The lie rolled off her tongue so easily.
I glanced between my father and my mother. They looked very uncomfortable, avoiding my eyes.
And that's when it clicked.
They knew.
They all knew whose pup it was.
My own parents knew my mate was having an affair with my sister, and they were celebrating it.
"I'm sorry for your loss," I said flatly. "Congratulations on the pup."
James cleared his throat. "As I mentioned earlier, I'm hosting a celebration gathering this Saturday. A big one. All my business partners, investors, other alpha allies, and the Alpha Council will be there to celebrate this wonderful news."
My mother clapped her hands together. "How exciting! Mia, you'll need a new dress—"
"Already ordered," James said with a smile. "Only the best for... for Mia."
He had almost said something else. I saw him catch himself.
"Olivia, you'll need something appropriate too," my mother said, eyeing my black dress with distaste. "Something that shows celebration."
"I have plenty of dresses," I said quietly.
"Nothing suitable for a celebration," she countered. "Tomorrow, you and I will go shopping."
"I would rather spend tomorrow at the clinic with Alice."