Page 43 of Pandemonium

Benecio’s eyes flashed brightly, his fangs elongating in his mouth. “I have a message for you to take back to your alpha. If you survive.”

His claws erupted from his fingertips and he swiped at her with a furious growl.

She shrieked and ducked her head, covering herself with her hands and waiting for the blow to come.

But it didn’t. The delicious scent filled her nose as she peeked between her arms and saw a huge male standing between her and Benecio. The male held Benecio’s wrists and kicked out, knocking Benecio in the knee and forcing him to his knees.

“You’re going to strike my female? I’ll kill you!”

“Stand down, Oz,” one of the males said.

Vale and Reign stepped in front of China and Abbie and moved them away.

“Don’t leave,” the male named Oz said. “I have to take out the trash, but then we’re going to talk.”

“Okay,” China said.

As they moved to safety, the fight blew up as Benecio tried to shift. Oz didn’t let him. He broke his wrists and swiped at his throat with his claws. Benecio grabbed his throat with his hands as blood sprayed.

Oz roared, his claws dripping with blood. Benecio fell over with a gurgle, his body flopping a bit and then going very still.

The males around him fell to their knees and tilted their heads.

“What’s going on?” China asked.

“He just killed the alpha,” Reign said. “That makes him alpha.”

“He’s a fucking badass. He took him out with one swipe,” Vale said.

“Did you know this would happen?” China asked Abbie.

“I only knew that your destiny was here. I didn’t know exactly what would happen.”

“Holy shit, I have a heart-match and he’s incredible.”

Oz turned slowly and faced them. “Mate.”

Be still her freaking beating heart. He could call her mate anytime.

“What should we tell Duke?” Vale asked.

“Tell him that the threat is gone and Demi and her guys are safe. Because I’m the bestest best friend who ever lived.” She stepped from the small group and then hugged Abbie. “Thanks for coming with me.”

“You’re welcome.”

China strode across the grassy area to Oz, whose golden eyes were shining like coins. He was damn spectacular and she was feeling supremely lucky. He’d saved her life and saved Demi and her mates in the process.

“I’m China,” she said. He was a foot taller than her. Broad-shouldered and muscular. And so freaking hot she wanted to kiss every inch of him.

“Oz.” His harsh, nearly shifted features eased back to normal and he exhaled. “Let’s talk, China.”

“You got it.”

* * *

The following morning, Demi rolled over with a groan, her eyes aching from lack of sleep. She’d slept fitfully, worried about China and the situation with Benecio. She hadn’t heard from China even though she’d left her several messages.

“You okay?” Rhaider asked. He went up on one elbow and looked down at her.

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