ra

t the shards of glass at my feet, and m

t my gaze back

," I said, my voice steady and clear

ng laugh. "Right. And what were y

es flickering to the terrified older woman. "I di

ew of the guests, the older ones, nod in understan

distance between us. "As for playing the

off guard by

jacket, the worn jeans. "You're angry that I'm wearing

ords gather. "But did you ever stop to as

is anger a shield for his growing co

ovement was serene, almost pitying. "I don'

aughter of Alpha Marcus Vance, confessing poverty

n't be mad," she cooed, tugging on Ethan's arm again. "Sister probably just had a tight month. She fo

the surface, generous. Underneath, they painted me as

given him an out, a way to frame this as my fai

t night, I smiled. It was a small, sharp smile t

said, my voice still ligh

When did you ask? I don't reme

ng you a lot tonight," I obser

ed sister was too much for him. The frag

eech!" he roared, losing control completely. "Wasn't the m

fatal accusation. The o

it for granted. Of course the Alpha's daughter received

the air, savoring the weight

s furious eyes and deli

ceived any

ghed, a sound of pure disbelief. "Impossible! The pac

, to finally, publicly expose my "lies,

d out hi

untant, right now!" he announced to the r

ld the phone up, a weapon to destroy me, his face a mask of c

olor. Her hand reached out, a we

la

rang onc

respectful voice said, clear an

still, a prisone

part of myself, a triumphant smi