The music was getting louder and so was the crowd.
The door slammed open at the front of the speakeasy, and in walked six warriors in dark leather — their golden wolf sigils flashing on each shoulder.
With them was the largest female warrior in Shadowclaw. Broad-shouldered, taller than most men, jet-black hair pulled into a vicious braid. She moved like a beast barely contained by flesh.
And she was watching Nova.
The man beside her peeled away, eyes on Nova's hair like it was a prize. He crossed the room with that slow, cocky walk Jax knew too well.
Nova was in the middle of talking to the bartender when he shoved his hand between them, palm out and introduced himself.
She froze, slowly turning. Her hesitation was clear, but she reached out and shook it.
He didn't let go.
Instead,
