Chapter 89: No Trouble, I Hope?
78%
Evelyn’s POV
You’ve got them figured out better than I thought,” I said, adjusting the necklace “So I’m guessing you waited until they all picked their gemstones, then deliberately chose one slightly bigger and flashier just to mess with them. And of course you had to deliver it yourself, so they couldn’t control how I got it.”
Alistair’s jaw dropped. “Okay, except for the gemstone size thing, you’re spot on. He shook his head, looking impressed. “Your ability to read people is scary.
Remind me never to get on your bad side. You probably catalog weaknesses in your sleep.”
The elevator slowed, and Alistair extended his arm. “Ready for the shark tank?”
“Does anyone actually get ready for something like this?” I asked, taking his arm
“Not really,” he whispered. “The trick is looking like you are.”
As we stepped out, I immediately noticed the cold stares. My hand instinctively moved to my hip, checking for weapons that weren’t there.
We don’t need weapons, my wolf reminded me, her voice calm and steady.
I know, I just don’t want to mess up this outfit. I actually like it.
If these snobs try anything, our presence alone will intimidate them. Let’s see what they do before we bare our teeth.
I took a deep breath, grateful for my wolf’s level-headedness. I needed to stop defaulting to making myself small and invisible. Years of hiding had created habits that were hard to break. Nathan and Selena were helping me shake those old patterns, but it took constant awareness.
The entrance hall was designed for large gatherings, with people milling around waiting for things to officially start. Some looked friendly enough; others had that calculating look that screamed “plotting something.” The interior surprised me – the outside was all natural stone and old-world charm, but inside was sleek and modern with black and white marble floors in intricate patterns that probably looked amazing from the balcony above.
I was taking in the artwork when a brunette woman about Alistair’s age swooped in. She completely ignored me, putting her hand on Alistairs shoulder like they were old friends.
‘Prince Alistair! It’s been ages,” she said, her voice dripping with honey. “I’ve missed seeing you around. Been busy with all that training?” She batted her eyelashes in what I guess was supposed to be cute but looked more like she had omething in her eye. Alistair stepped back slightly, bringing me with him and forcing her to drop her hand.
Ive spent most of summer with Evelyn and her pack,” he said, gesturing to when my arm was linked with his, making it impossible for her to keep pretending I didn’t exist.
“Oh! You’re so tiny I didn’t see you there,” she said with fake surprise. “I hope the Prince has been keeping you and your little pack safe. She tried turning back to Alistair, but my expression must have caught her attention.
“Actually, I smiled sweetly, Al came to work with me this summer. He and Natl widened, and I couldn’t tell if she was more offended by my casual use of their
are creating new training protocols and wanted my input. Her eyes mes or the suggestion they’d come seeking my advice.
‘I didn’t know you went by nicknames now, Al,’ she said, voice artificially sweet.That’s hot. I like it.
“I don’t,” he replied coldly. “You should call me Prince Alistair. Only Evelyn gets at privilege. He winked at me and turned us away just as the elevator doors opened for Nathan and Selena. We followed behind them, leaving the wom standing there looking stunned.
“You realize you’re painting a target on my back, right?’ I whispered.
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09:43 Mon, Jan 12 GB.
Chapter 89: No Trouble, I Hope?
A 78%E
“The second you showed up on my arm, you became a target,” he said, meeting my eyes. “Since that’s happening anyway, might as well have some fun with
it.” He glanced over my shoulder, barely turning his head, then looked back at me with mischief written all over his face.
“What are you planning?” I asked suspiciously, though I had a pretty good idea who he’d been looking at.
“Nothing I haven’t been given permission to do,” he said quietly before placing a light kiss on my cheek, uncomfortably close to my lips. It didn’t feel bad
exactly, just… wrong somehow.
I understood what he was doing – keeping others at bay – but I wasn’t sure how much I could play along. Maybe it was knowing we were related, or maybe just knowing he wasn’t my destined mate, but those kinds of gestures should be reserved for actual mates. Still, I forced myself to go with it. This was my job, my duty.
As I progressed in Sentinel training. I’d face more complicated missions. I couldnt let personal feelings get in the way of doing what was necessary.
Alistair guided me through the hall to a formal dining area. I’d expected some modern buffet setup, but instead found long tables with pristine white tablecloths edged in gold embroidery. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, completing the royal atmosphere.
When we reached our seats behind his parents, servers appeared instantly to pull out our chairs. Once seated, beautifully plated dishes arrived from all directions. The silverware was engraved with elaborate crests, and the plates were white porcelain with gold trim.
I must have been staring at them too long because Nathan suddenly appeared beside me.
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