ELI
A muscle jumps in my jaw.
What the hell is Hope doing here—and in that dress? She has no business being in this room, at this kind of event, surrounded by people who'd eat someone like her alive.
Especially when she looks like that.
Every man in a five-mile radius is staring like they've never seen a woman before. And Hope? She stands there like a goddess dropped into a den of wolves. Klaus, the bastard, is practically drooling. If he doesn't reel his tongue back in, I'll rip it out myself.
I leave him behind, fuming in silence as I stalk toward her, my steps sharp and focused. I make it halfway before someone cuts into my path.
I catch the scent first—just before I see the red dress and glossy smirk.
*Josie.*
"Eli," she purrs, sliding into my space like she has a claim. "You've been so quiet lately."
