Page 88 of Sight of Fate

He folds his arms across his chest. “I’ll allow you and only you. Keep your hands where I can see them and space between you.” Stalking to the edge of the dance floor, he takes a stand beside Teague and Andros.

Leif chuckles and lightly clasps my hand and waist, keeping almost a foot between us. His face turns serious. “I heard about what happened the other night, and I’m sorry you experienced the worst of us. Most wolves have integrity. We value loyalty and family, clan above all. I was worried it would turn you against us.”

I look up into his pure gold eyes and smile. “I know what evil looks like. No matter the face it wears. Thank you for making me a part of your clan. I’m honored.”

He lifts my hand and places a kiss on the back of it. A growl comes from the side of the dance floor. “And if you ever need anything, send me a note.”

Alex comes up to ask his dad a question, and his eyes skim my body. Leif reaches out and smacks him on the head. “Eyes up. Or Macklin will take your head.”

He jerks his gaze to my face. “Sorry.”

Leif motions to someone. “I want you to meet my beta, even if you can’t dance with him. He’s the second highest-ranking person in the clan. If you can’t reach me, he’ll help you.”

Tall, with gold eyes, the man steps up and holds out his hand. “I’m Torsten, Leif’s Beta.”

I hesitate and look to the sideline, meeting Andros’ narrowed gaze, but neither Teague nor Macklin is with him. Sighing, I turn back to the man and briefly shake his hand. My chest eases when I don’t get a vision.

“You seem familiar,” I tell him, staring at the lines on his face. “You were with Leif that day. I saw you in my vision.”

“Worst day of my life. Annika was my sister. She and Sofia were the only blood relatives I had left. Suddenly gone. Or so I thought. Thank you for finding her.”

“Not Alex?”

“He came along later,” Leif replies, his eyes drifting past me. “I see somebody I need to speak to. Will you be okay with Torsten?”

I nod at Leif. “Yes, thanks.”

Looking up at Torsten, I smile. “I’m glad I could help.”

“If you ever need anything, please call. It would be my honor to help.” Instead of kissing my hand, Torsten bends and kisses my cheek. Pausing, he hums and pushes his nose into my neck and sniffs.

I rear back, and Torsten goes flying into a nearby wall.

In shock, I turn toward the man beside me and see Andros, chest heaving, his eyes fixed on Torsten, fangs on display.

The shifter laughs and holds up his hands. “Only curious.”

Andros snarls and steps forward, but I grab his gloved hand. “Dance with me.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

CHARLI

He shoots me an incredulous look, but I tug him closer. Reaching for his other hand, I clasp it and move into his stiff arms. With my heels on, he’s only a few inches taller than me. I smile. “Thanks for handling the situation.” He says nothing. “This is nice.”

He stares down at me, a sneer on his face. “If you say so.”

What the—! “You’re giving me whiplash. Just leave.” I drop his hand and step back. “I’m sure I won’t have any problem finding someone else to dance with.”

He jerks me into his arms. “That’s not happening. Put your hands around my neck.”

Heads turn to watch the two of us, and I mutter a curse word. Linking my fingers behind his neck, I stare at his tie, my jaw locked with irritation.

Splaying his hand wide on my back, he moves us across the floor in time with the music.

“Look at me,” he murmurs. When I refuse, he leans down. “Please.”

I peer up into his warm, caramel-colored eyes. His gaze is potent and intense, flaring with a passion I’m sure he’d deny. He moves closer, and I gasp when I feel every inch of his body pressed against mine, including his hard cock. My breath stutters. All I want to do is rub against him like a cat. He slows until we’re barely swaying to the music. I keep reminding myself of his intent to reject me. Us. But it isn’t doing any good.