Chapter 231 The Gathering


    Steward’s POV


    “Muse, don’t bother with that bad beta. I’ll tell Daddy to rece him!”


    Eren’s words struck me like thunder, freezing my spine.


    Damn it! I’d nearly forgotten–this Gold Pack pup wasn’t one to trifle with.


    Since when had Leslie grown this close to him? What a problem.


    +8 Pearls


    Damian leaned in, voice low and impatient. “Let’s get inside. Don’t let Leslie get ahead of us. How the hell did she even show up here? It makes no sense.”


    I clenched my jaw, cursing the turn of events. Leslie’s presence upset my ns, and Alpha Adler’s personal summons for her unsettled me even more.


    Still, I had no choice but to press forward, dragging Damian and Lucian with me.


    The Gold Pack knew me; with two guests at my side, no one asked for invitations.


    But a server halted mid–step, his tone respectful yet edged with defiance. “Beta, Alpha Adler instructed only Sir and the Princess of Rogue Pack to enter. He did not mention… others.”


    My face stiffened, anger ring.


    An underling dared to challenge me?


    Even Omegas now <i>question </i><i>you</i><i>, </i>my wolf growled darkly. <i>Your </i><i>standing </i><i>is </i><i>crumbling</i>.


    I swallowed the fury, answering with icy scorn. “Insolence. I am Adler’s steward. He will not me me. Whatever happens, I’ll bear it.”


    Head held high, I strode in with Lucian and Damian, though unease gnawed at me.


    Rogue Pack and Crimson Moon Pack still bnced evenly; the alliance’s fate was undecided. Yet the boy’s fierce defense of Leslie left me troubled.


    Inside, Adler’s aura weighed heavy, saturating the hall. I would have to tread carefully–or risk losing everything in this game.


    Kirby’s POV


    The banquet hall glittered with excess, Hilton’s fixtures reced by the highest luxury, every detail sharpened for Adler’s private feast.


    9:15 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b>Sep 18 <b>G </b>


    …


    <b>82 </b>


    Chapter 231 The Gathering


    +8 Pearls


    I stood to one side, eyes scanning the gathered elite Alphas, calcting Crimson Moon Pack’s position.


    Then Leslie entered, the pup tugging her hand.


    I faltered. A flicker of surprise–and, unbidden, relief–rose in my chest.


    So my car never reached her. Yet here she was, walking in openly.


    <i>She </i>never surrenders<i>, </i>I thought, a warmth stirring where bitterness usually sat.


    Lance chuckled low inside me. <i>She </i><i>always </i><i>finds </i><i>her </i><i>way </i><i>to </i><i>stand </i><i>before </i><i>you, </i><i>rightful </i><i>and </i><i>untouchable</i>.


    She saw me, hesitated a heartbeat, then turned her face away as though I were invisible.


    The pup, however, bounded forward, tugging her straight toward Adler. “Daddy! I brought Muse!”


    My heart clenched. Adler’s son?


    The boy was Adler’s heir–then Leslie had discovered a different path forward entirely.


    Around us, four of the wolf world’s most powerful Alphas shifted, their eyes catching on Leslie, each momentarily struck.


    And so was I.


    She usually appeared in dazzling couture, radiant, wless,manding attention as if born to the spotlight.


    But tonight she wore a pale dress, subtle and refined, the silk clinging at her waist with elegant restraint. Beauty softened into grace–like a fairy stepped out of a painting.


    Lance snarled inside me. <i>Kirby</i>, <i>she’s </i>too <i>radiant</i>. <i>Hide </i><i>her</i>. <i>Keep </i><i>her</i><i>. </i>


    My chest burned. I tightened my fists, my gaze fixed on her, a dangerous want seeding in my veins.


    Send Gifts