Page 28 of Nix
Evan saw it.
Marlin veered into Nix’s path.
The defenseman smacked the bag of seeds out of Nix’s hands before he rammed his shoulder hard against Nix’s.
Evan was on his feet in a second. He crossed the room in a flash using the paranormal abilities he so often tried to hide. Catching Nix, Evan caught the boy under his armpits, keeping Nix from crashing to the floor, as he glowered at Marlin.
“My bad,” Marlin said, holding his hands up.
Red-hot anger filled him. Evan had warned Marlin. Nix was not to be messed with. The boy was his. Very carefully Evan moved Nix to the side so he was no longer between Evan and Marlin.
“Uh, Evan?” Nix said quietly. Nix tugged on his arm.
“Stay there,” Evan ordered, not taking his hard gaze off Marlin. They were going to take care of this right now.
“Sure,” Nix whispered. “But—”
Evan marched forward, bumping his chest against Marlin’s.
Marlin’s eyes widened as he tried to take a step back. He ran into Laney’s chest as the captain stepped up behind him.
“Sorry, man,” Marlin said to Evan. “Accident.”
“Bullshit,” Evan said harshly. He wasn’t putting up with this any longer. The years had changed him. When he’d played in the NHL with Marlin and other shifters, Evan had been known for his fiery temper, but he’d calmed. Betrayal would do that. Nix was bringing back every dragon instinct and desire that Evan had stuffed down.
“Look,” Marlin started.
Evan wrapped his fingers around Marlin’s throat then yanked him forward until they were practically nose to nose. “No, you look. You were warned to leave Nix alone.”
“I didn’t do anything!” Marlin claimed.
“Shut up.” Evan tightened his fingers. “I warned you. You didn’t listen. You really should have listened.” Inside his core began to heat. The dragon inside wanting out to make sure that Marlin would never be able to target Nix again. Evan was trying to remember why he denied his true nature.
Marlin’s face began to turn red. “Cap! Help!”
Pressing his chest against Marlin’s back, Laney chuckled. “I warned you myself. I told you to let up on the kid. Like Evan said, you didn’t listen.”
“Stupid,” Evan growled out. ”You aren’t normally a stupid man so I will give you one chance to explain what your problem is with Nix. And it better be a fucking good reason.” Heat traveled up his body to his fingertips, burning where he still gripped Marlin.
“Nothing!” Marlin clawed at Evan’s hand. “I said I was sorry.”
“Do not touch him again,” Evan told him, but he eased up his grip. He wanted to make one-hundred-percent certain that Marlin understood him this time. Opening his mouth, Evan allowed his fangs to drop. There was so much that people had forgotten about his kind. Like the fact that there were very few species who could even compare to his power and ability.
“Fuck!” Marlin tried to jerk out of his hold and only got away because Evan allowed it. “What the hell is so special about this rookie anyway?”
“All you need to know if Nix is off-limits. Don’t fucking touch him!” Evan growled out.
“Fine! I’ll leave the kid alone!” Marlin promised.
“I will tear the skin from your bones if you even look at him wrong,” Evan threatened.
Marlin put all his raptor shifter speed in getting far away from Evan.
Evan watched as Marlin practically hid behind other members of the team. They were all looking at him. Evan met each curious stare and returned it with a hard one of his own. They all needed to understand. Evan would take them all out if it meant keeping Nix safe.
“Evan,” Laney whispered. “Calm yourself, my friend. Nix isn’t hurt. They get it.”
Evan gave a sharp nod before turning to his captain.
