"What did you just say?" Patric's brows shot up. "Weren't you drunk a while ago?"

"That doesn't mean I can't understand you."

Patric took a sip of his drink and pointed. I turned to see a woman offering a seductive grin. This time, I recognized her; it wasn't Natalia.

As she waved, I gave her a stern look. Fear caused her to avert her gaze.

Irritated, I turned my stool to face the counter, resting my head on it.

"Adrian, can you listen to me?" Patric asked.

"Bro, why are you here? To bother me? Go back to work."

"Do you even know what time it is? It's late. You've been drinking for hours."

I remained silent.

"Those children aren't yours. Stay away from them. It's about your position and reputation, Adrian. As head Alpha, you can't—"

I opened my eyes, cutting him off. He looked away and finished his drink.

After pressing my palms against the counter, I sat up straight and ordered another drink. The bartender glanced at Patric, seemingly asking if he should serve me.

I glared. "Who's my Alpha? Him or me?"

"Y-You, Alpha."

"Then make me a strong one."

Terrified, he quickly made the drink. I grabbed it and downed it. The alcohol eased my mind.

"Drinking isn't a solution."

I gave Patric a stern look. "I'm already messed up. Don't bother me."

Patric slammed his glass down, frightening the bartender. He ordered the bartender to leave our section. The bartender nodded respectfully and moved away.

Patric turned to me. "I'm done with your mood swings."

I raised an eyebrow. "Have you forgotten who you're talking to? The person in front of you isn't just my Alpha; he's my best friend. What's wrong with you, Adrian? How long will you act like this? It's been more than—"

I averted my gaze. My glass was empty; I'd finished it without realizing.

I saw many bottles behind the bar. I signaled a waiter, who gave me a bottle and left. Patric shook his head in disappointment.

I laughed. "What? Think I can't drink anymore? I'm your Alpha. A few drinks won't get me drunk."

I opened the bottle and took several gulps before setting it down.

"So, what were you saying?" I asked. Patric looked exasperated.

"What do you want?" he asked, looking me in the eyes.

"Revenge. She cheated on me."

"Really? What about Lynda? I told you a thousand times to stay away from her while you were married. I was your dad's beta; I cared about you and your marriage. Your father-in-law thought she had the potential to be a Luna. He was right; she turned out to be an Alpha's daughter."

I grabbed his collar. "So what she did was right? Did I make someone pregnant behind her back? Who gave her the audacity—"

Patric sighed. "The past is the past, Adrian. You hate what she did; you need to move on and forget her. She can never be with you."

My hands trembled as I thought of letting Natalia go. Why couldn't I listen to Patric? I had Lynda; I could have started a new life years ago. Why did I keep thinking of her?

I clutched my chest, feeling discomfort. Was it the alcohol?

"I can't. She is—"

"She is no longer your wife."

"She's my mate. I won't let her move on," I mumbled.

Patric fell silent. I didn't look at him.

I stood to leave. Patric rushed over, putting my arm around his shoulder. "You're drunk. Let me drive you home."

I let him.

I lay on my bed, still in my clothes and shoes, remembering Natalia taking care of these things for me years ago. How did those memories surface?

I closed my eyes to sleep, but woke to a dream of a giant black wolf with blue eyes hunting me.

Distressed, I sat up, running my fingers through my hair. The wolf's face was visible in the darkness—an Alpha wolf I'd never seen before, not even in war.

"Who is that wolf?" I wondered.