Page 47 of Deadly Wolf Bite

But he doesn’t bring it up as he adjusts his legs so that his thigh brushes mine.

I flinch, scooting toward Grey.

Dom grins, clearly enjoying my discomfort, but the movement of his cheek makes the scratch on it more noticeable, and I can’t help smirking at the sight of it, despite my fear. I love that I managed to inflict damage he’s forced to see in the mirror.

“Relax,” he says. “I’m only here to offer moral support. These meetings can be a bit overwhelming at first.” He leans in, adding, “Although, I’m sure you’ve seen some shit in your line of work, huh?”

He’s trying to bait me. Rather than give him the satisfaction, I toss back, “I’ve definitely seen scum like you.”

“Funny,” he says. “But I can guarantee you’ve never met a man like me.”

I suppress a shudder at the undertone. Grey presses in closer to me, his body rigid as he leans forward to glare at Dom. “What the fuck do you want, Albero?” he asks in a low voice.

Around us, the room is starting to quiet. People are taking their seats. Security’s pulling the doors shut, sealing us in.

“I already told you, just offering moral support for her first time.” He chuckles. “A girl never forgets her first, and today’s going to be extra eventful.”

“Fuck off,” Grey warns him.

Dom’s eyes rake over me, leaving a trail of disgust across my skin. “Believe me, fucking is top of my list.”

Grey snarls and starts to reply, but he stops as someone else joins our row. A flash of red hair catches my eye, and I look up to see Mia dropping into the seat on Dom’s other side.

Her smile is warm enough, but her eyes are ice cold. “Dom, he’s let you out of your cage, I see.”

Dom turns to her smoothly. “Mia Reyes, the equal opportunity general-in-waiting, all the way up here in the back row.” He tsks and adds, “How will you ever keep hold of your daddy’s coattails sitting so far away from him?”

Mia bats her lashes. “Funny. I was just wondering how you keep your nose so firmly in Franco’s asshole from way up here.”

Dom’s friendly façade drops away. “Watch your fucking mouth, bitch.”

Mia simply smiles back at him. Then she glances past Dom and shoots me a wink before settling back in her seat, unruffled in the face of his anger. Seriously impressive.

Grey, however, is practically vibrating with rage. And Dom knows it.

“I’m surprised your alpha allowed you to attend this meeting,” Dom remarks. He doesn’t look at Grey, but I know that’s who he’s talking to. “Considering you betrayed him the last time you were here. But then I guess he’s forgiven you since you brought him a consolation prize.” He looks pointedly at me.

“I’m not a fucking trophy,” I tell him.

“A peace offering then.” Dom shrugs. “How did Vincenzo react when he found out you tried to join our side?” he goes on. “Probably not well.”

“Shut the fuck up, Albero.” Grey’s voice is brittle and clipped.

One glance at him, and I can see he’s hanging onto his control by a thread. It’s tempting to let him lose it. Dom deserves whatever Grey would do. But not here in a room full of generals who’d condemn Grey for what would probably look like an unprovoked attack.

The thought of Vincenzo punishing Grey again isn’t a welcome one.

I grab Grey’s hand and squeeze.

“From what I hear, Grey’s return to the family was met with celebration,” I say before Grey can say something he can’t take back. “They never did get to congratulate him on killing your brother.”

“Ouch,” Mia says with utter sarcasm.

Dom’s face flushes as he glares at me. He doesn’t say a word for a long moment, and I can tell I’ve surprised him. I’m not sure if he didn’t expect me to talk shit or didn’t realize Grey would’ve told me what really happened.

Either way, I smirk at the obvious direct hit I’ve landed.

At the podium down front, Franco stands up and calls the meeting to order. Dom goes quiet though he doesn’t leave. I keep my attention on him so I can be ready if he tries to pull anything, but I also can’t help watching Franco. He looks completely at ease in this room full of mafia monsters, all of whom rule this city like some kind of celebrity killers.

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