AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I wince internally at the clearing of a throat to my right, but I don’t dare look in that direction. The three shadows in my periphery haunt me with the tension vibrating off of them.
“As well as theguestof our pack, Zayn,” Everett adds through gritted teeth. “As such, she will be treated as my equal. Our two packs will learn how to grow together, and with these deep-rooted bonds, we will triumph over the bears.”
As one, his pack members stand, clasping their hands over their hearts in a sign of loyalty and respect. My chest tightens at the acceptance I see on their faces as I mirror their pose. This is what this pack needs—what my pack needs—a united front. I can’t let them see the turmoil I’ve faced these last few days, or how the fate of our packs’ alliance may go up in flames tonight.
“Our two packs will come out victorious in this struggle,” I announce, determination lacing my words with steel. “We will get our vengeance for our fallen pack members. We will live each day in their honor. The bears will not break us. They will not see us falter. Because together, we are stronger than any pack who has come before us.”
The Whitlock pack roars in agreement, a clash of banging metal cutlery and pounding on the table as if they’re already preparing for battle.
“I couldn’t have said it any better myself,” Everett rumbles, his frosty blue orbs softening slightly with pride. “Now, let’s feast in celebration, in memory of the ones we’ve lost, who will never be forgotten.”
The room erupts in a chorus of agreement as the Whitlock pack cheers, their metal goblets clanging against one another.
I take a deep breath, sending a silent prayer to the goddess for strength to get through this dinner, to keep the façade of a united front going until I can speak with the Whitlock alphas in private. Give me a fight any day over this. My wolf would love to sink her teeth into someone right about now—which is part of the problem. She rumbles in agreement, and I clutch my fork to hold myself back. This next hour might just be the longest I’ve ever had to endure.
“Isavedyouthebest slice,” Delilah whispers as she places a piece of magnificent chocolate cake in front of me. “I made it myself.”
She beams with pride, expectantly waiting for me to take my first bite.
“Thank you, Delilah.” I grin back at her, grateful for the kind woman. “I knew I liked you for a reason.” I waste no time digging into the decadent cake, and a groan of appreciation slips past my lips. “It’s delicious!”
“I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of you from now on, so I’ll always have a few slices ready.” Excitement vibrates off of her as she bounces on her toes, her smile absolutely contagious. I can’t help grinning back at her, grateful for both the boost of sugar as well as the distraction.
“You’re an angel,” I hum, taking another bite.
“I wouldn’t go that far.” She chuckles. “I’m just a wolf with a love for baking and seeing others smile.” Delilah hops back to the kitchen with a new spring in her step.
The joy I felt just a moment ago quickly sours as she leaves, allowing the tension from the right side of the table to seep back in.
I’ve done my best to keep my focus on the left, speaking with Silas and Seline for most of the meal, and Delilah whenever she had a moment, much to the chagrin of my mates.
I can feel Everett’s eyes boring into the side of my head, but I do my best to ignore him by taking another bite of my cake.
I relish each mouthful of the delicious dessert, yet my stomach sinks with each second that passes. The conversation I’ve been both needing and dreading is looming at the final tasty morsel.
With the empty plate before me, the last bite sinks like a leaden weight in my stomach, like the final toll of a clock.
It’s time.
“We should discuss our plans,” I murmur to Everett, doing my best to keep Zeke out of my eye line.
“You know our traditions, little wolf.” Everett’s palm slides up my exposed thigh. “It would be rude to walk away, especially since this is your first dinner with the pack as my fiancée.” I work to hide the shiver of desire that runs up my leg from the point of his touch as he leaves his hand there. The rough pads of his fingers hover precariously close to where I need him. The ring on my left hand seems to chill at his reminder, mirroring the cool brush of his skin on mine.
As the rest of the pack members finish their meal, the mood shifts around the dining room. Lust and arousal permeate the room, doing nothing to help clear my hazy thoughts. A low sultry song plays over the speakers, loosening my tight muscles and heating my skin with desire.
I could have him right now. I could revel in his touch, take every drop of pleasure he’s willing to give me and push my problems aside.
“Sky,” Zeke murmurs, his voice thick with lust.
Zeke.
The sound of my name on his tongue would have sent me tumbling over that edge a week ago. I would be his—theirs—unable to resist the pleasure I know my mate can bring me. But now—now it’s like a bucket of ice cold water freezing me in place. My body stiffens as if frost spreads over my skin, chasing away any flicker of lust that remains.
“We need to talk.” My voice is hard, urgent, unwavering as I lift my gaze to meet his for the first time tonight. “Now.”
His grey stormy eyes widen in shock at the barley-caged outrage that boils just below the surface. All the memories of that damn video resurface as I look at him. I know it wasn’t his bullet that pierced my father’s skull, but that doesn’t stop the hurt, pain, and betrayal that rushes through me.
I can’t help the burning indignation, and I can’t stop the thought that my bonded mate has betrayed me.
