Page 44 of Never Submit

I hate her even more.

“Noble, get Ms. Wexler out of here.”

“You’re not my alpha. You can’t boss me around,” she says.

I narrow my eyes. “If this mate thing is true with Noble, then you’ll belong to the Steel Claws pack, and that would mean that I very muchamyour alpha.”

Ren squawks in outrage. Noble only shakes his head, crossing to the bar and pouring himself a very tall glass of whiskey. He chugs half of it back in a single sip.

“And right now, your alpha is saying for you to shutyour mouth, or I’ll shut it for you.” I cross to her and lean in close. “Understand?”

“Fuck you,” Ren says, spots of color blossoming on her cheeks. “You’re a pig.”

I step back.

“No, Ms. Wexler. I’m an alpha. And the first thing you need to learn if you’re going to play at being the big bad wolf is to obey. If you can’t listen to me, then I’ll have someone show you the meaning of obedience.” My attention flickers to Noble. “Such as your mate.”

“You’re getting all pissed off because someone is worried about you?” Ren asks.

I want her.

Even smelling Noble on her, and the fainter scent of Dax, I want her.

The energetic connection between us wells and threatens to reemerge like a phoenix from the ashes. It’s the one thing I can’t allow.

I won’t.

It’s nothing more than fucking desire. Lust for flesh.

Grimacing, I bite down on my lip until I taste blood. “I don’t have time for your games,” I say. “I’ve a legitimate business to run, a wedding to plan, and a Moonstone to retrieve.”

I offer the last bit like it’s her fault the gem is gone. And it is, partly.

“If I didn’t know any better,” Ren begins softly, stepping forward, “I’d say you’re glad to have me back.”

“I’m glad to see you alive. But as for the rest…”

She’s a fucking nuisance.

I arch a brow when her scent changes. Deepens. She’s practically in heat and her desire isn’t limited to her mate. Itnever has been. “I won’t fuck you. If that’s why you’re here.”

Noble chokes on a sip of whiskey.

Ren takes another step forward. “Are you afraid of me, Torin? Is that why you’ve barely said a word to me since you found me?”

“Don’t fucking flatter yourself, Ms. Wexler. I’ve got nothing to say to you. I’m bored. Take your mate and go.”

She stares at me, then she takes a shuddering breath. “No.”

“No?”

“I want—” Ren breaks off, pushing her hair behind her ear as she licks her lips. “I…I want you both.”

She glances between us, and I turn to Noble, his eyes wide with surprise. “Ren?—”

“I-I don’t know how to handle it, all these things I’m feeling. It’s like everything is in overdrive.”

“It’s going to take a bit to get used to,” Noble says. “But come on. Let’s leave Torin alone.”

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