big, male body stepped in front of her.
“Jade? Everything okay?”
Christian’s deep voice rumbled through her. She looked up into his golden eyes. Somehow he always knew when she was upset or troubled. He could read her easier than a used paperback.
“I need to talk to you,” she said.
One of his hands circled her upper arm. He leaned close and she caught his scent. Her stomach clenched tight. Luna, he smelled good. A potent combination of man and wolf, forest and heat.
“What’s wrong?” he demanded.
His power swirled around her. Dominance oozed from his pores. If he’d been born to the right family, if he wasn’t an exile, she had no doubt he’d be alpha.
She glanced around them, saw strange wolves studying her. On the other side of the fire she noted one of the alphas who’d arrived early for the Courting. He watched her with flat, dead eyes that made her skin crawl. She looked away and noted a small group of women watching Christian with speculation in their eyes.
Jade’s wolf scraped her insides, eager to bare claws. “Not here.”
His head tilted, his golden eyes searching her face. Without a word, he pulled her toward the trees.
They didn’t go far, just enough to block the prying eyes. The music still echoed around them.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
She turned away from him, her mouth going dry.
“Jade?” His tone softened.
She swallowed. The way he said her name made her want to believe he cared about her. More than just as his alpha.
Foolishness. She couldn’t afford to dream. Life had taught her harsh practicalities. For just this night, she wanted something real. Something that could never be taken from her.
“I need a man.”
Christian moved up beside her, a dark frown creasing his forehead. “I know. That’s why we called the Courting.” His tone was biting.
She shook her head. “I’m not talking about that.”
Silence.
Christian’s face showed no emotion, but she sensed the tensing of his muscles. The silence grew until Jade’s nerves itched like a bad rash.
“What are you talking about?” The words were a low growl.
She lifted her chin, met his gaze. “I want a lover. Just for one night.”
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