The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 23

Laila's POV

The invitation arrived like an unwanted notice for jury duty.

Jacob set the heavy cream envelope on my desk with the same precision he used for contracts and quarterly reports.

"Alpha Bradshaw is hosting a business summit with one of the pack's major partners," he explained, his tone neutral, but his eyes wary. "As a newly signed partner, your presence is… expected."

Expected. Not requested. Expected.

The embossed letterhead gleamed under the fluorescent light—Moon Ridge Pack Business Summit. Gold script. Black tie. Tonight.

I stared at it until the words blurred. Every instinct in me screamed run. Make an excuse. Claim Ava needed me. Pretend to be sick. Anything to avoid setting foot into Jason Bradshaw's territory again.

But excuses would raise questions. Questions I couldn't afford. Not with Ava's surgery looming. Not with our fragile partnership still fresh ink on paper.

"I'll be there," I said, my voice steady even as dread clawed at my stomach.

***

The Moon Ridge Grand Ballroom pulsed with energy the way only wolves could radiate. Alphas from neighboring packs mingled with human CEOs, their conversations layered with politics, power, and the subtle hum of dominance. Crystal chandeliers spilled gold light over the crowd, reflecting in sequined gowns and sharp tuxedos.

I'd dressed with deliberate care—a sleek navy gown, minimal jewelry, hair pinned back in a no-nonsense twist. It was meant to project professionalism, competence, distance. Armor, not allure.

But the armor nearly cracked the moment I crossed the threshold.

Brittany.

She stood near the head table like royalty presiding over her court. Her silver gown shimmered with every calculated movement, her diamonds throwing shards of light across the room. She was luminous, practiced, and confident in her throne. She didn't just stand at the head table—she reigned.

Or so she thought.

I had barely been in the room for a few minutes before I noticed the hushed whispers and pointed glances directed in Brittany's direction.

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