“Alpha. Alaric,” he said, his voice low and deferential, almost ceremonial, “as per your instructions, we’ve prepared everything for the press conference. The transfer of Silverfang Holdings to Nyra Blackthorn can proceed as planned.”
My heart constricted in my chest as the truth settled over me like a heavy, suffocating fog. I turned my gaze to Alpha Alaric, searching for a hint of remorse, for a flicker of the man who had once been my mate, but instead, I found only the calm, controlled smile of a predator, satisfied with the hunt.
“Good,” he said, his voice smooth, measured, and terrifying in its ease. “If my wife, Luna Kaia, asks about this, tell her that Silverfang Holdings suffered a major financial crisis and went bankrupt.”
Then, turning to me with the practiced concern of a wolf feigning tenderness to protect its territory, he signed with exaggerated urgency, “Kaia, something urgent happened at the company. I have to handle it. Wait here for me.” Each motion was flawless, the care in his hands meticulous, but my restored hearing revealed the silent truth behind his act. His words were empty, rehearsed, a performance, not protection.