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Garrett contained his s smile He'd known they would side with hi a mate for life, they all knew the power of the innate pull They all knew that Garrett felt it, and that Braedan simply wanted another conquest He was unlike the rest of the for life Braedan preferred the thrill of the chaseand the sweet taste of surrender Had he won over Serena last night, he would have discarded her this

And had he not won her over

He would have taken her by force

The thought htened As Braedan's aaze connected with his and they literally stared each other down right in front of the Council, Garrett knew this battle wasn't over But it was no longer aaround the table What now existed between Garrett and Braedan was a challenge—issued by Braedan with just a look

As the rooround, at opposite corners, and waited for the Council members to depart

When they were the only two left in the room, Braedan said, “This isn't over"

"Don't be foolish” Garrett's tone was neither patronizing nor inti the obvious He and Serena had connected last night in a far more powerful way than Garrett had hoped for—they bonded on a level that went far beyond physical pleasure They belonged to each other It was destined to be And the Council had sided with Garrett Partly because they knew Braedan was not trustworthy or deserving of a mate He'd never treated his women well, and they all knew Serena would be no different

But the Council also knew Braedan had likely set his sights on Serena because Garrett had Their rivalry was legendary Whatever Garrett had, Braedan wanted

Garrett had the cards stacked in his favor, though, and as he'd said, Braedan would be a fool to think otherwise

Yet Garrett didn't underestimate his adversary Nor did he have any delusions that Braedan would let this slight go Whether Braedan posed a threat against just him or Serena, as well, he didn't know But Garrett had sworn to her that she was safe, that he would protect her And Garrett was not a o back on his word or fall short of his duty He wouldn't let anyone harm her

"You had Clarissa,” Braedan said, his jaw tight, his chest lifting and falling with his quick heartbeat “And I didn't interfere But this ti"

His gaze reer Then he stalked frout

Serena stepped into the palatial foyer of the Silver Lake Ski Lodge, which looked more representative of a posh resort in Aspen than a local ski-town lodge in Wyoed to look cozy and inviting A tall fireplace, framed by smooth, polished river rock, commanded attention as it stood sentinel in the center of the roouests’ enjoyundy leather sofas were situated throughout the lobby and in front of the roaring blaze Matching oversize chairs were scattered about the area Coffee and end tables in a deep

Overhead, beautiful crystal chandeliers hung frolossy sheen and covered, in sos