bChapter /bb537 /b

    bThe /bentire audience froze as his words echoed through the space. ne’s smile tightened at he looked around the mum bShannon/bb, /band this is the only time I would ever feel bad for her, stumbled another step and Brittney giggled next to her Brandon turned back to Shannon, realizing he wasn’t as quiet as thought he was. He had the decency to look a Burle embarrassed. But he stepped forward and held out his hand for her and she stered a smile onto her fare and stepped toward

    him

    Brandon wrapped his fingers around hers and pulled her to his side A quick whispered spell let me hear the rushed conversation. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for everyone to hear that He smiled down at her. “I’m just nervous.” He lied straight through his teeth, but I could see that Shannon was eating it up. “You know how I feel about you, right, baby?”

    “It’s okay.” She trembled as she stepped closer to him. “I understand. Of course, I know how you feel about me. You picked me over Amy.” I watched his face tighten with her words, but she missed it. She batted her eyes up at him. “I can’t wait to be your mate.”

    Rowan, the shit stiger he is, leaned over to a wolf beside him. “I thought Brandon was mating the alpha female from this pack. Amy…” He furrowed us brows and turned back to the front, watching hisment hit home. Brandon’s spine straightened as he turned to look at Rowan. And Shannon growled low in her throat

    “No, my king.” Shannon turned and fought her anger as she addressed him. “Brandon chose me.”

    Rowan stood and walked over, sniffing as he went. He raised his eyebrow and turned back to his seat. “Brandon. I’m surprised. But true love conquers all, I guess.”

    “What do you mean?” Brandon snapped his attention to the king. Even from back here, I could see him swallow his anger facing the bigger male.

    Rowan smiledzily. “I mean,e on…no offense to your chosen mate, but let’s be honesty here.” He turned to look Shannon up and down. “You seem like a really nice girl.” He took a step and seemed like he lost his bnce for a second. He waved his arms in a circle trying to catch himself. “But it’s Amy.i” /iHe said it so matter–of–factly, I had to turn my face away so no one could see my smile.

    “What the hell does that mean?” Shannon turned to face the king.

    Rowan lifted an eyebrow. “I mean no offense.” He raised his hands and smiled again.

    Shannon’s eyes turned to slits. “Then exin what you meant.”

    Rowan chuckled softly. “You are ying with fire, little girl.”

    Brandon wrapped his arm around Shannon. “I would also like to know what you meant, my king.”

    Rowan turned to the crowd and smiled a little too wide. “I apologize to everyone here. I’m not myself, as I am still riding high on my mating.” He turned back to the couple. “So please forgive me. I will keep my mouth shut.”

    Shannon stepped out of Brandon’s arms. “Please. My king. Exin what you meant.” Shannon tried to grab him, but he let out a low rumble.

    “Don’t touch me.” He growled out, and I saw his eyes sh. He stepped back and then shook his head again to clear it. “I’m sorry. My wolf doesn’t like it when another female gets too close. He likes space so that he doesn’t make our mate mad.” He shook his head again.

    Brandon and Vince smiled at each other. “My king, are you okay?” Brandon reached out, but Rowan waved him off.

    “I’m fine.” He smiled, and I had to cough to cover myugh. His acting was surprisingly good.

    You doubt me, mate? Rowan’s voice curled in my mind, and I nearly dropped my tray.

    The fuck? I turned back to Rowan, whoughed out loud, adding to his confused act. How is this possible?

    Our bond settled fully. Rowan tossed back at me like that was answer enough.

    bThat /bbexins /bbnothing /bbto /bbme/bb. /bI tossed backb, /band heughed out loud again. Shannon walked closer and grabbed his barm /bb“/bbMaybe /bbyou /bbshould /bbsit /bbdown/b, my king.” She smiled, and I nearly growled when I saw something metallic glint in her hand.

    bShe /bhas a knife. I screamed at him, and I watched his eyes turn predatory.

    Shannon tried to wrap het other arm with the knife around his midille, and I watched as she tried to stab film. But he caught her hands and yed dumb again. His grow) ripped over the crowd “lready told you, my wolf doesn’t like females touching meb./bb” /bHe squeezed her hand until she yelped.

    “Sorry, my king.” She stepped back, hiding the knife in her skirt, but I watched as Rowan tracked her movements. “I just wanted to help you.”

    He nodded once and then staggered back to his seat. “Well then. Let’s get this show on the road.” He pped really loudly, almost as if he were drunk, making Vince grin again. 1

    Alicia S. Rivers Author

    iI /iiapologize /iifor /iihow /iilong /iiit /ihas taken me to updatei. /iAs some iof /iiyou /iiknow /iI ilost /iimy /ifather on July 11th. am utterly shattered. He was my ibest /iifriend/ii, /iand ione /iof my strongest supporters. iI /idon’t know how iI /iiwill /iget used ito /iia /iiworld /iwhere he iis /iinot /iiin /iit. But I am doing my b ~

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