Chapter 14

Those whispers used to bounce right off Joseph like rain on a tin roof—he never gave 'em the time of day. But tonight? Different story. This hookup, this whole deal—it was big for him, for the whole Lewis pack. Couldn't afford a single dent in the shine.

One flick of his eyes, and his shadows melted into the crowd, handling the chatter like pros.

Joseph's lip curled, that half-grin thing he does, but then—bam—his boots glued to the floor.

Zoe clocked it, tilting her head all curious. "Joseph? What's up?"

His gaze slid slow, pinning her face like a bug on a board.

"How'd he know... about your zen nook?"

Zoe's mug went white as a sheet.

Before she could squeak a word, the buzz kicked up behind 'em—fresh fuel.

"That's Brian, right? Damn, never pegged the shadow-lurker for such a young buck—neck-and-neck with Joseph! Hey, what're you staring at? You look like you saw a ghost."

"Spill it! Is that... ain't that..."

"What? Out with it—don't leave me hanging!"

The wolf clammed up, like spilling might bite him back.

"Isn't that... Joseph's bound mate?"

Joseph's head snapped like a whip-crack.

He wheeled, eyes locking on the door.

There, all suited up slick, Brian stood chatting easy, paw laced with a she-wolf's.

Me. Yeah, that was me, Gina, hanging on his arm like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Joseph's eyes went blood-red, storming over in three strides.

Zoe lunged, snagging his sleeve. "Joseph!"

He shook her off like lint, deaf to the world.

Brian leaned in close—gentle, mindful of my beat-up frame—whispering something sweet, I bet.

Then—wham—Joseph shoved him hard, fist cocked and flying before Brian could blink.

"Brian!" My voice cracked out, raw.

Joseph's face? Thunder-dark, promising hell.

But that haymaker? Brian caught it mid-air, cool as ice.

He chuckled low, then swung back sneaky.

Joseph staggered, righted—reared for round two.

I darted in front, a pint-sized barrier. "Mr. Lewis—back off and show some class!"

Joseph went pale, fury boiling.

Staring at me, all mama-bear over Brian? His jaw ticked, then twisted into this forced, creepy smirk.

"Mr. Lewis? Gina, you got balls of steel! Sneaking around with Brian on the sly—spill, when'd you two start scratching backs? You two tangled sheets yet? Does he know how wild you get when the moon's high—"

Slap!

My paw trembled, landing fire across his cheek, hate burning deep in my gut.

Joseph's face throbbed numb; he tilted, tongue flicking the blood at his lip.

That copper tang? Lit him up like a fuse—eyes gleaming feral, all teeth and rage.

He lunged, paw out for me.

But Brian yanked me back smooth—Joseph grabbed air, stumbling.

"Get your damn paws off her!" His bellow shook the hall, echoing off the chandeliers.

If he'd packed heat? Brian's brains would've painted the wall.

Brian played it chill, but I caught the smirk in his eyes—pure disdain.

Right then? Joseph looked ready to shred us both, snarling through gritted fangs at me. "Gina—here. Now! Don't forget who your mate is!" Threat dripped like venom.

I didn't bite.

Instead, right there with every eye glued, I flipped open my clutch, fished out the goods.

Hauled back and chucked 'em—smack—square in his kisser. "Joseph—I'm unbound. Been that way."