?Chapter 61:

He smirked, unfazed. “Privacy? Babe, you’re mine. You’ve got nothing to hide from me.”

I froze, anger ring up inside me like wildfire. “You’re delusional if you think I belong to you,” I snapped, spinning around to face him. “You’re never touching me again. I can promise you that.”

Ryder’s grin widened, and he straightened up on the couch, clearly amused by my outburst. “Oh really? That’s not what you were saying earlier at dinner. If I remember correctly, you were practically begging for me to touch you.” I could feel my face heat up with both anger and embarrassment. Damn him.

“Get. Out,” I growled, my voice low and dangerous.

Ryder stood, finally, but not before throwing onest jab. “Don’t worry, princess. I’ll leave—for now. But since my room’s being fumigated, I’ll be crashing in yours tonight. Sweet dreams.”

My nose wrinkled as I caught the scent of Jasmine. It was strong, lulling me like a mouse drawn to cheese. I felt my breath catch in my throat as my eyes fell on her. Jasmine walked into the room, her presencemanding attention. The way her long legs moved through the slit in her dress, slow and sensual, was enticing. The red dress she wore entuated her subtle curves, leaving me spellbound. By the moon goddess, I was charmed. Smitten, even.

My eyes scanned the room, and as expected, I noticed the other Lycans’ gazes lingering on her, their faces filled with admiration. Even though I could sense their hesitation, their knowledge that she wasn’t Lycan. A smirk crept onto my lips. At least they wouldn’t be bothering her.

The scent of her wolf lingered around her, a subtle reminder of her heritage, and a mark of inferiority in my territory. My instincts stirred, urging me to walk up to her. But I restrained myself, aware of the Alpha prestige that demanded respect.

Our eyes met for a moment, and I felt my chest swell with pride. I inched forward in my seat expectantly, waiting for her to approach me, yet she didn’te. My jaw hardened, and I looked away. Thest thing I nned on doing was walking up to her. Ady was supposed to submit to her Alpha, not the other way around.

“Hey, handsome,” a soft voice purred beside my ear. It was Isabelle. My back stiffened at her touch, her fingers snaking along my back.

She glided into the seat next to me, her voice seductive as she whispered. “My Alpha, I must say you look amazing tonight.” Isabelle’s voice in my head had somehow transformed into Jasmine’s, prompting a wide smile. My eyes drifted past her, searching for Jasmine.

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Isabelle’s gaze followed mine, her expression shifting into annoyance. Her lower lip puckered unpleasantly, and her eyes burned with resentment. “You’re not even listening to me, are you?” she asked, a hint of amusement in her tone.

I didn’t sugarcoat my response. I wasn’t in the mood to lead her on.

“Fetch her for me,” I ordered without blinking. My eyes were still fixed on Jasmine.

As Isabelle walked away, I rubbed my hands in anticipation. Jasmine’s presence had awakened a fire within me, and her scent was overpowering, blocking out the smell of everything and everyone around me.

“Enjoying the evening?” Kade’s voice boomed from beside me.

“If that’s what you call political diplomacy meetings over resting quietly in bed, then I’m not,” I responded dryly. But Kade had known me long enough to know I was teasing.

He let out a low chuckle and refilled his ss. “And yourdy?” There was a smug smile on his face when he spoke, a twinkle of amusement dancing in his fox-like eyes.

“Apparently, Isabelle just volunteered to fetch her.” A wry smile lined my lips as I shrugged. My eyes were on the twodies, who seemed to be engaged in some sort of friendly rapport. Strange, but okay.

I’d seen them together twice before, and they didn’t get along. Not that I’d ever imagined they would, but today was different—they seemed to get along just fine.

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