Page 10

The moon is high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the clearing and I can see her face clearly. She looks…lost. But he? He has a knowing smile playing across his lips.

He knows who she is. He knows what he’s doing.

I take a step toward them before turning to converse with a startled group of wolves.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch as Yelena and Jimmy walk together toward the fire. He starts to dance. She’s careful to keep a space between them, as befitting her station.

I try to relax, but my jealousy is riding me hard. I’m relieved that she doesn’t touch him, but she’s stillnextto him, and that’s a problem.

My wolf demands that I move closer, so I make my way through the throngs of people.

The music changes to an upbeat song and I watch as she graces him with a smile.The bastard.They keep dancing and I slowly start to lose control over my feelings.

I scan the area for Vincent, hoping he can be the voice of reason before I do something rash like punch Jimmy in the fucking face.

She is my responsibility but so is my entire pack. I cannot let this situation make a fool of me.

My pep talk does nothing to calm my instincts. I’m still hyper-aware of everything she does.Damn it.

The next time I look over, I see her walking away from him. My wolf starts to calm and I feel peace start to flow through me again.

As I start to turn my back, something catches my eye. A tree branch jutting out of the flames. It's as if I'm watching a slow-motion replay of a live sporting event. She stumbles, and her arms flail in an attempt to regain balance...but she's already tumbling down.

I rush toward her, but not beforehegets there first. His hands circle her tiny waist, catching her before she collapses and, for one tiny second, holding her close.

Instantly, my hackles rise and I feel the growl start deep in my throat.Mine.

My bark startles the rest of the surrounding pack and they move out of my way, their chatter dropping to a low hum.

“Jimmy!” I roar, effectively drawing the eyes of every single person here.

He startles at my roar and freezes, his hands still around her waist.

I can’t look away. I’m utterly fixated on where his hands touch her. My wolf growls again as murderous thoughts crowd my mind.

He’s touched my mate. His hands are on her. The rogue wolf must go.

As quickly as he touches her, he lets go, and she loses her balance, crumpling to the ground in a heap.

She looks up at me, her cheeks flushed and her eyes wide with terror.

“Austin,” she whispers.

I ignore her and focus on Jimmy. He must pay for his disrespect.

“Get out,” I order, glaring at him. “Your time at this Bonfire has ended, rogue.”

Jimmy opens his mouth as if to say something but looks back at me and decides against it.Wise.

Instead, he shuffles off toward the woods, waiting until he’s safely far enough away to shift.

I can’t look away until I’m sure his russet wolf is far away from here.

When I look down, I see that several of the women, including Calliope, have helped Yelena up. Shame and guilt weigh heavily on my chest yet again, threatening to suffocate me.

“Are you hurt?” I bark, making her flinch again.Damn it.

She shakes her head slowly and backs away from me, dusting off her jeans as she does. Vincent appears at my side, his face the picture of concern…and confusion.