“Sounds like good times over here,” Rook says. “Nora, you look stunning tonight.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t had the chance to spend any time with you yet this evening. You’ve been a popular lady.”
“Blame Cecile.”
He laughs. “Well, I’ve got your attention now, and that’s what counts, right?”
He pulls me from my stool and into an embrace that is a little more intimate than I expected. His thoughts are jumbled as if he’s fighting his wolf. …have such a strong reaction to her. Get it under control, Rook. She’s not yours. But it’s getting harder to ignore her.
He inhales deeply, and then, just as Parker had done, he stiffens when he smells Oliver on me. Actually, he probably smells both Ollie and Parker on me now. His grip on me tightens just a fraction, and his thoughts simplify. Smell other men on her. Must claim what’s ours…
“Rook,” Alpha Toth says sternly, causing Rook to flinch. He finally lets me go, but he does the same thing he did last week and pulls me close to his side as he introduces me to the people with him. I flash a pleading look to Alpha Toth, but he subtly shakes his head, telling me to just let Rook do what he needs.
Rook’s jaw is still tight, and his eyes still have a faint glow in them. I look to Wulf next, but all I get from him is a smug grin. Oliver and Parker both seem stunned. I suppress a groan and curse my stupid curse. I have got to find a way to control my allure like Cecile does, or I’ll never be able to keep my friends. They’ll kill one another over me.
“Nora, this is Lucian Williams, and his mate, Isabella,” Rook says. “They’re the alpha and luna of the Waterloo pack.”
I shake each of their hands, and then Rook points to two other men. Both of them are familiar, one surprisingly so. The man is one of the underworlders I rescued back in September. He’d been sickly then, dying slowly from silver poisoning. He looks so much healthier now. Young and robust, even. I smile brightly for him and say, “I know you. You look a lot better than the last time we met.”
The man grins. “Thanks to you.” He holds out a hand for me to shake. “The name’s Evan Fuller. It’s good to finally meet you. Properly.”
“You too.”
A throat clears, and Evan immediately steps back, letting the man from my vision in Marie’s apartment step forward. “Nora,” Evan says, “this is my alpha, Axel Day.”
“Many thanks for saving my beta,” he says as he shakes my hand. His thoughts are running a different direction. No wonder Marie is so crazy over this woman. She’s the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen, and her dominance is so much stronger than Marie’s.
“I’m just glad I could help,” I say, breaking Axel’s grip. To Evan, I add, “I’m glad I got to see you again. I didn’t think I was going to, and I was worried. You were in such bad shape that night.” I check out his physique and give him a crooked smile. “I see you’ve recovered well enough.”
Evan laughs while a rumble starts in Rook’s chest. The growl is so low I feel it rather than hear it. While I’m busy glaring at Rook, Evan steps forward again. “I’m glad I got to see you again, too. I’ve wanted to thank you. Perhaps you’ll allow me a dance?”
This is perfect. I haven’t danced much tonight, and I was wondering how I’d hear anyone’s thoughts. Having a few minutes alone with Axel’s beta will really help. And maybe it will prompt Axel to ask me to dance next. It wouldn’t surprise me. Wolves are so competitive. “I’d love to.”
I step forward to join him, but a hand clamps around my waist and Rook growls louder. “Rook!” I snap.
Stupid territorial wolves. I shoot Alpha Toth a meaningful glare. I need this. Rook has to let me talk to—and possibly flirt with—Evan and Axel both. I need to find out what’s going on.
Alpha Toth understands my plight and steps beside Rook. He clamps a white-knuckled hand on Rook’s shoulder. “Rook. Let the lady have a dance. Evan only means to show his gratitude. He’ll behave himself.”
Evan’s surprise is obvious, but he recovers quickly and holds up his hands in surrender. “I would never dream of moving in on your female. Forgive me. I didn’t realize you had a claim on her. I meant nothing by the invite. I simply wanted the chance to thank Nora for saving my life.”
No! No, no, no! He’s backing off! Damn it, Rook!
“Of course you can have a dance with her,” Alpha Toth says, squeezing Rook’s shoulder so hard Rook grimaces. “Rook’s just feeling a little overwhelmed with so many people expressing interest in Nora tonight. But he doesn’t mind. Do you, Rook?”
“Sure,” Rook grinds out. “Just keep it friendly.”
I elbow Rook in the ribs, and he finally lets me go. Then I force a smile at Evan and push him toward the dance floor. He follows reluctantly. “I’m sorry for causing trouble. I had no idea you and Rook were more than friends.”
Me either, buddy. “It’s…complicated, but don’t worry. I’ve danced with over a dozen men tonight. I think it’s just different with you because you’re the first wolf who’s asked me. But don’t worry about Rook. He knows the point of this party is for me to get to know other underworlders.”
We reach a clear spot on the dance floor, and Evan glances once more at Rook. He’s standing off to the side, scowling at us, with Alpha Toth and Terrance standing on either side of him, as if ready to hold him back. I shoot him another look, then step into Evan’s space, forcing him into action. He gently places one hand on my waist and takes my hand with his other.
For a moment, I simply read him as he leads us into a waltz. He’s shocked—more than shocked—that Rook has finally taken a mate. What I like about him is that he’s not disappointed I’m spoken for, he’s excited about it. They’ll be a good match. Rook deserves someone like Nora. If they’re going to be mated, I wonder if he’ll try to reclaim the Huron River pack. I wish he’d challenge Axel instead. We could use a good alpha pair. I’d be honored to be Rook’s second.
Interesting. Evan really doesn’t think much of his alpha. That counts as points in his favor. He seems like a good man who just wants what’s best for his pack. “So,” I say, searching for something that might bring up the topic of Axel without sounding obvious. “You didn’t bring a date this evening? No mate?”
Evan gives me a roguish grin. “I’m still in the market for the right one.”
I snort. Wolves. “How about your alpha? I didn’t see a woman with him, either. I thought wolves couldn’t be alphas without having mates.”
Evan sighs. “It’s uncommon. Axel is…” an abusive jerk who the women in our pack fear and loathe. “…very dominant. He won’t take anyone but the strongest female as his mate, and there aren’t any in our pack that satisfy him in that department.”
“Sounds very…shifter-ish.”
Surprised, Evan laughs. “I suppose that’s true, though not all wolves are created equal.” Not all of us are monsters like Axel. I’m glad Nora got to know Toth’s pack first. Toth is a good man, and Rook is one of the best.
“I’m sure they aren’t. Just like with any group of people. I’ve seen the worst of the human race all my life, but I know there are good ones out there. As for wolves, well, I admit I quite like you guys. Aside from the rogues that attacked me, I’ve had a great experience dealing with your race.”
Evan smiles proudly. “I’m glad to hear it. And, might I add, if you do decide to make the change, you’ll be a wonderful addition.”
I don’t know how to answer that. How can I explain Rook’s possessiveness without explaining my curse? It’s not something I want to get into tonight with a man I just met. “Thank you. That’s sweet of you to say.”
The song comes to an end, and Evan lets go of me with a playful sigh. “I suppose I should return you now. But seriously, Nora…” His smile vanishes, and his face grows somber. “Thank you.” I start to protest, but he shakes his head. “No. You saved my life. I am in your debt. If there is ever anything I can do for you, all you have to do is ask.”