The meeting began with the usual formalities—territory disputes, alliance updates, and endless discussions about rogue sightings. I tuned it out, my attention drifting to Celeste, who sat across the room, her eyes fixed on Lukas like a predator watching its prey.
Every touch, every glance they exchanged was a dagger to my chest. But instead of crumbling, I let it fuel me.
When the meeting finally adjourned, the pack mingled once more, their voices a cacophony of gossip and laughter. Celeste wasted no time, sidling up to Lukas with a dazzling smile.
“Lukas,” she said, her voice dripping with faux innocence. “There’s a matter I’d like to discuss. Privately.”
His gaze flicked to me, and for a brief moment, I saw hesitation. But it was fleeting. He nodded and followed her toward the private lounge, leaving me alone amidst the sea of judgmental stares.
I didn’t follow. Not immediately. Instead, I let the minutes drag on, joining the crowd, pretending to listen to meaningless conversations. My wolf itched to confront them, to expose their lies, but I forced her down.
When I finally approached the lounge, the door was ajar. Their voices filtered through, low and intimate.