“Stay with me tonight.” The words come out as a command I can’t quite suppress. “Don’t wander off.”
“I won’t.”
The driver opens the door. I step out first, then offer my hand to help Violet from the car. I take her arm and lead her inside, my wolf prowling just beneath the surface.
The ballroom is stunning. Crystal chandeliers, polished marble, masked faces turning toward us. I recognize wolves from other packs.
Violet remains close, her hand never leaving my arm. My wolf snarls at every male gaze that lingers too long. I want to bare my teeth at them, warn them off.
She’s mine.
We navigate through clusters of guests. The air smells of expensive perfume and too many shifters in one space. My senses are hyperalert, cataloging every wolf who looks at Violet, every man who gets too close.
“Darius!” A smooth voice cuts through the noise.
My entire body goes rigid. I know who that is.
We turn around. He approaches in a silver mask, hispredatory grace making my wolf bare its teeth. I recognize that same easy confidence he had when he tried to ask Violet out for coffee. When he put his hands on her during the training.
“Ryker,” I manage to say.
His gaze settles on Violet, recognition flashing in his eyes despite her mask. “Violet.” His smile is warm, interested. It’s the smile that once made me snap a pen in half. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
I move slightly in front of her, a growl building in my chest.
“You look stunning.” His eyes rake over her dress, lingering too long. “That color suits you.”
Violet’s voice is cool, professional. “Thank you.”
“I’ve been hoping to run into you again.” He takes a step closer, and I resist the urge to physically block him. “We never did get that coffee. Your schedule seemed perpetually full.”
Because I made sure it was. Because the thought of him sitting across from her, looking at her the way he’s looking at her now, makes me want to gouge his eyes out.
“Her schedule hasn’t changed,” I say, my voice hard.
Ryker’s eyes flick to me, a calculating look in his expression. “I’m sure Violet can speak for herself, Darius.” He addresses her again. “What do you say? After the gala, perhaps? There’s a wonderful late-night place not far from here.”
Violet’s hand tightens on my arm.
I stare at him, my voice dropping. “She’s not interested, Ryker. She’s never been interested.”
“Is that so?” Ryker’s smile doesn’t waver, but I see the challenge in his eyes. “Or is it that you won’t let her be interested?”
My vision goes red. Claws pierce through my fingertips.
Then, Ryker leans in closer, his voice pitched for only us to hear. “It’s not your decision, Darius. I intend to take her. My father and yours have already discussed the arrangement. A political marriage between our packs.” His smile turns sharp. “Brother-in-law.”
I feel Violet go completely still beside me. “What?” Her voice is a whisper. “What did you just say?”
Ryker’s smile widens. “Your stepfather and my father have beennegotiating the terms. An alliance marriage. You and me.” He says it like it’s already decided, like she has no say in the matter. “Didn’t anyone tell you?”
Violet stiffens. I can smell her shock, sharp and acrid, mixing with rising panic.
“No one asked me,” she says, her voice gaining strength. “No one told me anything.”
“Well.” Ryker spreads his hands. “Now you know. We have time to get to know each other properly before the formal announcement, of course. That offer for coffee still stands.”
Violet’s fingers dig into my bicep hard enough to hurt. “Enough,” she says.
