Chapter 31

Ryan’s POV

The second I stepped out of the car, I could smell her. Anna. Her scent was everywhere around here, faint but strong enough that my chest tightened immediately, as if my whole body was alert and desperate just to see her. I looked around, turned left, right, even tried scanning the crowd outside the building, but I didn’t find her. Still, deep down, I knew. She was here somewhere. My mate. My Anna.

“Come on, Ryan, let’s go.” Sophie’s hand suddenly slid into mine and squeezed as if she owned me, tugging me toward the entrance of the restaurant. She had been too damn clingy lately, and it was annoying the hell out of me. But I didn’t pull back, not because I wanted her there, but because I wanted to get this whole thing over with. I had to see her father, face him directly, and stop this stupid betrothal nonsense before it went any further. I wanted to end it today and make it clear that I already had my mate, the only person I wanted. Anna.

I follo