Page 124

Free from their glass cage, their wolves surged closer to the surface, senses heightened to track their fleeing mate. Derek inhaled deeply, filtering through the scents of the manor until he isolated Kai’s unique signature—that intoxicating blend of dragon fire and wolf musk that marked him as theirs.

He’s heading for his room, Caleb reported, already moving toward the door, his body shifting to a predatory crouch without conscious thought.

With Luke, Derek added, his military training allowing him to track multiple targets even through the haze of desire clouding his thoughts.

Perfect, Marcus thought, a predatory smile curving his lips as they pursued their clever mate.An audience for what comes next.

They moved through the manor like the apex predators they were, glass dust sparkling in their hair, steam practically rising from their skin as they followed Kai’s scent. Their wolves were in full agreement—dinner with the Rivera Pack would happen as scheduled, but afterward…

Afterward, their little mate would learn exactly what happened when you teased three alpha wolves to breaking point. When you challenged their claim, their control, their dominance. When you made them watch but not touch, see but not take, want but not have.

Game on, indeed.

Chapter 28

STONE BROTHERS

Marcus adjusted his cuff links with practiced precision, though his mind was far from the diplomatic challenges awaiting them. The memory of Kai’s display in the shower kept intruding—water cascading down his naked form, those knowing eyes meeting theirs through the glass as he touched himself. His wolf growled at the memory, demanding they claim their mate immediately, formal dinner be damned.

Focus, he commanded himself, the same word he’d used through their bond earlier. The Rivera Pack was a crucial ally, the dinner a necessary formality before they could finally complete the bond with Kai.

Through their pack connection, he could feel Derek’s barely contained aggression and Caleb’s simmering anticipation. All three of them were on edge after Kai’s little performance, their wolves closer to the surface than was prudent for a formal diplomatic gathering.

“He’s ready,” Caleb announced, entering Marcus’ study with a grin that was equal parts amusement and hunger. “And you’re not going to believe what he’s done.”

Derek followed, his posture rigid with military discipline that did little to hide the predator beneath. “What now?”

“Let’s just say our mate has decided to continue his… revenge,” Caleb replied, leaning against the doorframe with false casualness. “Luke tried to talk him out of it, but?—”

“But he’s as stubborn as he is clever,” Marcus finished, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips despite his concern. “What exactly has he done?”

Caleb’s eyes gleamed with appreciation. “The suit fits him perfectly, but he’s wearing it his way. Collar open to show off our marks from earlier, hair styled to look like he’s just been thoroughly?—”

“I get the picture,” Marcus interrupted, feeling his control slip a notch at the mental image.

He’s trying to break us, Derek observed through their bond, his internal voice a mixture of frustration and admiration.

And doing a damn good job of it, Caleb agreed, broadcasting an image of Kai that made both his brothers growl in response.

Marcus drew a deep breath, forcing his wolf back. “We can handle this. It’s one dinner.”

“The longest dinner of our lives,” Derek said, adjusting his tie for the third time.

“Consider it foreplay,” Caleb suggested with a wicked grin, earning matching glares from his brothers.

Marcus steered the conversation back to safer territory. “The Rivera Pack is already in the great hall, along with Elder Grey and the White Tiger representatives.”

“The Blackwood brothers invited themselves, of course,” Derek added, his voice hardening.

“And the Knox Pack?” Marcus asked, straightening his already immaculate jacket.

“The new alpha and his seconds,” Derek confirmed. “Eager to prove their loyalty to Kai after their defeat.”

Marcus nodded, mentally reviewing the complex political landscape they’d be navigating. Under normal circumstances, he’d be focused entirely on the diplomatic opportunities such a gathering presented. Tonight, however, he found it increasingly difficult to care about anything beyond the claiming that would follow.

“Let’s get this over with,” he said, moving toward the door with purpose. “The sooner we start, the sooner we finish.”

“And then the real fun begins,” Caleb added, his usual playfulness darkened with hunger.