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He had long suspected Cain wanted him gone. In the past year, Cain had openly opposed him. Had Cain not been related to him, Ethan would have eliminated him a long time ago for disturbing the pack dynamic. Undermining his role as the alpha was a grave offense. Had Cain succeeded in assassinating him, this woman, a mere human female, would inherit all his vast wealth and estate. Ethan could imagine how the rest would play out.
Nice try, cousin.
Ethan allowed himself to relax in his chair, playing as a man who had just recovered from a terrible accident. As the lesser houses came to congratulate him on his speedy recovery, Ethan made a mental note of who among his guests would likely conspire with his cousin. But they all appeared loyal to him. His family was revered because it carried the line of the alpha strain direwolf—the king of all werewolves. House Hunter had ruled the territory since the beginning.
“Alpha,” Graystone alarmed him when a new party arrived at the front door.
Ethan zeroed in his attention, but he could already guess who it was. He could recognize his cousin’s scent anywhere.
Cain was flanked by his entourage, escorting a young woman on his arm.
So that is my supposed bride, Ethan thought in amusement. He must applaud Cain’s guts for daring to continue the charade.
The guests parted, giving Cain and the woman wide berth as they made their way to where he was sitting. Cain looked normal with his usual jovial demeanor, but the woman seemed…terrified. She was beautiful, he must admit. Cain had chosen the type of female whom he liked. But the woman looked as if she was about to have a nervous breakdown at any moment. Her face was pale and her big innocent eyes looked like a prey animal about to be devoured.
His predatory instinct stirred alive.
This is interesting.
Cain went straight to him and delivered his bride with a theatrical flourish of his hand. “Alpha. Sookie had been in extreme distress since she learned about your accident. I collected her from Vegas as soon as I heard you were fit to receive guests.”
Ethan got up from the chair slowly. He could tell the woman would be ready to bolt if Cain wasn’t holding her arm. “Sookie?”
“My name’s Susan,” she explained. A quiver of fear tinged her voice. “Ethan, you really don’t remember me?”
Susan. Nickname is Sookie. How cute.
He took her hand and clasped it in his large hands. How curious it was that her hand was lined with calluses, not the type of hand belonging to someone who lazed around all day, never lifting a finger. Most curious indeed. “I’m sorry, baby. Part of my memory was lost because of the accident. But don’t worry. I’ll remember you soon enough. I must have had a good reason to marry you before I left Vegas.”
Color drained from her face—like she couldn’t be even paler. “I hope so, Ethan. I’ve missed you.”
Even her line sounded scripted. Ethan stroked her cheek and down to her shoulder. Fuck. She was really his type. He was a sucker for a curvy woman with pale skin and ample breasts. Her lush mahogany-colored hair was tied in a simple ponytail. He also a sucker for a woman in a red dress. The deep rouge of her silk gown clung on her buxom figure nicely. Her pale skin contrasted with the bold color of the fabric. Cain, you bastard. Where did he find a female foolish enough to play this dangerous game?
But there was something else that bothered him about this woman.
The beast in him reacted wildly toward her.
Was it her hair? Was it her face?
Her sumptuous body?
No. It was something else.
Her scent . . .
Ethan grabbed her neck and rubbed the skin under her chin. She startled. Yes. That is it. She was wearing too much perfume. Ethan lowered his head and sniffed her.
He almost lost it for a second.
It was no mistake. This female was his mate.
Sookie almost fell apart when she caught Ethan’s eyes. She couldn’t continue playing this lying game. Sensing her hesitation, the man formerly known as Suit—who Sookie now knew as Cain Hunter—fondly reminded her what would happen to Jesse if she failed to convince everyone she was Ethan’s wife.
For the last ten days, she had been drilled about everything regarding Ethan. His favorite food. His favorite color. His pet peeves. And the Hunter family history. Sookie studied them tirelessly. She thought she was prepared, but the moment they met face-to-face, nervousness seized her in a tight grip.
Ethan Hunter scared the bejesus out of her.
She almost had a heart attack when Ethan grabbed her neck and rubbed his thumb over her skin. She caught Cain’s warning eyes and sobered instantaneously. She didn’t dare move a muscle. What is he doing? Does he know that I lie? Is this normal behavior for a wolfman?
