Page 126 of Marked By Alphas 2: Claimed

“The paella is excellent,” Elder Grey commented, her ancient eyes twinkling with amusement as she watched their barely concealed frustration. “Your chef has outdone himself, Alpha Stone.”

“Jorge takes great pride in his work,” Marcus replied smoothly. “Especially when preparing for honored guests.”

Jorge beamed from where he was supervising the White Tiger servers, his chest puffing with pride. “Three different varieties,” he announced, gesturing dramatically. “Seafood for our coastal friends, traditional Valencian for the purists, and a special spicy version for those with… supernatural palates.”

Caleb noticed Kai slipping a piece of perfectly cooked steak under the table to Shadow, whose head rested on his knee. The othertwo dogs had positioned themselves strategically—Storm at Derek’s side and Scout near Caleb, all three clearly hoping for similar treatment.

He spoils them, Caleb observed through the bond, a wave of fondness accompanying the thought.

They’re protective of him, Derek replied, watching as Storm’s ears perked up whenever someone approached Kai’s side of the table.

The brothers shared a moment of perfect understanding through their bond—tonight would make official what they all already felt. Kai was theirs, and they were his. The claiming ritual would merely formalize what their wolves had known from the beginning.

“Speaking of honor,” Flynn Knox’s voice cut through their private communion. The newly appointed Knox alpha spoke from farther down the table. “When will the twice-blessed one be holding formal court? My pack is eager to present our official tribute.”

Kai choked on his wine, prompting Caleb to pat his back solicitously—and perhaps let his hand linger longer than strictly necessary, enjoying the way Kai’s pulse jumped at his touch.

“I think we’ve established that I’m not holding ‘court,’” Kai replied once he’d recovered, the gold flecks in his eyes brightening with irritation. “I’m not royalty, despite what everyone seems to think.”

“The Imperial Dragon bloodline is one of the oldest and most revered in the supernatural world,” Elder Ming observed mildly. “In many ways, it is indeed a royal lineage.”

“Great,” Kai muttered, just loud enough for the brothers to hear. “So I’m quarter-wolf, part-dragon, and apparently some kind of supernatural prince. Any other titles I should add to my business cards?”

Derek couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him, earning a sharp look from Marcus and a grin from Caleb. Their mate’s irreverence was a refreshing contrast to the formal posturing around them.

“The young lord’s heritage is certainly unique,” Xander commented, his aristocratic features composed in a mask of polite interest. “Almost as unique as the company he keeps.”

His ice-blue gaze shifted deliberately to Luke, who was seated between Min-seo and James—an arrangement that had clearly been orchestrated by the middle Blackwood brother through some diplomatic maneuvering.

“Aigoo!” Min-seo exclaimed, loud enough to draw attention from several nearby guests. She slapped her hand on the table, making the crystal goblets jump. “You stare at my son like hungry wolf again! Very rude at dinner table.” She began rummaging in her purse, pulling out a small cloth bag that clinked with the sound of stones or charms. “I bring protection! Special charm keep away bad wolf!”

Luke’s eyes widened in horror. “Mom, no?—”

Too late. Min-seo was already pulling out various amulets and small paper charms, arranging them in a protective circle around Luke’s place setting. Several guests stared openly now, the supernatural among them recognizing the ancient Korean protective symbols.

“Mom, please,” Luke hissed, his face flushed with embarrassment. “We talked about this.”

Xander’s lips curved into an amused smile. “I assure you, Mrs. Kim, we mean your son no harm. These charms won’t be necessary.”

Min-seo snorted, placing another charm beside Luke’s water glass. “That what wolf tell Little Red Riding Hood before he ‘eat her up.’” She made air quotes around the words, her meaning unmistakable. “First he say, ‘What big eyes you have.’ Then he say, ‘Don’t worry, I no harm you.’ Next thing”—she made a suggestive gesture with her hands—“poor girl never same again!”

Several guests choked on their drinks, while Luke looked like he wanted to disappear entirely.

“I’m afraid those charms won’t work anyway,” Liam observed with a predatory smile, his eyes never leaving Luke’s face. “Not when your son smells the way he does.”

Min-seo froze, her hand still clutching a jade amulet. “What you mean, smell?”

“He means nothing,” Luke insisted, sinking lower in his chair and muttering what sounded like “kill me now” under his breath.

“On the contrary,” James interjected, leaning forward to address Min-seo directly. “Your son has a rather… distinctive scent. Quite rare and quite appealing.”

Xander nodded in agreement, his ice-blue eyes gleaming with interest. “Something ancient in his blood, perhaps? Something that hasn’t been seen for generations?”

The Stone brothers exchanged glances, recognizing the Blackwoods’ growing fascination with Luke as both a potential complication and a possible distraction from their own mate.

Min-seo’s face paled slightly before she recovered, shoving the remaining charms back into her purse. “We talk about this later,” she whispered to Luke, who looked like he wanted the floor to open up and swallow him whole.

As the dinner progressed, Kai seemed to grow bolder in his provocations. When he reached for the water pitcher, he deliberately brushed his fingers against Derek’s, lingering just long enough to send a jolt of heat through their bond. When Marcus passed him the bread basket, Kai made sure their hands touched, his eyes meeting Marcus’ with unmistakable challenge. And when Caleb asked him a question about the White Tiger Clan’s ceremonies, Kai leaned forward in a way that gave all three brothers a better view of his partially unbuttoned shirt.

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