Natalia stood frozen, her hand still suspended in mid-air as Alexander's presence filled the boutique. His eyes were cold steel, locked on her like a predator assessing prey.
"My card," he said, his voice deceptively calm.
She dropped the card onto the counter as if it had burned her, forcing a brittle laugh. "Alex, darling, I was just having a little fun with your... guest."
"Apologize to my mate. Now."
The command in his voice was unmistakable - pure Alpha authority that made even me shiver slightly. Natalia's face paled beneath her perfect makeup.
"I'm... sorry," she muttered, the words dripping with insincerity.
I lifted my chin, meeting her gaze directly. "Your apology is as genuine as your highlights, but I'll accept it anyway."
Alexander's lips twitched slight
