Chapter 121
Something dark and primal surged through me. My wolf pushed forward, demanding blood. I leaned in, close enough that only he could hear me.
My fingers flexed, itching to wrap around his throat. Just one quick movement, and this arrogant Beta would learn his place. I was calculating the fastest way to break his jaw without causing a scene when a familiar voice interrupted.
Alpha, I’ve been looking for you.”
Varian stood beside us, expression professionally neutral despite the tension crackling through the air.
“You again,” I growled, eyes still locked on Kieran.
Varian stepped between us, leaning close to mutter, “My responsibility as Beta is ensuring you don’t start an incident,
Alpha.”
He turned to Kieran with perfect professional courtesy, extending his hand in greeting. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Varian found a convenient excuse and smoothly guided Kieran away from the bar.
I watched Kieran’s retreating back, a cold smile playing at my lips. The man was dead wrong if he thought Lysandra would
ever be his. She was…
What exactly was she to me now?
“Your timing is always impeccable,” I said once Varian returned. “So worried about what I might do?”
Varian didn’t flinch from my accusatory tone. He simply sipped his drink, eyes reflecting knowing amusement.
“I thought Alphas understood choosing the right battlefield at the right time,” he replied. “Confronting another pack’s Beta in the middle of a celebration doesn’t strike me as particularly strategic.”
My attention drifted across the room to where Kieran had rejoined Lysandra. He leaned close to whisper something in her ear, prompting a small smile from her. A shadow crossed my face.
“That asshole says Lysandra likes him.”
“And that matters to you because…?” Varian’s voice dropped low, testing boundaries.
I shot him a warning glance, but the smug bastard merely smiled into his glass.
“You’ve been speaking rather freely lately,” I observed.
“Only because you’ve been acting more like a teenager than an Alpha.”
I turned to fully face him, eyebrow raised. “Don’t tell me you believe that bullshit? Lysandra choosing someone like him?”
“Who should she choose instead? You?” Varian countered, meeting my gaze without hesitation.
I squared my shoulders, letting my Alpha aura expand subtly. “You’re not afraid of me, are you?”
“I know you,” Varian said simply. “You’d never hurt someone who’s truly loyal to you.”
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Chapter 121
“You’re too confident.” I narrowed my eyes. “Didn’t you see how I crushed someone’s confidence just last night? You wouldn’t want to be next.”
“Threats only work on those who believe them,” Varian replied, unimpressed.
I exhaled sharply, irritated by his accuracy. The truth was, I wouldn’t hurt Varian–not seriously. He’d earned his place and my trust. But his growing tendency to call me out was becoming increasingly annoying.
I maintained my position at the bar, nursing my whiskey while tracking a certain pearl–white dress through the crowd.
Lysandra moved through the room with practiced ease, greeting business associates and pack representatives. She looked completely at home among the elite wolves, her smile professional and warm–so different from the cold glare she reserved for me.
I drained my glass, signaling the bartender for another. This obsession was becoming problematic.
My attention sharpened when Alpha Rowan approached her. They spoke briefly before Rowan glanced in my direction, offering a subtle nod. Minutes later, a server appeared at my side.
“Alpha Tristan, Alpha Rowan requests your presence.”
I placed my empty glass on the counter and straightened my tie. Time to play the game.
Alpha Rowan smiled as I approached, extending his hand in greeting. “Alpha Tristan, thank you for joining us.”
I nodded in acknowledgment, noticing how Lysandra’s shoulders tensed at my arrival. She kept her eyes fixed on Rowan, deliberately avoiding my gaze.
“Alpha Rowan,” I greeted, my voice carrying just enough warmth to be considered polite.
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