Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 120031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
“Only because Mila would remove your eyes with an ice cream scooper,” said Eli.
“Hell, yeah, she would—my mate’s a mean little thing.” That only seemed to make him proud.
Taryn groaned as the other Phoenix Pack males fanned out behind Dominic. “Now look what you did. If one comes over, they all follow.”
Of course, each of the males had every excuse in the world why they’d needed to come over—they thought someone called their name; they just wanted to speak to Dominic; they were checking no one needed another drink; they thought Taryn had waved them over.
Madisyn groaned as her own mate approached with Zander. “Seriously, guys, we’re fine over here.”
Gwen sighed at Zander. “You do realize I’m armed and quite capable of—”
“You’re armed?” Zander gaped. “Tell me you’re joking.”
“Guns are no joking matter,” said Gwen.
“Hey, why’s everyone gathered around?” asked Harley just as she and Mila returned to the table.
Before Mila had a chance to sit, Dominic curled his arm around his mate and hauled her close before planting a hot kiss on her mouth.
Mila huffed at him. “You long ago delivered the message that I’m taken, GQ—it’s not necessary to keep on reiterating it.”
Dominic kissed her again. “I disagree.”
“You were great up there, Mila,” said Trick, another Phoenix Pack enforcer. His brow furrowed. “Hey, did you put your cell in your back pocket? Because that ass is calling me.”
Mouth tightening, Dominic glared at Trick. “Funny.”
“Yeah, I thought so,” said Trick. “It’s just a little payback for the times you used lines on my Frankie.”
Dominic narrowed his eyes. “Whatever, asshole.”
“Anyone know who that is?” Riley asked, flicking her blue-black hair over her shoulder.
Casey tracked the raven’s gaze to a corner table where a bunch of females sat—one of whom was staring right at Casey. Her mink puffed up, affronted. Hearing Eli curse, she looked up at him and said, “Tell me that’s not your ex or something.”
“Not an ex,” he said, jaw hard. “That is Ignacio’s mate, Dahlia.”
“The bitch has some nerve showing up here,” growled Shaya, straightening in her seat. “If I’d thought she’d dare to come, I’d have showed a picture of her to the doormen and instructed them to turn her away.”
“Why?” asked Casey. “Because if it’s just that she’s Ignacio’s mate, I’ve heard they aren’t a real couple and seem to each go their own way, so she might not have anything to do with the crap he’s pulling.”
Shaya looked at Eli. “You didn’t tell her?”
Casey tensed. “Tell me what?”
Rubbing at his nape, Eli exhaled heavily. “When we met up with her and Ignacio, she … expressed a belief that you should be punished for putting a blade to his throat. I disagreed and made it clear you’d wipe the floor with her. Ignacio didn’t contradict me on that.”
He didn’t need to feel her anger humming down their bond to know that his mate was pissed. Not when she’d gone so eerily silent and still, glaring at him through blank eyes. Shit. Eli was a grown man who’d faced down numerous dangerous people in his life, but when his mate looked at him like that, he honestly felt the need to squirm.
“What you’re saying is,” began Casey, her words coming out slow and without emotion, “she basically told you that she intended to come at me … and you didn’t think to tell me this?”
“The only reason I didn’t mention it was that I didn’t take it seriously. She and Ignacio aren’t real mates; they’re more like business associates. She has no emotional drive to avenge any slights to him, and she’s hardly going to attack a female of a lower rank than her if she knows that said female can kick her ass.”
“Oh,” said Casey, her tone still flat. “Well that makes it okay.”
“The bitch is making her way over,” said Taryn. “Bold as brass, this one.”
“I’ll get rid of her.” Eli stalked over to the set of three steps that led to the VIP area, intending to block the cats’ path to his mate. So when he found himself flanked by Shaya and Casey, he growled, “I’ll deal with this.” Both females ignored him.
Sensing his pack mates were among those who’d gathered behind him, Eli said, “Zander.” He didn’t need to say more. Knew the enforcer would understand what he wanted.
Zander snorted. “If you think I’m going to even try to manhandle a mink, you’re out of your mind.”
Bastard.
Just then, the cougars reached the bottom step, but none attempted to ascend them. They also didn’t look the slightest bit intimidated by the number of people they were facing.
Dahlia inclined her head at the Mercury Alpha female. “Shaya.”
“You shouldn’t have come here,” said Shaya.
Dahlia’s gaze sliced to Eli. “I heard about your attack. Ignacio had nothing to do with it.”
Like Eli would believe a single word that came out of her mouth. His wolf snarled at the cat, raring to pounce and defend his mate. “You need to leave.”