Page 42 of Love Bites

Leo tilted his head in much the same fashion that Gideon did. She didn’t have time to think of the parallels and family traits, however, because the man set his attention on her.

“I see you’ve mated, nephew. Let me offer my felicitations.”

It wasn’t lost on her that Leo kept saying the words boy and nephew. As if he was reminding Gideon and the rest of the circle that Leo was family and much older than Gideon. It sounded as if he was trying to be intimidating. However, all she felt was the urge to kill him where he stood. Something was wrong with this wolf, and she had a feeling, if he continued speaking, nothing good could come from what was said.

“Look at my mate one more time, and I will gut you where you stand.”

Oddly enough, that was one of the more romantic things he’d ever said about her.

Leo narrowed his eyes but didn’t move his attention from her. “You’ve grown cynical in your position of…power.”

“Your crimes against your Pack proved you were nothing to us. You should be dead, Leo.”

“What about your crimes, dear nephew? Shall we see what happens to those who are not held accountable?”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kameron return, giving them a slight shake of his head. Gideon let out a growl, but before anyone could move forward, Leo gave a little wave then disappeared. A swirl of black smoke remained, stinking of dark magic and sacrifice.

Everyone moved then, either away and to safety or to where Leo had stood. She was afraid Gideon would push her away, but instead, he held on to her hand, keeping her close.

“You’re not leaving my sight,” he growled out then tucked her to his side as they moved forward.

She growled, her claws sliding through her fingertips, ready to protect herself as well as the Pack she’d been mated into. Whatever Leo had done in the past, and whatever purpose he held now, scared her to the point that she knew she had to be strong enough for the both of them. Secrets slid through the den as if they were commonplace, and there was only so much she could take.

Leo had been the signal of change…of something coming that she had a feeling none of them were ready for.

She hoped that they could prepare.

Because, if they couldn’t, she was afraid all would be lost.

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