Chapter 0121

"The chicken parmesan here is divine. Our chef makes it better than any I've tasted before, don't you agree, Alistair?" Seraphina Grey remarks, glancing at her husband. The Alpha has a forkful of food suspended mid-air, clearly caught off guard by being dragged into the conversation.

"Not quite as good as my signature truffle butter steak," he replies with a wink at me. I return his smile. "Chicken parmesan it is," I tell the waiting omega.

Dinner conversation flows effortlessly. Seraphina radiates excitement at my presence, while Benedict's mate Phoebe appears equally pleased to have another female joining their male-dominated pack hierarchy.

Excusing myself after the meal, I follow Adrian's directions to the restrooms. Though nature calls, what I truly need is a moment to collect myself. The evening's unexpected attention leaves me breathless - exhilarating yet overwhelming.

Emerging from the stall, I find a she-wolf waiting. "All yours," I say, attempting to pass.

"You realize he'll tire of you eventually, right?"

I freeze. "Pardon?"

"That infatuated act won't last. He always loses interest. Then you'll just be another notch on his bedpost."

Her barb strikes true, voicing my deepest insecurity. What if this connection isn't real? What if his feelings don't match mine?

'She reeks of jealousy,' Selene observes. 'Beneath our notice.'

My wolf's calm rationality steadies me. Choosing the high road, I remark, "Green really doesn't suit you."

The she-wolf scoffs. "Are you blind? I'm not wearing green."

I offer a serene smile. "The color of envy. It looks terrible on everyone - you included."

"Why would I envy you?" she spits.

Her sudden transformation alerts me to Adrian's approach before I see him. Her posture softens, voice dripping honey. "Alpha," she purrs. "I was just welcoming Evelyn to the pack house." My eyebrow arches at the blatant lie.

Adrian's arms encircle me, his scent and warmth enveloping me like a protective cloak. "Is that what you were doing, Bianca? Sounded more like you were insulting my future mate."

Her face pales as she stammers for excuses.

He nuzzles my hair. "Did you know Evelyn pinned my father in combat within fifteen minutes?" Her eyes widen at this revelation.

"Or that wolfsbane doesn't affect her?" Now her gaze resembles saucers.

"Adrian," I murmur, though my protest emerges breathless. His proximity, his deep voice vibrating against my skin, turns my bones to liquid.

"Or," he continues, tracing my neck with his nose, "that she can mind-link her father from distances where I can't sense mine?"

Switching sides, he adds, "That even silver restraints can't silence Selene?"

Defeat flashes across Bianca's face. Did she truly believe me an ordinary she-wolf? Surely she knew something of a Guardian's capabilities. Then again - she's no warrior.