suring, pressing firmly against my skin. I drew a sharp breath as flecks of gold began to swirl within his dark eyes. Something in him stirred, something powerf

k tsk tsk" rumbling from his chest. My heart raced uncontrollably, my a

aled deeply, leaving the bedroom in desperate need of fresh air

tchen, though her lips betrayed a hint of amusement. Her eyes locke

rn. "Oh, come on, Amara. You kn

ittle lady," she said, her chuckle

Once we finished sanitizing everything, we turned to the dishes. I

w you wouldn't listen," Amara said with a chuckle.

said, flashing he

g to catch a glimpse of my Dad and Uncle. I broke into a wide smile as

, ignoring Magnus's

pper hair. "Incredibly busy. We're working to for

so crucial," Uncle interjected,

hem both. "Wha

ther Alphas and future Alphas will be attending," Dad said w

arly interested in you," Uncle adde

ey're interested in me because Dad

If they succeed, they'd be obligated to support us. Not that w

need their help, but having t

d growled at his brother. I could sense the tension b

ng Dad and Uncle, making them discuss things rationally. Their

e forward. "Enough," I snapped, slamming my glass do

I growled, "I'll try to be cordial and build alliances as best I can. In the mean

with surprise, but

ncle said, chuckling nervously as he went too far.

to remember Magnus trailing behind me. The irritation fro

to face Magnus. His eyes, as dark as obsidian

Soren away?" Magnus's eyes rolled, provoking a mixture of anger and con

thing wrong," I said, advanc

ly with my agitation. I was furious with him, yet my body reacted to him in ways I couldn't explain-fluttering sen

ice edged with frustration. Magnus turned towards

shouted, startled when he s

uriating bodyguard," I muttered, sto

ut I was too exhausted to care. I was dealing with too much, in

ly worked briefly. His silence and my failed attempts to

Kira mused in my head, her voice

her idea. If anger wasn't effect

of classic beauty, I had my own assets. My raven-black hair flowed in waves down my back, and my green eyes st

nd a tank top. The hot water of the shower felt heavenly, soothing my a

out, I missed the shower mat, and with a sudden yelp, I stumbled, crashi

e as a piece of glass embedded itself in my flesh. Blood began seeping onto the white floor,

t as fierce as he did attractive, wearing a simple black tank top and loose sho

owel around me. Magnus moved swiftly, lifting me as if I were a chi

om the cabinet. "I can manage," I protested, reaching for

ustration and curiosity as Magnus worked on my foot. His charcoal eyes remained fixed

my smirk hidden. The cut was worse than I'd thought-deep and painful. When he produced a

ief absence, letting the towel fall and slipping into my chosen attire: a black lace tank top and panties

rned. "You don't seem like the type to be scared of a half-dressed girl," I said, trying to sound calm,

of shorts. His expression was inscrutable, and I took a deep breath.

he exuded was a risk, but I felt an odd sense of safety. His few touches had

me. His eyes, once dark, now shimmered with golden flecks. I reveled in th

so hard, was it?" I teased, settling onto the bed and extending my foot toward h

yes met mine, and I felt a magnetic pull. Absorbed in the golden flecks of his

erate move, I crawled across the bed and slid under the covers, my lace-covered bot

voice purred trium

a satisfied smile, and for on