Their grins stretched wider, sharp and cold.
"Quit messing around-show us a few first!" Before I could pull them up, Wendy butted in, slapping some into the group chat.
The wolves'eyes locked onto their screens, practically salivating.
"Who knew this skinny she-wolf was hiding all that? Damn!"
"Look at those bedroom eyes. I'd trade my car for one night with her!"
The photos were raw-me, caught in the moment with Wesley, snapped from angles that weren't his usual posed shots.
That's when it clicked: Wendy had been snooping on us, capturing every private second between me and my mate. My hands balled into fists, the public shame making me want to bolt.
"How the hell do you have pictures from our bedroom?" I snapped.
Wendy smirked, full of herself. "Wesley and I share everything. You're just his fling-who are you to question me?"
I spun to Wesley, but he wouldn't meet my gaze.
"You're fine with your foster sister watching us like that? Doesn't that weird you out? You're adults, and you're still peeking at each other's private stuff? That's not messed up to you?"
He shrugged, getting annoyed with me.
"You're the one who should be ashamed! Acting all sweet and nice for my mom, but it's all fake. We're supposed to be bound, and you're slinging our private photos around like some low con artist. You call that good enough for a Leland mate?"
Real funny, him forgetting he's the one who pushed me here.
Wendy's smile dripped venom.
"Wesley, maybe this is just what Xandra's like. You can still break the bond before it's too late!"
The other players, lapping up the drama, started flashing their cards to each other, not even trying to hide it.
"This is gonna be great. Little miss goody-two-shoes has a wild streak!"
I stared them down, face blank, waiting for the flop.
Sure enough, after checking their hands, two folded-their cards were garbage.
Quincy, oldest of the Dorne, took the lead. "This she-wolf's got guts. Let's not look like wimps. I'm betting all my mate's clothes-plus a brand-new villa, just 'cause!"
The others jumped in. "I'm in with 20% of pack shares!" "Throw in a storefront from me!" "Two Bentleys here!"
The dealer flipped the community cards, and a few players nodded at each other-their hands were strong.
All eyes turned to me. "Ms. Merrick, you already bet your best stuff. What's left?"
"What, you gonna offer your first night with us? Heard Wesley had you hurt bad-used goods don't count!"
"But we're curious. Wesley looks so put-together, but you two are already going rough before you're bound. Bet the Leland house'll shake on your binding night!"
I stared at Wesley, shocked he'd blab something that private.
In his eyes, I was just cheap.
When I gave him that liver, staring at his pale face in that hospital bed, I fell hard-love at first sight. I dreamed he'd see how much I cared, that we'd be inseparable. But we're not even bound, and he's already turning our private moments into jokes for the room.
