Page 42 of Deadly Wolf Bite

“The part where she basically went into heat right in front of us.”

“I’m not talking about this right now.”

“You and I both know there’s a way to trigger her wolf.”

“It’s not guaranteed.”

“You’re right. It only works if her wolf is strong, and considering she almost attacked an entire wolf pack to defend her claim on your dick, I’d say it is.”

“You don’t know for sure,” I snap.

There’s a beat of silence before she says, “Is that why you haven’t claimed her yet? You’re scared of the bite?”

“I don’t want to talk about this right now,” I say, my voice a warning.

“She’s a human in a shifter war. We can’t afford that kind of liability.”

“She’s a liability as a wolf,” I say.

“What are you?—”

“The moment she’s a wolf, my father won’t hesitate to compel her with alpha power. He’ll control her completely.”

“Unless you’re her alpha,” she points out.

“I’m not ready yet.” I swallow hard then take a deep breath. “This is how I keep her safe.”

Mia sighs. “She’s a target either way, Grey.”

“All my father wants is her title.”

“Bullshit. He wants more—he always wants more.”

She’s right, of course. But I don’t admit that. If I do, I’ll have to admit she’s right about everything else. That the only way to save Lexi is to do something that might kill her. “I need to get going or I’ll be late.”

“This conversation isn’t over.”

I end the call, silently arguing with myself about Mia’s warning. Lexi would be stronger as a wolf—and more vulnerable. The indecision is twisting me up inside.

Half an hour later, Lexi rejoins me. “Does this look okay?”

She’s wearing a navy-blue sheath dress. It’s simple and elegant and sensible. There’s absolutely no reason I should be rock hard at the sight of her in it. And yet, I adjust myself discreetly behind the kitchen counter before setting my coffee mug in the sink and rounding to where she waits.

“It’s perfect,” I tell her, my voice embarrassingly hoarse.

She moves to walk by me, but I reach for her, pulling her against my chest. This close, I smell her freshly soaped skin, and beneath that, the scent that makes her unique—and irresistible.

Her lips part invitingly, her pulse speeding. “We could skip it,” she says as my mouth brushes hers.

I groan.

It takes everything in me to pull away from her.

“When we get home,” I tell her, gripping her hips possessively, “I’m going to take that dress off you with my teeth.”

She shivers, her smirk more like a dare. “I look forward to it.”

Fuck.

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