My fingers tug at his shirt, the fabric tearing under my grip, and I feel Eric’s hands on my shoulders, his lips moving lower, trailing fire across my skin. It’s raw, consuming, the kind of heat that could burn this whole pack house down. 

I want more—more of Rick, more of Eric, more of this bond that makes us whole, even without her.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” a voice snaps, sharp and raw, cutting through the haze.

I freeze, my lips still on Rick’s, my hands gripping his hair. I turn my head, slow and deliberate, and there she is—Lia, standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock, her face a storm of fury and something else, something that makes my wolf howl. 

My smirk widens, slow and deliberate, as I meet her gaze, letting her see every bit of the monster she hates.

Chapter 25: Shadows of Rival Claims 🐺🔥🌙Lia's POV


I watch Dorian leave, his boots echoing down the hall, and take a deep breath, letting my head sink back into the pillow.


My heart's still racing, the mate bond a gnawing ache, twisting my insides with his words, his touch, his presence. I drag myself into the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face, washing away the tears and the anger clinging to me.


With no clothes of my own, I rummage through Rick's closet and pull on one of his oversized shirts. His scent clings to the fabric — warm, familiar — but it doesn't ease the knot tightening in my chest.


I step into the hallway, expecting the usual glares, but the guards nod instead, their eyes soft, almost respectful. Even the maids glance at me with a strange deference, no longer sneering the way they used to.


I pause, blinking. For a second, I even consider going back into the room just to come out again, to see if I'm dreaming or if this sudden change is real.


Chapter 26 - chapter 25