TRADING MY CHEATING HUSBAND FOR THE LYCAN KING novel Chapter 24

CHAPTER 17: WHO’S CELESTE?-1

EMBER’S POV

Rayana swoops in and kisses Knox’s cheek, holding it just long enough to make a point, then pivots to me with eyes like polished amethyst.

“Knox, darling,” she purrs, ignoring me completely. “You look absolutely devastating tonight. Have you been working out? You seem even more…” She trails her fingers down his shoulder. “Sexy.”

Knox removes her hand. “Rayana, this is Ember Aragon. My girlfriend.”

The word girlfriend stills the air.

Rayana’s smile freezes for half a second before stretching wider.

“Your girlfriend.” She turns those lavender eyes on me, and I feel like I’m being appraised for resale value. “Oh my Goddess, hi! You’re even prettier up close!”

She extends a hand with nails filed to weapon–grade sharpness. Her handshake is surprisingly strong, like she’s testing my bones.

“Ember,” I manage.

“Ember! What a gorgeous name. Very earthy. Very…” She tilts her head. “Organic.”

Across the table, Queenie rolls her eyes so hard I’m worried they’ll get stuck.

Rayana sits in the empty chair next to Knox without being invited, crossing her legs with the grace of someone who’s spent their life being photographed.

“So how did you two meet? I’m dying to know.”

Knox’s expression could freeze fire. “We met recently.”

“Recently,” Rayana repeats, delighted. “How recently? Last week? Yesterday?” She laughs like it’s the funniest thing she’s ever heard. “Oh, Knox, you always did move fast when something caught your eye.”

“Fast enough,” Knox says flatly.

I clear my throat. “It’s been a whirlwind.”

“A whirlwind!” Rayana claps her hands together. “Oh, that’s so romantic! Very swept–off–your–feet, very…” She waves vaguely. “Spontaneous. I love that for you.”

The way she says it makes “spontaneous” sound like a synonym for “reckless mistake.”

CHAPTER 17 WHO’S CELESTE?-1

+25 Points

“How long were you two together?” I ask, because if she’s going to play this game, I might as

well know the rules.

“I’m just saying, grief changes you.” She turns to me with wide, innocent eyes. “Has Knox told you about Celeste? His mate? I was there for him after she died. It was such a devastating time.”

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