I remained silent, and he noticed. He reached up and cradled my face with a tender hand, his touch warm against my skin. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice threaded with concern. “I know I haven’t been around much. Carla needed my protection. She almost got taken by rogues from a rival pack. I won’t let her be in danger again. But you’re the only one I love, Debbie. You’re the one I want to marry. Surely, you know that?”
I nodded. What else could I do? It was what he wanted to hear.
He leaned in, kissing me gently—just a brush of lips against mine before pulling away. “Tell me, Debbie,” he murmured softly, “how can I make this right?”
I looked away from him and slipped out of his grasp. “I want a celebration,” I said, my voice light and almost playful.
“A celebration?” he repeated, an amused smile forming. “You and your love for parties and dancing. When would you like it?”
He didn’t realize the truth. I had never enjoyed those things. I only acted like I did because he loved them. I wanted to be part of his world, to belong there. But even after all that, it was never enough. My chest tightened with that sad realization.
“Tomorrow night,” I told him, stretching my lips into a smile. “And I want you to dance with me.”
His grin faltered briefly, but he gave a small nod. “If that’s what will make you happy, then I’ll be there. We’ll dance, just like old times—a night to remember.”
I wanted to believe him. I really did.
He pressed a kiss to my forehead, lingering a beat longer than usual. “Oh, before I forget,” he added hesitantly, not quite meeting my eyes, “I won’t be staying tonight. Something urgent came up in Werewolf City. But I’ll be back before the celebration, I promise.”
Of course he wouldn’t be staying. The whispers around the pack had already reached my ears—he was taking Carla with him. The two of them were headed to the capital together.
I forced myself to sound cheerful. “Take care, Alpha,” I said, masking my heartbreak behind a carefully composed tone. “And don’t forget about tomorrow night’s celebration.”
