Say You're Mine by Aliyah Burke

before she could register what was coming. Fury swarmed Dyana as Rainie’s slender body trembled.
    Narrowing her gaze, Dyana inserted herself between the two females.
    “Out of my way, human.”
    She didn’t move. “Is it common in this pack to hit kids?”
    Cold green eyes landed on her. “Our pack rules are none of your business. Get out of my way.”
    “No.”
    “I can kill you.”
    Deep within her something stirred and she wanted to snap her teeth. “You can try. Shouldn’t get mad at her, though, for she speaks the truth.”
    “About what?” Venom dripped from her words.
    Ignoring those watching the altercation, Dyana sneered at the woman. “Her alpha. But you can call him my husband. Because, bitch”—she stepped closer to her—“until I sign those papers, he’s mine. And by that, it means I’m your alpha. So back the fuck off.”
    Her hands went to fists. “Accidents happen around here.”
    “I ‘spect they do.” She ran her gaze over the future Mrs. Lars. “What color is your wolf? I hope nothing pale or washed out like you. Mind you, I’m curious because I always wanted a wolf pelt.”
    Jetje hissed.
    “One last thing. Don’t ever hit a child in my presence again.” She turned her back, very deliberately, on the woman and lifted the girl’s face. “Are you okay?”
    She nodded. “I follow you.” Her words were quiet and subdued.
    Dyana understood. Her fingertips burned, as did her jaw. She knew an attack was imminent.
    “Jetje!”
    Casimir’s commanding voice cracked whip like through the air. Dyana ignored him. She wanted no part of their relationship issues. She moved Rainie to the side.
    “You do?” she asked the girl, giving the little one her total attention.
    “Yes. You’re amazing. I have my own bow.” A brilliant grin. “Would you like to see it?”
    “I absolutely would.”
    Three others came up, one an adult. Rainie’s mother if looks told the story.

Chapter Five
    Casimir had a difficult time controlling himself. He strode up to Jetje, eyes wolf, and got in her face.
    “You dare threaten her?”
    Jetje averted her gaze, well aware showing dominance would get her punished. “She’s nothing and she challenged me .”
    His wolf cried for retaliation. Casimir didn’t understand why his wolf demanded blood.
    “She is under my protection”—he lifted his head and gazed around—“and under the protection of this pack. My pack. So states the conditions set by Paps twenty-five years ago. Threaten her and I view it as one against me.” No one moved. He glared back at Jetje. “Are. We. Clear?”
    “Yes, Alpha.” She ducked her head and backed away, shoving another in doing so.
    His wolf gnashed his teeth and tore at his insides with his claws. Casimir ignored the disapproving glare from his grandmother and returned his attention to Dyana.
    She stood off to the side with some of his pack. Rainie, her mother Bethany, and two other youngsters, Inno and her twin brother Tray. Dyana signed pieces of paper for all of them.
    The cubs stared up at him with a bit of fear in their expression that faded. Bethany barely met his gaze. She was a true beta.
    He stared at Rainie who couldn’t take her eyes off the signature she held.
    “Why so excited, Rainie?”
    Her grin, wide and pure, made his heart melt a bit. “She’s famous. And she’s my alpha.”
    Yes, his wolf howled. Mine!
    Famous? Who is she? And why was my wolf claiming her?
    He lifted his head and saw Paps watching him. “Let me introduce you around.”
    Dyana didn’t respond and he saw her talking to Inno, giving the typically shy girl her complete attention. Even when her phone rang she didn’t ignore the child.
    “Thank you,” Bethany said, herding the children away.
    “Come.”
    “No.”
    He faced her. “Do not challenge me, wife.”
    “I have been here”—she glanced at her watch—“ten minutes and I find out I have to wait a week for the papers, and your bitch smacks a kid then threatens