Page 70 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

Jacques knocked Dimitri’s hand away, glaring. “I was guarding the front,” he spat back. “I called Angelo. He’s on his way.”

“Oh, brilliant strategy,” Dimitri drawled, his voice laden with sarcasm. “Because clearly, the big bad wolf always uses the front door.”

“Dimitri, please don’t hurt him. He’s family.”

“Worthless cur,” Dimitri abruptly dropped him.

More angry voices erupted in the dress shop. Recognizing them, I finally found the strength to stand beside Dimitri, clasping his hand. His fingers intertwined with mine, a silent promise of protection.

Angelo and Enzo burst into the dressing room, their eyes widening at the scene of destruction. The shattered mirror, spatters of blood, and the mangled body on the floor painted a gruesome picture.

Elena’s eyes brimmed with tears, herhand flying to her mouth in shock. “Mon Dieu, Angelo, you’re here,” she gasped, her voice trembling. “Someone tried to hurt our littlemon chère.” Her gaze darted between me and the carnage, relief and horror warring on her face.

Jacques stepped forward, his face ashen, looking like he was about to face a firing squad. “I called you as soon as I heard Gianna screaming,” he explained, his voice barely above a whisper. Sweat beaded on his forehead as Angelo’s piercing gaze fell on him.

I held my breath, half expecting Angelo to rip Jacques apart right there. The room was more tense than a defendant waiting for the jury to announce the verdict.

My brother scanned the room, his face a mask of barely contained fury. “What the hell happened here?” He strode over to me, his eyes roving over me as if checking for injuries. “Gianna, are you hurt? What happened?”

Dimitri’s grip on my hand tightened slightly. “Well, brother dearest,” he drawled, his voice dripping with false cheer, “your guard here decided to play hooky, and your sister almost lost her beautiful head to a wolf with anger management issues.”

Jacques blurted out, his gaze nervously darting to Angelo, “I was guarding outside the shop.”

“Oh, brilliant,” Dimitri smirked, his voice thick with mockery. “Because wolves are notorious for their aversion to doors.”

Enzo studied me, then Dimitri, a hint of respect in his eyes. “You actually do live up to your reputation.”

Dimitri squeezed my hand, then lifted his head high, hisbloodstained chin jutting out defiantly. “I protect what’s mine,” he declared, his voice a mixture of pride and warning. “And I do it with style. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I think we need to find a new wedding dress. This one’s gotten a bit...red.”

Angelo’s eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking between Dimitri and the corpse on the floor. “This isn’t over,” he growled. “We need answers. Now.”

Enzo stepped forward, his face grim. “The wolf king has denied that any of his wolves were involved.” He pointed to the corpse on the floor. “But I know him. He was one of the king’s enforcers.”

Dimitri tensed beside me. “Oh great,” he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Because what this day really needed was a meet-and-greet with the leader of the furry mafia.”

Angelo nodded curtly. “For once, I agree with Dimitri.” He pointed to Enzo and Dimitri. “We three go now. Bring the corpse.” He snatched Jacques by the shirt. “You’ll escort my sister and Elena back to Crescent Manor. If anything happens to her or Elena...”

“Nothing will,” Jacques squeaked, his face pale as a sheet.

I gasped. “Angelo, please don’t. He’d always protected me and I know he will now.”

Angelo released him with a shove that sent Jacques stumbling.

I grabbed Dimitri’s arm, my fingers digging into his sleeve. “Be careful. I?—”

Dimitri put a finger on my tremblinglips, his trademark smirk playing on his face. “Careful? That’s my middle name. Right after Dashing and before Irresistible.” His eyes softened slightly, a contrast to his light tone. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll be back before you can say who let the dogs out. Some puppies need to learn that biting the hand that feeds them...well, let’s just say it doesn’t end well for the puppy.”

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a theatrical whisper. “Besides, I can’t let your brother have all the fun. Someone needs to bring some style to this werewolf confrontation.”

He picked up the dead wolf and tossed it over his shoulder with an exaggerated grunt. “I always bring a gift to parties. Think they’ll appreciate the gesture?”

Elena wrapped her arm around my shaking shoulders as Dimitri, Enzo, and Angelo departed. My legs swayed, and my heart swelled with pride and worry, all wrapped up in a tight bow. Dimitri really did love me. He’d just proved it in the most dramatic way possible.

As they disappeared from view, a chill ran down my spine. The last thing I heard was Dimitri’s voice, floating back to me:

“Oh, and sweetheart? If we’re not back by midnight, assume the werewolves are having us for dinner. Literally.”

The door slammed shut, leaving me with a sinking feeling that this was just the beginning of our troubles. What if the wolf king didn’t believe them? What if this led to all-out war? And most terrifyingly, what if Dimitri didn’t come back?

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