The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 53

Laila’s POV

The rest of the day blurred together. Seven o’clock came way too fast.

That guest room mirror reflected back my nervousness disguised in a navy blue dress–nothing special, just adequate camouflage. Tonight wasn’t about impressing anybody. It was just about getting through the evening. Pure survival.

“Mommy, you look so pretty!”

Ava exploded through the doorway. Pale pink dress Riley had brought over earlier butterflies scattered everywhere across fabric that practically shimmered. My baby looked like she’d stepped straight out of some fairytale I’d read her a thousand times.

“You look beautiful, baby.” I dropped down to her eye level, smoothing nonexistent wrinkles from her dress. “Remember our talk?”

“Don’t wander. Stay close. If anyone asks about Daddy…” She paused, thinking hard. “I say it’s private.”

“Good girl.” Kiss pressed to her forehead.

Riley materialized at the doorway. “Ready?”

Not remotely.

“As I’ll ever be.”

The main hall had been transformed completely. Golden lanterns everywhere, tables groaned under food platters while pack members mingled, their laughter bouncing off those impossibly high ceilings.

Exactly how I remembered.

“Vanessa!” Jason’s mother appeared from the crowd like magic “I’m so glad you came with Ava!”

“Hi! Your house is SO big!” Ava’s eyes went cartoonishly wide.

“Would you like seeing where the other children play?”

Ava looked up. Silent permission requested. Everything in me wanted to refuse. Keep her close. Keep her safe.

But that’d raise questions I couldn’t answer.

“Go ahead, baby. Stay visible.”

She grabbed Jason’s mother’s hand, practically bouncing away. I tracked their movement until they disappeared into laughing children.

“She’ll be fine,” Riley murmured beside me.

“That’s not what worries me.”

The crowd shifted–parted like a curtain–and Jason was suddenly there. Dark slacks, white shirt with sleeves rolled up his forearms.

He was talking with Ava. I couldn’t hear what he said, but he was gesturing toward the pack children, likely encouraging Ava to play

Ava’s smile was bright, and Jason’s matched it.

Then, like I had summoned his gaze, he looked over to me.

Our eyes locked.

+25 Bonus

Electric.

Ava went toward the kids and lason came toward me.

“I’m glad you allowed her to stay,” he said. “I’m certain she’ll have fun here.”

“I know she will,” I replied. “But I think we should have talked about –“}

Before another word escaped, Brittany appeared. Materialized at his side like she’d been summoned. Silver dress cut dangerously low–strategic, calculated.

Her hand slid possessively through Jason’s arm. Claiming territory. “Darling, the elders want to speak with you about the blessing ceremony.”

She kissed his cheek–lingering way too long. Her eyes stayed locked on mine the entire time. Broadcasting loud and clear: he’s mine Back off.

Jason’s jaw clenched. But he didn’t pull away. “We’ll talk later,” he said to me.

Brittany guided him away, hand firmly possessive on his arm. Jason’s eyes found mine once more over his shoulder though.

Searching for something.

“Well, that was subtle,” Riley muttered.

The next hour crawled.

I made polite conversation. Tracked Ava’s location every thirty seconds like clockwork. Couldn’t help it.

She’d made friends with other children. Some elaborate hand–clapping game kept them occupied. Her laughter rang out–clear, bright, uninhibited.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify