"Why are you two fighting? Have you lost your minds?" Imari asked as she moved for Marcus.
"Careful, Imari," Ronan replied, his attention remaining on Rem as she began to rip the bottom of her dress. She tore it above her knees to reveal more of her thighs. Ronan cocked a brow as he watched the scene, forgetting about the pulsating pain in his hands and side.
The Silver of Warden walked over, holding out the ripped fabric and offered to put it on his hands. He nodded, and she ripped the fabric in half. She tended to his first hand, giving it a long squeeze as he grimaced, and then did the same for the other.
He observed her as she tended to him, finding the gesture full of honesty. There was no fear nor hesitation.
That hook of hers only lodged deeper when her scent filled his lungs, a deep pleasure filling his instincts that she came to him so quickly, in front of all the others.
She finally looked up at him and he gazed at the orange eyes. He knew he was protective and attracted to her; that was a part of being a shifter and wanting something. That was a part of being an Alpha. That was natural.
This genuine affection, however, was new. It was small, but it wasthere, and it surprised him. He wondered if Rem was even aware of the cultural significance for someone to tend to another’s wound? …Perhaps he wouldn’t have to choose, in the end. He knew right away he’d attack any other male that evenlookedat her suggestively. Especially with the way she looked at him with admiration.
It was in his nature to want to possess that affection for only himself.
"Why did you attack him?" Imari asked as she faced Ronan.
He slowly moved his head to Nia before taking his eyes off of Rem, ignoring Imari. "Keep Rem with the other Silvers, and ensure they stay near the Alphas," Ronan commanded. He knew Nia was only a Gamma, but he needed someone that washisto do this job. And her eagerness was something he trusted.
Ronan finally addressed Imari. "That's quite the assumption.He'sthe one that attackedme.”
"You didn't have to dothat," Imari said, pointing to his jaw. "You broke a part of it. Jaws are a bitch to heal."
"Even better. I thought I just dislocated it."
Imari shook with anger. "Evenifheattacked first, I'd wageryouegged him on. That was unnecessary."
Ronan lost all humor. "You didn't have to bring the Silvers to Malus Moon. You knew it would anger us. And yet, you insisted," he retorted.
She had helped with Fiona, but his gut had a distinct dislike for Elder Witches now.
"Let us all move past this," Varga interjected as Imari let out a snarl. "Iwill host the Silvers. It makes the most sense. I am a female, and I am mated.”
"I agree," Ronan immediately said. "At least someone around here makes sense."
Imari was about to respond, but Marcus grunted in reply. Her fury burned on in her gaze, despite her silence. Marcus grumbled once more, glaring at Imari as she tried to treat him.
Ronan pressed the fabric together on his hands, grimacing as the pain pumped more adrenaline. "Articulate, Marcus. We can't understand you."
Allard snorted as he placed a hand in front of Marcus's chest to hold him back. Ronan gave him his back as he faced Enzo.
Enzo smacked Ronan's arm. "No wonder you have so many fucking scars. You have a penchant for antagonizing."
"He started it. I simply finished it."
R E M
Rem breathed heavilyas she watched the interaction between Ronan and the other Alphas.
She replayed the way Ronan braced himself for Marcus. He had planned that. His eyes embodied a level of apathy that struck momentary fear in her. Not necessarily for herself, but in general.
He was willing to injure himself just to maim his opponent.
That was merciless.
Even if it was terrifying, she also admired it.
Rem looked at Nia, who beamed with pride for her Alpha, and asked, "Is Ronan going to be alright? Why didn't he turn into that giant state, like he did with the warg?"
