Emily
I told myself I was going for the Pack. But really, I went because staying behind would’ve felt like defeat.
After the audit whispers and Julian’s carefully neutral concern, I needed to be seen. Needed to remind myself I wasn’t crumbling, no matter what the tabloids or staff thought.
Still, as the car pulled up to the charity gala, my palms itched. The kind of itch that came before a shift that never arrived. The kind that warned you something was coming, even if you didn’t know what.
Light from a hundred chandeliers glittered across polished marble too bright. And gaudy as hell.
I tugged at the edge of my sleeve as I passed the front steps, offering a polite nod to the noble who greeted me at the top
Tonight was another one of those formal affairs where the food was small, the smiles were fake, and the rumors flowed faster than the wine.
#
Logan was across the room, already being pulled into conversation by a few older Alphas. I hadn’t meant to separate from him this quickly, but I didn’t stop myself either.
There were too many eyes. Too many expectations.
I made my way toward the roaming waiter, where another flute of champagne could keep me grounded. It was ridiculous, the amount of money spent just to raise more money.
The waiting spotted me and hurried over. Just as I chose a glass, someone behind called out my name.
“Emily.”
My heart froze in the space between beats. I didn’t have to turn around to know. His voice carried that same smooth confidence remembered. It was warm and polished on the surface, with a glint of steel underneath.
I plastered on a smile and turned towards Michael.
He stood a few feet behind me, dressed in a charcoal suit, his hair perfectly styled like it hadn’t been tousled by guilt or shame a single day in his life.
He looked every bit the rising Alpha he’d always dreamed of becoming.
And beside him, not touching but near, stood a woman I vaguely recognized. Gorgeous. Regal. The only daughter of the Dawnhearth Alpha. I didn’t need an introduction to know what kind of courting season this was.
“Michael,” I said, steadying my voice. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
He gave a small smile. Not smug, but close. “I could say the same. heard Titanfang’s hosting again. You must be doing well.”
It sounded like a compliment. It wasn’t.
I nodded, refusing to fidget under the weight of his gaze. “I am.”
A pause stretched between us. Neither of us quite sure what to say in earshot of so many busybodies.
Chloe’s name hovered unspoken. Michael’s betrayal, the way I’d found them together….all of it still tore my heart up and I hated that he had any power over me at all.
“I didn’t get the chance to congratulate you,” he said smoothly. “Logan’s a powerful match. Unexpected. But… strategic.”
My smile was tight. “You always did admire strategy.”
He flinched, just a little. “It wasn’t personal, Emily.”
Chapter 93
+25 BONUS
“Of course it was,” I said, softer than he expected.
We stared at each other, the silent argument playing out between
I could feel Logan’s presence behind me; he was still across the roon but watching. Always watching. I didn’t need to look for him to know he knew exactly where I was and who was next to me
Michael’s companion leaned in and murmured something, and he responded with a gentle nod. Then he turned back to me, his expression more thoughtful now.
Another pause. Then he nodded once and I had to get away from this conversation and into some fresh air.
“You look good,” he said, like that made up for anything.
I tilted my head. “I am good. Enjoy the party, Michael.” I gave his companion a tight smile and excused myself.
My fingers curled at my side. I’d spent countless hours wondering what I’d say if I ever saw him again. None of those words had
come.
