Chapter 169
Elle’s POV
After I hung up the phone with Martin Blair, I found myself sobbing in Brad’s arms.
Brad’s arms tightened around me, his werewolf warmth seeping through my skin like a balm.
I could feel his protective instincts radiating from him in waves. I let myself fully lean into that protection, drawing strength from his
solid presence.
By evening, I’d managed to pull myself together enough that Sophia could drag me toward the town square. The air was thick with the
mouth–watering scent of roasting meat, and the entire area buzzed with preparation for the full moon celebration.
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“Come on, Elle, you need to lighten up,” Sophia said, linking her arm through mine as she pulled me toward the festivities. “You’ve been
way too serious all day. Tonight’s about celebrating.”
I glanced around at the werewolves setting up wooden tables and hanging string lights between the trees. “I hear that Lester is coming?
When is he supposed to arrive?” I asked, genuinely curious about meeting Brad’s friend.
The moment Lester’s name left my lips, I watched Sophia’s wolf eyes dim, the playful glint dying completely. She actually groaned out
loud.
“You know what? Can you not mention him tonight?” she said, her voice carrying a whining tone I’d never heard from the usually
confident Beta. “I was actually planning to scope out some eligible Betas at the full moon celebration, and if that guy shows up, my whole
plan goes to hell.”
I was about to respond when I caught sight of a familiar figure standing directly behind Sophia. Lester Harrison loomed there like a storm
cloud, his face dark as thunder and his Alpha aura practically crackling with displeasure. I tried to catch Sophia’s eye, making urgent
gestures for her to turn around.
But Sophia was completely oblivious, continuing her rant. “That guy can’t find his own Luna, so he spends all his time interfering with my
social life! I’m not staying single forever!”
“Is that so?‘ Lester’s voice cut through the evening air like a blade. “It seems I’ve been far too lenient with you.”
Sophia’s entire body went rigid, her werewolf instincts immediately recognizing the displeasure of a dominant Alpha. She spun around slowly, her face cycling through shock, panic, and mortification in rapid succession.
“Oh, fuck,” she breathed. “Lester, I was just… I need to go check on the celebration preparations!”
She practically sprinted away, leaving me alone with an extremely irritated Alpha werewolf.
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17:50 Sat, Dec 20
Chapter 169
“West.” Lester’s voice stopped me as I started to follow Sophia’s escape route. His tone dripped with hostility as he stepped doner, kis gale eyes fixed on me with obvious dislike. “Quite the impressive skills you have there. Not only did you manage to break up Read and Mica, but you’ve got Brad wrapped around your little finger.”
Something in his condescending tone flipped a switch inside me. Maybe it was the emotional revelations of the day, or maybe I was just tired of being treated like some helpless human who’d stumbled into a world where I didn’t belong, But instead of shrinket back the ne old Elle would have, I straightened my spine and met his Alpha stare head–on.
“Sounds like you’ve got a real problem with that, Lester,” I said, my voice steady and clear. I know you don’t like me because I’m buman, 1 know you’ve always supported Mira. But here’s the thing – this is between Brad and me. It’s our business, not yours
I watched surprise flicker across his features. Clearly, he hadn’t expected a mere human to challenge him so directly
“your attitude toward Sophia is pretty questionable too. Maybe I should introduce her to some of those young Betas. I’m sure they’d be
thrilled to meet her.” I continued, warming to my theme,
Lester’s face darkened considerably, his Alpha control visibly straining.
With that parting shot, I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving Lester standing there with his mouth slightly open I could feel his eyes boring into my back, but I also sensed his reluctance to push the confrontation further. After all, antagonizing Sophia’s best friend probably wasn’t the smartest move for him.
When full darkness fell, the celebration truly began. A massive bonfire roared to life in the center of the square, and the wetenches started preparing their traditional moonlight feast. The scents filling the air were rich and wild, designed to appeal to werewolf senses
and instincts.
Sophia appeared at my side, looking deflated. Her wolf ears were practically drooping with disappointment.
“My mate–hunting mission is a complete disaster,” she moaned. “I can’t make a move with Lester hovering around like some overprotective… whatever he thinks he is.”
I was starting to find Lester’s excessive concern for Sophia rather interesting. “You know,” I said thoughtfully, “his behavior toward you seems awfully intense for just a friend.”
Before Sophia could respond, I noticed Lester on his phone across the square. A few minutes later, I spotted a familiar figure entering the celebration area Mira Collins, looking perfectly put–together despite the rustic setting.
–
I glanced at Brad, who caught my look and shook his head, his Alpha eyes clearly communicating that he had nothing to do with her arrival. This was all Lester’s doing, probably some misguided attempt to reunite Brad with his appropriate” werewolf girlfriend under the romantic full moon.
My dislike for Lester crystallized into something sharper. If he wanted to play games, I could play too.
“You know what this celebration needs? I announced loudly enough for several pack elders to hear. “Some traditional moonlight competitions! I bet Sophia here would be amazing at the ceremonial dances – she’s got dance training, after all.”
The suggestion was immediately taken up by enthusiastic werewolves, and before Sophia could protest, she and Abigail were being pulled into the center of the square along with several local young Betas and Omegas.
Sophia looked stunning in the celebration attire someone had provided, her mature beauty enhanced by the flickering firelight. Several unmated Betas were clearly smitten, circling her with obvious interest.
“Sophia is still single!” I called out cheerfully, ignoring her mortified expression. “You guys better make your moves tonight!”
The response was immediate
–
three particularly impressive young Betas stepped forward to dance with her, showing off their strength
and grace in the traditional werewolf courtship display.
Just then, Brad’s phone rang. I watched his expression grow serious as he listened to whoever was on the other end.
“Lester called,” he told me, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Says he’s got some rare whiskey he wants to share. I’ll be back soon.”
As I watched Brad walk away toward Lester’s temporary quarters, an uncomfortable suspicion settled in my stomach. The timing felt too
convenient calling Brad away just as Mira had arrived and the romantic full moon celebration was reaching its peak.
I had a sinking feeling that Lester was orchestrating something, and I doubted it would be anything good for Brad and me.
