Please don't think that I'm a creep.

Seth turned her head to face whoever spoke up. Just a few feet away from her stood Vlad, hands in his pockets, a wide grin plastered on his lips.

The usually calm male looked nothing like his usual self. The kind Alpha reminded Seth of a wicked maniac who had happened to get out of jail.

A killer on the loose, casually blending in the crowd, looking for his next victim. Seth raised an eyebrow at the male, but all he did was wink at her.

“Darling, you're late,” Vlad approached Seth, radiating power off of himself.

That was a whole new side of him since he didn't bother to show off his superiority when they met for the first time. Now, he showed off his larger frame and incredibly muscular arms.

Who would have known that under those layers of clothing, he hid such a fit frame?

When Vlad stood next to her, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in. His action was more than an obvious way to claim her as the said girlfriend.

Besides, him being an Alpha would make the lion step off - even a pride leader wouldn't be dumb enough to fight a fully grown Alpha wolf.

“Yeah, sorry, I lost track of time while choosing these gifts. I'm sure everyone will be happy to see the little things I managed to find.” Seth looked up at Vlad; a genuine smile appeared on her lips.

She spoke the truth, she didn't have much to hide, and she was genuinely happy about the successful shopping trip. Asides meeting the lion, of course - that wasn't something she wanted to do.

“Yeah, that pretty much sums it up; I wouldn't expect anything different when it comes to you. Anyway, who is this cat parody here?” Vlad turned his attention to the lion, who stood a few steps away, visibly uncomfortable.

“Let's say I'm just a kind person who offered the young lady an umbrella.” The lion did his best to avoid getting deeper into the conversation; there were a couple of things he'd rather keep to himself.

“Well, from where I stood, it looked like you were around for way too long to kindly offer help. Not going to lie; I feel like you tried to harass my woman. Bad move, pal. Would you like to stay for longer, let’s say fuck around and find out?” Vlad let go of Seth and pushed her behind his back, shielding her from the cocky lion.

By now, even he had heard rumors of Seth's engagement, but Alpha took his time to get more information. Vlad thought that he knew more than others, still he was held in the dark about the fact that he wasn't the only Alpha out there, looking for Seth.

Unlike others, Vlad didn't believe in everything he was told.

He pulled a few strings to find out how the engagement happened. Funny enough, Seth had never met the man she was supposed to marry, nor did she know how the man looked like or how he would treat her.

It was said that the pride leader would marry for the fifth time; his previous wives disappeared within the first year of their marriage. Many had stated that the leader had nothing to do with the mystery, but only a fool would believe those statements.

Each of his wives, and even some mistresses, disappeared as if they weren't around in the first place. Even information about them was erased, and the leader, of course, married again soon after losing a wife.

His previous wife disappeared only three months ago - Vlad knew that something sketchy was happening around that pride. No man would marry again in such a short period of time if he cared about the missing wife.

“Well, making the young lady uncomfortable wasn't my intention, if that would be what you assumed, sir. I might have overheard a bit of her mumbling and misunderstood the lady. My apologies,” the lion slightly bowed, trying to show off regret.

The man failed; it was easily visible that he didn't feel bad for anything he had said or done.

“Explain,” Vlad was a truly terrifying man, if only he wanted to be one.

He didn't care about being in the center of attention - bringing unneeded attention.

Arguments and fights were more than usual between men, but those rarely happened between those who didn't come for the same pack or pride. Seeing a lion and wolf fighting was nearly a once in a lifetime experience.

“Well, the young lady mentioned her name when she noticed it was raining. It caught my interest, to say the least. You see, I am about to marry a woman who has the same name, and she happens to be a puma, the same as this young lady. Perhaps it's just a misunderstanding, but for a moment, I thought that I've run into my bride without knowing who exactly she was.” Now, the lion didn't lie anymore.

Even though he hid behind a possibility, his words were somewhat sincere. The lion did think that she was the bride, and technically she was, but he never expected to meet a wolf she was supposedly dating.

How could the puma Alpha forget to mention that his daughter was in a relationship with a wolf?

Perhaps, he didn't have an idea of what was happening in his daughter's life, or the old fool cared only about the offer of land. Then again, Alpha wolf could offer more than a broke lion.

