TRADING MY CHEATING HUSBAND FOR THE LYCAN KING novel Chapter 23

CHAPTER 16: THE ENEMY ALPHA–2

Knox’s hand settles on my back. “Breathe. You just survived a press conference. This is just

dinner.”

“With every powerful wolf in North America judging me.”

“They’re always judging someone. Make every second worth it.”

The doors swing open wide, and a voice booms across the massive ballroom:

“His Majesty, Knox Volkov, Lycan King of North America-”

A dramatic pause.

“-and his guest, Miss Ember Aragon.”

Dead silence.

Then everyone turns to stare.

Oh Goddess.

The whispers start immediately, a wave of vicious curiosity:

“That’s her?”

“She’s the one?”

“Look at that dress.”

“Gold digger.”

“Homewrecker.”

“She’s got nerve, I’ll give her that.”

The ballroom is massive–white, silver, and blue everything. Fake snow coats every surface. Christmas trees the size of buildings drip with crystals. Ice sculptures of wolves and crowns line the walls. Mistletoe hangs from chandeliers wrapped in evergreen.

It’s Christmas threw up in here.

Knox’s jaw goes tight. I can feel his barely controlled hatred for all of this radiating off him in

waves.

At the far end, Gale stares at me like he wants me dead. Logan Reeves whispers in his ear, probably fueling whatever fresh hell he’s planning.

CHAPTER 16. THE ENEMY ALPHA–2

“Keep walking,” Knox murmurs.

Right. Walking. I can do that.

+25 Points

We make it to the head table without me tripping, which feels like a miracle. Knox seats me between him and a gruff–looking older man I vaguely remember from this morning. Nathaniel?

Across from us sits a woman with warm brown skin and the kindest smile I’ve seen all day.

“Ember, meet Queenie Garcia,” Knox says. “Nathaniel’s mate. She runs HR and will keep you sane tonight.”

“Or at least tipsy enough not to care,” Queenie says, already pouring me wine. “That dress is incredible. Simone?”

“How did you know?”

“Because you look expensive and terrified, which is her signature.” Queenie grins. “Ignore the harpies at table seven. They’re just mad Knox finally picked someone that isn’t one of them.”

I like her immediately.

The dinner is seven courses of pretentious food I can’t pronounce, wine that probably costs more than my car used to, and a live orchestra playing Christmas carols that make Knox look like he’s contemplating murder.

I have no idea which fork to use for what.

Queenie leans over. “Start on the outside, work your way in. And if you’re not sure, just wait and copy me.”

“You’re a lifesaver.”

“I’ve been to too many of these things. The trick is wine and strategic bathroom breaks.”

Knox’s hand stays on my thigh under the table the whole time–warm, possessive, grounding.

Between courses, alphas parade over to “pay respects” which really means “get a look at the

scandal.”

“This is Ember, my girlfriend.”

“Friend of yours?” I ask.

“No.”

“Enemy?”

“One of many.” Knox drains his wine. “Stay away from him.”

3/4

CHAPTER 16 THE ENEMY ALPHA–2

“He seemed ni-”

“Dangerous,” Knox cuts me off. “He’s dangerous. And possibly doesn’t believe our relationship is real, which makes you a target.”

Great. Add it to the list.

Then the music shifts.

The room’s energy changes.

And Rayana Cross makes her entrance.

+25 Points

Of course she’s late. Of course everyone stops to watch her glide through the room like she’s floating. She’s ethereal–pale, delicate, wearing white like she’s already half–ghost.

She stops at tables, dispensing air kisses and charm like a queen granting favors. When she finally reaches us, the temperature drops.

Her smile is dazzling and cold as winter.

“Darling,” she purrs, leaning down to kiss Knox’s cheek–way too close to his mouth, way too familiar.

Remi Winters

Hey lovelies!

So… I noticed you guys don’t comment as much anymore and my brain is overthinkingSorry, I have anxiety so my mind over–cares way too much haha.I keep wondering… do you not like it anymore? Was this chapter good? Are we okay?? Don’t mind me, I just care a lot about what you think!If you ever enjoy a chapter and you’re able to, please drop something sweet in the comments if you can It really makes my day and keeps me motivated! But of course it’s not a must! I understand that sometimes reading is just quick and you move on to the next thing. No pressure at all! Anyway, thank you for being here and sticking with me. I appreciate you more than you know!Love, Your Anxious Author

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