Chapter 21

Michael

I stood near the entrance of Erotic Paradise with Richard and Kevin, feigning casual postures while the wolf inside me paced restlessly. I'd been scanning the entrance for over an hour, trying to stay composed despite the anticipation building inside me.

Then she walked in.

Isabella's raven-black hair cascaded down her back like liquid silk, contrasting with her pale skin that seemed almost luminous under the silver-blue lighting. She wore an almost sheer black backless top that revealed tantalizing glimpses of skin with every movement, paired with deep blue jeans that perfectly hugged every enticing curve of her thighs and hips.

Fuck, she's even more beautiful than I remember.

My cock hardened instantly at the sight of her. The wolf inside me howled, demanding I cross the room and claim her in front of everyone. I remained frozen, watching as she paused at the entrance, her eyes sweeping the room.

When her gaze landed on me, the sweet recognition in her eyes made my heart skip a beat. Her lips curved into a small smile, and for a moment, I thought she was looking directly at me. Then I realized she was actually looking just past me to my right—at Richard.

Something flickered across her expression—recognition, perhaps? Had they met before? Richard hadn't mentioned any previous encounter, but Isabella's slightly widened eyes suggested some familiarity. A knot of jealousy twisted in my stomach. That sly bastard.

Her gaze moved again, this time settling on Kevin. Most people—responded to Kevin's imposing physique with immediate fear, often unconsciously taking a step back. But Isabella showed no fear. She merely observed him with curious eyes, almost... appreciatively.

They both want her too.

The realization settled in my chest like a heavy stone. Of course they did—we all had felt that primal pull the moment we first saw her at the club last week. But now, faced with the reality that my brothers might share my desire for Isabella, my wolf grew restless with unexpected possessiveness.

The thought of sharing her with them—watching their hands roam over her body, their teeth marking her skin—filled me with conflicting emotions. Part of me railed against it, wanting her exclusively. Yet another part, the wolf that acknowledged our brotherhood, found the idea strangely... arousing.

I pushed these conflicting thoughts aside as Isabella approached. I stepped forward to greet her, unwilling to let Richard or Kevin make the first move.

"Baby, I'm glad you came tonight," I said, dropping my voice to the lower register that had made her shiver when we first met.

"I—" she began, then stopped, her gaze flickering between the three of us. I noticed the blush spreading across her cheeks and her quickened breathing. My wolf growled with satisfaction at her obvious response.

"Yes, I took your advice," she finally said, her voice slightly breathless. "About coming to the club regularly."

"I give good advice occasionally," I smiled in response, deliberately standing closer than necessary. Her scent up close was intoxicating—richer and more complex than I remembered. I could detect the subtle note of her arousal beneath her perfume, making my mouth water.

"Isabella, these are my friends, Richard and Kevin," I indicated them. "Guys, this is Isabella."

"Hi, pleased to meet you," she said, with a note of nervous excitement in her voice.

Richard stepped forward, taking her hand in his. "Imara mma na-abali," his voice smooth as silk.

Isabella's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "I... I don't know what that means?"

"It means you look beautiful tonight," Richard translated, still holding her hand longer than necessary.

"Th-thank you," she stammered, her cheeks flushing a deeper red.

Kevin merely nodded in acknowledgment, his massive frame towering over her petite figure. He remained silent, but his dark eyes never left her face, studying her with an intensity that would make most women uncomfortable. Isabella, however, held his gaze steadily, again showing that surprising fearlessness.

I felt another pang of jealousy as Richard smoothly used his native language—a tactic he often employed to impress women. Typical Richard, always showing off.

"It's crowded for a Wednesday night," Isabella observed, looking around the club.

"You haven't seen busy yet, baby," I replied, placing my hand lightly on the small of her back. The contact sent electricity through my fingers, and I noticed her sharp intake of breath. "Do you have plans for tonight?"

"No specific plans," she said, looking down at her wrist. "Just thought I'd look around. Because of this, I can't really participate in anything anyway." She held up her arm, displaying the silver crescent bracelet marking her as a new member who hadn't yet passed a physical. "I don't have a mate or a sex partner... so it doesn't matter."

The confirmation of her unclaimed status made my wolf pace eagerly. She's untouched. Available for us to claim.

"Have you had any sexual experiences before?" I asked directly, wanting to gauge her level of experience.

Her eyes widened slightly at my directness, but she answered honestly: "Never."

"Hmm," I said, dropping my voice even lower, "if you've never engaged in intimate interactions before, it's best to start slow. With someone who knows what they're doing."

"Someone like you?" she blurted out, then immediately looked mortified, almost tripping over her own feet. "I... I didn't mean that. Please forget I said anything."

"Already forgotten," I reassured her with a friendly smile, though my wolf nearly howled in triumph at her unconscious display of interest. "Since you're not planning to participate in any games, would you like to watch? I have an idea you might enjoy."

"Thank you, I'd like that," she said, then hesitated. "Will they be joining us as well?" She glanced at Richard and Kevin.

Richard's lips curved into a small smile. "If you'd like us to join."

"I... yes, if you'd like to join," she answered, her voice softer.

"Lead the way, Michael," Kevin finally spoke, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to reverberate throughout the room.

I didn't miss Isabella's bodily response to Kevin's voice—her lips parting slightly, her back arching almost imperceptibly, her nipples hardening slightly beneath the thin top. Kevin's eyes narrowed slightly, noticing her reaction, his expression unreadable but his scent shifting subtly. He's definitely interested too.

As we moved through the corridors, Isabella's gaze darted everywhere, absorbing the luxurious decorations and occasional glimpses of activities in the open demonstration areas.

"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice carrying that delicious mixture of nervousness and excitement that made my wolf want to howl with delight.