Chapter 140
Pain slammed through my skull before I even opened my eyes. My mouth felt like I’d been chewing cotton balls, and my tongue seemed stuck to the roof of my mouth. I groaned, pulling the pillow over my head as sunlight stabbed through my eyelids like tiny daggers.
The light knock on my bedroom door might as well have been a wrecking ball to my tender brain. I winced, squeezing my eyes shut tighter.
“Miss Ravencroft?” A hesitant voice called from the other side. “You need to get up now.”
“Go away,” I mumbled, curling deeper into my blankets.
The door creaked open anyway, and I heard the careful footsteps of one of our maids. “Miss Ravencroft, Alpha specifically said you need to get up. He was quite… insistent.”
I peeled one eye open, immediately regretting it as my head throbbed in protest. The young maid stood uncertainly by my bed, holding a tray with what smelled like coffee, water, and–thank Goddess–pain medication.
“Alpha instructed me to bring these for you,” she said, setting the tray on my nightstand.
I pushed myself up on my elbows, wincing as the room tilted slightly. “How did he know I’d need painkillers?”
The maid’s lips twitched, fighting back a smile. “You came home rather… intoxicated last night, miss.”
Fragments of memory crashed through my mind–the anniversary celebration, whiskey sours, board members, and Eldreth Frostwhisper. I dropped my head into my hands with a groan,
“Oh god,” I whispered. “I was drunk.”
“You were quite… spirited,” the maid offered diplomatically.
I reached for the pills and water, downing them desperately. “Did my children see me like that?”
“No, miss. They were already asleep when you returned.”
Small mercies. I massaged my temples, trying to piece together the events of the previous night.
“What time is it?” I asked, glancing at the curtained windows.
“Nearly eleven, miss.”
“Eleven?” I bolted upright, then immediately regretted the sudden movement as nausea rolled through me. I was supposed
to be at the office hours ago!”
“Beta Kieran called your assistant to inform her you wouldn’t be coming in today.”
Of course he had. Everyone was cleaning up my messes while I acted like an irresponsible teenager. The shame burned hotter than my hangover.
“Thank you,” I told the maid, forcing myself to stand. “Please tell Alpha Alaric I’ll be down shortly.”
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After she left, I stumbled to the bathroom, avoiding my reflection in the mirror. I couldn’t beat to see the evidence of my foolishness staring back at me. The shower helped, somewhat, hot water washing away the physical remnants of last night, though nothing could cleanse the embarrassment.
What was I thinking? I berated myself as I dressed in simple jeans and a loose sweater. All that careful Image–building at the Moon Ring Council, gone in one night of stupidity.
I ran a brush through my damp hair, finally brave enough to glance at my reflection. Dark circles shadowed my eyes, and my skin looked paler than usual. Not exactly the picture of a competent CEO and responsible mother.
With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and headed downstairs to face my brother.
The moment I reached the bottom of the stairs, two small bodies collided with my legs.
“Mommy!” Lyra’s excited voice pierced through my headache as she wrapped her arms around my thigh.
Orion stood slightly back, his serious blue eyes–so like his father’s–studying me with surprising intensity for a five–year-
old. “Mom, you smell funny.”
I forced a smile, crouching down to their level despite the protest from my queasy stomach. “Good morning, my little
moonbeams.”
Lyra reached up, tiny hands cupping my cheeks. “Your eyes are all red, Mommy. Are you sick?”
“Mommy just didn’t sleep well,” I explained, kissing her forehead. “I’ll be fine soon.”
Orion’s nose wrinkled as he leaned closer. “You smell like Uncle Alaric does when he comes back from Pack meetings. Sam says that’s al–co–hol.” He pronounced the word carefully, clearly repeating something he’d heard.
I gently brushed back his dark hair, equal parts amused and mortified by his observation. “Mommy had a little bit to drink at a work party. It was a special occasion.”
“Are you feeling bad?” Orion asked, his protective instincts already showing. “I can get you water.”
“I can draw you a picture to make you happy!” Lyra offered, bouncing on her toes.
I hugged them both, their unconditional love easing some of my shame. “Thank you, both of you. Right now, I need to talk to your Uncle Alaric. Can you play in your room for a little while?”
Lyra tilted her head curiously. “Are you in trouble, Mommy? Did you do something bad?”
My heart squeezed. “Mommy didn’t make good choices last night. I need to apologize to Uncle Alaric.
Orion nodded solemnly, taking his sister’s hand. “We’ll go play. Come on,
Lyra.”
Squaring my shoulders, I headed toward the living room.
He glanced up I approached. His expression remained carefully neutral as I sank into the sofa beside him.
‘I’m sorry,” I said without preamble. “I shouldn’t have had those drinks.”
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Alaric’s eyebrow rose. “Two drinks wouldn’t make most wolves tipsy, let alone completely drunk.
“It’s been five years since I had alcohol,” I reminded him. “My tolerance is apparently non–existent.”
“That’s not what concerns me.” His voice hardened slightly. “What concerns me is you leaving with a man I barely know-
I reached for his hand, giving it a squeeze. “Ric, Eldreth was a perfect gentleman. He just helped me to the car.
“You could barely stand, Lyss. If he’d wanted to take advantage-
“But he didn’t,” I cut in. “He was respectful and kind. Please don’t blame him for my poor judgment.
Alaric studied me for a long moment. “Is he why you keep refusing Kieran? Because you have feelings for Frostwhisper?
The question blindsided me. “What? No! I’ve never thought of him that way.”
“You can tell me if there’s someone else,” Alaric said, his voice softening. “I only arranged the match with Kieran because f thought you needed stability. If there’s someone you actually want-”
“There isn’t,” I insisted. “I’m just not ready for any relationship.”
“Lyss,” Alaric sighed, squeezing my hand. “You know I’d do anything for you. If you’re interested in someone, I could accept almost anyone except-”
The sudden sound of car engines interrupted whatever name he’d been about to speak. We both turned toward the window as three sleek black vehicles pulled up the long driveway, stopping in perfect formation before the main entrance.
Alaric was on his feet instantly, all traces of the understanding brother gone, replaced by the alert Alpha.
I followed him to the window, watching as guards emerged from the first and third vehicles, taking strategic positions around the second car. The rear door opened, and a tall figure stepped out.
Even from a distance, I’d recognize that confident stride, those broad shoulders, that aura of command.
“Alpha Tristan,” Alaric muttered, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
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