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“What’s happening?” Marcus demanded in his best alpha voice, the one that usually had other supernatural beings tripping over themselves to obey. Too bad for him I was developing an immunity.

“He says he’s overheating,” Derek reported, his hand on my forehead like some supernatural thermometer. “Temperature definitely elevated.”

“That could be the dragon blood,” Caleb suggested, completing my collection of worried alpha wolves as he crowded into the sauna. “Dr. White mentioned possible temperature fluctuations as his body adjusts.”

I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. All three brothers, exactly where I wanted them. Sometimes they made it too easy—wave a damsel in distress flag and watch three alpha wolves come running.

“I think I need to cool down,” I said, standing suddenly. “Maybe a shower would help.” And oh, what a shower it was going to be.

“Good idea,” Marcus nodded, stepping aside to let me pass. “We’ll wait here in case you need anything.”

Oh honey, you have no idea what I need.

“Actually,” I said, moving toward the door with what I hoped was award-worthy casualness, “I think I need a minute alone. To… center myself.” Or, you know, exact my revenge.

Before any of them could process what was happening, I slipped through the door and slammed it shut, engaging Derek’s fancy supernatural lock with a deeply satisfying click. The irony of using his own security measures against him was justchef’s kissperfect.

“Kai?” Marcus’ voice held a note of confusion that was absolutely delicious. “What are you doing?”

“Getting a little payback,” I replied, unable to keep the smugness from my voice as I admired my handiwork—three powerful alpha wolves trapped in a glass box like the world’s most attractive museum exhibit.

“Did you really think you could work me up like that and then just leave me hanging?” I asked, crossing my arms. “Consider this… educational. Lesson one: Don’t start what you can’t finish, wolves.”

“Kai,” Marcus’ voice was low, warning. “Open the door.”

“You little brat!” Derek growled, his eyes glowing.

“That’s it? ‘You little brat’ is the best you can do?” I taunted, reaching for the hem of my shirt. “And here I thought I was dealing with three big bad alpha wolves.”

The sharp intake of breath as I pulled my shirt off was exactly the reaction I’d been hoping for. Three pairs of eyes tracked every movement like I was their prey, which, given our current positions, was hilariously ironic.

“What are you doing?” Derek demanded, his voice deliciously rough.

“Getting ready for dinner,” I replied with mock innocence, tossing my shirt aside. “Can’t meet the Rivera Pack looking like I’ve been mauled by three werewolves. Well, almost mauled. You didn’t quite get that far, did you?”

I kicked off my shoes, making a show of stretching my arms above my head. Three sets of eyes followed every movement like I was performing some kind of supernatural striptease. Which, okay, maybe I was.

“Kai,” Marcus’ voice was strained, his eyes bleeding crimson. “This isn’t funny.”

“Oh, I disagree,” I replied, slowly unbuttoning my jeans. “I think it’s hilarious. Almost as funny as leaving someone worked up and wanting, then saying ‘sorry, got a dinner date with the Rivera Pack.’ Ring any bells?”

The denim slid down my legs with deliberate slowness. I might not have supernatural grace, but I’d learned a thing or two about using what I had.

“When we get out of here,” Derek growled, his eyes pure molten silver now, “you’re going to regret this.”

“Promises, promises,” I sang, standing before them in just my briefs. “But you’ll have to catch me first. And right now? You’re not catching anything except a show.”

“Kai,” Marcus’ voice was strained now, his eyes bleeding crimson. “This isn’t funny.”

“I’m not trying to be funny,” I replied. “I’m trying to make a point.”

“Which is?” Caleb asked, his hands pressed against the glass as if he could reach through it by sheer force of will.

“That you don’t get to call all the shots,” I said. “That this goes both ways.”

“Kai,” Caleb’s voice was barely human. “Let us out.”

“Hmm, let me think about that… no.” I walked to the shower, making sure they had a perfect view of exactly what they couldn’t have. “Consider this a lesson in frustration. I hear it builds character.”