Free The Alpha's Temporary Mate (Fated Match) by Victoria Davies Page A

genius.”
    Surprised, she looked more closely at the work lining the walls.
    “These artists are unknown,” Kieran continued. “Once word gets out of a Draven show, our kind flocks to the gallery in order to snap up the next big masters while the prices are still affordable. For the human artists, they’ll do anything to win a space on Draven’s docket because once they do, they know their first shows will sell out with inexplicably high prices.”
    “He can’t be right every time,” Chloe murmured.
    Kieran shrugged. “Word is he was the one who recommended Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel.”
    “That can’t be true,” she said.
    “Human history has a way of leaving out the supernatural influences that descend on them from time to time. Either way, Draven’s personal collection of antiquities would bring many a historian to tears.”
    “Have you ever seen it?”
    He smiled down at her. “Once.”
    “He won a tour on a hand of cards, if I remember correctly.”
    Chloe spun at the new voice. Standing behind her was a striking man with ink-black hair shot through with the odd silver thread. Though like many of the attendees he was taking care to appear human, there was a wildness about his presence that her magic immediately picked up.
    Wolf. The knowledge whispered through her. The man smiled, the curve of his lips softening the harsh planes of his face, but his sharp green eyes assessed her in a way that was far from friendly.
    “Niall,” Kieran greeted, holding out his hand. “So you truly gave up that dinner of yours.”
    The other man shrugged. “Told you I would. Besides, wouldn’t do to miss snapping up a painting by the next Van Gogh. I’ve made that mistake too many times in the past.” His eyes had not left her despite his words to Kieran. “I didn’t realize you’d be bringing a date tonight.”
    “Chloe Donovan,” she said before Kieran could. “And I’m not here only for the evening.”
    “Nice to meet you,” he nearly purred, claiming her proffered hand in one far larger. “Chloe, you say?”
    She hesitated, knowing what she should do. The plan had been simple. All she had to do was pretend they’d been found out by mistake. Chloe was to twirl her hair, act like she didn’t have a brain in her head, and smile like any of the other women to have temporarily grace Kieran’s arm. That was the plan Kieran had drilled into her head. That was the woman he wanted her to be.
    But looking at the keen eyes of the man before her, she realized that plan would never work. He’d see right through her, and Kieran’s jig would be up.
    Two options. Smile coltishly and feign anger that Kieran had been hiding her away. Or, brass it out and be herself without pretense.
    Here’s hoping Kieran wouldn’t be too angry at her change of plans.
    After all, the man did have the power to grow wicked fangs and claws.
    “Don’t worry,” she said, shaking his hand. “None of your pack has heard of me. Doesn’t mean I don’t know a great deal about you.”
    Niall’s brows arched even as Kieran tensed behind her.
    “And why would that be, Ms. Donovan?”
    “Because I’m in love with your alpha,” she lied. “Have been for months.”
    Shock flashed across the man’s face as his eyes lifted to Kieran. “I feel like I’ve missed a few steps here,” Niall said.
    “Enough, Chloe,” Kieran growled. “We’re leaving.”
    “So you can hide me away again?” she demanded, rounding on him. “I’m tired of being your guilty secret. It’s time you told your pack about us. If you’re so ashamed of having a witch on your arm then we’ve got bigger problems than your family finally knowing the truth.”
    Understanding flickered in his dark gaze but, unfortunately for her, it was coupled with an emotion that looked a great deal like rage. “You know I’m not ashamed of you,” he said, sliding into his role.
    “Then you won’t have a problem introducing me to your friends. Why else did