along the line of two angry lions preparing for battle. Or maybe one angry lion and an equally angry liger.
“What the hell are you thinking coming here?” Gabriel demanded as Daniel slowly turned to face him. “You should be back in Riverton where you can be monitored.”
“My mate is here.” The words were spoken softly in direct opposition to Gabriel’s loud demand.
“She’s not your mate!” Gabriel practically yelled, and Ariel was glad there were no humans out and about around them. Then he sent a dark look toward her. So dark it almost had her taking a step back. He was angry. No, he was furious. With her. “Her choice. She doesn’t want you. She rejected you.”
A loud growl filled the air moments before Daniel’s hand gripped the front of Gabriel’s shirt, jerking him forward and lifting him slightly onto his toes. Daniel’s eyes were glowing again and claws had sprouted at his fingertips.
“You’re upsetting Ariel.” Daniel’s voice was deeper, gruffer, and Ariel knew his animal was close to the surface.
“I don’t give a fuck about her,” Gabriel snapped, wrapping his hand around Daniel’s where it gripped his shirt. Then his voice softened. “I care about you. You shouldn’t be here, brother. I almost lost you. Days ago, you were at death’s door. I know Tony gave you some wonder drug that we know nothing about. Nothing. And you’ve gone from your animal being almost completely dormant to it being so close to the surface that you’re barely keeping it in check. Go home, Daniel. Put yourself first for a change.”
Gabriel’s words hit her hard. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been thinking the same thing. Except for one thing.
“You’re wrong,” she muttered, taking a step toward Daniel then pausing when the full brunt of Gabriel’s anger was turned on her.
“Gabriel.” Kenzie issued the warning, her hand coming out to press firmly against her husband’s chest.
“What is it you think I’m wrong about?” Gabriel snapped.
“My not being with your brother has nothing to do with him. He’s a good man. He deserves—”
“Don’t say it,” Daniel warned, and her gaze flicked up briefly to meet his before determinedly moving back to Gabriel’s.
“Better than a woman like me,” she finished.
“At least, we agree on that.”
Before she could say anything, Gabriel went flying across the lot, landing hard on his ass. With a gasp, she forgot everything but Daniel as she hurried to him, bracing her body directly in front of him, palms flat against his chest as she stopped him from going after his brother. His chest heaved with a barely restrained roar rumbling in his throat. His eyes glowed so brightly, there’d be no missing it if anyone glanced his way.
“Son of a bitch,” Gabriel growled behind her, but Ariel ignored him. She had no idea what she was doing, but she couldn’t let Daniel hurt his brother. He’d never forgive himself.
“Daniel, stop.” She held her ground when he took a step closer, moving so their bodies were flush against one another. He was vibrating with rage? Anger? Adrenaline? Heat poured off him. And he was hard. Everywhere. She wanted desperately to step back, to put distance between them, but he needed her. There wasn’t lust in his eyes. It was his body reacting to whatever was taking place inside him. She saw him fighting for control. He needed her. And though fear tickled her spine, she knew Daniel would never hurt her. She trusted that. Trusted him.
“What the fuck, Daniel?” Gabriel grumbled as he regained his feet with a shake of his head.
“You brought that on yourself,” Kenzie told her mate.
“Daniel, look at me,” Ariel urged, reaching up a hand to cup his face, rubbing her thumb over his skin. He closed his eyes, seeming to sink into her touch as if he were starved for it. Slowly, he blinked his eyes open and stared at her. “Breathe, Daniel. You’re moments from your lion bursting through your skin and giving the few humans around us a show they won’t forget. We don’t want to do that.”
She ignored Gabriel and Kenzie, keeping her focus completely on the man she couldn’t seem to step away from. She’d been keeping her distance from him since their first meeting. Why couldn’t she continue doing that? Nothing had changed. Nothing could change. She would always be unworthy, and he would always deserve better.
His hands dropped to her hips, trembling where he gripped her. He clenched and released several times as he fought for control.
“Not a