If I had not wanted to spare these old packmates some dignity, I would have already told them that Pinecrest Lodge belonged to my bloodline's holdings.
Seeing my silence, Selene Frostveil lifted her goblet and approached me with a cold smile curling her lips.
"Do you know why I severed our bond back then?" Her voice dripped with contempt. "A male without strength has no right to posture like a true Alpha."
"Drink this down, and I will pretend none of what just happened ever occurred."
I rose slowly from my seat, meeting her gaze without flinching. The scent of her arrogance was thick in the air, mingled with the perfume she used to mask her natural musk.
"Selene Frostveil, I showed you a measure of courtesy, and you actually believe I am still that lovesick fool who would have done anything for you four years ago?"
I turned toward the chamber entrance and called out in a commanding tone that echoed through the lodge.
"Attendant! Bring me the provisions ledger."
"Tonight's entire gathering—every morsel, every drop—goes on my account."
The words had barely left my mouth when a male in formal attire stepped through the doorway. He stood before me with his head slightly bowed in deference, his posture that of a wolf acknowledging superior rank.
It was Garrick Pineward, the Lodge Marshal of Pinecrest. I had encountered him once before when arranging the private chamber for this gathering.
I kept my eyes fixed on Selene, but my words were directed at him with easy familiarity.
"Your restricted reserve menu—prepare every dish on it."
"And bring two bottles of your finest aged moonwine. The rarest vintage you have."
Garrick said nothing. He simply dipped his chin in acknowledgment and withdrew from the chamber.
Everyone in the room went still. Even Selene's eyes widened with disbelief.
Then, in the next heartbeat, she threw her head back and laughed until she nearly doubled over.
"You really cannot stop pretending, can you?" She wiped at her eyes, still shaking with mirth. "My mate and I have dined at this lodge more than ten times. There is no restricted reserve menu. Could you at least prepare your lies before you speak them?"
The others turned their gazes toward me, anticipation gleaming in their eyes. I could sense their eagerness—they were all waiting to watch me be humiliated.
After all, in their minds, I was still that pathetic, lovesick wolf Selene had cruelly abandoned.