Chapter 232 The Second Meeting


    Kirby’s POV


    81


    +8 Pearls


    Adler was as cold as ever, but when his eyes fell on Leslie in that pale dress, his expression faltered for the briefest instant before he smoothed it away. He rose, extending his hand with impable courtesy. “Wee. The Princess of Rogue Pack is my honored guest.”


    His Alpha presence radiated calm authority, and at once the other Alphas followed suit, standing to greet her, each sping her hand in turn.


    My fists clenched tight. I’d believed the Moon Scepter project had already excluded Rogue Pack, but clearly Leslie still had cards to y.


    She smiled faintly, her voice steady andposed. “Alpha Adler, this is our second meeting.”


    Adler gave a lowugh, ncing down at the little wolf cub beaming by her side. “This rascal hasn’t been pestering you thesest few days, has he?”


    Leslie’s hand swept gently through Eren’s curls. “Of course not. Eren’s adorable. My whole family likes him.”


    The boy tipped his chin up with pride, clinging to her leg and squinting happily. “I like Muse too…”


    That brat! Infuriating little thing.


    From my corner, I watched the tableau, Adler’s cold reserve and the boy’s exuberance softened in Leslie’s presence. The harmony of it wed at me.


    Heat surged in my chest, the wild urge to drag her from this hall, away from those two Gold Pack wolves.


    The light mood cracked when the steward approached, bowing low. His eyes flicked over Leslie, darting away as if guilty. His voice dropped. “Alpha Adler, there is a matter…” He trailed off, hesitant:


    Adler’s gaze lowered, unreadable. Then he turned to the gathering. “Excuse me a moment. I’ll return shortly.”


    I gave a curt, icy nod. “As you wish.”


    <i>That </i>steward’s <i>odd </i>behavior <i>ties </i>to Rogue <i>Pack</i><i>, </i>Lance murmured darkly within.


    My eyes narrowed. Yes… things were getting interesting.


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


    Chapter 232 The Second Meeting


    Leslie’s POV


    :


    81


    +8 Pearls


    Standing in the banquet hall, a quiet thrill ran through me. Who would have thought? By pure ident, bringing Eren here had revealed him to be Adler’s son.


    <i>The </i><i>Moon </i><i>Goddess </i><i>favors </i><b><i>us </i></b><i>still</i><i>, </i>Asphodel chuckled.


    I agreed silently. Without this twist, I’d never have stepped into Adler’s heavily guarded circle.


    Then Kirby’s voice slid from behind me, edged with suspicion. “Second meeting, huh? When was the first<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    I nced back at him, rolling my eyes coldly. “None of your business.”


    <i>I </i><i>smell </i><i>jealousy</i><i>, </i>Asphodel purred.


    Kirby’s breath caught. After a beat, he tried again, softer, almost wounded. “Just asking. Don’t want to say, then fine.”


    The faint note of grievance tugged at me, a tremor I quickly crushed. <i>Damn </i><i>you</i><i>, Kirby</i>–why <i>can’t </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>just </i><i>speak </i><i>inly</i><i>? </i>


    My lips pressed tight as I forced my face smooth.


    The three Alphas nearby nearly dropped their sses, eyes flicking between us in disbelief at the tension.


    I steadied myself. I wouldn’t let Kirby unsettle me here.


    Eren stepped forward, nting himself between us, his blue eyes wide with earnestness. “Do you like Muse too?”


    I almostughed. The little wolf was trying so hard to y the adult.


    Kirby arched a brow, lowering his gaze to the child but keeping his eyes locked on me. “Yes.”


    I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly stuck in the back of my head. His look carried nothing but trouble.


    He only smiled faintly, which made it worse.


    Eren crossed his arms, his little face wrinkling into a fierce scowl. “You’re too old. You don’t deserve Muse. Give up!”


    I nearly burst outughing. Kirby froze, his expression twisting with somethingplicated.


    The Alpha of the Crimson Moon–praised as the strongest of our generation–dismissed as <i>old </i>


    9:15 <b>Thu</b>, Sep <b>18 </b>B…


    Chapter 232 The Second Meeting


    by <b>a </b>child.


    <b>81 </b>


    +8 Pearls


    I peeked at him sideways, catching the cold re he leveled at Eren just before the boy pulled


    on my arm.


    “Leslie, Daddy’s calling us. Let’s go to him!” Eren chirped.


    I followed his gaze. Adler stood across the hall, nodding slightly to summon us.


    And waiting with him–Damian, Lucian, and the very steward who had barred my way before.


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