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 26: Claws of Jealousy 🐺🔥🌙Lia's POV


I step into the dining room, my heart heavy, the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread hitting me hard.


They've never called me to lunch before. Normally, they lock me in my room, shoving food through the door like I'm some caged dog. Most times, Rick's the one who brings it himself.


My feet freeze the moment I see her. Grace. Her smile's too bright, too sweet, sitting way too close to Rick. My chest tightens, the mate bond burning like fire beneath my skin, and I know exactly why they dragged me here — to shove this bitch in my face.


I turn to leave, my hands trembling, but Grace's voice slices through the air.


She stands, walking toward me slowly, her eyes sharp like knives, that fake sweetness dripping from her tone.


For a second, I want to rip that smile off her face, to scream at her to never dare call my name. But I don't. I stand there, frozen, watching her move closer, heat crawling under my skin.


Chapter 27 - Chapter 26