?Chapter 84:

Whatever.

I narrowed my eyes as I searched for an empty seat. There were none. Great. Where was I supposed to sit? Among the random Pack members, like some insignificant outsider? This really was thest straw. The least he could do was pretend to like me after yesterday.

Even with these consoling thoughts, the rational part of me reminded me of the many times he’d turned bipr after we’d reached a peaceful point in whatever rtionship we had.

The nerve of Ryder! Had he intentionally excluded me, or was this some twisted sick game?

I stood frozen in ce, my eyes following the scene unfolding before me. Ryder leaned close to Isabelle, his lips almost brushing her ear as he whispered something to her. Isabelle rolled her eyes, a scowl deepening the lines on her forehead as she rose from her seat. Her eyes darted between Ryder and me before giving me a once-over, as if I cared.

“Let her sit,” Ryder’s low voicemanded, his gaze never leaving mine.

Isabelle hesitated for a moment. From the way her chest rose and fell, I could tell I had pissed off little Miss Future Luna. With a dramatic flip of her hair, she moved to the next chair, her movements stiff.

My eyes widened, and my mouth almost hung open when Ryder pulled out the chair for me. His eyes flicked to me once more. I shut my mouth immediately, sending him a skeptical look, which he returned with an impatient one.

Those piercing blue eyes, cold and unyielding, seemed to bore into my very soul. I felt exposed, vulnerable. His expression revealed nothing, yet I sensed a hint of possessiveness in his actions. Was he doing this for me, or was it just a power y? It was hard to tell, as he sent me mixed signals every freaking day.

With a sigh, I moved to the chair and let Ryder y the gentleman as he pushed it close to the table. His gaze lingered on me for a fleeting second before shifting away. The silence between us grew heavier, like an unspoken challenge.

“Thank you,” I murmured, trying to break the tension.

Ryder’s response was a curt nod, his attention now focused on Kade. “You were saying?”

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The conversation flowed around me, reminding me that I was an outsider, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Ryder’s actions left me confused—no, bewildered. Was it a gesture of kindness, or a demonstration of control? After all, a thin line separated the two in Ryder’s world.

My mind swirled with questions I wished I could shove aside for my own good. Why had Ryder told Isabelle to give up her seat? Was it genuinely for my benefit, or was there an ulterior motive? It wasn’t my fault his silly games made me question everything he did.

The discussion continued, and I found myself stealing nces at Ryder. His expression remained impassive, revealing nothing. Yet, I sensed an undercurrent of tension between us.

The silence between us grew thicker, like a fog that refused to lift. I couldn’t help but wonder whaty beneath Ryder’s enigmatic facade.

“What do you think?” Ryder’s sudden question snapped me back to reality. I had no clue what he was asking about.

“I think it’s a great idea,” I stammered, trying to regain myposure.

Ryder’s eyes narrowed, amusement dancing in his blue gaze. “Really?”

Why wouldn’t he drop it? He knew I wasn’t listening to their boring political diplomacy discussions.

“Yes,” I said, my voice low and distant.

The conversation continued around me, but my focus remained on Ryder. His actions had awakened a mix of emotions within me—gratitude, confusion, and a hint of fear.

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