Chapter 537

The entire audience froze as his words echoed through the space. Vince’s smile tightened as he looked around at the room. Shannon, and this is the only time I would ever feel bad for her. She stumbled another step, and Brittney giggled next to her. Brandon turned back to Shannon, realizing he wasn’t as quiet as he thought he was. He had the decency to look a little embarrassed. But he stepped forward and held out his hand for her, and she plastered a smile onto her face and stepped toward him.

Brandon wrapped his fingers around hers and pulled her to his side. A quick whispered spell let me hear the rushed conversation. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for everyone to hear that.” He smiled down at her. “I’m just nervous.” He lied straight through his teeth, but I could see that Shannon was eating it up. “You know how I feel about you, right, baby?”

“It’s okay.” She trembled as she stepped closer to him. “I understand. Of course, I know how you feel about me. You picked me over Amy.” I watched his face tighten at her words, but she missed it. She batted her eyes up at him. “I can’t wait to be your mate.”

Rowan, the shit-stirrer he is, leaned over to a wolf beside him. “I thought Brandon was mating the alpha female from this pack. Amy…” He furrowed his brows and turned back to the front, watching his comment hit home. Brandon’s spine straightened as he turned to look at Rowan. And Shannon growled low in her throat.

“No, my king.” Shannon turned and fought her anger as she addressed him. “Brandon chose me.”

Rowan stood and walked over, sniffing as he went. He raised his eyebrow and turned back to his seat. “Brandon. I’m surprised. But true love conquers all, I guess.”

“What do you mean?” Brandon snapped his attention to the king. Even from back here, I could see him swallow his anger, facing the bigger male.

Rowan smiled lazily. “I mean, come on…no offense to your chosen mate, but let’s be honest here.” He turned to look Shannon up and down. “You seem like a really nice girl.” He took a step and seemed like he lost his balance for a second. He waved his arms in a circle, trying to catch himself. “But it’s Amy.” He said it so matter-of-factly, I had to turn my face away so no one could see my smile.

“What the hell does that mean?” Shannon turned to face the king.

Rowan lifted an eyebrow. “I mean no offense.” He raised his hands and smiled again.

Shannon’s eyes turned to slits. “Then explain what you meant.”

Rowan chuckled softly. “You are playing with fire, little girl.”

Brandon wrapped his arm around Shannon. “I would also like to know what you meant, my king.”

Rowan turned to the crowd and smiled a little too wide. “I apologize to everyone here. I’m not myself, as I am still riding high on my mating.” He turned back to the couple. “So please forgive me. I will keep my mouth shut.”

Shannon stepped out of Brandon’s arms. “Please. My king. Explain what you meant.” Shannon tried to grab him, but he let out a low rumble.

“Don’t touch me.” He growled out, and I saw his eyes flash. He stepped back and then shook his head again to clear it. “I’m sorry. My wolf doesn’t like it when another female gets too close. He likes space so that he doesn’t make our mate mad.” He shook his head again.

Brandon and Vince smiled at each other. “My king, are you okay?” Brandon reached out, but Rowan waved him off.

“I’m fine.” He smiled, and I had to cough to cover my laugh. His acting was surprisingly good.

You doubt me, mate? Rowan’s voice curled in my mind, and I nearly dropped my tray.

The fuck? I turned back to Rowan, who laughed out loud, adding to his confused act. How is this possible?

Our bond settled fully. Rowan tossed back at me like that was answer enough.

That explains nothing to me. I tossed back, and he laughed out loud again. Shannon walked closer and grabbed his arm. “Maybe you should sit down, my king.” She smiled, and I nearly growled when I saw something metallic glint in her hand.

She has a knife. I screamed at him, and I watched his eyes turn predatory.

Shannon tried to wrap her other arm, with the knife, around his middle, and I watched as she tried to stab him. But he caught her hands and played dumb again. His growl ripped over the crowd. “I already told you, my wolf doesn’t like females touching me.” He squeezed her hand until she yelped.

“Sorry, my king.” She stepped back, hiding the knife in her skirt, but I watched as Rowan tracked her movements. “I just wanted to help you.”

He nodded once and then staggered back to his seat. “Well then. Let’s get this show on the road.” He clapped really loudly, almost as if he were drunk, making Vince grin again.