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The ping of the elevator sounded before the door slid open

“For both our sakes,” Lawe stated quietly with much more restraint than he actually felt

Their gazes locked in silent confrontation, each gauging the other’s intent and the strength behind it before Rule finally gave a slow nod

“This time,” Rule stated softly “This time, Lawe But before I see another take what I know should be yours, I will step around you and claim her myself One way or the other, no matter the enmity it may cause between us”

Lawe clenched his fists at his side and forced hih his veins and kept his anie

He hated that feeling That feeling that there was another entity rising inside hi to steal the control he’d honed over the years

His gaze remained locked with his brother’s until the elevator doors slid closed and the s Rule made its return journey to the lobby of the hotel He stood, watching the nuress until it reach the lobby

He ht the prih him

He’dthe past months since he’d rescued Diane and realized she was his mate He’d reined it in and assured hie impulse to claim her Each time they’d come in contact, each tied to walk away

As he stalked to her door, that control he’d hadaway The ani its way to the forefront of his senses, and its attention was locked on a single, subtle scent

The scent of its mate

The ical part of his brain was screa to deny He couldn’t have her He wouldn’t allow himself to risk her But he could ensure, at least for a little while, that the scent he placed on her was strong enough to keep even Rule at bay

For a little while

• • •

Diane had finished dinner and cleaned up her mess when she suddenly paused just inside the kitchenette, her gaze slicing to the door at the sound of a keycard sliding through the lock