“Well, well. Look who we have here.”
Everything in me freezes. I know that voice.
Zion steps into view, and my stomach drops. I haven’t seen him since that disastrous family dinner. What is he doing here?
“Ladies,” he says, his gaze sliding over Anne and Sienna before settling on me. “Didn’t expect to find you here, little sister.”
The way he says it makes my skin crawl. Like I’m something small and insignificant.
“Go away, Zion.”
He steps closer, and I catch the scent of expensive cologne mixed with bourbon. “Just being friendly.” His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes as he looks me over. “Interesting choice of venue. I guess when the pack scene doesn’t work out, you have to try your luck elsewhere, huh?”
The words hit exactly where he intends them to. Shame and anger fill my chest.
“I said, go away.”
His expression shifts into what could be construed as concern if it weren’t laced with condescension. “Come on, don’t be like that. I’m just saying, you should be careful. Wouldn’t want anyone getting the wrong impression about what you’re doing here.” He glances at the humans on the dance floor. “About the people you’re associating with.”
A hot and reckless sensation surges through me. I stand up, plant both of my hands on his chest, and shove hard. “Don’t talk to me like I’m beneath you.”
Zion’s eyebrows rise, surprise flickering across his face. His hand shoots out and grabs my arm, his grip firm enough to make me gasp. “Easy there. You’re drunk, Violet.”
My alcohol-soaked reflexes are too slow when I try to pull away. “Let go of me.”
Sienna and Anne both get to their feet, their expressions tense.
Suddenly, another hand wraps around Zion’s wrist. “I suggest you back away. Now.” The voice is low, deadly, and achingly familiar.
Darius appears beside me like a shadow made solid, his grip on Zion reflecting the barely controlled rage radiating fromhim. A growl rumbles from his chest, low and threatening and absolutely not human.
Zion releases my arm immediately, raising his other hand to the same level. “Whoa, easy there, brother.” His tone is lighter now, almost playful. “Just checking on our little sister. Making sure she’s not getting herself into trouble.”
“Your concern is noted.” Darius’s voice could cut glass. He releases Zion’s arm. “Now, leave.”
“Sure, sure.” Zion backs away, his hands still in a position of surrender, a slight smile playing at his lips. “No harm done.” He glances between us, clearly noticing how close Darius is positioned next to me, how protective his stance is. “Interesting. Very interesting.”
Then, he disappears into the crowd.
Anne grabs my shoulders, searching my face. “Are you okay?”
“Did he hurt you?” Anger flashes in Sienna’s eyes.
I cradle my arm close to my body. The skin throbs where Zion grabbed me, and there will probably be bruises tomorrow. “I’m fine. Really.”
Darius spreads his arms out to engulf all three of us, his body radiating tension. “You ladies have had enough to drink. It’s time to go.” He gestures toward the bar, where I now see his best friend is standing, watching us with an unreadable expression. “Ethan will drive you home.”
Anne nods, already gathering her things. Sienna loops her arm through Anne’s, steadying her when she wobbles slightly.
But I’ve barely taken a step before Darius’s hand catches mine. He pulls me back against his chest, solid and warm behind me.
“Not you, little troublemaker,” he murmurs against my ear, his breath hot on my skin. “You’re coming with me.”
“I want to go with my friends.”
He ignores me, already shrugging out of his suit jacket. He wraps it around my shoulders; it smells like him.
I glance at Anne and see her watching us, studying the way Darius holds me, the way his hand rests possessively on my lower back. Alook of understanding flickers across her face before she gives me a small nod, turns away, and leaves with Sienna and Ethan.
