Chapter 79

Chapter 0079

“Sorry, what were you saying, Darling?” she asked, her frown deepening.

“I’m going inside with Matt,” she snapped, her eyes filled with anger. She turned away, leaving him standing there.

Matt and I started to walk inside together. Ethan’s face turned pale when he realized his mistake.

“I think you should go after her, love-struck boy,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

Ethan didn’t find my comment funny. He looked worried and unsure of what to do next.

He quickly ran after her, trying to explain himself. I shook my head as I watched them walk away.

“Why do I get the feeling there’s some history between you two?” Walter asked, pulling my focus to him.

I was worried about what Gavin would think if he saw us talking alone. He would definitely be furious. I honestly thought Walter had gone back inside while Ethan and I were locked in that stare-down. I was surprised and maybe even a little startled to see that he hadn’t.

Walter was still here with me.

Even though I had just met him, I felt a part of me that trusted Walter. But I didn’t think I should tell him the truth about Ethan and me. I wasn’t sure how close he had been to Irene.

From what I saw earlier in the parlor, with both of them laughing and hugging, I’d say they are very close.

“There’s not,” I lied. “He’s just Irene’s fiancé. I never really talk to him.”

He tilted his head to the side, as if trying to understand what I was thinking. Then he nodded, not asking any more questions about Ethan and me.

“I’m sorry if I made things awkward between you and your…

, but it’s good to know how you feel.

Walter looked down, kicking at the dirt. He seemed like a child who had just been scolded. “He’s really intense,” he said.

“That’s an understatement,” I joked. “You don’t have to apologize, Walter, but it’s nice to hear how you feel.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” he said.

He shrugged and then looked up to meet my gaze.

“I hope he didn’t scare you away from me, though,” he added softly.

I raised my eyebrows at him, not quite sure what he meant.

“Wasn’t it you that he threatened?” I asked.

“He can take away whatever he wants,” Walter murmured. “I never wanted to be an Alpha. It’s what my father wanted for me. I just want to…”

I run my business and keep working hard to grow it. Every dollar I have earned is from my own efforts. I am wealthy because of my own successes, not because of the Landry family fortune. Uncle Gavin can’t take anything away from me.

“I don’t think that’s true, Walter. Your uncle is a Lycan Chairman, and as you know, the Lycans lead the werewolf community,” I reminded him. “He holds all the power in the world.”

“I’d like to see him try,” Walter said softly, crossing his arms over his chest.

I frowned at him as I went to gather my things. I pulled my phone out of my bag to check my text messages, trying to ignore the heaviness in the air.

I felt Walter’s eyes on me as I reached for my phone. Just as I was about to put it back in my bag, his voice stopped me.

“Can I give you my number?” he asked.

I froze and turned to look at him.

“Is that wise?” I asked him.

He shrugged.

“Probably not,” he replied, grinning slyly. “But maybe we could do more training. Or something else…”

My cheeks felt hot with embarrassment.

His words stuck with me.

“Something else?” I asked, raising my eyebrows in surprise.

He stepped closer, and I could feel the warmth of his hand on my arm. It was a nice touch, but it made my heart race.

I looked up at him, my lashes brushing against my cheeks, waiting for him to say more.

“I’d like to take you to dinner sometime,” he said, a bit shyly. “I’ve never met anyone as beautiful as you, Judy.”

“You are smart, strong, and quick on your feet. Let me take you out tonight.”

I stared at him in disbelief. Was he really asking me out after his uncle had just threatened him and nearly choked him to death?

I was waiting, expecting Gavin to show up at any moment. Walter gently held my chin between his thumb and index finger and tilted my head up so I could look into his eyes.

“Say yes,” he urged.

He spoke softly, “Let me show you how a man treats a woman. Let me take you out tonight.”

After a moment of silence, I noticed his face was so close to mine that I could almost feel his breath on my skin.

I finally whispered, “Okay… yes.”

**Chapter 80**