Slade locked his hand about her arm. “I said, we dance.”
The music changed to a slow dance. Just her luck. Slade pressed her against him. One hand claiming her ass. “What the hell was that text about?”
“Duh, what do you think? Aren’t you supposed to please the king and take a mate? Apparently tonight.”
He nibbled her ear, and his hot breath nearly sent her over the edge. “That’s the plan.”
“Oh, I see. You didn’t like the idea that a runt broke up first.”
He laughed. “After our time t
ogether, you know me better than that.”
She pressed her head on his shoulder. It felt so good. Our last dance. Go with it. Enjoy him while I can.
He stopped and chuckled. “Did you really break your sister’s nose?”
“You know?”
“I was about to end my dance with Willa to put your sister in her place, but I see you and Mia did that so much better.”
“Prince Slade, my donation was worth more than one slow dance, was it not?” said Princess Willa.
“I just need to…”
Cricket untangled herself from his hold. “No worries, I need to have a word with Rylee.” She frowned at Slade. “Our boss.”
Slade stiffened and for a second, she thought he’d insist on finishing the dance, but instead, he bowed to the king’s niece and danced with her.
She noticed Nik dancing close with a beta, and Rylee had taken the dance floor with Carson.
Cricket dashed toward the dessert table and bumped into Lunara their wolf shaman. “I’m so sorry.”
“How are you, Cricket?”
“I’m good.”
“Are you really?”
“Why, is it that obvious?”
“Yes. Pretty obvious, he’s claimed your soul.”
Cricket wasn’t into the spiritual mumbo jumbo, but Lunara helped many departed and living werewolves with issues. Maybe, honesty would be best. “I have a crush on Slade.”
“What you two have is more than a crush.”
“A forbidden bond, I suppose. I mean, really? Runt and a royal alpha.”
“Yes, Slade is an alpha’s alpha. True to his nature, he will get what he wants.”
One of the guests, an older male alpha interrupted their conversation. “Lunara, I’m so happy to have run across you. My nightmares are back. Can we talk?”
“Sure.” She turned to Cricket. “I’ll be back.”
Sinatra played. Even the bachelorettes waiting for Slade had partnered up and danced. She gazed at the clock. Five more minutes to midnight. Maybe Slade would announce he wouldn’t take a mate this year. He’d just joined the team, of course he’d wait.
She looked toward the dance room. Her throat tightened. Willa loosened his tie and then proceeded to ravish him.