The lights dimmed low as the orchestra struck a slow, dangerous rhythm, and my hand tightened on Avery's waist like I might lose her on the dance floor.
"Damien, you are holding me too close," Avery whispered, her masked face inches from mine. "We are supposed to be high ranking elites, not lovers about to tear each clothes off."
I spun her smoothly across the polished marble, the masquerade ball swirling around us in a sea of silk and secrets. "Cannot help it. That dress looks dangerous on you. And after Jax marked you, the bond feels electric every time I touch you. You feel it too?"
She pressed closer, her breath warm against my ear. "I feel everything. Your hand burning through the fabric. The way your eyes keep dropping to my shoulder where Jax bit me. Focus, alpha. Ezra is in the
