My heart skipped a beat as I looked up, expecting to meet Aldric’s sharp, cold gaze. But instead, I found myself staring into the eyes of a stranger. His scent wrapped around me like a warm blanket—rich, earthy, and strangely comforting. It was unlike anything I had ever encountered, calming my frayed nerves in an instant.
“I’m sorry,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. But before I could say more, the stranger stepped back, his expression unreadable.
“It’s alright,” he said, his voice deep and smooth. His eyes lingered on mine for a split second, as if he was searching for something, before he nodded and disappeared into the crowd.
I blinked, trying to process what had just happened. Who was he? And why did his presence feel so… familiar? I shook my head, pushing the thought away. This wasn’t the time to get distracted. I had a party to attend and a façade to maintain.
---
As I entered the lounge, the dim lights and soft music set a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Eamon’s celebration was in full swing, the pack’s elites gathered in clusters, laughing and chatting over drinks. I scanned the room and spotted Aldric almost immediately, standing near the bar, his expression unreadable as always.
But I didn’t go to him.
Instead, I walked toward the back of the lounge, keeping my distance. The less I had to deal with his icy demeanor tonight, the better. I could feel his eyes following me as I moved, but I pretended not to notice. I wasn’t going to play his game.
Eamon, ever the life of the party, spotted me from across the room and waved enthusiastically. He broke away from his conversation and made his way over, his broad grin lighting up his face.
“Selene! You made it!” he exclaimed, wrapping me in a quick, friendly hug. “I wasn’t sure if you’d show.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” I replied with a smile, though my heart wasn’t entirely in it. Eamon had always been kind to me, one of the few who didn’t treat me like an outsider because of my omega status. He had never judged me for being Aldric’s mate—or for the fact that our bond had been slowly disintegrating.
“Come, let me get you a drink,” Eamon said, leading me to the bar. He ordered for both of us and handed me a glass of wine, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “You know, you might be the only person in this room who can keep up with me when it comes to celebrating.”