41. Trapped

Celine

“Why are we here instead of celebrating?”

“Celebrating? Is that what I should be doing?” I ask, taking a long sip of the Droll.

I have booked a seat in the shadows and yet many wolves shoot piercing looks my way. I was hoping none of them would remember the embarrassment of my last visit. They do, and they give me such a wide berth you’d think I was contagious.

“Babe, what are you talking about? Today was progress, and I know you were worried about the duel. Everyone knows the Alpha is your mate now so you will never even hear so much as a sneak-diss.”

I take another swig.

“Then why do I feel like I cheated?” I ask and she looks at me in exasperation.

“What do you mean?”

“I won’t hear them, but it isn’t going stop them from sneaking in the diss beyond listening ears, won’t it? I feel like I lost regardless. I wanted to earn their trust and their respect by myself you know, I didn’t want it shoved down their throats.” I feel useless, incompetent.

She shakes her head and tak