Page 11 of My Alpha Stepbrother's Dirty Secret 2

A stranger.

A woman with no title.No announcement.

Yet she was standing at my side like she belonged there.

"This is my woman," I said simply, my hand resting on the small of Liana's back as we walked deeper into the store.

They nodded again, murmuring soft greetings, but the confusion was still there.Still written across their faces.Jared, the boutique manager, a young but loyal pack member, hurried over and asked what we needed.

"She needs a dress for tonight," I said."Something that makes every other woman in the room wish they were her."

Jared grinned."Right this way, alpha.We just got in a new selection, imported, rare fabrics, high-end pieces.She'll love it."

As he turned and began walking, Liana leaned closer to me."They're staring."

"Let them," I murmured."They'll understand soon."

We were almost at the private section when I heard it.

Low whispers.

"She's not Luna Cynthia...who is she?"

"She's marked."

"What?"

"I saw it.On her neck.A bite.His mark."

"He never marked Cynthia."

"Never?"

"Not even once.But this woman?He marked her.She's his."

They weren't even trying to hide it well.But it didn't matter.The second they realized what that mark meant, their posture changed.Every single one of them bowed a second time.This time, deeper.

"Luna," they murmured.

Liana froze just a little.I looked at her face, shocked.She didn't expect it.Not now.Maybe not ever.

She glanced up at me like she needed confirmation, and I just gave her a tiny nod.

"Yes," I whispered, just loud enough for her to hear."You're mine.and they know it now."

They took us to a private section, one not open to the public.I could already tell from the way Liana's eyes widened that she knew this was not your average boutique.

She moved to the first rack and ran her fingers across a silky deep red gown, but the second she saw the price tag, she dropped it so fast you'd think it burned her fingers.

"Nope," she whispered, shaking her head."Are these clothes made of gold or what?"

I laughed, watching her like I always did—like she was the only thing worth looking at."Pick whatever you want, angel.I've got it all under control."

She turned her head slowly, giving me a look that screamed 'Are you serious right now?'

"Killian, this one costs more than my life savings."

"Exactly why you shouldn't be saving," I muttered under my breath, then louder, "Liana, I brought you here for a reason.Don't look at the price.Just find what makes you feel like you own the room."