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Watching Ella’s body break apart to shift would almost kill him. It was painful. He couldn’t—he wouldn’t—do that to his female.

Ella was safe—safer—now that she was close to him, but he had to keep her at a distance. Having her under the same roof was an absolute no.

No fucking way, to be exact.

Ari had been on the money before. Ella was far sexier and more beautiful than she realized. If any of the warriors saw her, they’d be cocks out and dicks in before he could stop them.

She had no idea how he felt, despite being as affected by the tug of their bond as he was. So, there was no reason Ella would say no to the males inside.

And that was not okay.

Jesus.

Definitely not okay, Mack thought as he took in the gorgeous female standing before him. His entire body was lighting up like a Christmas tree.

There was a sparkle in her eyes, covering the usual questions that lay beyond them, and he almost crossed the distance and pulled her into his arms, swinging her around.

Like a bloody romance novel.

Then his wolf began to scratch at the edges of his skin, eager to meet her. An excited whimper sounded inside his mind.

Settle the fuck down.

Mine.

Nope, we can’t have her.

His wolf growled and shoved at him to get out and take over.

Mack was a powerful vampire, strong and sculpted because of his career as a personal trainer. His body had always been his art, but never did he think he’d be using it as a weapon.

Now it might be the one thing that saved this female who was his.

Yet never could be.

It had to be enough.

She was here, and a part of him let out a sigh.

But she also had to leave.

“Ella.”

His eyes drifted over her petite frame and long, glossy brunette locks. She was short for a female, barely reaching his chin, and those brown eyes flickered from gold to deep brown, depending on her mood.

When her cheeks turned pink and lips parted, his willpower slipped. Mack skipped down the stairs as Ella moved toward him and flew into his damn arms.

Slam.

“Mack!” Her lips pressed against his neck, and he forced his eyes closed, trying to ignore how incredible she felt.

Warm.

Soft.

His.

“I’ve got you,” he replied, soaking up the familiar vanilla and rose scent.