“I’m sure the Alpha has something… unique planned,” one of the elders said, his tone forced as he attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere.
“Unique, indeed,” Claire chimed in, her smile widening. “Alpha Mason always surprises me with his thoughtfulness.”
The double meaning wasn’t lost on anyone. My chest tightened, but I kept my expression neutral.
The dinner continued, a parade of empty conversations and half-hearted attempts to address pack matters. I spoke when necessary, nodding and agreeing where appropriate. But my mind was elsewhere, ticking through the details of my plan.
I didn’t miss the way Claire’s hand brushed against Mason’s under the table, or how his gaze lingered on her. My wolf growled softly in the back of my mind, restless and angry.
“Excuse me,” I said abruptly, pushing back my chair.
The room fell silent, all eyes on me. Mason’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t stop me. Claire watched me leave, her smirk firmly in place.
The cool night air hit me like a slap as I stepped outside, my chest heaving. My hands trembled as I gripped the edge of the railing, trying to steady myself.
“Lilian.”
I didn’t turn. His voice was the last thing I wanted to hear.