Chapter 109
Iris’s POV
I stirred my soup absentmindedly, letting Uncle Thomas’s words wash
over me while I observed everyone around the dinner table. His voice
was smooth as silk, talking about some business venture that would
supposedly benefit the Stone family greatly.
“-and with the new investment opportunities opening up, our family
could really strengthen its position-”
My hand suddenly stopped mid–stir. I’d been half–listening, but
something in his tone made me pay attention. It was too practiced,
too perfect.
“If I didn’t remember all the little things he’s done over the years, I
might actually believe him,” I thought, watching Thomas’s earnest expression. My eyes drifted to Noah, who was nodding along, seemingly impressed by my uncle’s speech. His eyes were bright with
interest, completely buying the act.
“So Catherine picked Noah as my ‘next option,” I realized, studying his eager face. “And he seems more than willing to play along.”
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Robert cleared his throat, drawing my attention. “Iris, ever since you
left Stone family territory, your stepmother and I have been so worried. A young female wolf living alone… it’s just not safe.” His face
was a perfect mask of paternal concern.
I nearly laughed out loud. Instead, I nodded politely while thinking, “Robert’s definitely a step above the women in manipulation. His
pretty words almost sound sincere.”
“We’d feel much better if you were closer to family,” he continued,
reaching for his wine glass.
I watched them all carefully as dinner concluded and we moved to the living room. Catherine was smiling too much, and Kim kept shooting me these weird little glances. When I noticed our half–finished drinks glasses being carried into the living room, every instinct I had went
on high alert.
“How thoughtful,” I murmured, watching Kim arrange the glasses on
the coffee table.
“I saw everyone had barely touched their drinks,” Kim explained with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Seemed a shame to waste them. I brought them over so we can continue our chat. This is special
imported wine we got just for you.”
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Catherine gestured toward a fruit platter on the side table. “Iris, have
some fruit. Kim and I went to the farmers market this morning
especially. Everything’s so fresh.”
“Let’s all have some,” I suggested innocently. “I haven’t had home-
prepared fruit in ages.”
The brief flash of annoyance in Catherine’s eyes was almost
imperceptible, but I caught it. She nodded stiffly. “Of course. Robert,
would you help me in the kitchen?”
As the three of them disappeared into the kitchen, I moved quickly. I
picked up my drink and sniffed it carefully. The familiar scent
beneath the drink was unmistakable.
“Wolf’s bane,” I whispered to myself. “They’ve dosed it with wolf’s
bane.” This particular herb temporarily disabled a werewolf’s shifting
abilities and had strong aphrodisiac properties. “Clever plan. Disable
me and then push me toward Noah.”
I heard footsteps coming from the hallway and looked up to see Noah
returning from the bathroom.
“Sorry about that,” he said with a smile. “Didn’t mean to disappear.”
“So Noah isn’t in on their plan,” I thought, watching him settle back
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onto the couch. I glanced toward the kitchen where hushed voices
were conferring. “Those three are probably deciding exactly how to
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