Nolan POV
I saw it before I even realized I was moving.
Kieran had his hand at the small of her back. Subtle. Possessive.
Every muscle in my body went tight, my wolf snarling low beneath my skin. I’d told myself to keep control this time, to stay calm, to not make a scene—but the second I saw that touch, all that restraint went up in flames.
He was smiling at her like he already owned her. And she… she was trying to hide how uncomfortable she looked. Her posture was too stiff, her laugh too forced. I knew her too well not to notice.
Before my mind could catch up with my feet, I was there.
“Kieran,” I said sharply.
He turned, his grin widening like a cat catching a mouse. “Alpha Nolan. Always a pleasure.”
“I doubt that,” I muttered. My gaze flicked to Ellie, who took a half-step ba
