CHAPTER 58

MIA POV.

As we chatted, I found myself laughing, feeling at ease, and forgetting the danger that lurked beneath his polished exterior. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and his smile could charm the devil himself. "You're a natural-born storyteller." I said, my voice filled with genuine admiration. Victor's gaze locked onto mine, his expression softening. "And you, Mia, are a captivating audience." The conversation between us flowed smoothly and the surrounding room melted away, leaving only the two of us. I felt seen, heard, and understood in a way that few people had ever made me feel.

As the evening unfolded and the champagne refilled our glasses, my initial reserve melted away, replaced by a warm, effervescent sense of ease, as Victor's quick wit, funny humor, made me laugh. I could hear pride in his voice as he spoke of his pack, of the struggles and triumphs, and I could see his passion and loyalty start to shine through. I sensed a depth to him, a complexity that went beyond the rumors and warnings, and I was starting to wonder if Dominic could have been wrong about him.

"I grew up as an orphan in the pack." he said, his eyes misting over with memories. "No family, no home. But I learned to adapt, to survive." He said, and he took a sip of his drink. “Growing up for me was hard too.” I said and swirled a finger around the edge of my glass. “I always knew I was adopted by the pack and even though I was welcomed, I was always sort of the outcast of the pack.” I said and Victor smiled. “It is because of hardships that makes us who we are today.” He said and I nodded. “I didn’t have it as bad as you, but I threw myself into my studies at a young age and when I was old enough, I grabbed my first scholarship that was offered to me. Since then, things have seemed to be getting better… I guess,” I said, sounding a little bitter at my last words. I took a pig sip of my champagne as Victor watched me.

"I also find solace in books, but my favorite was the tattoos." He said, and he looked down at his hands. The black designs danced across his skin in detailed images. “As I got older, I had to fight for my place in the ranks and I inked my victories into my skin to remember them. I smiled at him. “That would be quite the story to tell your grandkids one day.” I said, trying to uplift the morbid mood, and I was glad to see it work. Victor laughed as his eyes twinkled. “That it would, wouldn’t it?” He said and looked at me intently. “I just need to find myself a good woman to settle down with.” He said, and my throat suddenly felt dry.

Tony's abrupt appearance startled me. His face twisted in anger as he stood over us at the table and I instantly felt the tension clash in the air. Victor’s friendly demeanor changed as he glared at Tony for his interruption. "Mia, we need to talk," he growled, his eyes blazing with hostility toward Victor.

Before I could react, Tony's hand clamped around my arm, his grip tightening like a vice. "Now." he snapped, tugging me up from the table and away from Victor's side. I saw Victor jump to his feet, but I waved him goodbye as I stumbled after Tony. This seemed to make him stop from doing whatever he was going to do, but I could see him clench his jaws as the conflict flashed in his eyes.

"Tony, stop!" I protested, trying to wriggle free. "What do you think you are doing?" I demanded. Tony's eyes blazed with accusation, his voice low and menacing. "You have no idea who you were just talking to, do you? Victor Octavius, the Alpha of the Shadow Moon Pack. Our enemy, Mia. You're consorting with the enemy, Mia. My father will not be pleased when he hears about this." He said as he continued to drag me through the guests towards the exit.

I tried to explain, but Tony's words tumbled out in a furious cascade. "He's the one responsible for the attack on our pack, and you're sitting there, laughing and smiling with him, like he's some harmless acquaintance."

I dug in my heels, resisting his pull. "Tony, listen to me. I was just talking to him. That's all. I didn't know who he was at first, but then we started talking, and... and he's not what I expected."

Tony stopped in his tracks to turn and look at me, his expression incredulous. "Not what you expected? Are you actually defending him?" Tony asked, but it sounded more like an accusation. "No, Tony, I'm just saying…" But he cut me off, his voice rising. "You're not thinking clearly, Mia. You're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. Victor is a dangerous man and my father’s enemy.” Tony sneered in my face. I felt a surge of frustration. "Tony, please listen…" I tried again but he cut me off again. "No, Mia. I won't listen. We are leaving, and you are coming with me." Tony's grip on my arm tightened. Just as Tony was about to pull me along again, my father emerged from the crowd of guests, his eyes blazing with fury. "What the fuck do you think you are doing, boy? Let her go immediately." My father commanded, his voice low and even, but laced with a subtle threat. Tony's fingers hesitated, then tightened, his face reddening with defiance. "I'm taking her out of here.” Tony said with determination, but I could see a bit if hesitation.

“No, you will not. Release her, Tony. Now!” My father commanded, and I could feel Tony’s fingers starting to let go of my arm, but then my heart started to race. What would Dominic say if he didn’t come back? What would he do?” I wondered as a slight pang of fear coursed through me. I knew Dominic, he had already gone to great lengths to keep me under his roof, and he would go ballistic if I didn’t return? The air was heavy with tension as Tony's gaze locked onto my father's, the silence stretching like a challenge. “Enough!” I said loudly. Both men looked at me in surprise at my tone. I looked at them in turn before I addressed my father first. “Father, I have had a full day, and I am quite tired, and I have had a bit too much to drink, so I hope you understand.” I spoke and my father’s eyes softened as he looked at me. “I think it is time for me to leave, but thank you for the party though.” I said, and my father looked from me to Tony. “Of course, my Mia. You have a good night. Until next time.” My father said, and the tension in the room dissipated slightly as I diffused a potentially fatal situation. I stepped towards my father and kissed him on his cheek, before leaving with Tony.

Tony fumed all the way that we walked to the car. Clearly mad, but I think it was more due to a bruised ego than anything else. The bodyguards had also appeared out of nowhere and was now surrounding us while we made our way to the car. Better late than never. I thought, but it could also have been a possibility that they were watching from the shadows and only revealing themselves now.

One of the guards opened the car door for me and just when I was about to slide inside, I looked back at the party. My eyes scanned the few guests who had wondered outside… And then, I saw him. Victor stood on the steps, tattooed hands in his pants pockets, looking in my direction. From there, I could faintly make out a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He raised his hand, waving goodbye. Despite the turmoil swirling within me, my lips curved upward, returning his smile.

As the car pulled away from the party, I sank into the seat, my mind reeling with conflicting emotions. Victor's captivating presence, Tony's stern warning, and my father's manipulative plans… it all swirled together, leaving me disoriented, and I was not looking forward to facing Dominic once we got home.