Chapter 176
⠀⠀⠀⠀ Elle’s POV
The Stone Claw pack’s gathering hall was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Ancient wooden beams stretched across the w countless candles created dancing shadows on the walls. The moment we stepped thanugh the massive oak doors, I was greeted by something that took my vaulted celling, and the warm glow of breath away.
Several young female werewolves, dressed in traditional wolf pack regalia with intricate silver embroidery and flowing fabrics, stood in a semicicle near the
Entrance.
One of them stepped forward with a silver chalice filled with what looked like luminescent liquid.
“Honored guests,” she said, her voice melodic and wann, “please, try it.”
Smiling warmly, I stepped forward and accepted the chalice. “Thank you.” I said, taking a small sip of the wine. It tasted like honey and starlight, if starlight had a flavor–something ethereal and otherworldly that made my tongue tingle pleasantly.
Abigail followed my example, taking a polite sip and offering gracious thanks. She looked slightly nervous but handled the ritual with characteristic poise.
But then came Mira.
I watched in growing dismay as she approached the welcoming circle. Her green eyes swept over the young female werewolves with obvious disdain, taking in their appearances with the calculating gaze of someone sizing up competition, Whatever she saw apparently didn’t impress her, because she lifted her chin haughtily and walked right past them without acknowledgment
Inside the main ball, the seating arrangements became a source of tension. I was seated at the head table a position that still felt surreal to me. Brad tool.
the seat to my right, his presence both comforting and commanding, while Baymund settled on my left.
But then Mira made her move.
Just as Lester was approaching the seat next to Sophia, Mira slipped in with fluid werewolf speed and claimed the chair. She settled herself between Sophia and Lester with a satisfied smile, effectively cutting off any chance for them to sit together.
“Oops,” she said with false innocence, her green eyes sparkling with malicious amusement. “Sorry, did I take someone’s spot?”
Lester’s jaw tightened slightly. Not at all,” he replied smoothly, though I caught the flash of irritation in his
eyes.
I glanced at Sophia, whose expression had gone carefully neutral. But I knew her well enough now to recognize the storm brewing beneath her calm exterior.
The arrival of Martin Blair, Stella Blair, and Stone Claw pack Alpha Jackson Grey provided a welcome distraction fimm the seating drama. Martin looked tired but pleased to be here, and I caught him glancing at me with that same warm affection I’d grown to cherish.
*I’m afraid I’ll miss this year a full moon celebration,” Martin said as he took his seat.
The meal proceeded pleasantly enough, with Alpha Grey proving to be a gracious host. But I found myself growing increasingly tired as the evening wore on Pregnancy fatigue was hitting me harder than usual, and I finally had to excuse myself.
4m sorry.” I said, rising carefully from my chair. “I need to step out for a moment.”
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Chapter 176
sately stated to rise, but I placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “It’s fine, Fil
chit my re and deal as well. Tilcome with vor. Elle. I could use some
But before we could take muje than two steps,
in was on her fort, that same false innocent smile plastered arrost het.
What a coincidence,” she said brightly. “I need to star the ladies mom too. Since I’m not familiar with this place, Ihripe you don’t mind if I tag along, Sophia?
I saw Sophins in tighten almost imperceptibly. “Of
replied evenly.
Abigail glanced at Raymond, who gave her a subtle ned “Actually,” she said
laugh, “Tve had way
join this little
And just like that, all four of us were walking away from the table together. As we stepped outside the main hall, Abigail fell into step beside me.
Just so you
she said quietly, “I think Mira has som
has something she wants to say to 5
wants to say to Sophia. And honestly? I’m mannos at hell, and I don t want you dealing
with wolves without backan”
“Hei frank honesty made me smile despite my growing unease. Thanks, Abigail. I appreciate having someone in my corner.”
We deliberately slowed our pace, letting Sophia and Mira get a hit ahead of us. The cool night air was a welcome relief after the warmth of the hall, but I
found myself straining to hear what was happening up ahead.
Sure enough, Sophia stopped abruptly and turned to face Mira. Even from our distance, I could see the tension in Sophia’s posture as she confronted the
other woman.
Abigail and I exchanged a look and moved closer, positioning ourselves behind a decorative pillar where we could hear but remain out of sight.
“Alright,” Sophia said, her mask finally slipping to reveal her irritation. “You followed me out here for a reason. What is it? I don’t have time to play games.”
- almost fragile – nothing
Miras face immediately crumpled, and to my amazement, tears began to well up in her green eyes. She looked genuinely distressed.
Like the confident, calculating woman I’d come to know.
“I just…she started, her voice trembling. I need someone to talk to, and I thought maybe… I mean, we’re both werewolves, and I don’t really know the
humans well enough to…
She trailed off, looking around our small group with apparent embarassment. My chest lightened with unexpected sympathy. Even though I had my own
complicated history with Mira, seeing anyone this upset triggered my protective instincts.
at to the chase, Mira. V What do you want?”
But Sophia remained unmoved. Cut to
Miras tears flowed more freely now, and she wiped at them with shaking hands. It’s about Lester,” she whispered. “And I think… I think Elle might have said
something to you about me that wasn’t true.
I Masked in surprise. “What? I never
“Please, Mira interrupted, her voice taking on a pleading quality. “I know you probably think badly of me, Sophia, but I need you to understand. Lester has been protecting me since we were children. He’s like a brother to me.”
She took a shuddering breath, and her next words mode
my
blood run cold.
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Chapter 176
He told me not to be angry with him about tonight, about seeming to choose your mirr me at dinner. He said it was all part of the plan to get Head away from Elle so we could all figure out what’s really best for en
“Lester cares about me,” Mira continued, seemingly oblivious to the devastation her words were causing. “He always does. And I love Brad – | always been. know you like Lester, Sophia, and I’m happy about that Really, I am. So even though he’ll always care about me most, he deserves someone ice like you. And Brad deserves better than being trapped by an accidental pregnancy.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
