But when I mentioned leaving the pack, something flickered across Fenris's face. His smile came a beat too late, his wolf stirring beneath the surface. "The Omega Liaison is far too capable. I couldn't possibly release her from my service."
Someone else chimed in, their tone carefully curious. "Alpha Duskmoor, why didn't you bring your mate tonight? Your bonding ceremony was so private—we barely caught wind of it."
He gave a vague half-answer, his scent revealing nothing. "She's occupied with other matters."
The gathered wolves took the hint and moved on. No one pressed further, and no one questioned why Aurora—who technically had no formal ties to the Duskmoor Pack anymore—was present at the gathering at all.
Once Fenris was pulled away to share ceremonial drinks with the Pack Captains, Aurora sidled up to me, her voice dripping with rehearsed innocence. Her scent carried notes of false sweetness. "Sister-by-bond... oh wait, I mean, Omega Ashvale. Fenris mentioned you two have an arranged mating—a contract bond. Is that true?"
I looked at this she-wolf—her own bond dissolved, yet still playing the wide-eyed innocent—and kept my expression neutral, my own scent carefully controlled. "Yes."
She visibly relaxed, a saccharine smile spreading across her delicate features. "Oh, that's such a relief. I was worried you actually had feelings for him."
The words hung in the air for a moment before she caught herself, waving her hands in exaggerated apology. "I didn't mean anything by that! It's just... I'm still not used to the idea of Fenris being someone's bonded mate."
She ducked her head, fingers twisting nervously at the hem of her ceremonial gown. The picture of a naive young she-wolf who didn't know any better.
But I caught the glint in her amber eyes. Sharp. Calculating. Gone in a flash.
I lifted my crystal goblet and took a slow sip.
The cold honeyed mead slid down my throat.
Watching her clumsy little performance, I almost wanted to laugh.
Five years. We'd each been bonded for five years. And now she wasn't used to it?
"Is that so?" I set down my glass, a faint smile curving my lips. "Your adjustment period is... impressive."
Aurora clearly hadn't expected me to stay this composed. Surprise flickered across her face before she could hide it, her scent spiking briefly with confusion.