Chapter Sixty-One - Birthday Ball

They didn’t spot the gatecrashers at first. Most people were being announced; not this pair. Liam’s hackles rose immediately on seeing Jessica, the black-haired stunner he’d denied, and sure enough, Simon wasn’t far behind. They’d chosen the same colour suit, charcoal, he and his twin, which was less of a surprise than the couple’s audacity.

How dare they intrude on what was supposed to be Nell’s belated special day?

Though he supposed he should cut the she-wolf some slack. Even though there was no longer any mate bond connection, still he felt a tug of sympathy and something else less easy to define.

His mate was simply ravishing in a golden ballgown and matching accessories. Holly had been delighted to help her select the right clutch and shoes, though Nell had chosen the dress herself. Off one shoulder, it complemented her new height, though his cousin had reported back she was apt to look through the petite rack.

That made him smile.

Alpha Brock had warned Nell he would claim