Chapter 5

~Nina~

A sharp tap of a spoon against a crystal glass rang through the great hall, gradually drawing the attention of the guests.

“Honored Alphas, distinguished guests, warriors, and members of Shadowveil!” The voice of the pack’s Gamma boomed across the hall. “I hope you’re all enjoying tonight’s celebration. We have gathered to honor the successful conclusion of our border campaign, and it is my pleasure to invite our Alpha, Graham Blackwood, to address us.”

Applause erupted around the hall.

Graham rose from his seat beside Chloe, straightened his jacket, and adjusted his cuffs before acknowledging the guests with a nod.

I remained seated, my fingers curled around the stem of my wineglass.

Here it comes.

Graham stepped onto the raised platform at the front of the hall.

The conversations died down, and hundreds of eyes turned toward him.

“Good evening, everyone.”

His deep voice carried effortlessly through the room.

“First, I want to thank each of you for accepting our invitation and joining us tonight. Some of you traveled considerable distances to be here, while others committed your warriors, resources, and time to ensure the success of our recent campaign. On behalf of Shadowveil, I want you to know that your contributions are deeply appreciated.”

He paused as the guests applauded.

“The threat along our borders was one that could not be ignored. Had we failed to contain it, the consequences would have extended beyond our territory. But our warriors stood firm, our allies stood with us, and together, we accomplished what none of us could have achieved alone.”

Another round of applause followed.

I watched him from my seat, studying the confident posture and commanding expression that had once filled me with pride.

Graham had always been good at this.

He knew how to speak to a room full of powerful men and make them feel as though their presence mattered. He knew when to pause, when to smile, and when to raise his voice so that even the wolves at the farthest tables would listen.

It was one of the things I had admired about him when we first met.

Now, I found myself wondering how much of that confidence was genuine and how much was simply a talent for making people believe whatever he wanted them to believe.

His gaze swept across the hall.

Then it landed on me at our table.

I straightened slightly.

He held my gaze for a moment before looking away and continuing his speech.

“The victory we celebrate tonight belongs to every wolf who fought for it. We honor those who returned, and we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage will not be forgotten.”

He raised his glass.

“To our warriors, our allies, and the peace we have secured together.”

“To victory!” several Alphas responded.

The hall echoed with cheers as glasses rose into the air.

I lifted mine as well, taking a small sip of wine.

When I lowered it, Graham was looking at me again.

My brows drew together.

What was he doing?

He had already announced Chloe and her pregnancy to the pack earlier that evening. Surely, he wasn’t planning to make another announcement about her here.

My gaze drifted toward Chloe, seated across the table. Her red hair fell over her shoulders, and one hand rested lightly on her stomach. She looked perfectly content, as though she had already settled into the position she intended to claim.

I almost laughed.

Of course.

He wanted to introduce her properly to the visiting Alphas, perhaps explain that she would be staying in his household and that the pack should treat her with the respect due to the mother of his heir.

Perhaps he wanted to make it clear that whatever happened between us, his son’s place in Shadowveil would never be questioned.

I set down my glass.

Fine.

Let him do whatever he wanted.

I had already endured the worst of his cruelty in private. Another public humiliation would hardly change anything.

I reached for my napkin, smoothing it across my lap as I prepared myself for whatever announcement was coming.

On the platform, Graham shifted his weight and looked toward our table once more.

Then he spoke.

“However, there is someone I must thank before we proceed with tonight’s celebrations.”

My fingers stilled.

“Someone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this evening possible. Someone who has spent the past week ensuring that every guest would be welcomed, every detail attended to, and every warrior who returned from the campaign would find a place at this table.”

I slowly lifted my head.

Graham’s gaze settled on me.

“A round of applause for my Luna, Nina.”

For a moment, I genuinely thought I had misheard him.

Cheers resounded throughout the hall, and at his signal, the noise gradually subsided.

“Many of you know that I have been away for the past month. During that time, Nina took responsibility for the pack’s affairs, coordinated the preparations for our warriors’ return, and ensured that tonight’s celebration would be worthy of the victory we have achieved.”

He paused.

“And she did all of this without complaint, despite the considerable demands placed upon her.”

My heart gave a painful, unexpected twist.

“I have always known that Shadowveil is fortunate to have her,” Graham continued. “But tonight, I want to acknowledge her efforts publicly. Nina, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for this pack.”

He raised his glass toward me.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better Luna.”

The applause began again almost immediately.

I sat frozen in my chair.

For several seconds, I could do nothing but stare at him.

I couldn’t have asked for a better Luna?

The same man who, hours earlier in our bedroom, had called me barren, dismissed my three years of devotion as "empty loyalty," and banished me to a drafty guesthouse for a pregnant stranger, was now praising me publicly in front of every visiting Alpha?

I didn’t understand.

What are you up to, Graham?