Chapter 48 I gave her hand a gentle pat. You know me better than anyone. If I didn't want this, do you think anyone could force me?" Her worried expression didn't fully disappear. "What about Darrell?" I froze for a second. Right. Over the years, I'd told her about my relationship with Darrell. But I hadn't mentioned the breakup yet. You really loved him, Scarlett continued when I didn't respond immediately. "At least, that's what you told me in your emails. Has something changed?" I took a deep breath, forcing myself to meet her eyes. 'Darrell never really loved me. I was just his ex-girlfriend's replacement. A temporary substitute to fill the void. "What?!" Scarlett's voice rose to a near-shriek. Several guests on the terrace turned our way. She immediately lowered her voice, but her eyes blazed with fury. "That bastard! How dare he treat you like that! Our Sable is irreplaceable - unique and precious - and he had the audacity to make you feel like a backup plan? She looked ready to march back to Moonridge and murder Darrell with her bare hands. I held up both hands. "Don't get worked up. It's over now. I'm… I'm moving forward." I forced a smile. "We should go in. Caelan's waiting." Scarlett studied my face for another moment, then nodded. She linked her arm through mine as we walked toward the garden entrance. "Just so you know," she murmured, "if I ever see that Darrell asshole again, I'm going to kick him somewhere very painful." Despite everything, I found myself laughing. "Get in line." The moment I stepped onto the garden terrace, my breath caught. Carlan stood near the center of the space, engaged in animated conversation with two familiar figures. Leon and Peter - 1 recognized them immediately. They were Carlans closest friends, and I'd met them several times over the years whenever they visited the manor. So he kept it small as I told him, just the people we all know. The three men were dressed impeccably - Caelan in a deep blue casual suit that made his eyes even more striking, Leon in charcoal gray, and Peter in Cassir black. They looked relaxed, champagne flutes in hand, but something made Caelan turn mid-sentence. Our eyes met across the intimate gathering Everything else seemed to fade the conversations, the clinking of glasses, the soft jazz music floating from hidden speakers. There was only him, looking the with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. He's particularly handsome tonight. The dough appeased unbidden ) watched him racuse hamari from his companions and walk towards me My gaze drifted to his hands as he set down las champagne flute seady table. Long Bingers, strong and elegant, with that distinctive black ring catching the light. Those hands had touched me, held me, busight sue pleasure in ways Ed ever experienced… Heat flooded my cheeks as the memory surfaced Forest Blood Moonlight His mouth between my lega Stop thinking about that But the harder I tried to push the images away, the more vivid they became. The way hed looked at me like I was something precious. The reverent touch of his fingers. The satisfied rumble in his voice when I'd come apart beneath his hands. 1/3 Chapter 48 By the time he reached me, my face felt like it was on fire. "Sabi." His deep voice carried concern as he approached. Your face is so red. Are you feeling unwell? Before I could respond, his palm pressed against my forehead. The cool touch was like blessed relief against my fevered skin. His hand was still chilled from holding the champagne glass, and the contrast made me sigh involuntarily. Without thinking. I leaned into his touch. My cheek nestled against his palm like I was seeking comfort from the coolness. So cold… so nice… I felt his whole body tense up. When I glanced up, his pupils had dilated until only thin rings of blue remained. "Sabi…" His voice came out rougher than usual. - Then his mouth curved into that slow smile I was beginning to recognize. "I see. So my fiancée isn't a wolf at all she's a little kitten? Is that why you're rubbing against my hand?" The teasing warmth in his voice made my stomach flip. Behind me, I heard Scarlett's delighted gasp. "Oh my God, they're adorable!" A chorus of appreciative chuckles and mock applause rose from our small group of friends. Reality crashed back. I jerked away from his touch, mortification flooding through me. "Kitten?" I crossed my arms and fixed him with my most withering stare. "Are you sure it's not just that this ancient artifact has abnormal body temperature? "After all, advanced age can affect circulation. I was simply performing a medical assessment." I reached out to pat his chest with exaggerated professional concern. "You should thank me for my dedication to diagnostic accuracy." Carlan's laughter was rich and genuine. Stars seemed to dance in his blue eyes. "I see. So in your professional medical opinion, Doctor, am I running a lever? "The examination is inconclusive. I tried to maintain my stern expression, but his amusement was infectious. More thorough testing might be required. He caught my hand before I could pull it away, pressing my palm flat against his chest. Perhaps you should check my heart rate? I believe it may be… elevated The steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath my fingers sent electricity racing up my arm. Strong, fast, vital. Very much alive. I snatched my hand back like I'd been burned. The patient appears stable. No further examination necessary at this time." Heat crawled up my neck as I became aware of the amused faces surrounding us. Your friends are staring." Peter approached with his characteristic awegger balde, long time no see. You've gotten even more beautiful." The words were barely out of his mouth when Carlos arm alid arind my waist. His grip was possessive, fingers splaying across my hip like a brand. I felt the temperature around us drop several degrees Scarlett rolled her eyes. Could you be any more sleazy? Peter pressed his hand to his chest with theatrical devastation. This is called high emotional intelligence social skills." "Right." Scarlett snorted. "I'm sure that's exactly what they call it "Don't listen to him,' she added, directing the comment to me. Peter's grin turned wicked. "Look at our king. Is this what they call spring fever?"