Page 15 of Shift of Morals (Shifter Lords #2)

Chapter

Eight

CAELAN

E vie’s vehicle disappeared around the bend. I rolled my neck, working out the tense knots. My jaw ached from holding my tongue most of the evening, and my palm burned from where I’d held Evie’s hip.

Her flowers bloomed for me. Satisfaction burned in my chest at her reaction. And when she burned away that terrible boutonniere and I felt her claim on my body…my fists clenched.

What was I doing? My fiancée stood behind me, disapproval simmering in the surrounding air.

Our behavior tonight was inappropriate and disrespectful.

It didn’t matter that I didn’t want Gianna.

Nor did it matter that she didn’t want me.

We had an image to uphold, that of a united Shifter Lord and his Lady.

And it couldn’t happen with Evie in the picture.

“You’re awfully quiet for someone who slunk off with another woman who was not his fiancée tonight.”

I closed my eyes and exhaled. When I turned it was to see Gianna lounging against the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest, a cool expression on her face. Tall and deadly, she was the picture of grace.

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice how your eyes never left her?” she said, fury quivering in her voice. “You chose a dress for her.”

I had and didn’t regret it. “Evie is a valued member of the Joy Springs community and has the potential to become a magical powerhouse.” She already was, but Gianna didn’t need to know that.

The woman wasn’t dumb and had probably figured out there was more to Evie than met the eye.

And if she hadn’t, it wasn’t my place to tell her, not when I still wasn’t sure how things would shake out in the future.

Marriage wasn’t the issue. It never had been. Marriage to Gianna was the issue.

Gianna’s delicate snort set my teeth on edge. “Fuck whoever you want to, Caelan, but remember our agreement. If the florist stands in my way, she will pay the price.”

“Touch Evie Quinn and know my wrath.” My words were soft, deadly, and true.

Her eyes glittered with realization. “You sentimental fool,” she murmured.

“Enough,” I barked. “Evie is a useful political tool, but there is no emotional bond.”

Gianna’s laughter was genuine this time. “You’ve always been a terrible liar, Lord. Emotion burns between you two.” She took a few steps closer. “Though I’m curious why your Council chose me as your bride. Why not her?”

That was the question, wasn’t it? All Lords were ruled by the Council, their behavior and rule under a constant microscope.

Marriage was rarely pushed, but Evie had upset the apple cart in more ways than one.

She’d broken my wards, destabilized my rule, shown a disturbing amount of power, and gathered the attention of every Shifter Lord in the country.

“The Lords like their bloodlines pure.” Which, honestly, was the biggest bunch of bullshit I’d ever heard.

Gianna’s eyebrows rose. “I am not a wolf Shifter.”

“But you are of royal blood.”

“Ah. And your Evie is a mutt.”

“Watch your tone,” I growled, the animal inside me pacing restlessly, itching to burst from my skin. “My decision was made to keep the peace in my territory. It’s not a personal choice.”

“Your florist is dangerous and unstable.” She came closer, one sharp nail pressed into my chest. “That is why the Council chose me over her. Remember that when you pant after her like a dog.”

My nostrils flared, magic pulsing around me. Claws itched their way to the forefront of my knuckles. “Tread carefully, Gianna.”

She laughed, a wicked sound in the quiet room. “My family is powerful. Our influence is felt throughout the entire country. If you or your florist embarrass me or try to discredit my family’s name, we will wipe your line off the map.”

I pressed my chest into her nail, feeling the skin split under the sharp point. “This is the second time you’ve threatened me tonight. Do it one more time, and I don’t care who your family is.”

Fear flickered in her eyes. I slapped her hand away. “Leave me.”

Gianna stepped away, her lips pressed tight. “Our agreement stands. Do not disappoint me. Lord.” With that, she turned on her heel and exited the room.

My fists clenched at my sides. Evie was an innocent in all of this, and I’d made her a pawn in a game I wasn’t sure I could win.

She wasn’t safe, and it was my fault.

The realization threatened to send me into a rage. Whatever happened, I would ensure Evie remained unscathed. But knowing Evie, she wouldn’t let me fall alone.