Before he could even react, I'd already brushed it off with a casual reply. "That's ancient history. Spend enough time serving as Alpha Duskmoor's Pack Liaison and you learn to let such things roll off your pelt." I paused, letting my gaze drift thoughtfully across the gathering. "Though now that you mention it, perhaps it is time I sought a position that offers greater challenge."
A few light remarks, and the tension in the great hall dissolved like morning mist.
But when I mentioned leaving the pack, something flickered across Fenris's face. His smile came a beat too late, his wolf stirring beneath the surface. "The Omega Liaison is far too capable. I couldn't possibly release her from my service."
Someone else chimed in, their tone carefully curious. "Alpha Duskmoor, why didn't you bring your mate tonight? Your bonding ceremony was so private—we barely caught wind of it."
He gave a vague half-answer, his scent revealing nothing. "She's occupied with other matters."
The gathered wolves took the hint and moved on. No one pressed further, and no one questioned why Aurora—who technically had no formal ties to the Duskmoor Pack anymore—was present at the gathering at all.