Chapter 533

Verity froze, as if her brain were processing Garith's words. “What did you just say?”

Garith leaned in. “I asked you, who the fuck is Rowan mated to? Did you not notice the blazing mate mark on his neck that he did everything in his fucking power to show off?!” He screamed the last word.

Verity shrank back from his anger. “I didn’t see. I was too surprised he showed up.”

Garith leaned closer. “Well, since you are his fucking fiancée, I would go find out who fucking took your spot,” he growled, grabbing her arms and pulling her onto his lap before forcing her into the aisle. “Now.”

I whispered a spell to eavesdrop on the conversation unfolding in the front row. Discreetly, I pulled out my phone and sent a quick message: “They put silver in your drink. I neutralized it, but act accordingly when the time comes.” I pocketed my phone as Garith glanced over his shoulder. Straightening my spine and readjusting my tray to appear slightly burdened, I watched.

“Hey, handsome,” I heard Verity whisper as she slid into a seat beside Rowan. She leaned in to kiss him, and I had to restrain my two wolves as a vicious snarl tore through my mind.

“Don’t touch me,” Rowan’s words stopped her before she could reach him.

“What are you talking about?” she feigned ignorance. “I’m your mate.”

A warning rumble emanated from the front row, and I fought back a smirk. Smart man. Nix visibly calmed upon hearing his warning.

Rowan slowly turned his head, pulling his shirt collar away from his mark. Even from my distance, I could see the burning white-blue of his eyes. “Do not insult my mate with your lies. You are nothing to me but a mistake.”

Brandon and Derek exchanged smirks, enjoying the spectacle.

Verity affected wounded surprise. She recoiled with a cry, pointing at his neck. “You chose a mate?” Her voice rose, attracting the attention of the crowd.

Rowan rolled his eyes, his fangs snapping down. “Are you stupid? Or are you just trying to create drama?” He turned to her with a wide smile. “Anyone can see this mark is a goddess-given mate mark. I found my destined mate, not one the council forced on me.”

Verity’s hand flew to her mouth. “You found your goddess-given mate?” She looked around. “I thought Lycans only mated Lycans.” She glared at Rowan, and my wolves edged closer to the wall between us.

Kill her. Nix’s voice was low.

Megan settled against the barrier. Or I will.

I sent calming thoughts to my wolves, preventing them from acting independently. But it wasn't working; I felt a ripple of fur along my arms. Rowan looked back, noticing something in my expression or posture, because Erubus came running from the trees in my mind.

Nix and Megan leaped to greet him. “Calm down, mates,” his voice, full of laughter, reassured them as he nuzzled them both. “You’re struggling because the she-wolf is near me?”

Nix growled low. “I don’t like it.”

Megan snapped her jaws, flashing her fangs. “She almost touched you.”

Erubus nudged his nose against Nix’s neck, inhaling her scent. “I love you, my queens.” He turned to Megan. “And you, little one, surprise me. Vicious little wolf.” He licked her snout, then Nix’s. “Stop making it difficult for Amy. You and I both know she would never tolerate anyone disrespecting our bond.”

Nix looked between him and me, then nodded. “Fine. Go back to your human.”

Chapter 533

“And make sure the whore doesn’t touch you,” Megan growled low, earning another chuckle. “Or else.”

Erubus turned to her. “Keep threatening me, mate, and I might just take you up on that offer.” He snapped his teeth beside her neck. “A little pain won’t hurt either of us.” He ran off, leaving Megan wide-eyed.

I laughed in her face. “Why are you surprised by that?”

“I don’t know; it was just unexpected.” She shook herself as I returned my attention to the scene in front. Vince had joined the conversation.

“My king, I am so happy to have you join us for my son’s mating ceremony.” Vince shook Rowan’s hand; I could see the blazing rune on his forearm.

Son of a bitch.