Chapter 24
Lirael froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Wait… What did you just say?” Had she misunderstood him?
Jaxson’s mouth curved into a familiar smile, but his eyes were cold and unyielding. “Aveline is my mate, Thornpeak Pack’s Luna–and always will be. I’ve told you before, what’s between us is just a fling. You didn’t really think it meant something… did you?”
To Jaxson, the position of pack Luna belonged to Aveline alone.
Lirael, on the other hand, was simply someone to pass the time with–nothing more, nothing less. He didn’t mind keeping her close, as long as she knew her place.
For a moment, Lirael just stared at him, trying to process what he’d said. What was “that” supposed to mean?
Jaxson’s recent attention had made her believe he was starting to fall for her. But now he was claiming that she’d misinterpreted everything?
Did that worthless woman mean more to him than she did?
Lirael stiffened, her smile fading. “Jaxson, what are you even talking about right now?”
“Exactly what it sounds like,” Jaxson replied, his tone flat. “If you don’t like how things are, you’re free to walk away.” A shadow flickered in his eyes. He couldn’t afford to offend the Stormwasteland Pack, but no matter the cost, he’d never replace Aveline.
Lirael felt a sharp sting in her chest as she watched the finality in his face. He wasn’t joking after all.
Still, she wasn’t someone who gave up easily. If she wanted something, she chased it until it was hers. Jaxson only clung to Aveline because they hadn’t spent real time together yet. But once they did, he’d see that he belonged with “her“.
With that thought anchoring her, Lirael straightened up and forced a light laugh. “Come on, I was just messing around. I got carried away–don’t be mad. For you, I’ll let it slide. I won’t pick on her anymore. But… you owe me for that.”
Jaxson watched her, his expression unreadable. “Fine. Whatever you ask for, I’ll grant it. Just keep your promise–leave Aveline alone.”
After leaving Thorne Group, Aveline didn’t head back to the research institute. With only five days left until the project kicked off, she had to get everything in order before then.
She returned to the pack house and collapsed onto the sofa, rubbing her exhausted eyes.
Her phone began to ring. Without checking the screen, she answered and held it to her ear. “Hello?”
“Aveline, there’s a party tonight. I managed to snag an invite. You should get dressed and come with me.”
Aveline blinked slowly, still not quite processing. “Maren, I’m really wiped out. I don’t think I’ve got the energy for a party tonight.”
“Alpha Alistair’s attending,” Maren added casually. “It’s his friend’s event. Weren’t you hoping for a chance to talk to him in private?”
That snapped her out of her haze. Aveline bolted upright. “Wait–Alpha Alistair’s going to be there?”
“Yep! And since I’m on the guest list, I can bring you. A relaxed setting like that is perfect for getting closer to him.”
Maren had clearly misunderstood her intentions again, but Aveline didn’t bother correcting her this time. “Alright, I’ll be there. Just send me the
details.”
As soon as the call ended, Aveline raced upstairs to get ready.
Chapter 24
By the time she came back down, her phone buzzed with a new message. Expecting it to be from Maren, she tapped on it, only to realize it was from
Lirael instead.
Aveline scowled as she stared at the one–minute voice note. Her thumb hesitated for a moment before finally pressing play.
Almost immediately, a sultry voice spilled from the speaker, sending a chill down her spine. “Oh, Jaxson, you’re incredible… God…”
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