Page 57 of Cowboy Devil's Embrace

“Easy, Alpha. I meant no disrespect,” Emmet said, eyes averted.

“Sorry,” I grunted, releasing him before any normals saw us.

“You shouldn’t fuck around about her, Emmet. Penelope is my mate. And my inner Devil is close to being fucking unhinged where she is concerned.”

“I figured as much, which is why I’m here. She can’t find out about you when you’re this amped. Humans are fickle. She’ll bolt.”

“Fuck. That’s what I’m afraid of,” I admitted.

“But you can’t keep it from her for long. Your Devil will want to claim her.”

“I know. Look, I’m going to tell her everything, but she’ll need time,” I told him.

The Wolf nodded, turning his head behind him.

“Uh, I think your mate might need your help. But just so you know, me and the guys are gonna stick around,” Emmet said, and I nodded.

Cockblocking asshole.

But he was right. I sniffed the air and discovered Penelope’s natural cinnamon scent was growing more potent with her anxiety.

I frowned and took my money from the machine, shoving it in my pocket as I hastily turned towards the stand where I left her.

“Be cool, man. We’re here if you need us,” Emmet said before disappearing into the crowd.

I watched his gaze as it flicked over to the concession stand. The Wolf clear in his eyes. Whatever he saw, it didn’t look like he was happy about it.

My Devil scratched against my skin, and a growl started to build inside my chest as I neared the line of people.

There was a man, a pissant of a man, but still a man, crowding my woman.

Fuck. No.

Blood thundered inside my brain, and I couldn’t really hear what was being said. Just the odd word or two, but it was enough to know this guy needed a lesson in manners.

But first, I had to comfort her.

My promised one.

My fated mate.

One of the perks about being fated for a supernatural was my woman would never have to know the sort of discomfort this piece of shit was currently exposing her to.

Not on my fucking watch. My chest rumbled and my inner Devil clawed to get out.

But turning into my red-skinned monster in front of all these people was a no go. Besides, I could wait to get my vengeance.

Right now, Penelope was tense and obviously upset, and I didn’t like that. Not one little bit.

“Easy now, Sugarplum,” I sidled up to her, murmuring in her ear.

I put my hands on her hips, tugging her backwards against my body.

“Max,” she said my name, and I felt her body lose some of its tension.

We might have just met as far as her human sensibilities were concerned, but this was a significant sign. Even if it was subconscious, her body recognized mine.

“Did you place our order?” I asked, hoping to distract her from whatever this small-dicked asshole had said to upset her.

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