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Chapter 219
Elle’s POV
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I felt Brad’s presence before his arms wrapped around me from behind. His lips pressed gently against the
top of my head, and I could feel the tension in his body even as he tried to appear relaxed.
“You’re handling this perfectly.” he murmured against my hair, his voice carrying that deep, possessive rumble.
I leaned back against his chest, grateful for his solid warmth. “I had a good teacher.”
His arms tightened around me.
Heat flooded my cheeks. “Brad,” I hissed, glancing around at the other guests. “We’re in public.”
He chuckled, his hands trailing down to rest on my hips. “And you look absolutely stunning tonight. That dress… it’s driving me crazy.”
“Stop it,” I whispered, my face burning as several wolves nearby turned to look at us with knowing smirks.
“People are going to think—”
“That I’m completely obsessed with you? Good. Let them.”
I felt my heart skip despite my embarrassment. The way he was looking at me made it hard to breathe, and
I was acutely aware of every pair of eyes on us.
Alex appeared beside us, adjusting something small and silver at his collar. He caught my eye and nodded
almost imperceptibly.
“The connection is still live,” he murmured.
I touched the earpiece Brad had given me earlier, just as Mira and Victoria re–entered the ballroom from opposite doors. The tension between them was obvious even from across the room.
“There they are,” I whispered.
Across the room, I spotted Lester Harrison moving with predatory purpose toward where Mira stood. My heart clenched I’d seen that look on his face before, on the ship.
–
“Lester’s making his move,” I murmured to Brad.
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Chapter 219
Brad followed my gaze and cursed under his breath. “Sophia’s going to see this. Alex, follow them.”
I quickly scanned the crowd until I found Sophia standing with a group of other wolves, her silver eyes tracking Lester’s movement. Even from this distance, I could see the dangerous glint in her gaze.
“I should go to her,” I said, but Brad caught my arm.
“Not yet. Let’s see how this plays out first.”
We watched as Lester cornered Mira near a pillar at the far end of the ballroom. Even without being able to hear their words, the body language was clear – Lester was pleading, Mira was resisting.
Then the audio crackled to life in my earpiece.
“What the fuck are you doing with Lucas? He’s a drug user!”
“Let go of me, Lester!” Mira’s voice was sharp with anger. “You can’t just drag me around like this!”
“Mira, please. Just tell me what’s wrong. What happened to change everything between us? Are you in
some kind of trouble?”
There was a pause, and I could almost picture Mira calculating her next move.
“You really want to know?” Mira’s voice turned suddenly soft, almost vul Let’s become mates, Lester. Right here, right now.”
Then let’s be together.
The sharp intake of breath in my earpiece told me Lester was as shocked as I was.
I turned to look across the room and saw Mira pressing closer to Lester, her hands on his chest. She glanced over his shoulder directly at Sophia, and I realized with a sick feeling that this was all a performance.
“Elle,” Brad’s voice was low and warning. “Sophia-”
I was already moving. Sophia stood frozen, her face a mask of pain and fury as she watched Mira practically drape herself over Lester.
“Sophia,” I said softly, reaching out to touch her arm. “Don’t watch this. She’s playing games.”
“My conversation with him meant nothing,” Sophia said through gritted teeth, her silver eyes blazing. “He’s going right back to her. I was an idiot to think-”
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“Look at his face,” I interrupted, squeezing her arm. “Really look at him. That’s not happiness or love. That’s shock and anger. Your words got through to him.
Sophia’s hand was trembling under mine.
“She’s manipulating him,” I continued. “And from the look on his face, I think he’s finally starting to see if
Through the earpiece, I could hear Lester’s response, his voice shaking with emotion.
“Mira, I… I’ve only ever thought of you as a sister. You know that. The bond between mates, it’s not something you can force. I don’t feel that with you.”
“If you really cared about me the way you claim, you’d make me your mate. Prove it.” Mira’s voice turned sharp, calculating.
“I can’t do that.” Lester’s voice was pained but firm. “Mira… I can’t even recognize you anymore. What happened to the girl I used to know?”
“You want to know what happened?” Mira’s voice was cold now, all pretense dropped. “I grew up. I stopped believing in fairy tales about love conquering all. Lucas is pursuing me seriously, and I’m going to say yes.”
“Lucas?” Lester’s voice was incredulous. “Mira, he’s struggling with addiction-
“He’s also a Rayne,” Mira cut him off. “Second son of one of the most
has money, status, connections. Why wouldn’t I want that?”
The silence that followed was deafening.
families in the country. He
“You’ve really changed,” Lester finally whispered, and the pain in his voice made my chest ache in
sympathy.
“I told you, I grew up,” Mira replied coolly. “I can’t be Luna to Brad, fine. But being the second son’s mate isn’t exactly a consolation prize, is it?”
I heard the click of a lighter, then Lester’s sharp command.
“Don’t you dare smoke here. Not at a family event.”
“If we’re not going to be together, then don’t tell me what to do,” Mira snapped.
“Is that really all you want?” Lester’s voice was hollow now. “Money? Status? Power?”
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Chapter 219
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“What else is there?” Mira laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Love? Please. Love doesn’t pay bills or secure futures. I need to be with someone who can give me what I want, and if that’s not you, then it’s Lucas.”
“Mira…” Lester’s voice broke.
“Don’t.” Her voice was ice–cold. “Don’t come looking for me anymore, Lester.”
The audio went quiet, and I pulled out my earpiece.
Sophia had heard it all too, and some of the tension had left her shoulders.
“She really is a piece of work,” Sophia murmured.
what matters.”
“And now Lester knows it,” I smiled. “x” “Well, well,” a voice said behind me, ”
old flame is right here in the room, and you’re still smiling. I
have to wonder – are you just naturally thick–skinned, or have you never actually loved Brad at all?”
I turned to find Calista Hamilton smirking at me, her expression dripping with wolf superiority. The condescending tone in her voice made my teeth clench.
I set down my champagne gla
“What would you suggest I do
with deliberate calm and met her gaze steadily.
these guests?
Storm out and ruin Lucas’s birthday party? Please, enlighten me on the proper protocol here.”
binstead?” I asked quietly. Throw a tantrum in!
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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.
