As soon as I crossed the last checkpoint, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. There was more security at this event than at any other pack gathering I'd ever been to, and that's saying a lot. There were guards everywhere, examining, scanning, and smelling things, and with good reason. The jewelry market was in a private exhibition hall, and every door and window outside was sealed down like a high-ranking Alpha was ready to show up. I gripped on tightly to the silky, pearl-beaded purse I brought with me. It wasn't because it complemented my dress; it was because it held the invitation that got me into this realm.
As a concierge brought me farther into the facility, I took in the opulent surroundings. There were already peaceful murmurs and soothing music playing in the dinner hall. The glass display cases shone under the chandeliers like moonlight on snow, but no one had seen any of the artifacts yet. The celebration hadn't officially started yet, but for now, the rich people were enjoying a buffet that probably cost more than my monthly income.
I looked at the number on my tag and saw that it was in the sixth row. I blinked at it again to make sure. That close to the middle? That wasn't just a stroke of luck. That was meant to be. Nigel was supposed to sit there, but I guess luck—or the Moon Goddess—decided it was mine instead.
As more visitors came in, the air got denser with perfume, ambition, and the subtle energy of suppressed dominance. There was a man next to me whose fragrance was sharp and expensive, and I could feel his presence even though it was faint. Not a wolf, but strong in his own way as a person. His hair shone in the lights, and his outfit fit him perfectly.
"Hello, woman. I'm John Curtis. He pushed a card toward me like he had done it a hundred times before. "President of Deluxe Incorporated."
I took the card, looked at it, and then smiled at him with a neutral smile. "Anastasia Tillman."
He nodded, probably to remember the name. He might have been wondering if I was married or not. But it didn't really matter that he was paying attention. At that moment, the air changed in a way that made the small hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The faint whispers in the room stopped, which most people didn't notice, but my instincts picked it up like a roar in the distance.
I turned around, even though I knew I would regret it.
Two people walked into the hall, holding hands like lovers attempting to make a point. And I almost choked on air.
Elliot.
And Hayley.
My heart skipped a beat, thudded once, and then started beating like it was its own. Seeing them together hit me like claws to the chest. What were the chances? Why did the Moon Goddess have to throw him into mine of all places?
Hayley looked beautiful. Even ethereal. She wore white silk that flowed around her, and the smug little curl of her mouth made me want to move right then and take it from her face. I held my arms tightly over my waist, and my nails dug into my skin. I despised her. She didn't just have him; she knew what she had stolen and wore it like a crown.
On the other side, Elliot looked like he owned the room and the world. The black suit fit his big body well, and the warm golden lights made his sharp jawline stand out even more. His walk was steady, sure, and predatory. And all the she-wolves in the room saw it. I could smell the jealousy, the fire, and the unsaid want in the air.
But they didn't look at him for very long. They drifted over to Hayley, their faces showing uncertainty. Was she his friend? His choice? His Luna? She didn't look like it. Not fancy enough. Too... human.
I raised my glass and took a big drink of wine, acting like I didn't see any of it. I acted so hard that I almost believed it.
Hayley, on the other hand, spotted me. I could feel her eyes on me like a challenge, and when I looked up, her face stated all she couldn't say in front of all these people.
What are you doing here?
I smirked to myself. I belonged here, even if she didn't like it.
Then Elliot looked into my eyes.
And for a moment, everything else went away.
He was sitting just across from me, of course, and as I looked up, I met the full force of his gaze. There was candlelight dancing on the table between us, but his face took my breath away. He was chiseled and intense, and he looked even better than I remembered. His bushy eyebrows made his dark, smart eyes look even darker. He looked like he was caught off guard as his lips opened just a little.
My heart raced, which gave me away. I looked at him, and he looked right back at me. The attraction between us felt quite strong. Risky. Like something that should have never been touched, but had already been.
Then the moment fell apart.
From the side, Hayley's look cut through me. I could tell what she was thinking without her saying anything. She noticed how they were linked. She always has. And it made her crazy.
That's good.
I went back to my wine and let the taste cover my tongue like blood and ash. I had to remember one thing if I wanted to make it through the night: he wasn't mine.
No more.
The smell of red wine and clove hung in the air, strong and heavy. I wrapped my fingers around the cool crystal of my glass and peered across the buffet table, appearing to be interested in what John was saying. I could barely hear his voice buzzing in the background. I was too busy pretending not to see the man I really wanted to avoid.
"Miss Tillman, let's make a toast," John remarked with a big smile as he raised his glass.
I smiled back at him, softly but with purpose, and lifted my hand to meet his. I responded, "To good company," but my eyes went right passed him and directly to Elliot.
Hmph. If Hayley is my adversary, then her friend is my enemy too. The thought of giving in to someone like Hayley made my wolf growl and bare her teeth. I pushed her back with a breath and another glass of wine.
John leaned in closer, wanting to make a good impression. "You have to give this one a try." Believe me. You will adore it.
I took the tiny pastry he gave me and politely bit into it, smiling with mostly teeth to show my thanks. I said, "Thank you." Nice. Bright. Not dangerous. The way I needed to look.
Hayley held on to Elliot like a leech across the table, her eyes shining with victory as she pointed at the dessert dishes. "Elliot, I want that one," she remarked in a high, sweet voice that made my skin crawl.
He didn't think twice. He reached out, graceful, calm, and dutiful, and gave her the pastry like a servant, not a friend. She took small bites of it with a smug grin on her face, glancing at me as if she had just won something.
I wanted to laugh. Or growl.
I rolled my eyes instead. What kind of magic had she used to make him so blind? That wasn't a link. That was manipulation, and my gut told me how unfair it was. Wolves were meant for more. To be loyal. For power. For love that was so strong it left marks on your soul.
"I need to go to the bathroom," I stated suddenly, getting up from my seat. The light from the chandelier made the silk of my dress shine, and it fit my waist perfectly. I didn't glance back, but I could feel John's eyes on me and someone else's too. A presence like a shadow brushing against my neck.
Elliot.
I didn't look back. I wouldn't do it for him.
The hallway was quieter and the air was cooler when I walked inside the fancy bathroom. Gold fixtures, marble floors, and scented air. I was washing my hands at the sink and looking at myself in the mirror. I almost didn't recognize the woman looking back at me for a second. Calm, beautiful...but sick of pretending.
Then the door made a noise.
Before I heard Hayley's voice, I smelled her scent. Nice. Bad. She came up behind me and said, "Don't tell me you got in here by holding on to some guy."
I looked at her in the mirror, and my smile got bigger. "That's not your business."
Her eyes narrowed and her voice got sharper. "They were quite picky about who they invited tonight. This isn't just a regular party. So, how did you get in, Anastasia? "Who did you sleep with?"
My wolf growled, making my flesh crawl. I pushed her down with a lot of effort. "That's funny." I could ask you the same thing.
She laughed in an arrogant way. "I am Elliot's girlfriend." That makes me better than you. Always has.
I took my time drying my hands and carefully folded the towel before tossing it away. Then I turned and leaned in just enough for her to wince. I whispered, "If I said I could make myself his wife with one word, would you believe me?"
Her face changed, going from angry to scared. "What do you mean?" she said, her voice sharp.
I didn't say anything. I just walked by her and didn't say anything. Let her think about it.
Because the truth about that night...the one she thought I had forgotten?
I recalled it all.
And my wolf was done being quiet.