Page 26 of Savage Claim

Torin released a twisted grin that sent chills down my back. “I’m not sure Fane would care. He’s a little preoccupied with a sexy guest from Chicago.”

Without warning, my consciousness left my body, zooming through the party and slamming to a halt in the kitchen. Fane poured a glass of lemonade while a gorgeous glamazon with long chestnut hair leaned beside him, batting her lashes.

“I’ve heard stories about you.” She ran her fingers across his scarred and tatted forearm, sending fire through my blood. “I’d love to see what your wolf looks like.”

He shook her touch off. “You’d run away.”

The female shifter shrugged. “Try me. I’m not easily scared.” She bit her bottom lip and gave him a come-fuck-me smile.

When a low growl curled out of my mouth, Fane’s head snapped up, noticing me. Before he could say a word, I forced myself back into my body, staggering into Torin who still danced behind me.

“Whoa, there.” His lips brushed my ear. “Looks like you changed your mind, Tate.”

I crushed my elbow into his ribs and shoved him off. “You’re lucky we’re in the middle of a crowded party, or I’d break your bones.” I stormed off as fury pummeled my insides, prodding the Infernal Sol even more.

Being around so many people while my control slipped was dangerous. I needed to get away before my crazy side broke free. Seeing Fane with that female didn’t help my sanity either.

Did he really think he could hook up with me one night and then get his freak on with some skank tonight? He didn’t look that interested in her, but she was practically begging to be ravished. He could have easily bent her over and screwed her against the kitchen counter.

I marched toward the back of the courtyard and passed through the stone archway to the mystical forest, the music and laughter from the party fading. The enchanted place mirrored the real world, so nighttime enfolded the giant pines, oaks, and maples, and brilliant stars spotted the heavens. A few shifters lurked around, but they probably sensed the fury throbbing around me and kept their distance.

The Infernal Sol wanted to stretch its legs, consume fears, and cause anarchy. The amulet fought against the restraints I tried to tame it with, but I was losing the battle, especially after witnessing that she-wolf throw herself at my mate.

I groaned and dragged a hand through my long locks. Fane was not my mate.

Prickles suddenly crawled over my scalp as a presence crept behind me. My nose lifted, and I inhaled the musky scent of a male.

Just great. Did Torin decide it was a good idea to follow me?

I angled to the left and slipped through a thick grove of trees and foliage, but another presence approached in front of me. As I went to the right, another one joined the fray.

My pulse spiked as goose bumps pebbled my skin. They were herding me deeper into the forest. Did they plan on attacking me? They had to know Fane would kill them. Or I would if I couldn’t control the Infernal Sol. That dark power pressed against the walls I’d tried to erect to keep some semblance of sanity, but the bricks were paper thin and flimsy at best.

Having enough of being stalked, I halted and spun to face the path I traveled. “I’m really not in the mood to play games, Torin.”

Instead of the guy who had tried to dry hump me on the dance floor, a large tawny wolf emerged from the shadows, raising the hair on my nape.

Obviously, it was Torin, but who were the three other wolves creeping around me, one smoky gray, one golden blonde, and one ebony? They were all males, none of whom wanted to engage in any playful games.

Had Fane been right to worry about the unmated males in Silver Ridge? Was this going to be some big show of male dominance?

Pops echoed through the forest as the brown wolf convulsed and jerked. The hair on his body shortened, his snout and ears drew in, and his paws slowly transformed into hands and feet. After a few moments, Torin rolled onto his feet and stood. Totally naked and smirking.

“You could have just said you wanted to play chase, baby.” He flicked dark locks out of his glowing eyes. “I love hunting down prey.”

Chapter

Ten

The atmosphere in the mystical forest thickened as Torin licked his lips and gave a lupine smile while salivating over me. His desire infiltrated the air in sickening waves. He wasn’t used to being rejected, nor was he the type to take no for an answer.

I folded my arms while casually watching the other three wolves. “Leave before you do something regrettable.”

Torin stroked his length. “I won’t regret shoving you to the ground and fucking you at all.”

My gut roiled, and it took all of my control not to puke. “I’ll rip that tiny thing you call a dick off if it gets anywhere near me. And did you forget that I have a mate? Fane doesn’t share.”

“Like I told you on the dance floor, he’s busy with a visitor.”

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