Chapter 111
Chapter 111
Valencia’s POV
The soft hum of murmured congratulations and polit
on the newly engaged couple.
My grip on Dante’s arm tightened involuntarily
away.
Silver hair, red–ruby eyes.
My throat felt dry as I whispered, “Se–Daniel?”
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applause drifted through the grand garden, but my attention wasn’t
my heartbeat quickening as I stared at the young boy standing a few feet
Dante’s sharp teal eyes flickered toward me, his head tilting slightly as he followed my line of sight. His expression remained composed, but his grip around my waist subtly shifted, holding me just a little closer. “Seems to be the same person from the SNC,” he muttered, his tone neutral but laced with curiosity
I swallowed, my gaze fixed on Daniel as he stood stiffly by the stage, his hands clasped in front of him, holding an ornate silver tray where the engagement rings had been presented earlier.
His uniform, pristine and pressed, did little to hide the fragility in his thin frame. He looked even younger from this far
away.
“What’s he doing here?” I murmured, shaking my head, my stomach twisting uncomfortably. This wasn’t right. He wasn’t supposed to be here. Not yet.
Dante’s jaw tensed, his eyes narrowing slightly. “How am I supposed to know? And,” his tone darkened as he leaned in closer, “why do you care?”
I bristled at the possessiveness in his voice, a shiver running down my spine. Normally, I’d revel in it, but now wasn’t the time.
“That’s not what I mean,” I sighed, forcing my eyes away from Daniel’s figure. “He’s just… young. And a slave…with bruises.” I exhaled slowly, sending a quiet wave of emotion through our bond–an attempt to make him understand what I couldn’t quite put into words.
Dante’s features softened just a fraction, his grip easing slightly. He brushed his thumb against the back of my hand, picking
up on my concern. “Worried?” he asked quietly s
I nodded.
He exhaled, rubbing his fingers along the curve of my waist in a soothing motion. “I could be wrong,” he said thoughtfully, “but since he’s the ring bearer, I’m assuming he’s been gifted by the SNC to the Wolfe pack. Maybe as a congratulatory gift”
The thought made my stomach churn in disgust. Trading children as gifts.
I swallowed thickly, forcing my expression back into something neutral as the crowd burst into applause once more as Aiden stepped off the slightly elevated stage, but all I could think about was Daniel and how different things were from before. Everything felt rushed–too soon, too out of order
The ceremony came to an end, and the banquet tables were unveiled, lavishly decorated with silk runners and ornate floral arrangements. The guests quickly found their seats as the pack’s traditions dictated–women and men separated to different sides of the vast garden.
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Chapter 111
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I didn’t bother sighing in exasperation, even though I wanted to. This was typical Wolfe pack protocol–segregation in the name of privacy and respect. What annoyed me more was the fact that the women’s section was always catered with calorie- conscious meals, vegan options, and an excessive amount of delicate finger foods. Meanwhile, the men’s section was filled with rich, indulgent dishes of roasted meats, gravies, and the kind of food that actually made you feel full.
Dante gave me a lingering glance, his reluctance mirroring mine But we had no choice. With a reassuring squeeze of my hand, we parted ways.
I found myself seated at the far end of the women’s section, directly across from Lethia and Celeste. Celeste, for once, didn’t greet me with her usual cheery enthusiasm. Instead, she remained quiet, her gaze avoiding mine entirely.
I should’ve felt relieved, but instead, guilt gnawed at me. A small part of me was glad she wasn’t acting overly nice. At least now, I wouldn’t have to force myself to pretend to be kind in return.
The waiters soon arrived, setting down various dishes across the table–Caesar salads topped with crisp lettuce and shavings of parmesan, creamy bowls of pumpkin soup garnished with sunflower seeds, and beautifully arranged platters of steamed asparagus and roasted cherry tomatoes.
I resisted the urge to sigh again. My stomach wasn’t in the mood for any of this.
A quiet movement behind me caught my attention, and I turned slightly to find Daniel standing there, setting down a plate directly in front of me.
My eyes widened as I took in the steaming plate–grilled prawns resting atop a bed of fragrant rice, delicate slices of salmon arranged artfully alongside tender broccoli florets.
My stomach growled embarrassingly loud, and my cheeks burned as Daniel’s lips quirked into a very small, knowing smile,
I cleared my throat, offering a quick, “Thank you.”
Before I could ask, Daniel spoke quietly, his voice polite. “This was sent over by Alpha Jaxon.”
My smile froze.
A heavy silence settled over the table, and I didn’t have to turn to know that both Celeste and Lethia were glaring daggers into my back.
What the fuck?
The once–appetizing meal now looked entirely unappealing.
I forced myself to glance across the garden, and sure enough, Jaxon was watching. Not smirking, not mocking–just watching. His expression was calm, composed, and entirely too collected for my liking.
Bile rose in my throat. Why was he doing this?
I looked back at Daniel, who stood awkwardly, clearly waiting for my reaction. My instinct was to tell him to take it back, to refuse, but then I thought about it. A shiver ran down my spine remembering how Jaxon had ended his life so easily.
Jaxon wasn’t the type to take rejection well, and Daniel would be the one to face the
I swallowed my pride and disgust, giving him a small nod. “Thank you, Daniel.”
He inclined his head respectfully and stepped away.
consequences.
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The next half hour was spent pushing the food around my plate my appetite thoroughly ruined. Around me, the women were engaged in idle gossip and polite conversation, but I found myself lost in thought.
I missed Marcelene. She would have at least made this bearable.
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Anastasia’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “So,” she said, her tone sweet but probing, “how’s married life treating you?”
I smiled politely, my fingers tightening slightly around my fork. Wonderful.”
Lethia scoffed lightly, swirling her wine in its crystal glass. “It always is in the beginning,” she murmured, her tone laced with something almost condescending. “It doesn’t stay that way for long.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to keep my expression composed.
I wanted to counter her, to tell her she was wrong, tell her that her own married life had turned sour because she had cheated on her husband, but instead, I thought of Castor. My mind drifted to him, and the growing unease that gnawed at
- me.
It had been almost two hours since I left him in my cupboard.
He was fine, I told myself. I’d been away from him longer before, but something about tonight made me anxious. And I could feel his restlessness through our bond, faint but persistent
