Page 57 of Mask and the Magnolia

His entire body relaxes and his eyes slide shut as if he’s savoring the words, but Korvin reacts a little differently to my proclamation.

He growls again, nearly ripping his hair from his head before his right arm shoots out and sends his fist through thewooden crateon the shelf next to him. Splinters of pine and dust explode on the other side of him, whatever was in the crate crashes into the wall, and all I can do is stand there wide eyed because Ihaven’t even seen this much emotional expression from him in his therapy sessions.

“Then why,” he spits out through clenched teeth. “Why the fuck do you smell like another alpha?”

Shit.

”Uhm… I, well…” I pull my hands up into my sleeves to refrain from biting at my fingers. “I can explain that.”

”Do it,” Korvin barks as his eyes snap to mine.

Frankly, that pisses me off.

So instead of obeying him while he’s being a shithead, I motion like I’m zipping my lips, locking them, then throw away the imaginary key.

Thatpisses Korvin off.

He turns toward me, fingers flexing at his sides and when I’m convinced he’s going to plow into me again, I watch the most interesting thing happen.

Desmond gets between us, facing the alpha as he reaches out and grips the back of Korvin’s neck while speaking softly to him. He doesn’t make any other physical contact but it’s enough to draw his attention away from me momentarily, and Desmond holds it until Korvin is breathing a little steadier and not ready to spear me into the brick.

I have no clue what he said and I don’t really care, I’m fascinated by their interaction and how two alphas managed to respond to each other in a way that was peaceful despite the incredibly strong and hostile pheromones Korvin has shooting out of every pore. Desmond isn’t fazed or threatened by it, there’s no question of territory or the urge to fight over it, and the scientist in me wants to figure out why.

In the back of my mind, I think I know and maybe I’ll ask them about it later, but right now, I’ll stand in silent awe.

Right up until I see Desmond smirk at Korvin, pat his cheek and do a little shimmy as he says, “So spicy.”

Which earns him a hard scowl, andthatinteraction feels a little more normal for a couple of alphas. Not entirely, but close.

”Now then.” Desmond turns to face me, still standing just in front of Korvin. “Vin here is ready to come unglued because as soon as you walked onto the ward, we could smellsomethingthat was muting your normal sugary floral scent.”

I nod slowly. “Which is why you kidnapped me into the closet.”

”Yes,” Vin—I like that—grunts. “Sorry.”

”I didn’t die, it’s fine.” Then I frown. “I didn’t think you knew what it was until we were in here, though?”

”Didn’t,” Korvin says as Desmond throws in, “But you were almost mauled in the living room.”

”What?”

He arches a brow. “You didn’t see us?”

Uhm, no.“I guess not.”

”You walked right past us. Twice.” Desmond shakes his head. “Vin was seconds from god only knows what out in the common area. It’s a miracle I was able to talk him into handling shit in here.”

”Enough of this bullshit,” Korvin growls. “I want to know why the fuck you smell like another alpha. Right fucking now.”

”Please.” Desmond nudges him. “Manners, big guy.”

”I’m supposed to marry someone else.” I rush the words out quickly in hopes of preventing Vin’s head from exploding. “It’s not my choice and I haven’t had sex with him, I‘m never going to if I can help it. I hate him. I’m being forced into this, I swear it’s not my decision, it’s legally binding and I…” Oh, I am in so much trouble.

And maybe not even the good kind.

”Before I join him in the unbridled jealousy and possessiveness he has every right to feel,” Desmond says slowlyas a muscle in his jaw ticks. “Is this the same bastard who kissed you the other day?”

I nod.