The high-ranking members of our pack were present, their eyes flicking between the three of us with barely concealed curiosity. Some tried to mask their judgment, while others openly gawked at the spectacle Mason was creating.
I sat at the other end of the table, calmly eating my meal, blocking out everything else.
“Luna?”
The voice startled me, and I blinked, realizing everyone was staring at me. My grip on the silverware tightened as Claire’s voice rang out, sweet and falsely innocent.
“We were just discussing what you and the Alpha have planned for your mating anniversary this year.”
The words hung in the air, thick with mockery. Her smile was demure, but her eyes sparkled with malice.
I forced a polite smile, I’m sure Mason has it all figured out.”
Mason didn’t even glance in my direction. Instead, he leaned toward Claire, murmuring something that made her laugh—a soft, tinkling sound would have grated on my nerves if I still cared.
The rest of the table shifted uncomfortably, the tension palpable. It was no secret that Mason’s loyalty had shifted. Still, seeing it play out so brazenly before them was a spectacle they couldn’t ignore.
“I’m sure the Alpha has something… unique planned,” one of the elders said, his tone forced as he attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere.
“Unique, indeed,” Claire chimed in, her smile widening. “Alpha Mason always surprises me with his thoughtfulness.”
The double meaning wasn’t lost on anyone. My chest tightened, but I kept my expression neutral.
The dinner continued, a parade of empty conversations and half-hearted attempts to address pack matters. I spoke when necessary, nodding and agreeing where appropriate. But my mind was elsewhere, ticking through the details of my plan.
I didn’t miss the way Claire’s hand brushed against Mason’s under the table, or how his gaze lingered on her. My wolf growled softly in the back of my mind, restless and angry.
“Excuse me,” I said abruptly, pushing back my chair.
The room fell silent, all eyes on me. Mason’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t stop me. Claire watched me leave, her smirk firmly in place.
The cool night air hit me like a slap as I stepped outside, my chest heaving. My hands trembled as I gripped the edge of the railing, trying to steady myself.
“Lilian.”
I didn’t turn. His voice was the last thing I wanted to hear.