Page 118 of Marked By Alphas 2: Claimed

The frustrated sounds that followed were music to my ears. Round one to the dragon-wolf hybrid. Let’s see how they handled round two over dinner.

I’d styled my hair to look just-been-ravished perfect, left my collar open to showcase their earlier marks, and the suit… well, Maria might have picked it, but I was going to make it work for me. I was going to make this the longest dinner of their immortal lives.

Game on, wolves. Game on.

Chapter 27

STONE BROTHERS

The meeting with the Council of Elders had dragged on interminably, with Elder Grey insisting on reviewing ancient pack law regarding hybrid beings for what felt like the hundredth time. Marcus had been doing his best to focus, to give the elders the respect they deserved, but his mind kept wandering to Kai.

Five days since their mate had awakened, five days of agonizing restraint. They’d agreed to give Kai time to recover, time to adjust to his new reality, but the waiting was becoming physically painful. The pre-marking bond, strengthened by Kai’s awakened heritage, pulled at them constantly, demanding completion.

“The ancient texts are quite clear,” Elder Grey was saying, her finger tracing a line in the tome open before them. “A twice-blessed being falls under the protection of both lineages, but primary authority goes to the lineage that marked them first.”

“Which would be us,” Derek said from his position by the door, his posture tense as always when Kai’s status was discussed.

“Indeed,” Elder Redwood agreed, his deep voice resonating in thelibrary. “The Stone Pack’s pre-marking nine years ago establishes your primary claim. However, the White Tiger Clan has legitimate rights to participate in the young lord’s training and education.”

Marcus nodded, though inwardly he was growing impatient with the endless diplomatic discussions. Kai wasn’t a piece of property to be divided between supernatural factions—he was their mate, a person with his own will and desires.

“We’ve already agreed to allow the White Tiger Clan to?—”

Marcus broke off mid-sentence as a wave of desire crashed through the pack bond, so powerful it momentarily robbed him of breath. Derek straightened suddenly by the door, his eyes flashing amber as he met Marcus’ gaze.

Caleb and Kai, Marcus confirmed through their bond, feeling his own body respond to the emotions flowing from his brother.They’re…

Images flooded through the bond—Kai beneath Caleb on their mate’s bed, lips parted in pleasure, skin flushed with desire. Caleb was broadcasting his emotions with unusual intensity, a mixture of smugness and raw need that made Marcus’ wolf snarl with jealousy and anticipation.

Finally, Derek replied, a growl underlying the thought.

“Alpha Stone?” Elder Grey’s voice cut through the silent communication. “Is everything alright?”

Marcus composed his features, though it took more effort than usual. “Yes, of course. Please continue.”

The elder studied him for a moment, her ancient eyes seeing more than he was comfortable with. “I think perhaps we should continue this discussion another time,” she said, a knowing smile touching her lips. “It seems your attention is required elsewhere.”

The library door open and Shadow trotted in, heading straight for him and nudging his hand insistently.

“I believe that’s your cue,” Elder Redwood observed, amusement clear in his deep voice.

Marcus didn’t bother denying it. “If you’ll excuse us,” he said, already rising from his seat. “We can reconvene tomorrow.”

“Take your time, Alpha Stone,” Elder Grey replied, her eyes twinkling. “The claiming of a mate is a sacred occasion, especially one as unique as yours.”

Under normal circumstances, Marcus might have been embarrassed by the elders’ knowledge of his personal affairs. But right now, all he could focus on was the pull of the bond, drawing him toward Kai with an urgency that bordered on painful.

Derek was already at the door, his posture tense with anticipation. They moved through the manor with purpose, ignoring the curious glances from staff and visitors alike. Through the bond, they could feel Caleb’s growing desire, his control slipping as things progressed with Kai.

Don’t you dare claim him without us, Marcus warned through the bond, receiving only smug satisfaction in return.

Hurry up then, Caleb replied, sending another flash of what he was doing to their mate.

Marcus growled low in his throat, quickening his pace. When they reached Kai’s chambers, the scent hit them like a physical force—desire, need, and something uniquely Kai that called to their wolves on a primal level.

Marcus didn’t bother knocking. He pushed the door open to find exactly what he’d felt through the bond—Caleb and Kai on the bed, locked in a kiss that was anything but innocent. Kai’s shirt was pushed up, exposing his chest, his skin seeming to glow with an inner light that betrayed his dragon heritage. His hair was mussed from Caleb’s fingers, and he looked thoroughly debauched and utterly perfect.

A possessive growl rumbled from Marcus’ chest before he couldstop it, echoed by Derek beside him. Caleb and Kai broke apart, turning toward the door with matching expressions of desire and defiance.

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