Intent on His claim (Beauty and the Beast #3)

Chapter 38

Warren had to slow down to drive into the packed site. No one missed his car, of course. As he pulled in, the engine purring gently, all eyes in the area suddenly fastened to it. By the time he pulled up, there was crowd surrounding it.

Jamie squealed in excitement in the backseat where she was sandwiched between Nick and Chad – Jason had decided to drive here so he could be their ride back.

Warren cut the engine and threw me a look to stay put before he stepped out. I sat impatiently while he negotiated his way through the crowd to my door so he could help me out.

Chad and Nick chorused, "Ncawww!" making me blush as Jamie laughed.

Warren was unbothered as he reached in and helped me out. He smirked and nodded to the guys complimenting the car as he placed an arm around my shoulders.

When people recognized me, Warren and I got a warm welcome that just got warmer when Jamie and the guys followed us out of the car. Before long, Jamie had dragged me away from Warren as we made the rounds, greeting old friends and rivals.

I glanced at Warren often but he was fine hanging out with the guys. Mostly he just lounged against Jason's car, a red cup in his hand with the other tucked in his pocket as he held court.

"So are you going to tell me about him?" Jamie asked when we had a moment to ourselves. I blushed, turning away from Warren as she giggled. "Come on, Ann. He's so ridiculously hot, you have to give me something!"

"Uh, we met at school. He had this rep of never talking to the girls but I only found out because people couldn't get why he started talking to me."

"Wait, what? He never spoke to girls? What's that about?"

"Look at him," I said and she turned back to glance at the guys. "He's... I don't know, different. And I guess when girls flock to you all the time it kind of gets old."

She laughed softly. "They do, don't they? Oh, that little -!" She went on to curse under her breath as I turned and saw Shannon strutting towards the guys in a tiny dress and high heeled boots. She looked spectacular, I had to admit. And I knew that Warren was her prey.

My sight hazed and I turned away, curling my fists as I fought to control my breathing. My claws threatened to shoot out and I knew I couldn't let Jamie see me like this.

"Hey, you okay?" she asked worriedly.

"Uh, yeah," I replied quietly. "I just need a drink."

I stalked off towards one of the stands to grab a drink, reminding myself that I didn't need to kill a girl over Warren.

Mine.

The word flashed through my mind, powerful and possessive, and I grabbed the nearest cup, holding it in both hands as I downed it.

I felt that slight tapping in my head that meant Warren was knocking, but I shied away from it. I didn't want him in my head right now.

"Whoa, hey! Slow down!" Jamie had apparently followed me; she wrestled the cup away from me and I reluctantly let go. "Oh, jeez! Are you...jealous?" she asked incredulously.

I shook my head and bit my lip.

Jamie laughed next to me. "I've never seen you act like this! You must really like him." She looped her arm with mine. "Come on, let's go get your hottie back."

"No, it's fine," I protested but I let her tow me along.

On our way back, I noticed that Warren hadn't moved and the scene around him hadn't changed. I frowned until I spotted Shannon off to the side, pouting as some guy tried to hit on her.