In Logan’s opinion, they needed to either talk or fuck. Whichever would do just fine as long as they’d get it over with so things could progress. Logan had silently congratulated himself when he’d heard she was part wolf. His visions made complete sense now. Still, Tristan needed to learn of his mate on his own timeline. As much as it killed him, Logan refused to interfere.
Logan glanced over to Kalli as they made their way through the crowd. The opulent ballroom was overwhelming and magnificent at the same time. He could tell that Kalli felt as if she was balanced upon a ball and could come crashing down any second.
“You’re okay,” Logan reassured her, patting her arm.
“Thanks. I just didn’t know what to expect. Do you all go to these things often?”
“Every now and then. Tristan donates a lot of money, and the parties serve a business purpose. Lots of current and prospective clients to talk to. That’s probably what he’s doing now.”
“Yeah, right. Business, I’m sure,” she commented sarcastically.
“He really is working, Kal. But I have a feeling he won’t quite be himself until he sees you. Come this way.” He steered her toward the bar where he ordered two glasses of champagne.
Securely leaning against the heavy mahogany counter, Kalli turned to people watch. Her breath caught at the sight of Alexandra coming straight toward her. She grabbed Logan’s arm, squeezing so tightly she’d thought she’d nearly drawn blood. What was she doing here? Tristan hadn’t warned her. Like a missile approaching a submarine, it was too difficult to maneuver out of the line of fire. Too late, she thought, steeling her nerves.
“Ah mouse, I see you’ve landed the beta. Well done, I’m sure,” she sneered.
Fear and hate washed over Kalli’s face; a bright red flush rose to her cheeks. Alexandra’s jibe was the last straw that broke the camel’s back, sending Kalli spiraling into an unavoidable outburst. Having still not taken the CLI, her wolf lunged. A low growl emanated from within her, one she didn’t even want to restrain. Her beast wanted out as the rage spilled forth at the vampire.
“Back. Off. Bitch,” Kalli spat at her loudly enough so her voice was audible to the surrounding guests. “That’s right, look around to see who’s looking. You’ll notice I don’t give a damn who sees or hears me, given that this is the first and probably last time I’m invited to one of these things. I’m telling you right now, stay away from me or that silver carving knife over there in the roast beef will be the last thing you see before I slice your throat.”
Alexandra gasped, astonished at Kalli’s eruption. Logan watched with curiosity, surprised at how effectively she’d put the socially conscious Alexandra in her place. Embarrassing her at a public function was nearly a fate worse than death to Alexandra, who loved more than anything to be a ‘who’s who’ in Philadelphia.
“Ah, I see the mouse grows her fangs. Hanging out with the wolves is doing that to you, I suppose.” She rolled her eyes in disgust. “Very well, no need to get all riled. Just thought it polite to say hello, but I can see you’re not ready to make nice. Ta-ta!” she sang, seething in retreat. Waving to the mayor, she turned and crossed the room as if the ugly incident had never occurred.
Tristan froze at the sound of a growl. What the hell? This was a mixed function, humans and supes. There was no growling at charity galas. Which one of his wolves was causing a ruckus? Quickly scanning the room, he searched for the owner of the snarl. Within seconds, he caught sight of Kalli laying into Alexandra. Whatever she said must have caused the bloodsucker to flee.
Stunned by her beauty, he could barely breathe. Goddess, the woman was spectacular. The fiery red gown clung to her in all the right places, and he noticed a small smile grow on her angelic face, presumably pleased that she had castigated Alexandra. He needed to get to her, hold her. As he rushed across the room, Mira stopped him with a hand to his arm. She gestured toward an elusive client standing to her left.
Logan laughed, seeing Kalli triumph over the demon spawn who ran the vampires. “Hey girl, I hate to point it out, but man you laid her out…and that growl. What was that?”
“Dance with me, Logan,” Kalli declared, needing to move.
“Your wish is my command.”
They crossed the floor, and Logan swept her into his arms. As amazing as Logan looked, she yearned for Tristan. She could feel he was close. As the music grew louder in her ears, she swayed along to the classical beats, hyper-aware of his presence. Leaning her head on Logan’s shoulder, she finally spied Tristan near the buffet, surrounded by Mira and a short bald man.
His eyes caught hers, and her heart started to race. She wasn’t sure whether it was his pensive expression or aggressive stance, but she could clearly sense he was agitated. Logan spun her, and she lost his eyes only momentarily, then caught them once again. His predatory gaze electrified the room, sending goose bumps over her skin. As he stalked toward them, her breathing hitched. Like a rabbit alert to the wolf, she froze save for the mindless dance steps she made while blindly following Logan. As Tristan came upon them, she forced herself to face him directly. Larger than life, Tristan was sophistication etched in dripping sexuality. His dominance was apparent to every man, woman and supernatural in the room; there’d be no denying him.
Even Logan stopped dancing to respect his Alpha. Lowering his eyes in submission, he bowed slightly. “Thank you for the dance,” he whispered, releasing her.
Before she had a chance to say a word, Tristan wrapped a hand around her waist, pulling her tightly to him so they pressed together. She could feel his barely restrained erection nudging her belly. Suppressing a moan, she felt herself grow wet. She clenched her thighs hoping to hide her arousal; every supernatural within fifty feet would know of her excitement.
“Don’t,” Tristan ordered.
“Don’t what?” she managed to ask.
“Don’t try to hide it. Your delicious scent.”
“But they’ll know I …” Kalli’s words trailed off as she lost her train of thought. God, he felt incredible.
“I want them to know. I want them all to know you’re mine.”
“But I thought…I mean you came with her.” Her eyes darted to Mira.
“Business only, nothing more. Still, I’m very sorry I didn’t bring you with me. Clearly I was an idiot to leave you alone with my beta. Every man in this room is looking at you, Kalli.”
“No,” she denied, shaking her head.
“Yes. And they should. Because you’re magnificent. Everything about you from that alluring dress I bought you to your sexy growl. My Goddess, do you know what you do to me? Feel it,” he whispered, grinding his groin against her.
“Tristan,” she breathed. She was on the verge of orgasm from just dancing with the man. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if they made love.
“Did you enjoy dancing with Logan?
“What? Logan?”
“Yes, Logan. Did you enjoy having your sweet body pressed to his?”
“Oh God, Tristan.”
“It’s all right, Kalli. Did you find it arousing? Tell me the truth.”
“Another test?” she sighed.
“Truth?”
“Okay yes, but he’s not…he’s not you. No one I’ve ever met in my life is like you,” she admitted.