Chapter 34

Phoenix

I catch Loki drinking alone, a solitary figure in the dim light. No one dares to sit near him, he gives off a dangerous aura that keeps them away.

I haven't really spoken much to the guy myself, but he's not much of a talker anyway. He got injured during the pack war when he tried to stop a child used as a suicide bomber and got too close. Despite the scars and his face and losing his left leg above the knee, I believe his emotional and physiological trauma are way worse. He nearly fucking died, and he's suspicious of anything and everything, rightfully so.

Selene's eyes linger on him, and a low growl rumbles in my chest. Jealously claws at me, primal and fierce. I pull her closer, wanting her to look at me, and only me. I don't care how much Loki looks like Kellan Lutz.

As Loki approaches us, his expression is blank, betraying nothing. His eyes, however, seem to be fixed past us. Selene and I turn to see Makayla, her expression a complex mix of attraction, shock, and perhaps recognition.

If that's the case, where would she have met him? Their lives are as different as peanut butter and fucking hair gel. She must be confusing him with someone else. Unless Makayla has a secret life, one where she hangs out with war heroes.

Loki doesn't even speak, his intense gaze still locked on Makayla. Protective instincts flare up; she could be my cousin. Maybe I should step in...tell him to stop being a fucking creep.

"There you are, Loki," my uncle says, his voice slicing through the awkward tension in the room. "Phoenix, why don't you go get the girls a drink? I need to speak with him for a moment."

He's the one who called him here?

Without speaking to me about it with me first?

What the fuck is going on?

"Phoenix," Luke repeats, nodding towards the bar.

I grunt a response, but gesture for Makayla to follow while I lead Selene by the hand to the bar. After ordering them some fruity drinks and myself a bourbon neat. Taking a measured sip, I wash down the bitter taste in my mouth from Luke having some type of secret meeting with Loki.

I know he would never betray me, he's not my father, but what the hell could they possibly be talking about?

"Do you know him?" Selene whispers to Makayla, curiosity glimmering in her eyes. Both of them are way too interested in him for my liking. Is Selene purposely trying to make me angry again? Because I can throw her over my shoulder right now and take care of that.

"I...I think so," she stammers, continuing to steal glances over her shoulder at Loki.

"Selene," I growl, the warning clear in my voice. Her eyes snap to me, widening as she remembered the threat I promised her earlier. The smell of her fear and arousal smack me in the face, and I nearly groan aloud at how strong it is.

She blushes. "Sorry, Phoenix," she whispers. "I was just curious about him, that's all."

"I'm a jealous man, little omega. I want your eyes only on me," I whisper back, latching onto her neck.

Her breath hitches, and leans into my touch, wanting more. Makayla clears her throat, grimacing. "Can you guys wait until you're alone to do that?" she asks, her voice full of disgust.

Selene laughs, the sound making my heart swell. "She's right. Behave yourself, Phoenix."

I don't think that's possible around her, but I can try.

I pull away, silently reveling in the taste of her skin.

With my little omega being a welcoming distraction, I almost forget about Luke and Loki until Luke approaches us, his face not revealing anything about the conversation he just had.

He signals to speak to me alone, leaving Selene and Makayla unguarded. It makes me uneasy, and I keep glancing back to make sure no one approaches them. The red hicky on my sister's neck should keep them away from her. If not, my wolf will gladly show them what happens when you touch what belongs to us.

Luke calls my name, drawing my attention back to him.

Oh, right.

I'm supposed to be angry with him right now.

"What's going on? Why did you invite Loki here?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at my uncle.

He meets my gaze, steady and unwavering. "I arranged for the girls to go to my house. I realize that it may be a bit more safe than the club, where anyone could just walk in and out. Also, Loki has agreed to be their bodyguard, in times when we need to focus on our own jobs."

Alone? With him?

"Are you crazy, Unc? You've heard the rumors about him," I hiss, my fists curling into balls at my sides.

What if he loses his shit around them and they end up getting hurt?

His lips press together into a tight line as he folds his arm across his chest. "C'mon, Nix. You know your father will begin asking questions soon. You'll have to leave her soon."

I frown, unconvinced. That doesn't mean I'll have to leave her and my possible cousin with Loki, of all people.

Seeing that I'm not going to respond, he continues, his voice stern. "It will be fine, Nix. Do you have anyone better to do it? Loki will do his job well, and keep his mouth shut. That's exactly what we need right now."

Dammit. I hate it when he's right. But I'm still worried about him being alone with them, especially Selene. It isn't personal, I just don't like the idea of other men around her. Now, Makayla is another issue. There's obviously some history between her and Loki that needs to be addressed.

It's obvious that I don't know enough about him to trust him, and now is not the time to start taking risks with the girls' lives.

"Please, just give him a chance," Luke pleads.

I nod, reluctantly agreeing.

But if he hurts either one of them, I'll deal with him myself.