Page 99 of Halfblood Deceived

But most importantly, Rod was a werewolf.

He felt just like Lex and Evan.

The tension in Aella’s throat and stomach uncoiled. She swallowed and took a surreptitious deep breath. “Hi.”

Rod didn’t seem bothered by her beleaguered response. “Hello. Diana has told us all about you.”

Aella blinked. “Really?”

Diana flushed, scratching at the back of her neck. “Well, not all.” Her blue eyes flashed with concern.

Rod chuckled. “‘My baby sister can multiply ridiculously large numbers in her head.’” He recited with an amused, warm grin. “‘Did I tell you about how my baby sister beats me at chess in about three moves every single time? She’s a genius, I tell you.’”

Aella was sure her cheeks were so hot they’d burn on contact, and so were Diana’s.

Her sister hit Rod’s arm with her fist. “Shut up.”

Rod flinched but didn’t stop grinning. “Look at that, two adorable freckled tomatoes.” He dodged Diana’s next blow and backed down. “A pleasure to meet you, Aella.”

Aella found herself half smiling. “And you.”

The werewolf winked and stalked away, disappearing through the staff door.

“Hello, Aella.”

Aella smiled at the sound of that familiar voice even before her eyes found Kamilla Davashkov descending the stairs that led to the VIP area. As usual, the stunning vampiress was clad in a dress that left most of her endless, toned legs on display. She was wearing six-inch stilettos and walked with an enviable grace that Aella could never manage, even with her bare feet. Next to her, there was a massive man of about 6-foot-6 with velvety deep brown skin, a shaved head, and a perfectly tailored suit. He moved with an assurance and elegance that said he could kick anyone’s butt with his eyes closed, and had a holster with two guns at his sides. Despite his size and obviously lethal skills, Aella didn’t feel too intimidated. Perhaps because he found a small, but genuine, smile for her.

“Hi, Kamilla,” Aella said, smiling back at the man. “Hello.”

He dipped his chin. “Miss Aella.”

“This is Dyson,” Kamilla said, as they both reached the end of the stairs. “He’s an old friend.”

There was something indeed old and wise in the man’s gaze. He was human, at least mostly, but there was something slightly preternatural about him that Aella could not define.

The metallic double doors opened with a loud smack, startling Aella.

One second later, Diana had placed Aella half behind her. Kamilla—hands on her hips and flanked by Dyson—also half-shielded Aella.

It made Aella feel embarrassed, but she couldn’t deny she was grateful as well. Especially as she met the hateful amber eyes of the two tall female werewolves whom Aylana and a handsome werewolf male were all but shoving inside.

They were nearly completely identical, dressed in ripped blue jeans, boots, and tank tops. One had her long mane of hair up in a ponytail, the other had opted for a short, layered cut. They were beautiful despite their murderous glares which went to Diana and Aella at once.

Aylana, eyes bright with emerald magic, pushed the two scowling females until they were about nine feet away from Kamilla.

“Lady Davashkov,” the male werewolf greeted. He was a couple of inches taller than Aylana, with mid-length black hair, striking features, and bronze skin. Dressed in jeans and a tee just like Aylana.

Kamilla granted him a smile. “Alejandro.” She then turned her attention to the females. Her topaz eyes narrowed on the short-haired one. “Chloe. Cassidy.” The one with the long hair gulped under Kamilla’s icy stare. “I heard you two attacked an innocent female with no provocation. Explain yourselves.”

Chloe scoffed. “Why don’t you explain yourself to us, princess?”

Kamilla arched a brow.

The one with the ponytail, Cassidy, flashed her canines at Aella. “Her mere presence is more than enough provocation.”

“You two are going to apologize to my baby sister,” Diana bit out, eyes flashing red and clenched fists shaking.

Chloe huffed. “You two are the ones who should be apologizing for even existing, you fucking abominations.”

---