Page 19 of Air of Seduction

Then I spot him. He’s peeking out from behind a tree, looking like he’s about to creep up behind the man I recognize as Aidan and scare him like he just did to me.

“Yeah.” I narrow my gaze at him. “I think you enjoy scaring people.”

He throws his head back, barking out a laugh. “You got me there. I do.” His grin is wide when his eyes lock on mine. “It’s always interesting to see how people react.”

He takes a step toward me.

I frown and take a step back.

Licking his upper lip, he tilts his head to the side. “Who are you? I’ve never seen you here before. Are you working for Aidan?”

I cross my arms over my chest and take another step back. It’s not that he frightens me exactly, but I don’t trust him like I, for some reason, do the others I’ve met in this house. Perhaps it’s just a reaction to him startling me. “I’m Payton. And that would be a no.”

“Okay.” He draws out the word while he studies my face. “Are you one of the mates? I just arrived, so I haven’t met any of them.”

Mates? He must mean friends. But I’m not sure I can be classified as one.

An image of Ronan pops into my head, but I quickly push it away. “I might be more of a passing acquaintance.”

He purses his lips, a crease developing between his eyebrows. “Really?” He doesn’t look convinced.

But his expression suddenly changes into a broad grin, and he sticks out his hand. “I’m Noah. Pleased to meet you, Payton.”

I take his hand in a firm handshake. “Likewise.” Although I’m not quite sure I am. There’s something about this man that makes me want to put more distance between us.

“I look forward to spending more time with you.” Noah winks at me.

“Payton. There you are.” Ronan stalks toward me, his eyes blazing with anger. And I mean that literally. His eyes are glowing like they’re lit from within.

I can’t look away. His eyes are mesmerizing, and his body looks even bigger than before with all his muscles bunching. Something warm brushes against my skin, and my pussy clenches with sudden need.

Tearing my gaze away from his, I look down at my feet. What the hell is wrong with me? Ronan is a beautiful man, and it’s not strange that I’m reacting to him. But for some reason my body seems to respond more acutely to him when he’s angry, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing.

Ronan’s arm comes around my shoulders, and he pulls me against his side. “Noah, you’ve finally decided to grace us with your presence I see. What took you so long?”

I peek out from beneath my lashes.

Noah’s face hardens as his gaze darts between me and Ronan. “A couple of rowdy shifters in Japan. I can see that a lot has changed in my absence.”

Ronan’s fingers dig into my shoulder. “The master is back, yes. And I think he’s gearing up to be worse than before.”

Noah’s gaze narrows on me, and he looks like he wants to object, but instead he gives a sharp nod. “That’s why I’m here.”

“Then let’s go to the living room. That’s where everyone is gathered.” Ronan starts moving, and I let him guide me.

Chapter 12

Ronan

I force myself to relax my hand on Payton’s shoulder while we walk down the corridor. Hopefully, I haven’t caused any bruising.

My body is practically vibrating with rage, and all because Noah told Payton he wants to spend time with her. It shouldn’t have me this riled up, but I can’t help it. And I already know that if Noah tries anything toward the beautiful woman next to me, I’ll hurt him without a second thought.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up,” I mumble next to her ear. “Have you been awake long?”

She shakes her head. “Not long. And it’s okay. I don’t need a babysitter.”

I tense, even though I’m not surprised by her reaction. She doesn’t seem to trust easily, and she’s fully capable of taking care of herself. At least under normal circumstances that don’t involve vampires or other supernaturals with superior strength and speed.

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