Page 59 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

Hopefully, there will be no need for violence,Kris told his bear.

Cassia nodded, but when she cast a nervous glance in Dante’s direction, he knew she was not so sure.

However, the evening progressed smoothly, with compliments and appreciative murmurs from guests, easing Kris’s earlier tension. Cassia moved confidently among the tables, her genuine warmth and knowledge of the Thornberg wine and delicious dishes winning smiles from even the harshest critics. But Kris couldn’t help noticing how Dante’s eyes followed her, especially lingering on the sparkling ring adorning her finger.

Our ring,his bear growled.Our mate.

Exactly, she is ours, not his,Kris said as he tried to calm his bear.

Kris circled the dining room, making sure everything was running smoothly. He stopped to chat with several influential guests, accepting their compliments with humble gratitude. But his attention kept drifting back to Dante’s table, where the man seemed more interested in watching Cassia than the food or wine.

He’s trouble,Kris’s bear warned.

“Everything okay?” Philip appeared at his side, sensing his tension.

“Just keeping an eye on an unwelcome guest,” Kris murmured, nodding subtly toward Dante.

Philip followed his gaze, eyes narrowing. “That’s him? The ex?”

“The very same.”

Philip let out a low whistle. “Want me to accidentally spill something on him? I’ve got a nice red wine that would look fantastic on that pretentious white shirt.”

Despite his mood, Kris chuckled. “Tempting, but let’s save that for Plan B.”

He’s watching her like she’s still his, his bear growled.We should make it clear she isn’t.

I think the ring on her finger makes that pretty clear,Kris replied, though he shared his bear’s irritation.

As if on cue, Dante rose from his table, smoothly excusing himself from his companion. Kris watched as he made his way toward the bar where Cassia was arranging a flight of wine samples for another table.

“I’ll handle this,” Kris told Philip, his voice steady despite the protective surge rising within him.

He intercepted Dante before he could reach Cassia, positioning himself casually but deliberately in the man’s path.

“Enjoying your meal?” Kris asked, his tone pleasant but cool.

Dante’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Immensely. Though I must say, I’m more surprised by the company than the cuisine.” He glanced over Kris’s shoulder at Cassia. “She’s certainly moved on quickly.”

Kris’s bear bristled, but he maintained his composure. “Sometimes people recognize what they truly deserve.”

“And what would that be? Life in a backwater town playing hostess at a vineyard?” Dante chuckled. “I knew Cassia when she had real ambition.”

“The thing is, I don’t think you ever truly knew the real Cassia,” Kris replied evenly.

Dante’s smile tightened. “Is that so? I shared her bed for two years. I think I know her better than you ever could.”

It took every ounce of Kris’s willpower not to let his bear take over right then and there. The primal part of him wanted nothing more than to show this arrogant human exactly what happened when someone threatened a shifter’s mate.

“You may have shared her bed,” Kris said quietly, his voice dropping to a dangerous register, “but I share her soul.” He stepped closer, using his height advantage. “And I’d appreciate it if you kept your distance for the rest of the evening.”

“Are you threatening me?” Dante asked, his voice light but his eyes hard.

“Just setting boundaries,” Kris replied smoothly. “As the owner of this establishment and Cassia’s fiancé.”

Dante’s gaze flickered to Cassia, who was now watching their interaction with concern. “Fiancé?” he repeated, tasting the word like it was bitter on his tongue. “Been there. Done that.”

“You betrayed her trust. That’s a mistake I’ll never make,” Kris said, his voice low and controlled despite the rage bubbling beneath his skin.

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