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‘I’ll say this,’ he rasped. ‘She’s wise. Doesn’t lead with flash, but she fits into our world like she’s always belonged here. Doesn’t look down on us. Fights like a damned demon. Races like a fire-spitting goddess, she’s still soft where it counts.’

Santi canted a brow. ‘So, is she forever material?’

Xander inhaled, bracing himself for what he was about to reveal.

It emerged with a savagery that surprised him when it left his lips. ‘I believe we’re knotted. I’ve marked her and intend to claim her as mine for freakin’ eternity.’

Kaal whistled long and loud at Xander’s growl. ‘Does she know that? She’s a Bianchi, and they and the other Syndicatemembers have labeled our kind as untouchable. How will you deal?’

Xander’s eyes smoldered with an unholy flame. ‘I’ll use my spectral energy to change her mind.’

‘You’ll manipulate her?’

‘Fokkno, I’ll persuade her, and if anyone comes up against us, I’ll rip them apart.’

As he spoke, he swore he scented his woman. He raised his nose and breathed in deeply, electrified, already missing her.

Zev bumped his shoulder. ‘Que cabrón,sounds like you’ve given in to the pull of the knot.’

Xander raised and pointed his bottle in a challenge. ‘Sí,pendejo, and you appear green with envy. When’s your turn, player?’

The friends chuckled, clinking their beverages in an informal toast.

21

A Wolf In Artificial Clothing

SAVVINE

Halfway down the corridor, Savvine slowed.

The laughter and music from the mess faded, replaced by the thrum of ship engines and the soft overhead buzz of environmental controls.

She glanced around, frowning at the lack of a bathroom in sight.

Just endless corridors, metal bulkheads, and door panels with unfamiliar glyphs.

With a huff, she doubled back, thinking she’d ask Xander for directions.

She rounded a corner and eased off as she caught voices.

Xander, Santi, and Kaal’s deep, rumbled drawls.

She stopped short, ducking behind a structural pillar as her name drifted through the air like static.

‘- she’s wise,’ Xander was saying. ‘Fits into our world. Doesn’t look down on us. Fights like hell. Races like a goddess.’

A smile almost curled on her lips.

The conversation continued

She heard Santi say, ‘So, is she forever material?’

Savvine froze as Xander snarled. ‘I believe we’re knotted. I’ve marked her and intend to claim her as mine for freakin’ eternity.’

Kaal’s whistle further jolted her. ‘Does she know that? She’s a Bianchi, and they and the other Syndicate members have labeled our kind as untouchable. How will you deal?’

Then came Xander. ‘I’ll use my spectral energy to change her mind.’