i

too tight, and all I can think about is getting the hell out of here. I can still feel Jaxon's presence, even though I walk

ewolf packs across the country-helping fund education, infrastructure, all the things smaller packs can't afford. It's a noble caus

with elites-wolves in designer suits, powerful Alphas, and humans too, mingling like they bel

e me, his presence sol

'm not. "Yeah. Just.

oncern, half don't bullshit

, the word heav

s gaze scanning the crow

forcing a smile. "I'm not the same

ut his eyes don't soften.

, bitter laugh. "

. "You're an Alpha heir, Nina. Don't

m the only Valens heir, and my father's been easing me into the family business. I've been back home

f mourns the bond I had with Jaxon, even if I don't want

, you ready to get out of here yet? I'm dying for a drink som

s for the pack. Not every

, if you want to stay here all night and dea

his eyes. "G

th a smirk, then glances at me.

lie. "Just nee

sip of champagne. I know they're trying to help. Trying to supp

nd straighten my spin

ather's been grooming me to take over more and more, and as exhausting as it is, it's a welcome distraction. I t

t's harder to push the memories away. Harder to

t it all

then, just happy to be in his orbit, even if it was in the background. Jaxon had been

muttered, downing anoth

t. He was so fucking hung up on her, even after all that t

ht I could distract him. But somewhere between the fifth drink and the tenth, things got b

said, leaning in close, his breath war

before, like I was anything more than an employee.

nted to

o drunk to stand straight. The lights were bright, everything spinning, and

ing next to me, his arm slung over my waist, his breath even and calm. For a moment,

he wo

" His voice was raw, his

roat dry, my head spinning from the han

h his hair, his body tense. "We

y stomach twisting.

brushing against mine, and suddenly it wasn't a mistake. Suddenly it was real. His ha

nt. I just let it happen, because for once, he wanted m

as over, real

e said, pulling away, his voice cold

y chest tig

," he said, as if that made it all o

lly were married. He was distant, cold, and I... I just stayed

e nev

t that girl anymore. I'm not the girl who waits around for someone

ffice, his usual scowl

tack of papers in fron

frame, crossing his arms.

hat your way of telli

" he says, his voice blunt, but not unkind. "You've bee

m f

softening. "You've got more to offer than th

ep my emotions in check. "I

through his hair. "Nina, you

owing the lump in

ore heading out. But his words stick with m

nt for mor

I'm going to try. Because I can't go back.

to be so