Page 21

My fangs throb in my gums, the desire to bite and mark and claim coursing through my veins without mercy.

I curse under my breath and reach down to adjust myself, my cock pressed painfully into the zipper of my utility pants. The sharp discomfort of getting hard in the middle of a mission might be the only thing capable of ripping me out of whatever the fuck is happening.

Slowly, like waking from a dream, I force my attention away from the girl. I take stock of my limbs, all of which apparently froze the moment I got my first good look at her.

I need to get my shit together.

When I think I might have myself under control, I chance another look to see her eyeing the area surreptitiously— almost guiltily— like she’s checking to make sure no one is around.

I’m instantly intrigued.

What are you up to, little female?

Apparently deciding she’s safe, she places delicate hands on the railing and uses it to support herself as she leans out over the balcony.

What’s she searching for that’s putting that worried expression on her face?

Her long white hair floats around her face in the breeze as she leans further over the railing. Errant strands kiss her cheeks, shoulders, and collarbone, sending a surge of jealousy into my chest.

I know, logically, that the feeling is ridiculous. At this point, I’ve accepted that it’s another part of the strange spell I’ve fallen under.

What worries me, is that I can get so close and she has no fucking idea.

If I can hide out here watching her, then anyone could.

Alexander could.

I growl low in my throat, but bite the sound off when her head snaps in my direction.

Good, I think with satisfaction. She heard that.

At least she isn’t completely oblivious.

Fuck, why do I want to wrap her in my arms and take her home?

My Alpha has never been so certain of anything the way he’s certain that this female belongs to us. My instincts are little more than a primal, salivating monster. One who will tear apart anyone who gets between him and what he wants.

He wants this girl. And I, apparently, am on the same page, because I want her too.

I fist my hands, battling back that part of me before I do something insane. Like, go after her and fuck her until she’s round and swollen with my heirs.

Okay, psycho. You do not have heirs, you are not a Fatesdamned regency era Duke. Dial it down before you lose control.

My pulse is still galloping like a racehorse, so I press myself back into the stone wall of the mansion. Fate’s, I’d merge with the damn thing if I could.

Despite knowing I need to leave, my boots stay firmly planted in place.

The Omega gives her surroundings one more nervous pass and crouches down on the opposite side of the balcony near the trellis.

Thank fuck I moved.

My eyes narrow.

What the hell is she doing?

A second later, I hear a faint chirping noise from her direction. Despite the absence of domesticated pets at HQ, I easily recognize it. It’s the sound someone makes when they’re trying to get the attention of⁠—

A huge black cat materializes mid-stride and tears up the side of the trellis, shredding petals and greenery into ribbons beneath his claws. Without hesitation—or fear, apparently—the cat leaps off the trellis, soars through the air, and lands on the balcony directly next to the Omega.