Wolf Line by Vivian Arend Page B

and the four of them stepped onto the polished boards of the empty dance area.
    Mrs. Fedora wasted no time. “She’s a simply lovely creature. I approve.”
    Jared chuckled. “Thanks.”
    Her smile widened. “You puppies are all the same. Yes, dear, I know I don’t have any say in it, but I still approve. Your mother is going to love her. Keri’s got that little bit of steel in her spine that will make it easier for her to handle the media when they get a hold of you.” She paused then stared him in the eyes. “You will have to have a formal party at some point. I mean, I understand your wolf sides are already happily together, but there is certain decorum to follow.”
    He nodded, turning her smoothly even as he kept an eye on Keri, hoping she was all right. “I know, but give me the time to explain everything to Keri. It’s not that unusual a situation—mates meeting out of the blue happens all the time, but I doubt she expected me and the accompanying chaos my family will bring.”
    “But your wolves understand. She can handle it.” Mrs. Fedora’s expressive face changed. “You have, in your slightly unorthodox manner, been hiding out from the world. Perhaps it’s time for that to come to an end.”
    “Don’t blame me—Mom and Dad were the ones who chose Alaska to move to. And it’s not hiding out, not really.” The elegant brow went up again. “Okay, it’s hiding out a little, but it worked. We’ve been happy as a family out of the spotlight.”
    She tilted her head and fell silent, and he was realized the interrogation was over.
    If only the brooch burning a hole in his pocket was back in her possession. He spun his partner to check out the dance floor. Keri was still smiling, a happy kind of overwhelmed-but-in-a-good-way sensation sneaking his direction. There were more dancers now, surrounding them as they spun and twirled.
    Perfect distraction. He reached into his pocket to grab the jewel, then replaced his hand on Mrs. Fedora’s waist quickly. It was only a second later he realized his idea of pinning the jewels to her and having her “find” them was a bad idea. She’d never be stupid enough to believe she’d sat through an entire meal without noticing.
    Frustrated, he brought his hand back and dropped the brooch into his pocket.
     
    Keri stumbled, and Mr. Fedora caught her beautifully. “Everything all right, my dear?”
    She nodded quickly and propped up her smile, the corners feeling a little shaky. She’d just seen her mate remove a jewel from Mrs. Fedora’s dress and pocket it. All her hopeful wishes about the thievery being a misunderstanding fled.
    She had to save him from himself. “It’s been lovely, but could I dance with my mate?”
    Sheer elegance poured from the man as he tilted his head and smoothly brought them over to the other couple. A moment later Keri was in Jared’s arms, physical need rising and frustration not far behind.
    “Are you having a good time?” he asked.
    “It’s been incredible.”
    Jared nodded and pulled her closer as the music slowed. She took total advantage and snuck her hand into his pocket, palming the stolen goods and bringing it out to hide it…
    Shit. Hide it where? There was nothing but a thin layer of fabric covering her entire body, and unless she wanted to be doing weird body-cavity stuff, no way could she keep it around for long. She carefully rested her hand on his shoulder, thumb tucked in to hold the jewel, her palm completely covering it.
    Under the table she spotted two purses, and really bad inspiration hit. She had to return the jewel to the other woman’s purse and everything would be fine.
    Jared nuzzled the side of her neck lightly and she shivered.
    Damn wolf hormones, cruise ships and diamonds. All of them, just damn, damn, damn .
     
    Jared savoured the sensation of Keri all tight up against him, the knowledge that he was only millimeters away from her naked skin settling and riling up his wolf simultaneously. He