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His voice is husky and choked with lust as he utters my name. He wants me. It’s there in his eyes where I see a flash of amber as his wolf appears, calling to my own, but Nathan wrestles back his control.
“You look stunning.”
He doesn’t look too bad himself, his white shirt showing off his tanned skin and his damp hair curls around his ears and the back of his neck. With a small shake of his head, he gestures toward the stairs, telling me to lead the way.
“Come on. They’re waiting for us.”
Nodding, I brush by him and practically run down the stairs, fleeing from him and the emotions stirring inside me. Hearing his strangled groan as I pass, a shiver passes through me. I’m ashamed to find myself adding a little extra sway to my hips as I walk, knowing he’s paying close attention. He lingers at the top of the stairs, fist clenched, hesitating before he follows me as though trying to gather himself. I feel more powerful than I ever have before and it’s intoxicating.
I burst out through the front door and suck in a deep breath to steady myself before fixing a smile on my face and approaching the group lingering near the steps.
“Maya, over here!” Leah waves to me, gesturing for me to come closer. Relieved to see her here already and to have a buffer between me and Nathan, I move in her direction. I’ve only walked a few steps when arms wrap around my waist in an iron grip. I’m scooped up from behind and tossed over someone's shoulder with a loud whoop and a gentle tap on the ass. Leah’s expression turns to one of horror right before she disappears from my view.
“Ross!” I shriek, immediately grabbing the back of my dress and pressing it to my ass to preserve my modesty as he spins me around. Always one for teasing and messing, he’s clearly feeling much braver now that we’re away from the pack and the danger of pissing off my brother is absent.
He’s in high spirits and laughing so hard he doesn’t register me pinching his back or shouting at him to release me as he jogs away. But he registers the feral roar that sounds from the entrance of the packhouse as Nathan emerges and sees me slung over another man’s back. Sliding me down his body and setting me down gently on my feet, Ross looks at me quizzically as an enraged Nathan storms straight for us.
This is not going to be good. He has no idea what he's just done.
“Get your fucking hands off her.”
Nathan’s warning is low and measured, but somehow, that makes it even more terrifying. His eyes blaze in the dark and every vein and tendon in his neck bulge and pop. His teeth are down, and I’d guess he’s barely clinging on to his human form.
Stepping quickly away from Ross, I put my hands up.
“Nathan, calm down.”
His wolf looks straight at me as another growl passes his lips. He’s furious at Ross, but he’s not happy with me either. Feeling brave, I step forward and press my palm to his heaving chest. His muscles are taut, and his heart is pounding rapidly in his chest. His skin ripples under my touch, telling me just how close to shifting he is.
Just when I think his breathing is calmer, and he looks less tense, Ross makes the mistake of speaking and reminding Nathan he’s still here.
“Maya, what’s going on?”
Nathan pulls me to him roughly and shoves me behind his big body, placing himself between me and Ross. If only he knew. I’m not Ross’ type. No woman is Ross’ type. He is here under my brother’s order to protect me, and I see concern twisting his features as he sees Nathan’s hand gripping my arm tightly.
“Nathan, let go of her arm.”
He doesn't understand what's going on, but he's going to find out the hard way if he doesn't shut up. I try to signal to him to stay quiet, but he's too busy glaring at Nathan. Loyal, brave Ross, about to get himself killed.
“I don’t care who you are. You’re hurting her and you need to let go.”
Ross takes a step forward and reaches a hand toward me, ready for me to take. It’s the wrong move. I hear the gasps and see the confused faces as Nathan lunges for Ross, just as Rex lunges for Nathan. And all hell breaks loose.
CHAPTER 16
MAYA
Nathan thrashes in Rex’s grip, his wolf the one in control now, and I pray to the Moon Goddess that he doesn’t shift. Ross looks between Nathan and me, the obvious question on his lips.
Why is he acting like this?
The look of disbelief on my face, my notable silence, and the fact that my feet seem to be rooted to the spot don’t suggest we’re mates, so he stretches out a hand toward me once again, urging me to come to his side and away from the raging alpha beside me.
I’m not stupid. Going to Ross would throw fuel on the fire, but I don’t know what to do. All eyes of the small group gathered outside the packhouse are on me. I have the power to diffuse the situation, but stepping in and calming Nathan makes a public declaration that we are fated mates.
And then I’m trapped.
Nathan sees Ross reach for me and growls even louder, but Ross won’t be deterred. He believes he’s defending me. Our warriors are fierce, and Ross is one of the best. He won’t hesitate to fight Nathan if he feels he’s a threat to his Alpha’s sister. It’s his sworn duty, no matter what the odds of winning.
