Gilbert blinked rapidly, trying to claw back some control over his scattered thoughts. How could this woman possibly be his mate?
His wolf was moving restlessly inside him, but his human mind was still several steps behind.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about," he lied, refusing to claim any Serrano as his mate. His cheeks burned with a rare flush as he stared at her, equal parts dazed and wary at how bold she had been. Apart from not wanting any Serrano, he'd heard so much about Laila he would never have someone like her as his mate. This was something that could never work out.
Laila's lips curved into a slow knowing smile. His mother was an elder, one locked in a quiet, simmering feud with her uncle, and her uncle would absolutely lose his mind if he discovered her fated mate was Gilbert. Even though to get back at her uncle, Laila would make this work.
