Page 26 of Griffin

And yet, there was this crackling tension between us, simmering just beneath the surface.

Even my wolf, usually calm and centered, was prowling, eager, riled up. I’d never felt possessive like this before.

Hell, I didn’t even know what I was feeling, not really.

"Is there something on my face?" Michael’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

He was watching me, brow furrowed, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

"No." I forced a casual tone, shrugging. "You’re just doing…better than I expected, I guess."

"Thanks, I think?" He smiled, a shy, almost disbelieving smile that only made me want to protect him more.

I turned away, needing to put some space between us before I did something stupid, like lean in and make him feel that tension too.

But it was impossible to stay away, not when I could hear him laughing softly with customers, his voice carrying over the hum of the bar.

Every laugh, every look he gave to someone else felt like a little needle, poking at the strange, possessive part of me that wanted him all to myself.

Then, as if the universe was testing my control, I caught a scent that made my wolf bristle.

It was another shifter’s scent, one I didn’t recognize, trailing in from the door.

I looked up to see a guy I’d never seen before hovering a little too close to Michael, chatting him up. A tourist?

My wolf’s instinct flared, a hot surge of protectiveness tightening my grip on the glass I was holding.

The guy leaned in, flashing Michael a charming smile that was a little too familiar.

And Michael, being polite, smiled back, though he looked a bit wary.

The stranger’s hand brushed against Michael’s arm, lingering longer than necessary, and something inside me snapped.

I took a deep breath, setting the glass down with a soft but firm clink.

It didn’t take much to make my way over, the tension in my chest morphing into a determination that bordered on territorial.

I slid up beside Michael, nodding at the guy.

"Can I help you with something?" My voice came out steady, maybe a little colder than necessary.

The stranger blinked, clearly taken aback, and glanced between me and Michael.

I suppressed a growl, but I could feel my eyes shifting color. My wolf was itching to rip this tourist’s head off.

"Uh, no, just… just chatting with your handsome waiter here,” he said.

I gave him a toothy smile, but it wasn’t friendly.

"Well, he’s got work to do, so maybe it’s time you find someone else to chat with,” I said.

The guy’s expression shifted, a flicker of confusion and irritation crossing his face.

A growl finally rumbled from my throat, and he backed off, muttering something under his breath as he retreated.

Michael’s brows lifted, a hint of amusement dancing in his gaze.

"Were you…jealous?" Michael asked.

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