“This better be a damn misunderstanding, or else I would be worried that you won't get out alive,” Vlad growled, taking a step closer to the lion.

Seth stood aside, watching how the kind and cute man turned into a killing machine as soon as she was in danger. His actions reminded her of Luciano, and now she was wondering if both wolves related in one way or another.

Aside from the uncomfortable and slightly scary situation Seth couldn't stop admiring Vlad. This new side of him excited her.

She zoned out for a bit, enough time to miss how the lion had left, and Vlad turned around to face her again. Only when his arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her in did Seth get back to her senses.

He leaned closer, hiding his face in the crook of her neck. “Do you have any idea how worried I was? You left without bothering to leave a note or any clue to where you work. I didn't have your phone number, and whenever I asked around about you - everyone claimed to know nothing. I've been trying to find you all this time. Did I offend you or make you feel uncomfortable? If I did, I'm so sorry.” Vlad mumbled against her neck.

He sounded more like a regretful ex-boyfriend than someone who had barely got to know her. His confession confused Seth, but she decided to ignore it and wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

“Sorry, I had to work, and the past weeks have been a bit crazy, so I didn't have time to go back even if I wanted to. I'm the one who should be sorry, not you.” Seth mumbled under her breath.

Thankfully, the ones who arrived to watch over the fight that never happened finally left. Seth and Vlad had some time in private before she would try to sneak back home.

“I'm glad that you're alright,” Vlad faced Seth, cupping her cheek.

His eyes traveled down to her lips. The whole setting was a romantic movie setting worthy - him, staring into her eyes, taking a glance at her lips, and swallowing a lump in his throat. Then, he leaned in, gently pressing his lips against hers.

Seth closed her eyes and gladly returned the favor - kissing him back. Many would swear that Seth and Vlad were real lovers if anyone saw them - the gentle intimacy between them sent sparks all over the place.

Vlad broke their kiss and pressed his forehead against hers, eyes still closed. “I did miss you,” he whispered more to himself than Seth.

The kiss was his attempt to determine if he felt something for her like he had thought thus far. It didn't disappoint - his point was proven then and there.

“Vlad, aren't we supposed to be friends? I don't think that friends kiss in the rain,” Seth giggled like a child.

He made her feel like she was back in school, living through her first love, first kiss, and the most beautiful firsts she could think of.

“Here we go again; I kind of want to be more than friends,” Vlad smiled, once again pressing his lips against Seth's.

He was a great kisser, in all the wrong ways. One kiss made her feel more than she wanted to feel - her hunger for closeness growing within seconds. Seth grabbed his jacket's collar and pulled him closer, refusing to let go of him.

They stood under the rain, kissing for what seemed to be hours. Everything around them faded; there was only Seth and Vlad. If the lion crept somewhere near, spying on them to find out if the relationship was fake - he'd face great disappointment.

Seth's phone rang at the worst moment possible, startling them. She didn't want to answer the call, but it did bring her out of the intoxicated state. She had to face reality - she was to return to Henry's house; they must be worried.

When their lips parted, both kept panting for breath, still holding each other, afraid to let go of the magical moment. Vlad kissed the top of her head, like a true gentleman he was.

“Where have you been? Or is this another of your many secrets?” He questioned Seth, wondering if he had to let go of her tonight. If anything - this was the last thing he wanted to do.

“I had to hide away for a little. Since you're in Council territory, I'm sure you've heard many things by now.” Seth let out a deep sigh, fearing that Vlad would view her as a whore.

Everyone probably knew about Luciano and his doings, all because Seth agreed to leave for a bit. If only the Alpha was a little less dominant - they would face fewer problems overall. Luciano became way too possessive, way too quickly.

