Page 31 of Married to the Wolf

These two women she knew were twin sisters, both Amazonian-looking and amazingly beautiful with their dark luxurious hair. If they weren’t so tall and fit with defined arm muscles and fast fists—they had demonstrated when interviewing for the job—she might have thought they were gypsies. Diana and Darla were silent most of the time but vigilant in watching over her.

“When we get to the car,” Ava announced, “I’ll ride in the back seat on the right with Sophia in the middle. Diana, you’re on the left, Darla in front. At the party, one in front, one behind. I’ll walk beside her.”

The women nodded. Sophia learned to let them do their thing. Her life would be simpler, and Ava wouldn’t go whining to Sebastian about Sophia not following advice. What made Sophia start to think differently about everything was what Ava had said to her during one of their arguments.

“You’re human!” she said. “You will always be human. Weak and frail, you are a liability to Sebastian, but you are his mate. At least honor him and let us do our job protecting you!”

Honor, she’d said, but Sophia saw it another way. She didn’t want to hold Sebastian down because she loved him with all her heart. When she was more used to this new life and things settled down a bit, maybe she would do something about being “weak” and “frail.” That damn Ava needed to watch her mouth.

The party was in full sway by the time Sophia made her appearance. The main hall of the venue was an expansive room with gleaming hardwood floors and high ceilings. While there was plenty of floor space for dancing and a live band on a raised stage, all over the room were tables covered in white tablecloths with elegant place settings and cloth napkins. Sheer white banners lined with white lights were suspended from the ceiling and converged in the center surrounding an elaborate chandelier. At intervals along the walls, lilac-colored lights gave the room even more atmosphere.

Sophia paused in the doorway, a little daunted when all eyes swiveled in her direction. Several conversations died down but not all, thank goodness. This was nerve-wracking enough.

She had asked that all classes of shifters be allowed to attend since she wanted to coax acceptance from them. Across the room, she spotted her husband. He’d come to the party separately, also at her insistence. If she kept hiding behind Sebastian nothing would change.

“Sophia, you look ravishing.”

She spun around in surprise to find none other than her brother-in-law. “Jack, what the hell are you doing here? I’m surprised you feel bold enough to show your face.”

He grinned. “All’s fair in love and war, right?”

“No.”

He reached for her hand but jerked his head and winced in pain instead. The man looked like he w

as having a seizure. She took a step closer to him, but he backed away, almost falling over another guest.

She frowned at him. “Are you okay, Jack?”

“I’m fine!” He didn’t look at her but at Sebastian, and she figured out what happened.

“Did he do something to you from across the room?”

“No.” It was an obvious lie. He smoothed his hair and scuttled away.

Sophia didn’t feel sorry for him in the least. She moved on as well and found a small group of people near the punch bowl. Belle was among them.

“Hello, everyone,” she said. “I’m Sophia. A couple of you I’ve met, but some I don’t know. You are?”

They shifted from one foot to the other nervously, but none were so rude as to not speak. Three women and three men were amidst the group. Two of the couples were no doubt mated. Sophia could tell from the way they stood close to each other, so aware and considerate of their mate. The oddballs were Belle and her husband. He seemed determined to grab her all the time as if to assure himself she was still with him. She on the other hand was resolute to keep her distance. She didn’t look at Sophia when Sophia spoke, and neither did she speak.

“Dance with me, Belle,” Sophia said.

The woman’s gaze shot to hers. “But I’m a woman.”

Sophia shrugged. “It’s a fast beat. Women do it all the time when they’re trying to avoid men. Besides, my Guard’s going to be on the floor with us. Might as well make it a girl’s group.”

Before Belle could make any more excuses, Sophia took her hand and pulled her out to the floor. She signaled one of the musicians to crank it up, and the walls vibrated with the sounds. No one appeared to cringe in pain, so she figured it was okay.

The group of them commandeered the space in the middle of the floor, and Sophia moved to the beat. She suppressed a laugh to find neither of the white women moved well. Actually, Ava didn’t even pretend to dance. She stood like a sentinel near Sophia. The D twins swayed well to the music.

Didn’t I say they’re gypsies?

Sophia cut straight to the chase. “Belle, you’re not happy, are you?”

Her eyes widened, and she looked around rather than face Sophia. Sophia grasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Belle pulled away and backed up a step.

“Listen, I’m not accusing you. I’m concerned. I’m a great listener if you want to talk.” Sophia gestured. “It doesn’t have to be here. We can meet for lunch or something. Heck, I’m sure we can find a spot in this huge building where we won’t be overheard.”

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