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“Full court press?” Jackson fiddled with his suit.

“Sure, why not. Not like Christoph over here won’t be doing the same with the bitch squad.” The lion growled beside him, and he chuckled. “It’s about time someone showed Bell a good time.”

“I don’t mind dancing with her. I saw that shit, too,” Alex said. “Christoph, whatever the fuck has crawled up your ass, I hope it dies soon and you get back to normal. Or whatever is normal for you.”

“All of you can fuck off,” the lion growled. “You don’t understand the pressures I’m under.”

“So, you’re going to hurt a young girl. A girl who fucking idolizes you, knows who you are to her, and what…ditch her?” Jackson stepped away from the mirror then got into Christoph’s face. “You’re a fucking prick. If you don’t want her, I’ll claim her myself.”

“The hell you will,” Christoph roared.

“I guess that’s up to Bell.” Jackson headed for the door. “I’ll take care of Bell, Nico. You just enjoy the evening with your little mate.”

A few minutes later, the Alpha lion stomped from the room. The asshole needed to learn a hard lesson here. If anyone knew the damage hurting a mate could cause, it was Nico. Better to wake the beast now than lose everything later, even though it sucked to see Christoph struggle.

“Do you think you were a little harsh with him?” Bodhi took a seat next to Nico.

He shrugged. “Maybe, but if it pushes him in the right direction, then it’s for the best.”

“And if Jackson moves in on his territory?” Bodhi quirked a brow.

“Have you stopped to think they might end up like your dads and Loraine? It’ll all work out. Trust me on this.” Patting his mate’s twin on his shoulder, Nico grinned. “Come on, we’re going to be late picking up the girls. I saw the way Emma looked at you. That bear’s got it bad.”

“She’s all right.” Bodhi shrugged.

“Dude, if you’re going to lie, make sure you’re not starry-eyed when you say shit like that.” Nico chuckled.

“Shut up.” Bodhi laughed then sobered. “She’s the one, man. But, she’s so timid. I’m not sure she’ll ever be ready for someone like me or like our family.

“Guess there’s no time like the present to find out, huh?” Nico stood. “Now, I’m off to find my mate. I’ll see you, later.”

Hayden arranged for them to meet at the dining hall. Something stupid about not wanting to ruin the surprise. Nico joined the table where Alex, Jackson, Rocky, and Bodhi sat. Christoph was nowhere in sight.Not good.He pulled out a chair then, sitting down, he sighed. “Any word from Christoph?”

Jackson snorted. “Yeah. Reagan came and snatched his ass up.”

“Fuck,” Nico grumbled.

“Yeah, and with what the girl is wearing, all she’s looking for is sex.” The dragon pushed back against his chair, balancing it on the back legs.

“You know the plan. Stick with it. If you get laid out, well, you’re taking one for the team. Other than that, have fun.” He hated using one of the guys to make Christoph jealous. It wasn’t their way, but the big dumb lion needed a rude awakening. Bell was worth it. More than worth whatever bullshit Reagan was pulling.

Everything about Bell was a mask. Deep down she was still the traumatized little lioness she was when Nico and Utah found Zoe out in the desert then Rapier found Bell with Raymond Quincy. Of all the Dryers and Rafertys, Bell and Hayden’s lives mirrored each other.

Now, Bell deserved her happiness.

“Good, because they’re here, and I want me a piece of Bell,” Jackson growled, or what could only be described as a growl when it came from a dragon.

Nico turned in his chair. His breath left him in a whoosh. There at the door, wearing a light-blue strapless dress, with a crown of daisies adorning her hair, stood Hayden. Her blue eyes sparkled as she stood there taking in the decorations surrounding her. She radiated confidence and reminded him of her uncles. She was poised. Proud. Since she’d been able to release the wolf within her, her features glowed and there was something else about Hayden, he couldn’t put his finger on, or better yet, didn’t want to mention. No, he needed to give his little wolf a bit more time to grow and mature before he told her what he saw when he looked at her. Hell, at that, it was probably something he’d have to talk with Kalkin about too. Standing, Nico prowled toward her. When her gaze met his, her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink.Fuck. His shaft twitched and filled. “Good evening, little wolf.”

“Good evening, mate.” She grinned. “You look handsome.” She reached out to straighten his tie. “Definitely edible.”

He clasped her hand with his. "You look amazing. Sexy as hell, and I am a lucky man to call you, mate." He pulled her into his arms. Leaning into her, he pressed his lips to hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck, as she softened in his hold while the sweet scent of her arousal clawed at him, turning him on. "Damn you're potent."

“Mmm,” she hummed. “So are you.” She glanced to where Jackson took Bell’s hand. “What’s going on?”

“Something I wish someone would have done for me,” he answered. “She’ll be fine tonight.”

Jackson pushed a lock of the pretty little blonde’s hair behind her ear and brushed a kiss across her cheek. The dragon leaned in and whispered something to which she giggled. Just like that, the little lioness relaxed and linked arms with Jackson. “I don’t want to know, do I?”