LOGINRyan's POV"Why can't I come with you?"Sabrina stood near the bedroom door, her arms folded across her chest. She'd been asking me the same question for twenty minutes, ever since I'd started choosing my shirt."He invited me," I corrected, putting emphasis on the last word.I'd already made it clear that I would be attending the reception alone. I didn't see why this needed to become another discussion."That's not how I remember it." She pouted. Normally, I might have found the expression endearing. Today, it only struck me as childish.I adjusted my cufflinks, barely glancing at her through the mirror. There was nothing unusual about attending such an event alone, especially when the purpose was to discuss pack affairs and maintain political relationships.Besides, I had no intention of spending the evening managing Sabrina's moods."You're staying here with Reign." I ordered.Sabrina's expression changed immediately, "Reign has the maids. They can take care of him."My fingers pa
Claire's POVThe music changed shortly after the dinner service ended.The orchestra shifted into a slower piece, its opening notes drifting across the ballroom. Conversations gradually softened as several couples moved toward the center of the floor.I was standing beside Luca when he turned toward me."Ready?"I glanced at the dance floor, then at him. "I believe so."He offered his hand, "Then let's not keep everyone waiting."I placed my hand in his, and he led me toward the center of the ballroom.The moment we stepped onto the floor, I became aware of how many people were watching us. Some were guests who had already heard rumors about our relationship. Others seemed curious simply because their Alpha had chosen to make an entrance with an unfamiliar woman on his arm.I could hear the occasional whisper, though I couldn't make out every word.Luca seemed entirely unaffected. He positioned himself in front of me, one hand settling firmly at my waist while the other held mine."Re
Claire's POVA knock sounded at my door just as I was putting the finishing touches on my makeup."Come in."The door opened, and Luca stepped inside. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, with a crisp white shirt underneath. His tie was neatly arranged, and his dark hair had been styled away from his forehead. He looked every bit the Alpha he was, carrying himself with the kind of confidence that made people instinctively give him room.His gaze settled on me.For once, he seemed to have forgotten whatever he had intended to say.I glanced down at my emerald dress, checking that nothing was out of place. The fitted bodice accentuated my figure, while the flowing skirt moved gracefully around my legs. I'd left my shoulders bare, allowing my hair to fall in loose waves down my back, with one side pinned neatly away from my face.Luca stopped just inside the doorway, his eyes settling on me. He seemed momentarily caught off guard, his usual composure giving way to a brief look of sur
Chapter 17Luca's POVThe preparations were nearly finished, but there were still a dozen things that needed my approval. The seating arrangements had to be confirmed, the security team needed the final guest list, and two visiting Alphas had requested a private meeting before the reception.I dealt with each matter as it came, giving instructions and answering questions. Yet my attention kept wandering toward the other side of the hall.Claire was talking to Ethan again.He stood beside her with a clipboard tucked under one arm, pointing out something on the table. Claire leaned closer to examine it, then said something that made him laugh.I looked away.Ethan was a capable member of my pack. He was sociable, dependable, and generally knew when to focus on his work. He also had a habit of making himself comfortable around people, which was usually an advantage.Apparently, it was an advantage Claire appreciated.I had no objection to Claire making friends in the pack. In fact, I'd e
Claire's POVBy the time I arrived at the reception hall, half the pack seemed to be working on the preparations.Tables had been moved into position, staff members were carrying boxes of decorations, and someone was arguing with a florist over the arrangement of the entrance display.I paused near the doorway, taking in the scene.The flowers were the biggest problem.Several large arrangements had already been placed along the walls, but the colors clashed with the decorations. Pale pink roses sat beside deep purple lilies, while bright yellow flowers had been added to the centerpieces. It looked as though three different people had chosen their favorite flowers without discussing the overall design.I approached the nearest table."Are these all going into the main hall?"A woman arranging the flowers looked up, "Yes. We're still waiting for the rest of the delivery."I examined the arrangement, then glanced toward the entrance."Have you decided on a color scheme?"She hesitated.
Claire's POV"You're anticipating the next step." Luca's hand rested lightly at my waist as he guided me through the turn. I followed his lead, though my feet were a little too eager to move ahead of the music.I shot him a look, "I know. You're very fond of repeating yourself.""Because you keep making the same mistake."He guided me back into position, his expression suggesting he had all the patience in the world, making me feel as though I was being treated like a child.We went through the sequence again. This time, I managed the turn without stepping on his foot."Better," he nodded."I'll take that as praise." By the time we finished, my legs were pleasantly tired.Luca checked the time and reached for the music player, "That's enough for today."I reached for my water.He watched me take a few sips before speaking again, "There's someone I'd like you to meet."I lowered the bottle, "Who?""A healer. I asked him to come by and take a look at you."My fingers tightened slightly







