Page 5 of Deadly Wolf Bite

I shouldn’t want her. Considering our families’ history, I shouldn’t want her at all, but we’re way past what I should do.

Inhaling deeply, I step into my bedroom and stop at the sight of her curled beneath my sheets. She looks way too small in the large bed. Too lonely. But she’s here.

She chose my room.

She chose me.

I go to her, peeling my clothes off on the way. Jacket, pants, shirt—I let them fall silently to the carpet. When I’m in nothing but my boxers, I crawl in beside her. My heart pounds with relief, or pleasure, or both. Nerves grip me as I reach for her, but she doesn’t pull away when I draw her against me. Instead, she cuddles closer, laying her head on my chest. Her hands are cold, so I cover them with mine. My fingers brush hers, and I look down.

“Where’s your ring?” I ask.

“I took it off when I got sick.”

It makes sense. The rock in that thing isn’t exactly something you’d want getting dirty. And it’s not like her engagement ring was supposed to be a genuine symbol of my feelings—not at first, anyway. Getting married was my father’s idea. No, his order. A way to tie my family to hers. To take her birthright away from her.

She’s Alpha Franco Giovanni’s only living heir. Her destiny should’ve been to rule our pack someday, but my father will never let that happen. As the second—and lesser—alpha of this city, Vincenzo Diavolo’s going to take the pack from her, one way or another. But I’m willing to bet he thinks she’ll give it to him willingly.

Maybe he’s right. Lexi didn’t ask to be caught up in a war. And my father’s not going to give her much choice. But after what he said on the phone tonight, I’m beginning to think there’s more to this than a peaceful transfer of power. He said he plans to control her. He also came right out and asked if she’s my mate.

I don’t think he bought my lie, either.

What happens when he finds out she is?

What happens when Lexi finds out? It’s bound to scare her away, and I can’t afford to let that happen. I won’t. It’s why I don’t mention that seeing her without her ring only makes me want to mark her in ways that can’t be removed. Like the mark of a mate.

Her wet hair is cold on my skin, but despite the discomfort, my cock hardens at the feel of her body against mine.

I shut down the thought of getting her naked.

For now.

What she needs tonight is rest and comfort, and I intend to give her exactly that. What I need is for this girl to realize that none of what we’re doing here is fake for me anymore. I’ll do anything for Lexi Giovanni. No matter what it costs me in the end.

3

LEXI

When Grey finally falls asleep, I cling to him, trying to let the heat of his skin warm me, but nothing touches the freezing terror coursing through me. Franco’s demands and Ramsey’s threats hover in the forefront of my thoughts—making it impossible to think of anything else. My teeth chatter and my heart feels like a block of ice. I’ve made a terrible mistake. A deadly mistake.

How could I have been so stupid?

Okay, so I’m not exactly the mafia princess they want me to be. To pretend to be. I don’t know how to navigate this life, this twisted web of manipulation and deceit. I don’t know how to do any of this. I should never have agreed to spy for Franco. It won’t save Grey’s life—because of course Franco will kill him when this is over anyway. Hell, I doubt it will even save mine.

Franco threw me away once without a thought. He doesn’t give a shit whether I live or die unless I can be of use to him.

And now…I can’t tell Grey. There’s no way he’ll believe me. Not when his friend of so many years will tell him different. Why would he put his trust in a virtual stranger over Ramsey?

You’ve seen what we do to traitors.

I shudder at the memory of Ramsey’s words.

While Grey sleeps, I go over and over it, turning it feverishly in my mind, but I can’t find an escape. Every scenario leads to death. Grey’s. Mine.

Vincenzo is a world-class asshole, but at least his plans involve keeping me alive—for now. Franco on the other hand… The way he looked at me tonight leaves no doubt he’d kill me as soon as use me. The man might be my grandfather by blood, but he’s a heartless monster as far as I’m concerned. A cruel stranger deserving of nothing but my hatred.

I still can’t understand what would make Ramsey spy for that bastard. He can’t possibly think Franco cares about him any more than Vincenzo does. And yet, he drove me right to Franco’s doorstep and offered me up. Turned me into a traitor.

And the thought of betraying Grey… I can’t bear it. He’s not like his father. Not the villain I once thought he was. He’s a victim of his family, just like I am. Born into this horrific game of kill or be killed.

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