Chapter 2

I tucked my phone away and stepped back.

"I already told you I have a mate. Touch me again and you might walk out of here with a broken leg."

Since my Luna blood woke up, I'd gotten a lot faster. His hand closed on empty air.

He frowned. Then his eyes landed on my necklace, and his whole face softened.

"There it is," he said. "You say you're over me, but you're still wearing my necklace."

I almost laughed in his face.

The necklace he'd given me years ago was a chipped little sapphire on a thin chain. It had gone in the trash the week I bonded with his uncle. Adrian was a jealous wolf and didn't pretend otherwise.

"Don't keep anything of his," he'd grumbled that night, holding me close. "I'll get you something better."

The next day, he'd fastened this one around my neck himself: a sapphire worth seven figures, the kind only a Luna wore. Marcus had never had that kind of money, or that kind of rank.

Before I could set him straight, Tessa's eyes locked on the stone.

"I want it." She hung on Marcus's arm. "Marcus, I don't feel good. Sapphires calm a restless wolf. Can I have it?"

"Tessa, no." He gave her a disapproving look. "I gave that to Aria. It means something. I can't just hand it over."

Her eyes filled instantly. "Oh. So I'm not really family, then."

Marcus wiped her tears with his thumb and turned to me with an apologetic look.

"Aria, you've always loved jewelry. You've got a whole drawer of stuff like this at home. Could you let her have this one? Her dad died when she was little, and I'm the only brother she's got. Once you're my mate, she'll be your sister too. Call it a welcome-to-the-family present."

I'd had enough of their little show.

"You want it?" I reached up and unhooked the clasp.

Tessa lit up.

I closed my fist around the chain. "Too bad. My mate gave me this. If Marcus ever marries you, have him buy you your own."

Tessa burst into tears and threw herself against his chest. "Marcus, did you hear her? You haven't even marked her yet, and she won't give back your things. I'd never treat you like that."

I didn't bother answering. Adrian would know I'd come by, and that was enough.

Outside, a black Rolls-Royce rolled up to the curb. Usually, when I brought Adrian lunch, he'd send his driver down so we could eat together in the back seat.

This time, the Beta driver lowered his window. "Luna, the Alpha won't make it down for lunch today. Would you like a ride home?"

I shook my head. I was about to tell him I'd brought my own car when Tessa squealed behind me.

"Marcus, look at this car!"

She'd already pulled open the back door and climbed in. "Oh my God, these seats are so soft." She ran her hands over the leather. "There's a minibar! And the seats give massages! Your uncle really spoils you."

Marcus slid in after her and gave me a smug look through the open door. "Need a lift, Aria?"

Tessa giggled behind her hand. "Doesn't she have a mate? Why would she need a ride from you?"

"I'm good. I drove." I held up my keys and walked over to my white Porsche.

I didn't pull out right away. My window was down, and I wanted to see this.

The driver took out his phone, sent a quick message, and settled back behind the wheel like a statue.

"Back to the estate," Marcus said, rapping on the back of the driver's seat.

The driver didn't move.

"Hello? Are you deaf? I said drive."

"I'm waiting for the Alpha, sir," the driver said calmly.

Marcus blinked. "My uncle didn't send you for me?"

"No, sir. I'm here for the Alpha and his mate. His meeting is running late, so I'm waiting for his instructions." A polite pause. "If you need a ride, I'd be happy to call you a cab."

A long silence came from the back seat.

Marcus's face went from confused to stiff. Then, jaw tight, he climbed out and pulled Tessa out after him.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing, put the Porsche in gear, and drove away.