaned against his shoulder, panting heavily. My mind was a mess of reckless desire, guilt, and regret. But as Brian's mouth latched onto my chest, I realized if I didn't stop him now, we'd cross a line, and there was no turning back. Tears welled up, spilling down my cheeks as I cried out, "No, this isn't right. I would let Mr. Marcus down."
• Marcus was also our Alpha—and once my guardian. After my father disappeared, he took me in and protected me. I couldn't betray him. Marcus had always hoped Brian would find his true mate—someone strong enough to lead the pack with him and make us one of the top five packs. He had so many expectations for Brian, and being with me would only ruin him.
• "We can't … " Overwhelmed by guilt, my tears flowed uncontrollably. That was enough to extinguish Brian's desire, and he stopped. I couldn't bear to look at him as I pushed him away and bolted out of the room.
• I had thought Brian wouldn't let me leave so easily, but to my surprise, he didn't try to stop me.
• Walking down the street, I felt more lost than ever. I didn't know how I'd face Brian in the future, nor did I understand what his actions meant. Did he love me? Or was it just lust, a fleeting desire for someone?
• But there was something even worse. Marcus contacted me through telepathic connection. His voice carried the weight of authority.
• "Jennifer, come to the meeting room immediately."
• "Yes," I replied via telepathic, but the weight of my legs felt like stones.
• What I hadn't anticipated was that by the time I left that meeting, my steps would be even heavier. Marcus had just revealed a secret to me, a secret about Brian.