Page 144 of Bite Me

“Does Florence like crafts? Because I have so many ideas.”

He laughs, and I savor it with my hands on his chest. “Yeah, I think so.”

We watch our group talk back and forth about holiday plans and how the cabin is indeed big enough for every couple to get their own room.

“This is it. Your new people,” I say, hugging Dacre closer and breathing in his scent.

I can’t get enough of him.

“This means I have to be seen with you all in public,” he jokes. “You, I don’t mind, but Parker—”

“Oh, hush.” I wrap my arm around his as we walk on. “You’re stuck with us.”

“No place I’d rather be.”

Epilogue

Nash

I stumble through the bustling crowd. Too much free champagne. At least these rich bastards sure know how to throw a party. The gala is still buzzing from the spectacle of some couple at the auction. People love public displays of affection, and I love them too, specifically when they provide me with an opening.

The Donor Gala is one of the most prestigious events of the year, the highlight of which is usually the sale of those deemed to have extraordinary blood. But my highlight is much shinier.

At the edge of the ballroom stand twenty pedestals, all adorned with rare Vviveren jewels. Some old, some new, but all sought after. Worth millions. And no one is paying attention. Security got spotty with the two lovebirds on display, so all I see is a row of jewels, ripe and ready for the taking.

I snatch another champagne glass from a passing tray.

“Did you just down another glass of champagne?” The buzzing of my second rings in my ear.

“No.” I drop the empty glass into an overflowing trash can.

“There’s one guard at six o’clock, but he’s moving toward the stage. You’re open.”

I dip through bodies that reek of nervous sweat and expensive, too-strong perfume and cologne. The Starlight Diamond catches my eye from the display case, tucked back in the corner and barely visible through the blue velvet curtain covering it.

“You have ten seconds.”

My muscles spring into action. This is the payday we need, and it’s so close. I’ll finally get those assholes off my back, and—

A girl comes out of nowhere, knocking into me.

I steady her with my hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Miss.”

“No, I’m so sorry. I should have been looking.”

I can’t see her face, just a cascade of blonde hair and a pink masquerade mask adorned with fake crystals. It takes milliseconds for her scent to take hold of my body. It’s so achingly sweet and . . . desperate.

Wait. It can’t be.

“Alpha, what are you doing? You have seconds,” my second’s voice buzzes in my ear.

One more glance at the jewels, and time moves slowly. We need that money. I won’t have another opportunity.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Oh, please ignore me. I’m just being emotional.” She sniffs, waving me off. “Enjoy your night, sir.”

Her scent surges through me. This is her. Same golden eyes. Same blonde hair. That smell. No one else has ever come close to smelling the way this woman has. It has to be her. Evangeline.