Chapter 9

A heavy hand clamped down on my shoulder.

"Careful, brother," Liam said calmly through the mind-link, which only fueled my anger.

Before I could shove him off, my mother’s soft voice cut in. “Darling, I need your advice. I’m stealing you just for a minute.”

She didn’t wait for me. She walked away from the table and glanced back, making it clear I should follow.

Once we were out of earshot, she said, “I saw how you look at Emily. Nathan, she’s terrified of you.”

“Good,” I snapped. “She should be.”

But I wasn't looking at my mother. My eyes were locked onto Alpha Marcus. He was already with Emily. He stood much too close, acting confident and relaxed, and it made my blood boil. Jessie was nearby, flirting and trying to catch his eye, but Marcus didn’t even look at her.

Suddenly, he leaned in and whispered something right by Emily’s ear. She froze. Then, slowly and hesitantly, she raised her small hand. Marcus took he