A slow smile spread across Lucien’s face once the shock faded.
“Well. That’s one way to handle competition.” He gave her an admiring look. “I see your plan.”
“What plan?” Kaela snapped, staring at her own hand in disbelief. “I didn’t know that would happen.”
“I won’t tell anyone,” Lucien said. “But you should hope the Alpha or Beta doesn’t find out. Ronan won’t appreciate damage to the packhouse, even from his new mate.”
“I wasn’t planning anything.” She curled her fingers into a fist. “It just… happened.”
Lucien took a careful step back. “If you say so.”
Her stomach growled loudly, cutting the tension.
“Do you know the way to the kitchens? I’m starving.”
“I can take you to the canteen.”
She started forward—then stopped when Lucien froze, eyes fixed on something behind her.
A fam
