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 27: Fangs of Rivalry 🐺🔥🌙Lia's POV


I stare at Lydia, almost laughing, my voice sharp. "Alpha Dean? You know him?"


She laughs, her eyes glinting like she's enjoying this. "You're funny, Lia. You've got mates and don't even know how many there are."


I go quiet, my heart racing, the mate bond a tight knot in my chest, pulling at me like a leash.


"I've seen Dean," I mutter, my voice low. "Thought he was just Dorian, Eric, and Rick's friend. Or maybe their enemy. At first, they didn't even look at each other in a good way, so I never thought he might be an Alpha."


Lydia chuckles, her voice light but biting. "Dean's an alpha in this pack, Lia. But he's not one to be mess with. I'd pick those three over him any day."


I freeze, my chest tight, the bond burning hotter. "Why isn't Dean here if he's an alpha?"


She smiles, her voice dropping. "He took a break, but he'll be back. Trust me, you'd rather deal with Dorian, Eric, and Rick than him."


Chapter 28 - chapter 27