**Xander's POV**
I whirled around and damn near slammed into the woman skulking behind me. Before I could even think about apologizing, sharp-nailed fingers dug into my shoulder like talons. "Xander," Octavia purred—my so-called future bride—her voice dripping with fake sweetness and real venom.
"Get the hell away from me, Octavia." The words came out as a snarl through gritted teeth. "I'm not dealing with your shit tonight."
She had the balls to make her bottom lip quiver in that rehearsed little-girl act. "Not even for your future Princess?"
My entire body went stone-cold rigid. I grabbed her wrist and yanked her claws off my shoulder, letting her hand fall like it was diseased. She pressed in closer anyway, so close I could feel her breath on my skin. Her red lipstick was smeared, pupils blown wide and crazy-looking.
"What the fuck do you want?" My voice dropped to that dangerous register that made smart people back off.