“Yes, I've heard of the engagement. That's one of the reasons why I kept searching for you.” Vlad had nothing to hide, so he added how he managed to find her before Seth questioned him: “I might have paid a lot of money to one Council member, and he gladly spilled the beans. No, truth to be told, he did more - he gave me the address, all phone numbers and even offered a guard to accompany me. Those men are ridiculous these days - supposed to make sure that everything happens by the law, but buying them is easier than getting a bottle of beer in the supermarket. Now, when you know how I found you, you'll probably want to know how I ended up here. Well, I drove to the address, watched over you for a couple of hours and noticed you leaving. First, I wanted to stay there and wait for your return, but I decided to ensure your safety from a safe distance. Great decision, if you ask me. Please don't think that I'm a creep.” Vlad's confession made Seth burst out in laughter - the Alpha decided to spill everything on his own, hoping that she didn't see him as a weirdo.

“Don't worry, if anything, I'm happy you're here. Mind to walk me home? We're drenched anyway; we have nothing to lose,” Seth offered Vlad to hold her hand as they went down the street.

He grabbed all of her bags, adding that a woman shouldn't carry heavy things on her own - that was what he was for. The kind, yet geeky action made Seth like him even more.

Seth wasn't in any relationship with Vlad, but he sure did make her feel as if they were a couple. A couple, deeply in love, absolutely crazy about each other. Of course, deep down, she was worried about his reaction when he'd find out about everything that happened between her, Luciano, and Dominic.

But then again - she was a free woman; she didn't have a relationship with those men, just a few times to share a good time.

As they walked back to the guard's home, Vlad tried his best to update Seth about the competition. Many men lost their place and had to leave the territory.

By now, only about ten Alphas were left, Vlad including. Seth didn't want to know anything about the competition - it made her feel sick. If not that damned event, she wouldn't get to that territory in the first place.

However, she tried her best to show off the happiness she felt for Vlad. He was a great man who would become an even greater King - with him, the wolves would lead a remarkable life.

Vlad would be the type of King who'd put his people in the first place, making every decision based on the effect it left on everyone under his power.

“Where are you staying?” Seth suddenly thought of hit words - he had watched over her. Did he park his car somewhere near and intended to sleep in it tonight?

“Probably in my car, for now, don't worry. I'll look for a hotel tomorrow, but I can't stay here for too long, the competition is still going on, remember? My next fight is going to happen in three days, so I can stay today and tomorrow without causing any problems.” Vlad glanced at Seth and smiled, trying to reassure her.

On the other hand, Seth wouldn't be able to sleep, knowing that the Alpha had to sleep in the car.

As they walked closer to the house, she quickly thought of a better way out; she would ask Alyssa to allow Vlad to stay in the guest house. Perhaps, if she said that he was her boyfriend, the woman would crack easier.

In no time, they approached the fence close to the family home, and Seth dragged Vlad inside the house with her.

“Guys, I'm home; come meet my boyfriend, Vlad,” Seth yelled out, listening to the small footsteps nearing her.

Kids were ecstatic to meet the Alpha - he was more than happy to help them unwrap the gifts and spend extra time playing with the children. While the Alpha was busy, Alyssa dragged Seth outside and demanded an explanation.

“Listen, he's here to look after me, but he's leaving in two days max. Vlad wanted to sleep in his car, but I can't digest the thought when he saved me from the lion. Not any other lion, but THE LION, the one my father arranged for me to marry. Please, I'll explain more after he leaves, and I'll leave myself if any problems grow from this. I promise it'll be okay.” Seth begged the woman, trying to add many details but avoid getting deeper in.

They didn't have enough time in privacy, at least not yet.

“As long as you're safe and are sure we can trust him.” The woman hugged Seth, reminding her how worried she had been after noticing Seth's absence.

There was more scolding to come as soon as the Alpha would leave.

Both women went back inside, watching how Alyssa's son used Vlad as a horse while the little girl laughed at them. Seth and Alyssa watched over the scene with wide smiles on their faces.

No matter how rough Alpha's were said to be, some were born fatherly figures. It took awhile to get the kids back to their beds, but finally, Seth and Vlad left the house and headed towards the guest house in the backyard.

She unlocked the door, mumbling under her breath: “Sorry, it's not as spacious as your house, but it's cozy and warm.”

Seth expected an answer, but as soon as she closed the door and locked it, Vlad groaned a quiet “finally” and turned to face her. Before Seth could react, he grabbed her by the sides of her face and slammed his lips over hers, pushing Seth against the door.