Lionel's POV
Camellia's hand on the car door tightened unconsciously, her fingertips turning white.
She bit her lower lip, then said softly, "Alright, sorry for the trouble."
With that, she took a step back, still holding my jacket, and turned to leave.
The rotten scent of pine needles and vervain mixed with her sweet lychee and rose aroma, making my temples throb.
My wolf, Leroy, raged within me, tearing at my spine. "You'll regret this! She needs our protection!"
I lit a cigar and took a deep drag, the nicotine suppressing the desire rising in my throat. "She's Esmond's mate."
"That's just a temporary mark left by that fool. Their bond is about to break!" Leroy's fangs pierced through my mental barrier. "If you just re-mark her—"
"Enough."
Leroy grumbled in dissatisfaction.
He
