Layla’s POVThe introduction—inserted so casually into the already tense situation—left me off-balance, and for a split second I didn’t know what to do. In fact, the white-hot anger I had felt consuming me just moments ago faltered, and I could only blink in astonishment as Malcolm’s smile turned b
Her eyes widened in shock but before she could speak he was behind her, and in one smooth motion he slipped a menacing arm around her throat, tightening his hold until it looked like he was half strangling her.Malcolm’s mouth fell half open, and he took a purposeful step forward, only to stumble as
Layla’s POVI could hardly believe the shitshow I had just witnessed as I took in the fallen, unconscious form of the Blue Moon heir in the beat of perfect silence that followed the kick.I mean, despite the wild events that’d occurred so far, Xavier getting knocked down by the petite five-foot-some
A feeling of unease had begun to stir in my stomach when Hector finally straightened to his full height, gently shrugging my arm off his. His eyes locked on Malcolm’s, and in one smooth, deliberate movement, he rested his hand on the small of my back.“I’ll protect her.”Something in the uncompromis
Layla’s POV“So,” Malcolm finished, “What do you say?”Hector hadn’t moved once, but he seemed to know the exact moment I came to my decision because his grip around my waist tightened once more, not enough to be painful, but enough that I felt him beside me.Then his presence flooded my consciousne
“Layla.”The sound of my name spoken in that low, clear tone stopped me dead short, and I felt Hector tense beside me. For the first time, my mate’s arms fell from my waist, and I got the sensation that he was preparing for something.Malcolm—smile slowly fading now—only spared him a glance before t
Layla’s POVAs soon as my grandfather’s voice registered in my consciousness and I became aware of his presence, I jumped (quite literally) several feet in the air, almost losing my balance and falling out of the couch I had been sleeping on as a result.Only the fact that I managed to grab the back
“The only reason you are separated from them is because I needed you alone, to talk. When this conversation is over and done with, you will be reunited with your mate and your friend. Is that fair?”I blinked and then (after a brief moment’s consideration) nodded.“Good.” Malcolm smiled, “Good, I’m