“Owen,” I gasped, my fingers locking into Austin’s shirt as instinct took over.
Austin reacted instantly.
He wrapped an arm around my waist and swung me behind him in one smooth movement, placing his body squarely between me and Owen. The growl that ripped from his chest was ferocious, deep and unmistakably Alpha. It vibrated through me, through the ground, through the air itself.
I could see Owen clearly now from behind Austin’s shoulder.
He tried to step forward.
Austin shifted into a protective stance, feet planted, shoulders wide, dominance rolling off him in heavy waves. Owen stopped short, jaw tight, eyes blazing. He looked just as furious. Just as possessive.
“Mine,” Owen growled.
“She’s my mate,” Austin snarled back.
Owen straightened, shock flashing across his face. That w
