Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18

triss POV

I smiled gratefully as Noah led me through the crowded ballroom, his art providing a steady anchor in the sex of bidgmental star tufe goud to have someone on my side for once.

“Grey’s wife sure has guts, flirting with another wolf right in front of Sebastien

The words sliced through the ambient noise of the gala like a knife, coming from somewhere behind us. I felt fairs arm tente under my hand, but I squeezed it gently, signaling I could handle this.

“Just ignore them, Noah whispered, but something Inside me had finally happed.

God, not this again. The endless gossip, the judgmental stares, the whispered criticisms that they made sure I could hear.

Instead of shrinking away like I might have done before, I turned slowly, a practiced smile curving my lips. The small group of wolves–two

women and a man in expensive evening wear–looked momentarily startled that I’d acknowledged them.

“If you have something to say about me,” I said, keeping my voice light but firm, “I’d prefer you say it to my face.”

I let my gaze sweep across the surrounding onlookers who had fallen silent, cocktails frozen halfway to their lips. My heart hammered against

my ribs, but I kept my expression calm.

“Only the Alpha heir is allowed female companions, but I’m not allowed male friends? Your double standards are showing.”

The rush of satisfaction I felt at their speechless expressions was intoxicating. For so long, I’d swallowed their barbs, smiled through their

judgments, pretended not to hear their cruel words. Not anymore.

“Stone family has no right to compare themselves to the Greys,” someone muttered from the crowd, just loud enough for me to hear.

I bit the inside of my cheek. They were right, in a way. In wolf society, my family’s standing had never been equal to the Greys. That was the whole point of our political marriage–to secure protection for the dwindling Stone pack. But hearing it stated so bluntly still stung.

Noah’s hand moved supportively to the small of my back. “May I have this dance?” he asked, his warm eyes offering an escape from the

uncomfortable situation.

“I’d love to,” I replied, grateful for his quick thinking.

If they’re already talking, might as well give them something real to talk about.

Noah led me to the center of the dance floor, one hand resting respectfully on my waist as the orchestra began a new song. His movements were confident and smooth, guiding me effortlessly through the steps.

“Thanks for the rescue,” I said quietly.

“You didn’t need rescuing,” he replied with a soft smile. “But I thought you might appreciate an ally.”

As we moved across the floor, I caught glimpses of Sebastien from the corner of my eye. He stood near the bar, a glass of red wine clutched in his hand, eyes fixed on us. Even from this distance, I could see the tension in his jaw, the rigid set of his shoulders.

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10.58 Wed, Feb 11 00

Chapter 18

What he to angry about? Its bat like he cares who i date with

1 wichid at his companion the woman in the white dress–aidled up ne to him, whispering something in his ear he placed a hand on hie

really farting him to dance Instead of accepting, Sebastien ranghi handed her his glass, causing red wine in slash over the rim and wette des het pristine white dress like drops of bloed.

The look on her face was priceless, a mixture of shock and humiliation that I recognized all too well. I almost felt sorry for her

You look beautiful tonight,” Noah said, drawing my attention back to him That color suits you”

I smiled, genuinely this time. “Thank you. It’s nice to hear something positive for a change.”

The song was building to its crescendo when I felt a strong hand clamp argund my wrist, yanking me away from Noah with enough force to

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