ra's

t the food cart. The hard thud of dishes hitting the gro

all, broad-shouldered, with sharp features.

corner of his mouth. "Clumsy, aren't you?" His tone was mo

up, her voice sharp. "Alpha Gray, you shouldn't touch her.

guests. Their voices overlapped quic

ill. She's a slut. Everyone knows she s

ms," a man added. "I heard she has A

the hall with noise. The air grew tens

id nothing. The words stung,

stepped closer. Their eyes swept over me quic

ing from my wrists, and the faint odor

hock. But that moment passed quickly,

her head slightly. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Alph

't expect this. Forgive us, Alpha Gray

nreadable. He didn't seem to mind, his stance r

oser to Alpha Gray, lowering his voice but

been worried about he

on... they've all threatened the family's reputation and health.

d it so easily, as if I were a burde

to smooth the tension. "Father, t

ed smile. "This is my younger sister, Au

your strength, Alpha Gray. It would be a great oppor

lattering, alm

lightly. He didn't answer right away. When he finally spoke,

impossible to miss, making Alp

ampled. Alpha Keith cleared his throat quickly. "

and though I felt the reluctanc

s I climbed the steps. My shoe

d Luna Melissa stood, but the moment I tried t

k slightly, a small but cl

s, some looking away, some whispering to one a

d the gap between me and my family

one. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we celebrate

the room. The

ident. For a moment, his eyes met mine. His face tightened instantl

t girl he once knew was gone. To him, I was proof of the rumors

guests again. "Look at h

ived like filth in that

e being his

sing it high. Then, with a perfect smi

ngs to Aurora. She has recovered well, and it is good

frozen. From anyone else, it would have

re to protect me as the Beta

is same man who stood in court and publicly accuse

er, praised for his talent, admired for his reputation. He had rise

n the price o

is smile steady, his hand exte

good to see you again." The hand hovere

My chest was cold. Facing the hand he