My breath caught. I braced myself. I didn’t know what would happen next.
Nicholas had gone very still beside me. His arm around my waist tightened slightly. Then he removed it and stood.
“Nicholas,” I said.
He didn’t acknowledge me. He puffed out his chest and faced down his brother. He didn’t growl, didn’t make any sound, but his posture alone screamed Alpha.
Julian, meanwhile, just sighed. “You don’t have to do that. I know all about your feelings for Piper and hers for you, even if you two don’t recognize it yourselves. I know I will never be anything more than Piper’s friend. I’m no threat to you or your relationship.”
Nicholas marginally relaxed. His shoulders released some of their tension.
“You don’t have to worry about Piper, Nicholas,” Julian said. “She’s head over heels
