Chapter 222
Elle’s POV
[62]
It wasn’t really a question. Calista nodded quickly, then looked at me with something that might have been genuine remorse. “Elle, I’m
truly sorry. What I said was inexcusable.”
I found my voice at last, though it felt strange and distant. “We’re all family here,” I said carefully. “I’m sure you were just… surprised by
recent events.”
The diplomatic response earned me several approving nods from the older werewolves in attendance, and I saw Victoria’s slight smile of
approval.
But the damage was done. The questions were out there now, hanging in the air like a toxic cloud.
“I think,” Brad said, his voice still carrying that dangerous edge, “this conversation is over.”
It wasn’t a suggestion.
The confrontation with Calista had left me feeling drained and exposed. Despite Brad’s protection and the way the incident had eventually
been smoothed over, I could still feel the lingering stares and whispered conversations following me around the ballroom.
“Alex,” I said quietly, catching my assistant’s attention. “I think I need a moment to collect myself. Is there somewhere I could rest for a
few minutes?”
“Of course, Mrs. Rayne,” Alex replied immediately. “There are several private sitting rooms on this floor. Let me escort you.”
We made our way through the corridors, past elegant portraits and gleaming fixtures. The sounds of the party grew muffler as we walked
deeper into the private areas of the house.
“Here we are,” Alex said, approaching a door with ornate brass handles. “This should be-
But as we neared the door, voices from inside became audible. Alex and I both froze, recognizing that the room was already occupied.
“…thinks she can just waltz in here because she has some relationship with the Blairs, came a sharp, cutting female voice I didn’t
recognize. “Humans trying to squeeze their way into werewolf high society – it’s pathetic, really.”
My blood ran cold. They were talking about me.
“Why aren’t you out there at the party anyway?” the same voice continued. “Hiding in here like some kind of outcast.”
“Don’t you think I want to be out there?” Mary’s voice was bitter and full of resentment. “But that crippled old hag Elizabeth made it very clear – I’m to stay out of sight until Lucas secures his position in the family. Can’t have the bastard’s mother causing any complications
1/4
19:24 Thu, Dec 25
Chapter 222
for the precious family image.
I felt Alex tense beside me, but I held up a hand, signaling him to stay quiet and listen.
‘Well, at least Lucas is finally back,” the other woman said. “Though I have to say, watching that human girl get handed five percent of the Rayne Group shares just for getting knocked up was quite the show. You’d think she’d won the lottery.”
Mary’s laugh was harsh and ugly. “Oh, that little display? Don’t worry, I’m taking notes. If a human can climb the social ladder just by getting pregnant with an Alpha’s bastard, then Lucas needs to start thinking about his own heir. Fast.”
“You really think that would work?”
62
Are you kidding? Mary’s voice grew more animated, more vicious. “Lucas finds himself a nice little werewolf mate, gets her pregnant, and suddenly he’s got a legitimate claim to family inheritance. Elizabeth can’t ignore a great–grandchild, especially if Lucas plays his cards
right.”
“And the shares?”
‘Exactly! Five percent for producing an heir. Lucas’s mate should get the same deal, don’t you think? After all,” Mary’s voice dripped with malice, “if a human can get ahead by using her belly, surely we werewolves can do better than that, can’t we?”
I felt like I’d been slapped. The casual cruelty in her words, the way she reduced my entire relationship with Brad to nothing more than a
calculated transaction – it made my stomach turn.
Alex’s face had gone dark with anger, and I could see him preparing to storm into the room and confront them. But I quickly grabbed his
arm, pulling him back.
“Alex, no,” I whispered urgently.
“Mrs. Rayne, they can’t talk about you like that,” he hissed back, his voice tight with indignation. “It’s completely inappropriate and-”
“And it’s their opinion,” I said quietly, remembering Brad’s words. “Let it go.”
I could see the frustration in Alex’s eyes, but I shook my head firmly.
“Come on,” I said, already turning away from the door. “Let’s find somewhere else.”
“But Mrs. Rayne-*
“Alex.” I stopped and looked at him directly. “I appreciate your loyalty, I really do. But sometimes the best response is no response at all.
They can say whatever they want their mouths belong to them, and I can’t control that. But I can control how I react.”
Alex studied my face for a long moment, then nodded reluctantly. “If you’re sure.”
2/4
19:24 Thu, Dec 25
Chapter 222
“I’m sure,” I said, though internally I felt anything but certain.
We walked in silence down the hallway until we reached another sitting room. Alex tested the handle carefully, then knocked gently
before opening the door.
This one should be- he began, but stopped as we realized the room wasn’t empty either.
A figure rose from one of the chairs near the window.
Peter Hamilton.
62
“Elle? Are you feeling alright? You look a bit pale.”
I stiffened, Calista’s earlier attack still fresh in my mind. The last thing I wanted was another encounter with a Hamilton family member,
even one who seemed more reasonable than his sister.
“I’m fine,” I said coolly, already turning to leave. “Sorry to disturb you. We’ll find somewhere else.”
“Wait, Peter said, rising from his chair. “Please, don’t leave on my account.”
I paused at the doorway, every instinct telling me to keep walking. But something in his tone made me hesitate.
“The room is plenty large enough for all of us,” Peter continued, his voice carefully neutral. “I was just sitting here by myself anyway –
getting rather boring, to be honest. You wouldn’t mind the company, would you, Elle?”
And there was something in his eyes, some unreadable expression that made me want to maintain my distance.
Actually, I think I’d prefer- I began.
“I promise I’m much better behaved than my sister, Peter said with a slight smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “And to be honest,
there’s something I’ve been wanting to discuss with you. If you have a moment.”
Alex glanced between us, clearly picking up on the tension. “Mrs. Rayne, if you’d prefer to continue looking for-
“No,” I said slowly, making my decision. If Peter Hamilton had something to say to me, better to hear it now than wonder about it later. ‘I
suppose a few minutes wouldn’t hurt.”
3/4
19:24 Thu, Dec 25
After One Night with the Alpha
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.
