All Chapters of Alpha Maddox's Mortal Temptation : Chapter 171 - Chapter 180

“Can you . . .” I swallow. “These biological changes you mentioned. Can you control yourself?”The meaning takes a minute to sink in. When it does, I half expect Zane to resent my question, but there’s no trace of defensiveness in his firm tone. “Always.”It makes it easier to believe him. “So, basically, you just want to . . . ?”“Correct.” He nods casually. Yes, I would love a cup of Earl Grey. Yes, I’ll respond to a brief survey in exchange for a ten percent discount on my purchase. Yes, I do want to f—“I hope I don’t sound conceited, but . . . how is it different from the reaction of most Human men I’ve met?” I cringe the instant the words are out.“God. I do sound conceited. I’m sorry. I promise I don’t walk around thinking that my face launches a thousand erections— ”“You’re the most beautiful woman that I’ve ever seen,” he says simply.Like it’s not a big deal.Like he’s complimenting my taste in socks.Like I could resemble the reflection of a wart on a doorknob, and it wo

Present dayZANE NIGHTCLAW, THE FERAL ALPHA OF THE MOST DANGEROUS pack on the continent, undisputed ruler in a wild territory known for its exceptional bloodthirst, listens to Human classical music while driving.I did not see that coming.And yet here he is. Post Vampyre slaughtering, blissfully unaffected as he chauffeurs me back to the Southwest pack. Lightly tapping his long fingers against the steering wheel to keep rhythm like a connoisseur. Would it be insulting to openly manifest my shock? Do I care about offending Zane?Yes. And yes, since I’ll be alone with him in this car for the next few hours. At the mercy he may not have.“Is this Bach?” I ask, with no real clue what Bach sounds like. In my previous life, back when I was a Human financial reporter whose idea of a mightily stressful time included judging the ripeness of watermelons or having to sneeze while driving, I gravitated toward pop.“Why didn’t you shift?” Zane asks instead of answering. His eyes never leave the

He’s toweling himself off after a shower, and the call is on speaker. It gives him hope that he may have misunderstood.“Are you serious?” He doesn’t wait for Lucien’s reply. As a rule, Lucien doesn’t joke. “Who the fuck gave her the idea?”“Maddie Garcia asked.”“For fuck’s sake, the Human governor’s the one who leaked her existence to the press to begin with. She can suck shit out of a straw.”“We cannot be sure.” A pause. “But yes. Her team likely did. And when the knowledge of the existence of a hybrid wasn’t enough to sway public opinion, she asked Anna to publicly come forward. Anna said yes.”“And you let her.”“I have no say in the matter.”“Do you realize the danger she’ll be in afterward? Being known as my mate won’t protect her in Vampyre or Human territory.”“Anna believes that the benefits outweigh the costs. And, Zane . . .” A sigh. “However much you hate this, Seraphine loathes it more.”He doubts it.“But,” Lucien continues, “if Anna’s sister is willing to acknowledge

“Are you her, um, Alpha?” the interviewer asks, taking him in. She smells terrified. And aroused.“Sure,” Zane drawls, right as I snort, “He’s more like my babysitter.”“And she’s more like a pain in my— ”“Let’s go,” I nearly scream, tugging at the sleeve of his plaid shirt. He’s the only person in the building not wearing business attire. I’d say he didn’t get the memo, but knowing Zane, he sent it back with I do whatever the fuck I want scribbled all over it. In blood, most likely.In the elevator it’s me, him, and a gaggle of Human agents standing behind us.“Did you know?” he asks under his breath, staring ahead at the doors.My heart plummets. He’s talking about what the geneticist revealed about hybrids having children. I have no clue how, but I’m certain of it. “No.”His jaw shifts from side to side.In the network’s lobby, a valet timidly approaches him. “Sir, your car is waiting outside.”Zane’s eyebrow, the one dissected by scars, arches at an angle that clearly states I’ve

But I told Amanda that I wasn’t, and it’s the truth. I don’t think I’m capable of jealousy. It’s a feeling that requires the assumption that something is due, and I never developed that. Years in an orphanage, then more years as the Collateral’s baby doll, will beat the possessiveness out of anyone.Still, change requires adjustment— and secrets require distance. When I realized that I needed to step away, I mixed truth and lies, said I was overstimulated, and asked for an isolated place to acclimatize to my Were senses.Seraphine and Lucien didn’t love the idea of me leaving the Southwest, but they believed the tale I spun.Want to know who didn’t believe it? Zane. Why some guy I’d met two months earlier was better than my lifelong friend at reading through my bullshit is something I have no intention of pondering.“Just kidding about the toilet paper,” Seraphine adds. "I know you people just shift into wolves and lick your own butts.”Next to her, Lucien winces but pulls her closer