Nikki scoffed, her nose wrinkling as she cast a disparaging look toward Rhea. "You truly think highly of yourself, don't you? It is pathetic that you think anyone would miss seeing you after the disgrace you have brought upon this pack."
Rhea leaned forward, her smirk sharpening into something dangerous. "Watch your mouth, Nikki. And while you are at it, stop leaning on my mate unless you want me to come over there and push you off that chair myself."
Ares raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Rhea with a sudden, unexpected intensity. A flare of possessiveness sparked in his chest, hot and startlingly bright. He found himself feeling a strange, dark satisfaction at her claim over him, though he quickly called himself back. He straightened his posture, forcing his features into a mask of indifference.
He could not understand why hearing those words from her made him feel pleased. It was irrational and entirely unwelcome.
