The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 24

My throat tightened. Too dangerous. "I don't think so. Just one of those faces, I guess."

But her gaze didn't waver.

"Brittany," Jason's voice cut like steel wrapped in silk. "You are making our partner feel welcome, aren't you?"

The rebuke was subtle, but the flush beneath Brittany's makeup wasn't.

"Of course," she said tightly. "I was simply curious about Vanessa's… background. After all, wolves who live outside their pack are either too weak for pack life or…" She let the pause stretch, savoring it. "…rogues without homes."

The insult landed like a crack of thunder. Conversations around us stuttered into silence.

Sarah's tone dropped to arctic chill. "Vanessa is an accomplished businesswoman and now a partner to this pack. She deserves respect."

Even Brittany's entourage faltered under that icy authority.

But Brittany recovered fast. "I'm sure she's very resourceful," she said sweetly. "Managing everything without pack support must be… exhausting."

I forced a cool smile. "Unlike some, I've learned to stand on my own."

Her eyes narrowed, but before she could strike again, my phone buzzed.

Ava: Mama, I miss you. When are you coming back?

The words hollowed me out. My baby was lying in a hospital bed while I stood here playing games with wolves who would happily eat me alive.

"I should be going," I said, checking my watch. "Early day tomorrow."

"Oh, but you can't leave without champagne," Brittany crooned, sliding into place beside me. She pressed a crystal flute into my hand. "Jason insisted on only the finest vintage tonight."

The liquid glowed gold under the chandeliers, bubbles rising like captured fireflies.

My instincts screamed don't drink it. But refusing in front of dozens of watching eyes would look strange. Suspicious. Dangerous.

"To new partnerships," Brittany said, her smile all predator and no warmth.

I touched my glass to hers, let the crystal ring sing sharp in the air, and drank.

The champagne was perfect. Crisp. Expensive.

And wrong.

Something bitter lingered on my tongue. Something metallic. Something that made Brittany's eyes gleam with satisfaction.

"Wonderful," she murmured. "I'm so glad we could clear the air."

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