The Power Of The Bite by Lisa Oliver

dance,” Zane said during a lull in the conversation. “Let me and my partner enjoy some alone time, if you know what I mean.”
    “Yeah, we know exactly what you mean,” Broz said, with a show of good humor. “Just yell out if you need anything.” Unlike Zane, who’d been watching Cole like a hawk, Broz and Van, and then the others all ignored the other wolf as they clambered out of their seats and headed for the dance floor. Although it was still early, there were more than a few couples already getting their groove on and with Broz and his friends showing an interest, the crowd on the dance floor swelled.
    As soon as the others were gone, Cole stood up and covered the short distance between the tables in just a few steps. Swinging himself down into one of the single chairs he smiled at Dax, ignoring Zane completely.
    “Thought you would have left town by now.”
    Dax shrugged. “Was certainly my intention, but Father said he wanted me to stick around for a bit. I’m not silly enough to go against my father.”
    Cole frowned, but just as suddenly it cleared. “You haven’t told him about your new life partner, then?”
    Patting Zane’s chest, Dax smiled. “I didn’t have to, seems someone did it for me, which was a bit of a shame. I’d have preferred that the news came from me. But I was happy to confirm it for him, including Zane’s designation.”  While anyone listening might wonder at the use of the word, Zane was well aware that the word designation could easily be swapped out for another one – species – at least in a conversation between paranormals.
    Cole looked more discomforted than ever, but he was making an effort to hide it. “You’ve heard about the meeting tomorrow night then,” he said.
    “Yes. Father told me about it. Zane and I have been told we simply must attend. Pretty much ordered too actually, but then you know how Father is. Hates to be challenged on anything.”
    Now Cole really did look upset and if Zane didn’t know how strong a wolf’s constitution could be, he’d have thought the man was going to throw up.
    “I’d heard word your father was thinking of stepping down from his position. I wanted to throw my hat in the ring for consideration.”
    This time Dax’s smile was pure evil. “You’re quite right. He’s definitely ready to stand down, wants to spend some quality time with his wife. Unfortunately I’m almost certain he’s not considering your application favorably however. In fact, he insisted that I make sure you don’t win the position by whatever means possible.”
    “Fuck.” Now all of Cole’s cockiness and composure was gone. He looked around nervously but the friends he had come with were long gone, and while Zane noticed other wolf shifter’s keeping a wary eye on the exchange, they all kept their distance. Seems Cole didn’t have as much support as he might have thought.
    “I need to speak to you in your office,” Cole said at last.
    Dax nodded, stood up and held out his hand for Zane.
    “Alone,” Cole added urgently.
    “You have got to be kidding me.” Zane wasn’t letting that creep within ten foot of his mate if he could help it.
    Zane managed a smirk of his own as he stood up, and slipped out of the booth, catching Broz’s eye as he did so. He pointed out the back where Dax’s office was and Broz nodded. Zane knew his friends would be loitering in the corridor within seconds. Taking Dax’s hand, the two men walked confidently to the office, Cole trailing along behind them. Zane wasn’t happy at having a wolf at his back, unless it was Dax of course, but he too old to show any fear to someone who was essentially a puppy.

Chapter Nine
    Cole didn’t say anything further until Dax was seated in his office chair. Zane perched beside him on the desk, a small smile threatening his lips as he was reminded of the only other time he’d been in the room. Dax’s shifting in his seat had Zane assuming his mate was having similar trips