I didn’t even think.
I slapped Garrett’s hand away with a growl of my own at the same time I screamed at Cazz through the bond, “NO!”
I wasn’t sure if I accidentally unleashed power, or what happened, but there was a jolt inside me and the word resonated, freezing Cazz in his tracks for a split second, just in time for me to put a finger under Garrett’s nose.
“I am the King’s slave, not yours,” I hissed at him, at the same time I babbled at the panting and rippling Cazz through the link.
‘You can’t touch him, yo
~ CASIMIR ~It was a physical fight not to just shift and kill this sick motherfucker. Especially when he turned to me arrogantly and put himself between me and my mate. I showed him my teeth as I swallowed the growl.“That won’t be necessary—” he started.“Oh, I assure you it is,” I snapped. “You have her with me outside the door, or you don’t have her at all.”Over his shoulder, Jesse looked at me nervously, but she wasn’t the only one who knew how to deal with assholes like this. And the way her chin was up, that spine of steel that I could sense in her sending through the l
~ JESSE ~I stood there in that room, hands on my mouth, heart pounding in my ears.‘Jesse, you can do this! Just make him stop and listen, then you’ll have space to breathe…. Jesse… Jesse, what’s going on? Jesse… FUCKING ANSWER ME BEFORE I BREAK DOWN THIS DOOR.’I blinked and realized Cazz was about to ruin everything, and threw my mind open so he could see what I was seeing, shaking my hands and making myself breathe.‘Cazz, I’m sorry. I think I broke him!’
~ JESSE ~The following afternoon, the entire wing of the hotel that we’d been given was bustling with nervous energy. The seamstress and her team had taken a room and were making alterations to all the dresses the women had been given.There were hairdressers, and human make-up artists moving from room to room, polishing all of us until we glowed because we were supposed to be suitable for the richest and most powerful men in the state.And of course, the wolves were stunning. Reeca took my breath away.I’d never seen any of them in make-up, and even though something about it felt off, there was no denying that any of these women could have graced magazine covers, or celebr
~ CASIMIR ~There was no time, no sensible way I should focus on anything but the men we were preparing to take out tonight, but the moment I saw her standing in front of that mirror, her lush body glittering, her eyes like jewels, bright on black velvet, her body full and her skin glowing… dear God, she was stunning. Then as I stepped into that lavish bathroom, I caught her rich scent and it hit me what was ahead of us…I had to mark her with my scent. Claim her before any other male could even think to take her.The audacity of that male yesterday t
~ CASIMIR ~I caught her when her knees gave, wrapping arms around her middle, under her stomach, propping her up as my breath tore in and out and my chest heaved. I was sweating and had to pray that I wouldn’t sweat through the clothes because there wasn’t time to press another set.“Cazz… dear God…”“The comparison is flattering, but I keep telling you—”She snorted a laugh, then almost slid off the countertop and had to slap a hand to the edge of it to catch herself.There was a moment where my balance was off and hers was gone entirely, and we swayed together, still joined, her giggling, me chuckling, both of us shushing each other. Then I planted my feet and lift
~ CASIMIR ~The females were still preparing when I stood at the center of the wing and just allowed the reality to wash over me.Jesse was at my side, but turned away, speaking with Reeca and a couple of the other females. All of them were dressed and polished with the human make up. Though I enjoyed the human fashions, the painted faces made me grim. But I knew that Jesse and that Garrett creature had both emphasized that the men here would expect it, so I left it.I couldn’t deny that Jesse’s make up made her eyes look huge and even more piercing, and certainly drew attention to her lips in a way that made me want to drag her back to privacy. I could understand what it was about this tradition that appealed to the males. But still… I preferred it when I could see my mate’s natural skin.
~ CASIMIR ~My wolf snapped it’s teeth and I shoved it back. He’d lost his scent for Jesse. He was not in love with her.But it hadn’t occurred to me to consider that his attentions might shift…I looked at my friend with new eyes, tipping my head, thinking back to whether I’d seen or sensed any hint of feeling from him in regards to the female.But no… he’d happily stood for her to be accepted in the Selection. He’d trusted her with Jesse’s secrets, and seconded Maya in relying on her.So, what had changed?I must have sent the thought to Rake, because his expression grew sullen and he turned to scan the hallway and a
“Beware those who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” - Gospel of Matthew 7:15 ***** ~ JESSE ~ The guards tipped us out into the room like puppies out of a bag. I landed heavily on rough stone, scraping my knees and palms, hissing against the pain. But they'd freed my hands and ankles before they shoved me in here, so, with my heart thudding in my chest, I scrabbled to pull down the blindfold that was over my eyes and get my bearings quickly. Dark room. Stone walls and ceiling. Warm lights. Cold air. Damp. Shadows my eyes couldn’t penetrate—and more shadows behind us I wished they couldn’t. Left and right, women shrieked and sobbed, hitting the floor, some rolling, one planting face-first into the rock and laying there, unmoving. Behind me, a cluster of guards filled the doorway, with more spreading out along the wall. They didn't carry weapons, but they didn't need to. They were all well over six foot and huge with it. Strong and rugged… feral. B