"So how about it, Gabriel?" The elderly owner of Graphite, the whole-sale communications provider, looked at him curiously, "Are you thinking of investing?"

Gabriel smiled, "Of course I am, John. But it's not the right time. The new CEO looks like he wants to split operations. Once they settle their new structure, there will be plenty of time to buy shares."

"Right, right." John nodded, tipping his drink to his mouth. He was one of five Massachusetts billionaires present in a room full of Boston's whose-who. And he, like everyone else, had come to discuss business.

Gabriel didn't mind his guests having ulterior motives for joining the charity cocktail, not when thanks to that, Lupus Corps Charity would be able to feed, clothe, educate and provide healthcare for hundreds of kids all year round.

"Mr. Moncrief, Harley darling, have you tried this - oh, I forget what it's called - this chickpea and avocado dish? It is simply to die for." Gabriel excused himself as John's wife proceeded to feed her husband a platter of appetisers.

Alex's menu was a hit, as he had known it would be. Not only did his guests love it, they were all impressed by the choices she had managed to provide for all kinds of complicated diets. Whether they were on a ketogenic regime, vegan or only ate helal certified, she had thought of something that would work for them and then some.

"Gabriel?" Marianne called his name, two drinks in her hands. She was wearing a tiny sequin dress that was more suited to a dance-club than a cocktail. "I brought you your favourite, you won't reject it, will you?"

He took the glass of whisky from her hand, reading her thoughts as their fingers brushed. "You shouldn't have come, Marianne. Our engagement is over, it has been settled between our packs and no amount of pleading will change that."

"You think you can find someone better than me?" Marianne screeched, then took a quick step back when he let his wolf rise. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean -"

"Gabriel, there you are!" Theo appeared at his arm and moved him away from the fuming model. "Catching up with your old flame?" He asked when they were out of earshot.

"Are you trying to get on my nerves?" Gabriel grumbled.

"Actually I'm trying to calm them," was his cousins cheeky response. Brushing invisible lint off of Gabriel's Cucinelli suit jacket, Theo made a wistful expression. "Not that you've been calm since New York."

"Theo, whatever you're driving at-" Gabriel stopped mid-sentence.

She had just walked into the room, he could feel it, but Gabriel refused to turn around to look. Alex. It angered him that his plan to forget her had not panned out. Since New York, every time he wanted to go to see her, he had set up a date with someone else instead. Two lunches, three dinners; he had been working into the early hours of the morning just to make up the time he lost accompanying other women. And it had been an utter waste of time, because he could not get his mind off of one unreadable Chef.

"Ah look, Luca just arrived. Looks like he brought a date..." Theo's words drifted off, his eyes taking on a look of appreciation that had Gabriel turning.

Her black hair braided into a crown around her head, Alex was wearing an expensive-looking white silk jumpsuit with a low cut back. The crystals tips of her high heels sparkled under the ballroom's chandelier. The slim line of silver around her neck was attached to a crystal flower which brushed against the bare skin of her back.

Guests, staff, even Theo couldn't seem to stop looking at her as she moved forward beside an animated Luca.

"Hell no."

"What?" Theo's question was forgotten as Gabriel made a bee-line straight to Alex's side. He didn't bother to greet Lucas, didn't say anything at all as he took her hand and led her towards the center of the room.

Alex started to pull away, but Gabriel brought her closer, his hand brushing the warm skin of her back. There was no point in denying it. He couldn't stop himself anymore.

"What are you doing?" Alex whispered as they began to move amongst the handful of couples on the dance floor.

"I'm dancing with you," Gabriel said the obvious, because he didn't know what else to say. He thought getting her out here and holding her would calm the need to stake his ownership, but touching her was driving him mad.

"Mr Moncrief, everyone is watching us," her green eyes were pleading, a flush of embarrassment on her cheeks.

"Let them watch." He wouldn't let her go. Ignoring her hadn't worked. Alex Turner refused to leave his mind. So there was only one other way to end this obsessive desire. He would make her his.

The song ended, but Gabriel did not let go of Alex's hand. He pulled her, this time with a bit more finesse, to the terrace doors. As expected during a Boston winter, no one was outside. He moved them to the far end of the terrace, out of site of the windows.

"Seriously, what's going on?" Alex pulled her hand free and rubbed her arms. "It's freezing out here. If you have something to say, do it inside!"

He grabbed her as she turned, pushing her against the hotel wall while claiming her mouth with his own. The contact was electrifying, his wolf howled in pleasure as Gabriel explored her back with his hands. "Be mine, Alex."

She pulled her mouth away, staring up at him in surprise.

"I want you. You want me." He skimmed the back of his knuckles along her porcelain skin, loving the way she bit her bottom lip with worry. "There is no reason for us to deny this." He kissed her again, reaching for her thoughts. I shouldn't be here. This is wrong. This is wrong.

"Don't," he said against her lips. "Don't fight this. Just for tonight. Just this once." He slid his hand over her hip, pulling her leg up and pushing forward to let her feel his need. "Come upstairs with me, Alex."

He kissed her again, their tongues battling, their breaths hot. Alex whimpered and that's when he knew that she had given in.