Adrian's POV

I watched her eyes widen, a clear sign she felt the mate bond too. I couldn't believe she was my mate! She even had a wolf! (Remove the promotional text.) It was a shock, a huge surprise.

While I gathered my thoughts, the scent of strawberries reached me – her scent. My mate's scent! Bewildered, I asked my wolf, "Is she my mate?" He only pressured me to relinquish control. I ignored him, shutting him away. I turned my attention to Natalia, who stared at me in astonishment.

Was she glad to have me back? Definitely overjoyed. Did she come here to get my attention? Did she use my name to gain access? If not, who would allow her into such an important event? My head swirled with questions.

Even if she used my name, I didn't mind. I wanted to know where she'd been, why she hadn't returned until now. She took deep breaths, as if calming herself, her expression shifting to indifference. Was she trying to show me she felt nothing?

It wasn't the mate bond I was focusing on; it was her inner feelings.

"'I'm qualified for this conference; why are you so surprised?'" Her reply was calm, composed. Her words hung in the air, enigmatic, leaving me uncertain. A veil obscured their meaning.

She wasn't the cowardly woman she once was. People usually feared me, but she met my gaze unflinchingly, unafraid. 'Is she really the Natalia I know?'

Unsatisfied with her response, I pressed on. "What pack have you been with all these years?"

"Alpha Adrian, I am no longer affiliated with the Crystal Blood Pack. I hope that suffices," she replied proudly.

Her use of my rank – addressing me as a stranger – fueled my fury. I glared. She looked away, scanning the hallway as if searching for someone. 'Who was she looking for while I stood right here?' I seethed.

Her disregard enraged me. How dare she ignore me? Where did she find this bravery? Others watched us, confused. They didn't know Natalia; I'd never brought her to a party during our marriage. Ignoring them, I focused on her.

It seemed she'd found someone else, about to leave me. My anger was indescribable.

I grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer. She flinched. "'What are you doing?'" she asked.

Ignoring her, I started to pull her away. "Alpha Adrian, please release my hand," she said, her tone falsely cold. Ignoring her again, she grabbed my arm.

I expected a plea for reconciliation, a peaceful conversation. But she surprised me, speaking in a low voice: "'I don't want to ruin anyone's reputation here. It would be best if you let me go. People are watching.'"

I snorted. Blackmail? Ruin my reputation? What damage could she possibly do?

I dragged her to a private room, pulling her close as we entered. Her soft body pressed against mine. Looking into her eyes, I realized how much I'd missed her. Her scent was intoxicating, and the mate bond made resisting the urge to mark her almost impossible.

"'Leave me,'" she said, pushing my chest. I recoiled, scowling. "'Leave you?'" My rage flared again. After feeling the mate bond, she still wanted me to leave?

I grabbed her arms. "'How can you come in and out of my life as you please?'"

Natalia frowned. "'We divorced five years ago. Please respect me.'"

I laughed. "'Respect you? You seem to have forgotten about drugging me to sleep with you.'"

For the first time in five years, I lost my temper.